Combine the best of Costa Rica’s natural wonders and beautiful coastlines on this captivating itinerary. Choose between a self-drive for the freedom to explore at your own pace or opt for private transfers for a more relaxed journey between destinations.
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Itinerary
2 Nights – San José
2 Nights – Arenal Volcano / La Fortuna
3 Nights – Monteverde
5 Nights – Beach
2 Nights – Rincón de la Vieja (Optional Extension)
Enjoy as a self drive or with a mix of internal flights and private transfers.
✈️ UK to San José (2 nights): You’ll begin your Costa Rican adventure in the lively capital of San José, offering the perfect introduction to the country’s culture, history, food and ‘Pura Vida’ lifestyle. Explore museums such as the Gold Museum and Jade Museum or stroll through the Central Market with its maze of stalls. As night falls, head to the city’s wonderful restaurant and bar scene in Barrio Escalante for a taste of the local dishes and to see why the city is quickly gaining a reputation as a foodie’s paradise.
🚗 San Jose to Arenal Volcano / La Fortuna (2 nights): Heading out of the city, you’ll drive to the stunning Arenal Volcano region, known for its cone-shaped active volcano and beautiful surrounding landscapes. The town of La Fortuna is at the base of the volcano and is perfect as a base for exploring the wider region. Whether you’re exploring hot springs, hiking through the Arenal Volcano National Park, or enjoying a thrilling zipline adventure through the rainforest, there’s no shortage of activities. The nearby La Fortuna Waterfall is also a must-see, where you can take a dip in its crystal-clear pool. Also take a boat tour of Lake Arenal for great views of the volcano and wildlife.
🚗 Arenal Volcano/La Fortuna to Monteverde (3 nights): Your journey continues to Monteverde, a cloud forest reserve perched high in the mountains. Constantly draped in mist, the Monteverde Reserve is an almost ethereal park that is home to a wide array of wildlife. Explore the cloud forest on guided walks and walk along the suspension bridges for a bird’s-eye view of the forest. The reserve is also home to several creatures including howler monkeys, sloths, and the quetzal – an elusive and endangered bird with eye-catching green and bright red feathers.
🚗 or ✈️ Monteverde to Beach (5 nights): For the final leg of your trip, you’ll head to the coast to unwind on one of Costa Rica’s beautiful beaches. There are a wealth of beach destinations to choose from, each offering something unique, depending on what you’re looking for and how far you’re willing to travel. For the most convenient option, Manuel Antonio is the closest option, where you can enjoy a perfect blend of rainforest exploration and pristine beaches. With vibrant bars, restaurants, and hotels providing easy access to the national park, it’s ideal for both adventure and relaxation. For a less touristy spot on this coastline, nearby Jaco, Dominical, and Uvita offer equally beautiful alternatives. Or for a more wildlife-focused beach experience, you could head to Drake Bay from which you will have easy access to the Corcovado National Park and also Cano Island, popular with divers and snorkellers. If you’re looking for luxury or all-inclusive resorts, the Guanacaste coast is your best bet. Although it’s a longer drive, or a short flight from San José, the area boasts stunning resorts such as Playa Flamingo, lively Tamarindo, or Nosara, known for its wellness retreats, or Punta Islita, home to boutique luxury hotels. On the Caribbean coast, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca and Cahuita offer serene, unspoiled beaches and a laid-back atmosphere – although though getting there requires a bit more travel time.
✈️ Beach to UK: Time to pack your suitcases and leave behind the incredible sights and wonders of Costa Rica, taking with you memories of adventure and paradise.
🚗 Optional Extension: 2 Nights in Rincón de la Vieja
If you’d like to discover even more of this fascinating country, you could consider extending your holiday with a visit to extension to Rincón de la Vieja. It’s an ideal stop after visiting Arenal Volcano/La Fortuna or alternatively after your stay in Monteverde if you are travelling to the Guanacaste region along the Pacific coastline for your beach destination. This fascinating volcanic region offers you the chance to witness an active volcanic and to explore its geothermal activity, waterfalls, and a whole host of wildlife.
Why choose eShores?
One to One Service
Our experienced personal travel consultants will ensure you find the most suitable holiday, whilst taking care of every last detail. Everything from start to finish will be effortless.
100% Tailor Made
We can use any hotel, in any destination, so we will craft an itinerary to suit your exact needs. Also, as we can provide any itinerary, the only holiday we'll offer, is the one that's right for you.
Fully Protected
Our ATOL bonding provides you with the financial protection you need and as a member of the Travel Trust Association, you'll have 100% financial protection. Covering you for any eventuality.
Competitive Pricing
As a tour operator & travel agent, we'll search the market to ensure that we find you the best price. Also as an online business, we can ensure our prices are as competitive as possible.
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Stephen
Great people to deal with. Efficient and friendly. Would not go anywhere else. Always happy to help.
Posted 1 day ago -
Allison
Very professional and pleasant right from the first phone call. 'Chris' was patient with my requests and happy to make changes. He sorted out a whole itinery in a couple of days and e mailed it to me. Only slight down side was that the actual price, though reasonable, bore no resembalnce to the one quoted on the web site. I am not sure how I could have done the holiday for the orignal price; it was advertised too cheaply.
Posted 2 days ago -
Carol
Fantastic service. Really easy and efficient.
Posted 3 days ago -
James
Clair at e-shores was brilliant and patient, sorted our holiday by tweaking length of stay and itinary. recomended and will definatly use again.
Posted 4 days ago -
Martyn
Excellent thanks 👍
Posted 4 days ago -
Anonymous
Third yearwe have used eShores to book our annual vacation, and they are great! No complaints. We say what we want to do and where and they provide a quote that we can then tailor to fit. A lot easier than us working it all out ourselves. They are also really quick at responding and very helpful with queries.
Posted 5 days ago -
Angus
I can't say enough about E Shores I have been holidaying with now for over 10 years their attention to detail organisation planning is simply second to none your treated as a person not a client Matt has been my contact since day one his knowledge and understanding together with the level of service are just fantastic, when all your documents turn up with your trip again totally organised. Thank you E Shores Angus
Posted 5 days ago -
Anonymous
We've booked two holidays with eShores and have been so pleased with what they've planned for us we're in the process of booking a third. Nothing has been too much trouble for Rachel or Michelle who have listened to what we've asked for and come up with some good suggestions, with travel plans running smoothly.
Posted 5 days ago -
Anonymous
Amazing customer service from Dave. Always happy to help with discussing options on the phone and he quickly followed up the details via email. Enjoyed planning our holiday and the booking process was easy. Thank you!
Posted 1 week ago -
Gail
Excellent communication with Clare who went out of her way to get us what we wanted
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