Self Drive: The Corcovado Rainforest Expedition
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.
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Highlights
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.
Map
Outbound flight from the UK
Day 1: Arrival in Costa Rica | San JoséArrival Day
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
Day 2: Central Valley to the South Pacific | Los Campesinos & Uvita
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
Day 3: Rainforest Trails & Pacific Sunsets | Savegre Abajo to Uvita
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
Day 4: Mangroves & the Osa Peninsula | Uvita to Drake Bay
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
Day 5: Corcovado National Park | San Pedrillo Sector
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
Day 6: From the Jungle to the Cloud Forest | Drake Bay to San Gerardo de Dota
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
Day 7: Quetzal Trails & Rural Costa Rica | San Gerardo de Dota to Turrialba
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
Day 8: Volcanoes & Cultural Highlights | Turrialba to San José
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
Day 9: Departure | San José
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
Return flight to the UK
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