The next morning your 4×4 hire car will be delivered to you at the hotel. You’ll then have a briefing with our local English-speaking representative, who will provide your accommodation vouchers.

You will have a chance to run through your intended route, and ask any questions you may have about driving in Costa Rica.

You then set off, choosing your route as you go. You can stay as many nights as you like in each hotel.

The only condition is that you book as you go, no sooner than the morning of the day you are planning to arrive.

If you have trouble finding space, simply call the 24hour helpline. They will guarantee to find you a hotel at no extra cost.

At the end of your trip drop off the hire car at the rental company’s office at the airport, before checking in for your flight home.

How long?
The suggestions below are for 7, 10 or 14 night trips, but we can tailor the length of time to suit you.

How active?
You can choose from a variety of excursions from the very active (surfing, horse riding, mountain biking, hiking) to the less active – wildlife walks, scenic drives and of course, just relaxing on a beach.

Since you have your own car for the entirety of the holiday you can set your own pace.

How comfortable?
The hotels are split into two categories: economy (A) and preferred (B).

Category A is the most budget-friendly option, with simple but perfectly adequate 2-3 star properties.

Category B properties are the most comfortable.

If you choose category B, you can also stay at any category A hotel.

All hotels and lodges in the scheme have a good standard of service and a welcoming atmosphere.

How independent?
You are completely independent to choose where you stay and when you travel on this trip.

We provide maps and local information to help you make the most of your time.

You also have a mobile phone with 60 minutes call time and access to a 24hr helpline number should you have any questions en route.

When should I go?
This holiday is only offered between 01 March and 15 December, excluding Easter week.

Costa Rica has two seasons: rainy and dry. The dry season runs from December to May. The rainy season from June to December with the heaviest rains in September and October which are best avoided.

Other than this, the rainy season is a good time to travel to avoid the crowds. Rains usually last only a couple of hours and do not cause any problems for visitors.

The general rule is the further north you are, the drier it will be. So, if you plan to travel on the cusp of the seasons you can expect the best weather in the northwest and on the north Pacific coast.

You can expect some showers throughout the year in the rainforest at Tortuguero and on the Osa Peninsula. Lodges on Osa are usually closed in September and October.

Costa Rica is a tropical country, so with the exception of the cloudforest temperatures range from 25°c – 35°c all year round.

Pre-booked extensions
Some of the harder to reach areas, such as Tortuguero and the Osa Peninsula, are not included in the Pick and Mix scheme.

If you would like to visit either of these regions, you can do so as a pre-booked extension anytime during your trip. Simply let us know your preferred dates.

How responsible?
We are passionate about the places we visit. Together with our partners on the ground we support a series of projects that aim to preserve the cultural integrity of native communities and minimize the impact of tourism on fragile local ecosystems.

Your holiday with us will directly benefit these causes:

• The Neotropica Foundation works with communities and schools to improve environmental education.

• The Caribbean Conservation Corporation works to protect sea turtles and their habitat.

• The Paniamor Foundation protects the social interests of vulnerable and disadvantaged Costa Ricans.

Useful Links

As you already know, Pura Aventura is dedicated to safe and responsible travel. The links below provide useful content and more information about Costa Rica. Please call us of any special requirements on 01273 676 712.

Country Information

FCO

The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office provides useful travel advices on Costa Rica.

BBC News

BBC News provides useful information about Costa Rica. Read more about it.

Official Government website

Find out more about Costa Rica, by visiting its official governement website.

Prepare your holiday

Health

Before you go on your holiday to Costa Rica, please ensure you have the correct vaccinations. Check out the NHS website for advices and visit your GP or a travel clinic.

Currency Exchange

For the latest information on the Costa Rican Colon currency, visit the ICE website.

Weather

To know the forecast in Costa Rica, visit wunderground.

Pura’s Amazon shop

Find out our own Costa Rica selection in Amazon.co.uk for a wide range of travel essentials, such as books, gadgets, clothing, etc. in preparation for your upcoming holiday.

Train ticket

If you are leaving from the UK, and want to be easy in your mind before you leave, book your train ticket or airport hotel now.

Flight deals

Find the best flight deals for your holiday to Costa Rica with Kayak, Expedia, Vayama and Opodo.

Maps

If you are going to one of our Costa Rica self drive holidays you will perhaps need to know more about the car traffic. Maplandia provides good maps.