Self-drive road trip · Costa Rica

Arenal Volcano, Monteverde & Tamarindo Self-Drive

An 8-day Costa Rica road trip through volcanic landscapes, cloud forests and the beaches of Guanacaste.

Duration8 Days / 7 Nights
Stops3 Cities
Start and finishSan Jose – Liberia
IncludedHotels + car

Per person, estimatedUS$725

About this road trip

Experience the freedom of the open road on an unforgettable self-drive adventure across Costa Rica.

After arriving at San José International Airport, collect your rental car and travel to Arenal Volcano. Rising above the surrounding rainforest, Arenal is Costa Rica’s youngest volcano and one of the country’s most impressive natural landmarks.

Continue to Monteverde, home to the celebrated Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Its cool mountain climate, mist-covered forest and remarkable biodiversity make it one of Costa Rica’s most distinctive destinations.

Your journey concludes in Tamarindo, one of Guanacaste’s best-known beach towns. Enjoy its golden sands, warm Pacific waters, beautiful sunsets and excellent surfing conditions before driving to Liberia International Airport for your return flight.

Perfect for

Self-Drive
Couples
Adventure Seekers
Nature Lovers
Wildlife Fans
Beach & Surf
Road Trippers
Photography

Why You'll Love This Trip

Drive at your own pace with a rental car included
Three iconic destinations in one trip — volcano, cloud forest and beach
Wake up beside an active volcano for three nights
Walk the mist-covered trails of Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
End each evening with Pacific sunsets in Tamarindo
Fly into San José and out of Liberia — no doubling back
A natural pace with buffer days so you're never rushed

Your 8 days at a glance

Your road trip, day by day

Every stop has a hotel already chosen for you. Open a stop to swap the hotel, add activities or stay longer. The price updates as you go.

Want more time somewhere? Open any stop and tap Add a night. Every day after it moves back, and your dates and price update automatically.

8 Days

Make this trip yours

Stay longer or shorter in SAN JOSÉ AIRPORT TO ARENAL VOLCANO

Your stay in SAN JOSÉ AIRPORT TO ARENAL VOLCANODays 1–4

3 Nights8 days total

Each night you add pushes the rest of the trip back by a day. Your dates, hotels, car and price all update for you, and you can undo it anytime.

1
Arrival
SAN JOSÉ AIRPORT TO ARENAL VOLCANO
Pick up your car at SAN JOSE (SYQ), from 10:00. It's yours for all 8 days.
Arrive at San José International Airport and collect your rental car. Begin your Costa Rica road trip with a scenic drive north to the Arenal region.
As you travel away from the capital, the urban landscape gradually gives way to small towns, farmland and tropical vegetation. On arrival, check in at your locally selected hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Driving time: Approximately 2 hours and 37 minutes
Overnight: Arenal Volcano region
Overnight: Arenal Roca Lodge, night 1 of 3
2
Full day
ARENAL VOLCANO
Spend a full day discovering the natural attractions surrounding Arenal Volcano.
The region is known for its rainforest scenery, volcanic landscapes, walking trails and abundant wildlife. You can use the day to explore independently or add locally arranged activities to the itinerary.
Overnight: Arenal Volcano region
Overnight: Arenal Roca Lodge, night 2 of 3
3
Full day
ARENAL VOLCANO
Enjoy another day in the Arenal region.
This additional night allows travellers to experience more of the destination without rushing. Optional experiences may include an Arenal Volcano hike, a relaxing hot-springs visit or other locally supplied activities.
Overnight: Arenal Volcano region
Overnight: Arenal Roca Lodge, night 3 of 3

Your hotel in SAN JOSÉ AIRPORT TO ARENAL VOLCANO

6 hotels to choose from

1 / 30

Arenal Roca Lodge

9.0Exceptional

“Experience breathtaking views of Arenal Volcano from spacious, comfortable rooms paired with exceptional service—guests consistently praised the attentive staff, delicious breakfast selections, and prime location near Costa Rica's hot springs and attractions. The peaceful setting offers an ideal base for exploring the region while enjoying wildlife encounters and modern amenities like fast WiFi.”

Breakfast available
Wi-Fi
Parking
Restaurant

Included in your trip3 Nights, 9 Kms Oeste del Centro de la Fortuna

Your free time

No set plans here. Wander, linger over dinner and let SAN JOSÉ AIRPORT TO ARENAL VOLCANO surprise you.

Make this trip yours

Stay longer or shorter in ARENAL VOLCANO TO MONTEVERDE

Your stay in ARENAL VOLCANO TO MONTEVERDEDays 4–6

2 Nights8 days total

Each night you add pushes the rest of the trip back by a day. Your dates, hotels, car and price all update for you, and you can undo it anytime.

4
Drive day
ARENAL VOLCANO TO MONTEVERDE
After breakfast, leave Arenal and drive towards Monteverde.
The journey leads into Costa Rica’s central highlands, where the warmer lowland scenery is replaced by cooler mountain landscapes. Arrive in Monteverde and check in at your locally selected hotel.
Driving time: Approximately 3 hours and 10 minutes
Overnight: Monteverde Cloud Forest
Overnight: Alisson Hotel y Restaurant, night 1 of 2
5
Full day
MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST
Spend the day exploring Monteverde, one of Costa Rica’s most celebrated nature destinations.
The area is famous for its mist-covered cloud forest, diverse plant life and remarkable variety of birds and wildlife. Travellers can explore the forest trails or choose from locally available nature and adventure activities.
Overnight: Monteverde Cloud Forest
Overnight: Alisson Hotel y Restaurant, night 2 of 2

Your hotel in ARENAL VOLCANO TO MONTEVERDE

11 hotels to choose from

1 / 1

Alisson Hotel y Restaurant

Included in your trip2 Nights, 100 M Norte De La Escuela Rafael Arguedas Herrera, Monteverde

Your free time

No set plans here. Wander, linger over dinner and let ARENAL VOLCANO TO MONTEVERDE surprise you.

Make this trip yours

Stay longer or shorter in MONTEVERDE TO TAMARINDO BEACH

Your stay in MONTEVERDE TO TAMARINDO BEACHDays 6–8

2 Nights8 days total

Each night you add pushes the rest of the trip back by a day. Your dates, hotels, car and price all update for you, and you can undo it anytime.

6
Drive day
MONTEVERDE TO TAMARINDO BEACH
Leave the cool mountain climate of Monteverde and drive west towards the Pacific coast.
Your destination is Tamarindo, a lively beach town in Guanacaste Province. After checking in at your locally selected hotel, enjoy the beach and watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean.
Driving time: Approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes
Overnight: Tamarindo Beach
Overnight: La Ramona Charming Hotel, night 1 of 2
7
Full day
TAMARINDO BEACH
Enjoy a full day beside the Pacific Ocean.
Relax on Tamarindo’s sandy beach, swim in the warm water or experience the area’s well-known surfing conditions. A locally supplied catamaran cruise or other coastal activity can also be added to the package.
Overnight: Tamarindo Beach
Overnight: La Ramona Charming Hotel, night 2 of 2

Your hotel in MONTEVERDE TO TAMARINDO BEACH

10 hotels to choose from

1 / 30

La Ramona Charming Hotel

9.2Exceptional

“La Ramona is a charming, beautifully decorated hotel in Tamarindo that guests rave about for its ideal location—a peaceful yet convenient walk from beaches, restaurants, and town center. With spacious, immaculate rooms featuring stunning outdoor showers, a refreshing pool, complimentary delicious breakfasts, and exceptionally warm, attentive staff led by manager Pavel, it's the perfect blend of relaxation and accessibility.”

Wi-Fi
Parking
Bar
Fitness centre

Included in your trip2 Nights, de Villas Mariposa 100 Sur

Your free time

No set plans here. Wander, linger over dinner and let MONTEVERDE TO TAMARINDO BEACH surprise you.

8
Departure
TAMARINDO TO LIBERIA AIRPORT
Return your car at LIBERIA (LIR) by 10:00, then check in for your flight home.
After breakfast, check out and drive to Liberia International Airport.
Return your rental car at the airport and continue to the terminal for your return flight. This marks the end of your Arenal, Monteverde and Tamarindo self-drive adventure.
Driving time: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes
Departure airport: Liberia International Airport
Departure day · No overnight stay

Your car

A rental car is included for all 8 days. Want more room or comfort? Upgrade below.

Pick up, day 1SAN JOSE (SYQ), from 10:00

Return, day 7LIBERIA (LIR), by 10:00

Good to knowRates assume a driver aged 30 or over.

What's in the price

Included

Rental car for eight days
Rental-car collection at San José International Airport
Rental-car return at Liberia International Airport
Three hotel nights in the Arenal Volcano region
Two hotel nights in Monteverde
Two hotel nights in Tamarindo
Total of seven hotel nights

Not included

International flights
Travel insurance
Personal expenses & tips

Operated by Avia Travel & Tours.

Want to read it later?

Download this tour's PDF brochure and plan offline: every day, your hotels, the car and our phone numbers.

Questions travelers ask

Want to change something?

Our travel experts know these roads. Call and we'll tailor the trip with you.

Call +1 858 275 8851

Estimated total, 2 travelersUS$1,450

Self-drive road trip · Costa Rica

Arenal Volcano, Monteverde & Tamarindo Self-Drive

An 8-day Costa Rica road trip through volcanic landscapes, cloud forests and the beaches of Guanacaste.

Duration8 Days / 7 Nights
Stops3 Cities
Start and finishSan Jose – Liberia
IncludedHotels + car

Per person, estimatedUS$725