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.
1 / 8
2 / 8
3 / 8
4 / 8
5 / 8
6 / 8
7 / 8
8 / 8
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.
-
Janet
Always good to book a holiday. E-shores makes the process extra special with their feel good attitude and always give value for money. Their expertise and knowledge is incomparable and can be assured you always get the best holiday and the best prices available. They are the best travel agents in the business as far as I am concerned. Would not go anywhere else - or trust my holiday with anyone else.
Posted 1 day ago -
PaulJoseph
We were referred to eShores by a friend who has holiday'd through eShores a number of times. Absolutelty great regards our booking for 4 active seventy year olds!.,to Vietnam and Cambodia in March 2026. Discussed our desires and understood fully what we wanted regarding high quality journey with private transport as approriate and staying in great hotels, whilst we will be able to engage in culture and local food. Journeying from north to south Vietnam then fly to Seim Reap Cambodia, flying via Dubai. NICK was superb in sorting this all out, and we consider aty an excellent overall price. Looking forward now to 2026!
Posted 1 day ago -
Marjorie
Professional, Patience, Listening skills, is on point. Have done many bookings with consultant Andy @ eShores. Any long haul holidays it's Andy for sure.
Posted 4 days ago -
Antony
Leanne was fantastic in helping us arrange our forthcoming holiday. Nothing was too much trouble and she went the extra mile to ensure we have the holiday we wanted. Obviously, much now depends on the quality of the holiday when it happens but in terms of organisation and customer service, I have been enormously impressed by eShores.
Posted 4 days ago -
Linda
I have now used this company twice, they go above and beyond for you , my daughter has also used them , and 2 of my friends have , that says it all , fantastic from start to finish, thank you rshores
Posted 5 days ago -
Melanie
Michelle was very helpful and assisted with all our requests and was very informative
Posted 6 days ago -
Maralyn
We have used eShores for a number of years and they are brilliant. We usually deal with Kadie and she always goes that extra mile for us. Would highly recommend them for all travel arrangements.
Posted 1 week ago -
RachelDorothy
My husband and I have been using eshores since 2013 and would highly recommend them for amazing tailor made holidays without any hidden costs. The ability to build exactly what we want every time and help guide us when we are undecided without making it feel like any effort is invaluable. Shoutout to Dave who puts up with my indecisiveness and hits it out of the park every time.
Posted 1 week ago -
Beverley
Matt has been most helpful in sorting out our holiday to Cape Town and Zanzibar.
Posted 1 week ago -
PenelopeAnne
Emma was Fab … Efficient, listened to what we wanted and organised it in a flash Thank you
Posted 1 week ago
Talk To The Experts
Your personal travel consultant will get to know your needs, ensuring they find you the most suitable holiday, at the best price!