Self Drive Eco Tour Package

Self Drive Costa Rica Eco Tour

10 days/9 nights

Costa Rica is one of the smallest countries in the world and still has 5% of the total of the world's biodiversity. Evidence of this is that you can find in this green and friendly country 12 diferent types of forest, most of them still pristine.

In this package you will experience the unspoiled beaches on the South Pacific, the most amazing Cloud forest with lots of Quetzals and finally the rainforest near one of the most actives volcanoes and still little known in Costa Rica. One important thing is that you can experience all this and still be away from crowds!.Costa Rica Tour Details

Itinerary

Day 1: SAN JOSE -You will be met at the airport and transferred to the Hotel Colonial where you will stay one night in a Standard Double Room. In the heart of San Jose, you will be close to everything: restaurants, museums, art craft market, central avenue.

Day 2 - 4: DOMINICAL - Your air conditioned Daihatsu Bego 4X4 (or similar) with GPS navigtion will be delivered to your hotel. You're off to Dominical beach, one of the prettiest beaches on the South Pacific Coast with lots of nature and wildlife. En route you will pass over Cerro de la Muerte, one of the highest and coolest mountains in Costa Rica. Besides getting exposure to rural Costa Rican culture and beautiful vistas, visitors have access to highly prolific areas of primary tropical rainforest and unspoiled coast, all conveniently accessible at La Cusinga. Today you can do hiking in this private reserve or any of the one day tours available in this location such as Corcovado National Park, Caño Island, whale and dolphins watching tour, waterfalls, snorkeling and much more (not included). Overnight at LaCusinga Lodge.

Day 5 - 6: SAVEGRE - After breakfast with the sounds of nature start your drive to Savegre Cloud Forest. You will drive back part way back on the road that you took when coming from San Jose. Get ready for a change of temperature, you are now heading to one of the coolest areas in our tropical country ( you probably will want to pack a sweater or light jacket). The cloud forest in this area is one of the most pristine in Costa Rica and it is easy to find a lot of different bird species plus lots of beautiful tropical flowers.

This hotel has a natural reserve made up of 400 hectares of forest (about 1,000 acres), 80% of which is virgin, while the remainder is newer growth, including reforestation programs using native species - especially laurels. The area is frequently visited by eco-tourists from around the world who come to enjoy the large diversity of plant life, including oak and laurel trees, orchids and bromelias. This animal life includes more than 170 species of birds - including the magnificent Quetzal - as well as numerous mammals, amphibians, and insects. Stay in Savegre Mountain Lodge.

Day 7 - 8: TURRIALBA - On the morning of day 7, you will leave the Cloud forest and take the road in direction of Turrialba, towards the last destination of your vacation. This small country side town has a lot to offer. You will stay in Wagelia Espino Blanco, one of the nicest sustainable hotels in this country. This hotel as well have a private reserve that contains an important variety of animals such as; vipers, pavas, small raccoons, armadillos, tepezcuites, as well as a great variety of butterflies and birds. Its name comes from a tree characteristic of the area, the Espino Blanco (White Thorn), which is in the process of disappearance. In the reserve there are many tree species that are really worthy of being admired.

You can enjoy a day tour, maybe to Guayabo National Monument. It is believed that the site was inhabited from 1500 BC until about 1400 AD, and though very little has been excavated, visitors can see parts of roadways, aqueducts, pools, tombs and the foundations of homes. Without forgetting to mention white water rafting tours, Turrialba Volcano and other activities (not included). You will stay in Wagelia Espino Blanco.

Day 9: SAN JOSE - Drive back to San Jose. The car will be picked up in the afternoon and you will spend your last night at the Hotel Colonial.

Day 10: DEPARTURE - Airport transfer to check in 3 hours before your scheduled flight home

Not Included: International airfare, airport departure taxes, car rental insurance, meals or optional activities other than indicated above