Costa Rica Self-Drive Adventure

Upon arrival at Liberia International Airport, meet the local representative stationed outside customs, ready to escort you to the rental car office. Collect your vehicle and drive to Blue River Resort, set along the lush slopes of Rincón de la Vieja Volcano. Check in, settle into the tropical surroundings, and enjoy a relaxing evening with dinner at the resort.

Driving time: Approximately 1.5 hours
Driving distance: 38 miles / 60 kilometers

After breakfast at your hotel, set out for an adrenaline-charged rafting expedition on the Cucaracho River. Located about two hours from Liberia, this world-class whitewater route flows from the slopes of the Rincón de la Vieja Volcano. Navigate a 12-mile stretch packed with over 70 Class III–IV rapids, cutting through remote gorges and dense primary forest.

Watch for howler monkeys, spider monkeys, hawks, egrets, and other exotic rainforest wildlife along the way. After about two hours on the river, enjoy a light lunch by the water before returning to your hotel.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast this morning and explore the highlights of Rincon de la Vieja National Park at your own pace today. This national park is considered one of Costa Rica's finest hidden treasures. It is home to the most active and largest volcano in Guanacaste, one of five in the Guanacaste mountain range. This volcano, while remote, is highly accessible to travelers and rich in vistas and ecological wonders. Enjoy a free day in the park, exploring and taking advantage of the many activities offered onsite. Return to your hotel in the evening.

Spend the morning at your own pace. Relax at the lodge, explore nearby trails, or simply enjoy the natural surroundings.

After breakfast, set out on a scenic drive to Arenal Volcano National Park, one of Costa Rica’s most iconic protected areas. Travel through Guanacaste’s dry forests and rural countryside, passing farms, small towns, and rolling hills. As you head north, watch the landscape shift into lush, tropical greenery. Along the way, catch glimpses of Lake Arenal and, on clear days, the dramatic peak of Arenal Volcano.

Arenal Volcano National Park is home to the active Arenal Volcano, the dormant Chato Volcano, and monumental Lake Arenal, spanning over 33 square miles and reaching depths of over 200 feet. Upon arrival in La Fortuna, settle into your hotel and get ready to explore. The area offers canyoneering, whitewater rafting, guided hikes, a network of hanging jungle bridges, and hot springs perfect for relaxing after a full day of exploration.

Enjoy dinner at your hotel and a restful evening.

Driving time: Approximately 3.5 hours
Driving distance: 98 miles / 158 kilometers

After breakfast at the hotel, head out for one of Arenal’s signature adventures: the Sky Tram and Sky Trek experience. Choose between a peaceful aerial tram ride or an adrenaline-filled zipline journey through the lush rainforest canopy of the Arenal Reserve. Either way, enjoy sweeping views of the forest, Lake Arenal, and the iconic Arenal Volcano.

The Sky Tram offers a scenic cable car ascent to the reserve’s summit, perfect for those seeking a relaxed and immersive encounter with the landscape. For thrill-seekers, the Sky Trek delivers an exhilarating ride across eight zipline cables spanning 1.7 miles, reaching heights of up to 660 feet and lengths up to 2,493 feet. Built with large, secure metal platforms and mesh-covered steel rails, the Sky Trek prioritizes both excitement and safety. Expert guides accompany you throughout to ensure a smooth, enjoyable experience.

After your adventure, return to your hotel for a relaxing afternoon at leisure.

Requirements for Ziplining: Minimum age 5, provided the harness can be adjusted appropriately. Maximum weight: 300 lbs (136 kg). Minimum height requirement is 1.1 meters (3 ft, 7 inches). Ziplining, a high-intensity activity, is not allowed for individuals with health issues (back, neck, or any pain, bone, muscle, or heart problems), recent surgeries, or pregnancy. For those who prefer not to zipline, an alternative guided nature walk on the hanging bridges is available. Please notify your Trip Planner at the time of booking to make the necessary arrangements.

Mandatory Attire:
Wear comfortable clothing.
Bring a waterproof jacket or poncho.
Pack a change of clothes in case of rain. 
 

After breakfast, return your rental car and take a scenic transfer to Tambor, on the Central Pacific coast. Enjoy the picturesque drive before a final transfer to your hotel.

Driving time: 5 hours
Driving distance: Approximately 165 miles / 265 kilometers

Enjoy a day on the beaches of Nicoya completely at your leisure. Encounter sea turtles, rare bird species, and vibrant plant life. Explore hidden subterranean caves and historic maritime treasure sites. Take in the stunning landscapes before enjoying a peaceful dinner at your hotel in the evening.

After a relaxing breakfast and a leisurely morning, check out and begin your 3.5-hour transfer to Liberia. En route, stop at the artisan village of San Vicente de Nicoya, home to the indigenous Chorotega people. This village offers a fascinating glimpse into ancient Mesoamerican culture, where the centuries-old tradition of pottery-making is still alive. Visit the central park, and see local artisans crafting clay pottery by hand, decorating it with natural earth colors, and firing it in traditional wood-burning ovens. This process, passed down through generations, preserves the rich legacy of the Chorotega people, who once ruled the region between Lake Nicaragua and the Nicoya Peninsula.

Just outside Santa Cruz, stop at Guaitil Artisan’s Village, a hub of Costa Rican folklore. In this small village, artisans continue the ancient practice of crafting pottery by hand, decorating it with natural earth colors, and firing it in giant wood-burning ovens. The Chorotega people, who once ruled the region between Lake Nicaragua and the Nicoya Peninsula, developed this pottery tradition. In Guaitil, you can watch the creation of pottery in various sizes and designs, offering an authentic and immersive experience in Guanacaste’s centuries-old pottery culture.

Driving time: 3.5  hours 
Driving distance: 115 miles / 184 kilometers
 

Have breakfast at your hotel this morning before returning your car to the rental office near the Liberia International. From there, shuttle to the airport for your departing flight.

Driving time: Approximately 15-20 minutes