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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Mark
I have just booked three destination Greek holiday through E shores( Rachael) and can’t fault their approach and helpfulness . I amended my plans half way through but by the end we had successfully booked the three hotels I requested and organised ferry transfers . My input was minimal and all the work was carried out by Rachael Very satisfied with everything from start to finish Mark
Posted 2 days ago -
Rashid
Excellent service from Emily, she handled my enquiry from start to finish. Once i had made payment, she still kept in touch which shows great customer service.
Posted 2 days ago -
Judith
I have used this form a couple of times and they are excellent. Helpful staff and cost effective prices. Recommended
Posted 4 days ago -
Jeanette
Fantastic service once again from Dave Felton and the team at e-shores. All flights, transfers and hotels booked. Looking forward to Bali and Lombok Excellent knowledge, advice and customer care from the team, I would definitely recommend booking any holiday with e-shores✈️😎🌴
Posted 6 days ago -
Sandra
Fantastic service, another trip organised through eShores. Nothing was too much trouble.
Posted 6 days ago -
Lance
as always Eshores come up trumps, fantastic customer service with fantastic prices. Matthew our travel guru always sorts our trips,nothing is too much trouble .I have used E-Shores for 6 of our long haul trips ,manages to sort all connections,hotels and car hire to a sensible budget and always communicates . 5 star plus,give them a try you will not be dissapointed.
Posted 6 days ago -
NicholasDavid
Just booked our 3rd holiday with e-shores, yet again a full professional service and insight to the destinations we wanted to visit- no pressurised selling, and if we kept wanting our itinerary changed - Nick Chadwick didn’t mind at all. Easy to deal nothing to much trouble, also arrange everything to the last detail, no way would we contemplate a holiday to Chile, Argentina and Dominion Republic without eShores - thank u
Posted 1 week ago -
Wendy
We have recently been on an amazing 3 week holiday to Kuala Lumpur, Borneo and Singapore arranged by Hannah at eshores. Everything went smoothly and we had the perfect holiday. We loved our multi centre trip so much we have booked with Hannah to go to South America. Again the service and support is great and so easy to make tweaks to our itinerary. Looking forward to what I'm sure will be another great holiday. I would definitely recommend eshores.
Posted 1 week ago -
Deborah
We just booked our first trip with Nick from eshores and will be heading to Vietnam next April. Nick was very patient and professional. He listened to what we wanted and made changes to package where requested. Nick was very knowledgeable and made the process very easy.
Posted 1 week ago -
SusanMary
During the booking process, Dave has been brilliant, always very quick to respond and answered all of my very many questions. Our travel is not till next year but, if our tour goes as well as our experience to date, it will be fantastic.
Posted 1 week ago
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