Self Drive: The Corcovado Rainforest Expedition
Who is this trip for
Genders
- Female49%
- Male51%
Average age
Start / End
- San Jose
- San Jose
Physical rating
Group size
2 - 6Meals included
8Highlights
- Wild Osa Peninsula & Corcovado National Park Venture into the heart of one of the world’s most biodiverse regions — Corcovado National Park. Encounter monkeys, tapirs, toucans, and more on guided rainforest hikes and enjoy optional whale watching or snorkeling at Caño Island.
- Scenic 4×4 Self-Drive Adventure Drive your own Toyota Fortuner 4WD along Costa Rica’s winding rural roads, coastal highways, and mountain passes — with pre-planned routes, support, and stunning views every day.
- Cloud Forest & Quetzal Encounters Spot the legendary resplendent quetzal in the high-altitude cloud forests of San Gerardo de Dota — a dream for birdwatchers and nature lovers, guided by local experts.
- Volcano Views & Cultural Valleys Travel through Costa Rica’s lush agricultural heartlands to Turrialba and Irazu Volcanoes. Explore coffee-growing regions, scenic valleys, and authentic farming towns off the tourist trail.
- Waterfalls, Mangroves & Hanging Bridges From Los Campesinos hanging bridges and jungle waterfalls to a tranquil ferry ride through the Sierpe mangroves, this trip connects you with the landscapes that define Costa Rica’s wild side.
- Comfort, Nature & Flexibility Combined Enjoy the freedom of self-guided travel with the comfort of private transfers, handpicked accommodations, and 24/7 local support — a seamless way to explore Costa Rica with confidence.
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Summary
Embark on a thrilling Costa Rican 4×4 expedition through volcano-studded highlands, coastal jungles, and mangrove-lined waterways. Starting in San José and descending to the wild Pacific, this unforgettable route takes you deep into the legendary Corcovado National Park and Caño Island, where wildlife roams freely and biodiversity thrives. From ferry rides through remote mangroves to birdwatching in misty mountain forests, and from hanging bridge hikes to volcanic viewpoints, this journey blends raw nature, adventure, and comfort in perfect harmony. Ideal for couples, families, and friends looking to go off the beaten path, this self-guided experience includes pre-booked lodges, private transfers, and a rugged 4x4 vehicle to match the terrain. Don't worry, no 4x4 driving experience is required, this holiday is designed for all drivers.
Itinerary
Day 1
Welcome to Costa Rica
Arrive at Juan Santamaría International Airport, nestled in the Central Valley. A private driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel near San José. Rest, acclimatise, and prepare for the adventure ahead.
Accommodation: Hotel near San José (standard 3★ or boutique 4★ option)
Meals: Breakfast included (next morning)
Activities:
Private airport transfer
Free time to relax or explore local surroundings
Day 2
San José → Savegre Abajo (Near Quepos)
In the morning, a representative from the car rental agency will meet you at the hotel to deliver your Toyota Fortuner 4x4 vehicle and complete the briefing. Begin your descent from the Central Valley to the Pacific coast via scenic rural routes, stopping to admire waterfalls, trails, and panoramic viewpoints.
Accommodation: Eco-lodge or rural boutique hotel in the Savegre or Central Pacific region
Meals: Breakfast
Activities:
Rental vehicle delivery & driving orientation
Scenic drive through the Talamanca range
Optional waterfall visit and light hiking en route
Adapt to Costa Rican driving on rural backroads
Day 3
Savegre Abajo → Uvita
Today’s short drive allows for a relaxed morning. Enjoy beaches, nature walks, or a light adventure such as kayaking or horseback riding (optional). Continue south to Uvita, known for its whale-tail shaped coastline and marine reserve.
Accommodation: Lodge or boutique hotel in Uvita
Meals: Breakfast
Activities:
Free morning for beach time or optional tours Scenic coastal drive via alternate inland or seaside routes Sunset viewing from the hotel terrace or beach
Optional Activities:
Marino Ballena National Park visit Horse riding Surf lessons or jungle walks
Day 4
Uvita → Bahía Drake (Osa Peninsula)
Depart for one of Costa Rica’s most remote and biodiverse regions. Drive along the Costanera Highway to Sierpe, then take a scenic boat transfer through mangroves to Bahía Drake. Watch the terrain shift from plantations to raw rainforest as you enter the Osa Peninsula.
Accommodation: Jungle lodge or ecolodge in Bahía Drake
Meals: Breakfast
Activities:
Scenic drive to Sierpe Ferry/boat transfer through the Térraba–Sierpe mangroves Arrive in Bahía Drake and explore the lodge’s nature trails
Day 5
Explore Corcovado National Park & Caño Island
Spend the day discovering the wonders of Corcovado National Park, one of the most biodiverse areas on the planet. Your guided tour in the San Pedrillo sector includes forest hikes with chances to see tapirs, scarlet macaws, monkeys, and more. Optionally, visit Caño Island, known for its excellent snorkeling, marine life, and potential whale and dolphin sightings (seasonal).
Accommodation: Jungle lodge or ecolodge in Bahía Drake
Meals: Breakfast
Activities Included:
Guided group tour to Corcovado National Park (San Pedrillo sector) (Upgrade available to Sirena sector) Wildlife observation with bilingual naturalist guide
Optional Activities:
Snorkeling tour to Caño Island Whale watching (seasonal: July–Oct & Dec–March)
Day 6
Bahía Drake → San Gerardo de Dota
Today you’ll leave the coast behind and ascend to the Talamanca highlands, driving along the Pan-American Highway past cloud forests and rugged mountains. Your destination is San Gerardo de Dota, a misty village known for its quetzal sightings and peaceful forest surroundings.
Accommodation: Mountain lodge or birdwatching ecolodge in San Gerardo de Dota
Meals: Breakfast
Activities:
Scenic mountain drive (3–4 hours) Optional afternoon birdwatching walk or forest trail Relax in the tranquil Dota Valley
Day 7
San Gerardo de Dota → Turrialba
Start early with a guided quetzal tour, aiming to spot this rare and colourful bird in its native high-altitude habitat. After breakfast, continue your journey to Turrialba, a fertile agricultural region known for sugarcane, coffee, and two towering volcanoes: Turrialba and Irazú.
Accommodation: Hacienda-style lodge or rural eco-hotel in Turrialba
Meals: Breakfast
Activities Included:
Morning Quetzal tour with expert guide Scenic drive through the valley and farmland Optional afternoon visit to a coffee estate or sugarcane plantation
Day 8
Turrialba → Irazú Volcano → San José → Departure
Conclude your adventure with a drive between Turrialba Volcano (3,320m) and Irazú Volcano (3,430m), stopping at the Irazú Volcano National Park to peer into its crater. Continue to San José to return your rental vehicle, then transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Accommodation: —
Meals: Breakfast
Activities Included:
Visit to Irazú Volcano National Park Drive through Central Valley farmlands Return of rental car Private transfer to airport
What's Included
Accommodation
Handpicked boutique three and four star accommodation throughout.
Meals
Breakfasts: 8, Lunches: 0, Dinners: 0
Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.
Vegetarian options availableLocal Guide
GuidedThis adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.
Airport Transfers
IncludedWifi
Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.
Dates & Prices
Sep 25
from £1,272Oct 25
from £1,272Nov 25
from £1,272Dec 25
from £1,272Jan 26
from £1,272Feb 26
from £1,272Mar 26
from £1,272Apr 26
from £1,272May 26
from £1,272Jun 26
from £1,272Jul 26
from £1,272Aug 26
from £1,272Sep 26
from £1,272Oct 26
from £1,272Nov 26
from £1,272Dec 26
from £1,272
- Save 3%Sat 6 Sep 2025 > Sat 13 Sep 20254 spaces of 6 left£1,310Best offer£1,272
- Save 3%Sat 13 Sep 2025 > Sat 20 Sep 20254 spaces of 6 left£1,310Best offer£1,272
- Save 3%Sat 20 Sep 2025 > Sat 27 Sep 20254 spaces of 6 left£1,310Best offer£1,272
- Save 3%Sat 27 Sep 2025 > Sat 4 Oct 20254 spaces of 6 left£1,310Best offer£1,272
Essential trip information
Our Important Notes and Packing List cover all essentials, from necessary equipment to inclusions, ensuring you're fully equipped and informed for this extraordinary adventure and more.
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