Self Drive Arenal Monteverde and Jaco Beach Tour

The Arenal Volcano, in Spanish VolcÃ¡n Arenal, is the youngest and most active of all the mountains in Costa Rica. Scientists have been able to date it back to more than 4000 years ago. It has been reported to have minor eruptions every 5-10 minutes.

The country's most active volcano, Arenal's eruptions can be viewed without danger as long as the viewers are behind the safety perimeter. This constant activity of the lava and incandescent rocks make a spectacular sight. Most of the time, the volcano is surrounded by clouds near the tip, and it is touted as good luck to see the whole volcano without clouds. This is one of seven historically active Costa Rican volcanoes.

Itinerary - 10 days/ 9 Nights

Day 1: ARRIVE - Arrive San Jose Airport Take hotel shuttle to the Best Western Irazu. Overnight in San Jose at Hotel Irazu, Surperior at the Crowne Plaza Corobici

Day 2 - 3: ARENAL VOLCANO - Your air conditioned Daihatsu Bego 4X4 (or similar) will be delivered to the hotel the following morning, and you're off to Volcan Arenal, one of the most active volcanos in the world. En route you will pass through Zarcero, famous for the sculpted bushes surrounding its picturesque church. Option: Going a few miles out of your way you can also visit Sarchí, home of Costa Rica's traditional brightly painted ox carts and a great stop for buying beautiful items made of Costa Rican hardwoods. Overnight at Arenal Springs, Superior at The Arenal Springs

Day 4 - 5: MONTEVERDE - After taking the scenic drive around Lake Arenal through lush rolling hills you arrive at Monteverde where you will spend two nights at the chalet-style Hotel Belmar. While in Monteverde explore the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve or one of the other private reserves, or take a horseback ride to a 200 ft waterfall. (See Monteverde section for more information.) Overnight at Hotel Belmar, Superior at Fonda Vela (Jr. Suite)

Day 6 - 8: JACO - After enjoying the cloud forest it's a short but bouncy drive down the mountain to Jaco Beach. As you cross the bridge at the Río Tárcoles take a look for crocodiles. They are usually there. Both the standard and the superior options hotels are right on beautiful beaches just south of Jaco. This gives you easy access to the restaurants and night life of Jaco without being in the bustle of this beach town. for three nights. (Your hotel is if you choose the Superior Package) Overnight at Backyard Hotel, Superior at Club del Mar (1 bedroom condo)

Day 9: SAN JOSE - Enjoy your final morning on the beach or leave for San Jose in the morning and have some time to explore the Gold Museum or other San Jose attraction. Your car will be picked up at the hotel.

Day 10: DEPARTURE - Hotel shuttle to the International Airport to check in 3 hours before your scheduled flight home.

Standard package includes:

Air conditioned Daihatsu Bego (8 Days, 4X4 , unlimited mileage).
FREE GPS.
First and last night at the Best Western Irazu (Premier Room, B)
Two nights at the Arenal Springs (Standard Room, B).
Two nights at Hotel Belmar (Chalet, B).
Three nights at Backyard (Deluxe, B).
Self guided hikes in private reserves.
All hotel taxes.
Airport transfers (Airport- BW Irazu -Airport) provided by Best Western Irazu.
B = includes breakfast