On a self-drive tour, you drive yourself along an itinerary we plan together: your hotels are booked, your activities arranged, and your car is ready from day one. You set off when you like and stop wherever you please.
Here are our self-drive tours. Each one is adjusted to your dates, your pace and your group before you leave.
Not included: international flights, drinks outside meals, optional activities, personal expenses and tips. A deductible waiver is offered as an option, and we recommend it. Full details are on each tour’s page.
Your national driver’s license and your passport are enough for a stay of up to 90 days. You must be 21 to drive, and 25 to take out full coverage insurance.
Depending on the stage, driving takes from 30 minutes to 4.5 hours a day. We advise against driving at night: it gets dark around 6 pm all year round, and country roads are poorly lit. Child seats are available from the rental company, for a fee that varies by company.
More advice (seasons, health, money, safety) is gathered in our Costa Rica travel tips.
| Self-drive | Private driver-guide | |
|---|---|---|
| Behind the wheel | You, in a rental SUV or 4×4 | Your private driver-guide |
| Itinerary | Planned with you, followed at your own pace | Planned with you before departure |
| On the ground | Local guides for the planned activities | A guide who explains and knows where to look |
| Best for | Independent travelers comfortable driving | Those who prefer not to drive, families, first-time visitors |
The private driver option is described on our page Costa Rica with a private driver. The same idea exists by motorcycle: see our Costa Rica motorcycle tours.
“Flawless organization for three weeks of self-drive. […] Vincent put together a trip with a few guided visits, which we really enjoyed.”
“After about ten days with him, we carried on alone for 3 weeks. Vincent helped us with everything: finding lodges, buying national park tickets and booking local guides.”
Your national driver’s license, together with your passport, is enough for a stay of up to 90 days. You must be at least 21 to drive, and 25 to take out full coverage insurance.
An SUV or a 4×4, depending on your route and the number of travelers, with mandatory insurance. A deductible waiver is offered as an option, and we recommend it.
From 30 minutes to 4.5 hours depending on the leg. We plan the stages so that driving leaves plenty of time for visits and rest, and we advise against driving at night.
It is sent to you as a PDF before departure: the detailed itinerary, Waze coordinates for your hotels and activities, and ideas for stops and restaurants. The portable Wi-Fi router included in the tour lets you follow the route on your phone.
Our team is reachable 7 days a week, and an emergency number answers 24 hours a day throughout your stay.
Yes. Child seats are available from the rental company, for a fee that varies by company: let us know your children’s ages and heights when you send your request.
Let’s talk about your trip
Tell us your dates, how many of you are traveling and what draws you: a travel consultant will suggest a self-drive tour within 48 business hours.
