Self Drive: The Corcovado Rainforest Expedition

On arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport, set in the heart of Costa Rica’s Central Valley at 1,150 metres above sea level, you’ll receive your first warm welcome to this biodiverse country. A private transfer takes you into downtown San José, where you can settle into your hotel and enjoy your first evening at leisure, soaking up the atmosphere of the capital.

Your robust 4x4 vehicle is arranged for the journey ahead, perfectly suited for Costa Rica’s varied terrain and non-traditional routes.

Activities

Arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport

Private airport transfer to hotel

Accommodation

Hotel Presidente, San José – Standard Room (4★)

Meals

Dinner not included

After breakfast, your adventure truly begins as you travel south towards the lush landscapes of the Pacific coast. En route, you’ll visit Los Campesinos Ecolodge, a community-run project tucked into pristine rainforest.

Here, enjoy time exploring hanging bridges, waterfalls and jungle trails rich in wildlife and native plant life. After a included lunch at the lodge, continue your journey towards Uvita, located near the famous Ballena Marine National Park.

Activities

Visit to Los Campesinos Ecolodge

Rainforest walks, waterfalls and hanging bridges

Accommodation

Rafiki Safari Lodge, near Uvita – Luxury Safari Tent

Meals

Breakfast included

Lunch included

Dinner not included

Today’s drive follows rural and technical backroads, offering sweeping rainforest views and an authentic sense of Costa Rica’s remote landscapes. Along the way, enjoy short walks to hidden waterfalls before continuing towards the coast.

The day ends in Uvita, where you can relax and watch the sun set over the Pacific Ocean – a perfect contrast to the dense jungle scenery of earlier in the day.

Activities

Scenic rainforest drive

Short waterfall walks

Sunset on the Pacific coast

Accommodation

La Cusinga Lodge, Uvita – Superior Room (Eco-Lodge)

Meals

Breakfast included

Lunch not included

Dinner not included

Your destination today is the legendary Corcovado National Park, widely regarded as the crown jewel of Costa Rica’s protected areas. Drive to the riverside town of Sierpe, where you’ll board a boat journey through the vast Térraba-Sierpe mangrove wetlands, the second-largest mangrove ecosystem in the country.

Arriving by boat in Drake Bay, you’ll check into your jungle lodge – your base for exploring Corcovado’s extraordinary biodiversity.

Activities Boat transfer through the Térraba-Sierpe mangroves Arrival in Drake Bay

Accommodation Águilas de Osa Eco-Lodge, Drake Bay – Standard Room (3 Days / 2 Nights package – Full Board)

Meals Breakfast included Lunch not included Dinner included

An early start sees you travel by boat to the San Pedrillo sector of Corcovado National Park, accompanied by an expert naturalist guide. Despite covering just 50,000 hectares, Corcovado protects over 3% of the planet’s biodiversity.

As you explore rainforest trails, keep watch for tapirs, sloths, coatis, agoutis, tamanduas and countless bird species. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but this area offers some of the best chances in the country. You’ll return to Drake Bay in the afternoon for a well-earned rest.

Activities Guided wildlife hike in Corcovado National Park Boat transfers to and from San Pedrillo

Accommodation Águilas de Osa Eco-Lodge, Drake Bay – Standard Room

Meals Breakfast included Lunch included Dinner included

After breakfast, return by boat to Sierpe, where you’ll collect your vehicle and begin the scenic drive inland. The route climbs through the dramatic highlands of Cerro de la Muerte, a cool, misty region renowned as one of the best places in Costa Rica to spot the resplendent quetzal.

Arrive in the peaceful cloud forest village of San Gerardo de Dota, a haven for birdwatchers and nature photographers.

Activities Boat transfer Drake Bay to Sierpe Scenic mountain drive via Cerro de la Muerte

Accommodation Paraíso Quetzal Lodge, San Gerardo de Dota – Standard Bungalow

Meals Breakfast included Lunch not included Dinner not included

Before breakfast, head out on nearby forest trails in search of the elusive quetzal, often spotted feeding in the early morning hours. After breakfast, continue your journey through Costa Rica’s rural heartland towards Turrialba, an agricultural region known for coffee, sugar cane and dramatic volcanic landscapes.

The area is also home to two of Costa Rica’s highest volcanoes, adding to the region’s scenic appeal.

Activities Early morning quetzal spotting walk Scenic rural drive to Turrialba

Accommodation Dikla Lodge, Turrialba – Standard Room (Boutique Lodge)

Meals Breakfast included Lunch not included Dinner included

Today’s journey is rich in both natural and cultural contrasts. Travel through the province of Cartago, stopping at Irazú Volcano National Park, the highest volcano in Costa Rica at 3,432 metres. On clear days, views stretch across both the Caribbean and Pacific.

Continue on to visit the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels in Cartago and browse the local fruit and vegetable market before returning to San José for your final night.

Activities Visit to Irazú Volcano National Park Cartago Basilica and local market visit

Accommodation Hotel Presidente, San José – Standard Room (4★)

Meals Breakfast included Lunch not included Dinner not included

Enjoy a free morning in San José before your private transfer to Juan Santamaría International Airport, timed to suit your international departure.

Activities Private transfer to the airport

Meals Breakfast included