Learn more about what to expect on this Costa Rica self drive holiday including when to go, how to get there and how comfortable you can expect to be.

Summary

Itinerary

Photos

Dates & prices

Holiday info

Maps & more

Further information

This holiday is delivered by our partners on the ground in Costa Rica but is tailor made by Pura and therefore unique to us.

Our Costa Rica and Nicaragua combination holidays are part of our handpicked range.

We have designed it to showcase what we believe to be the highlights of both Nicaragua and Costa Rica, including our favourite pick of the popular destinations along with some lesser-known hidden gems.

We deliver this holiday using our carefully selected local suppliers. Like us they are passionate about the places we visit and about helping you experience a real slice of life in both countries.

We have chosen the hotels and lodges very carefully. They best reflect the places you are visiting whilst still being clean, comfortable and well-run.

When should I go?
This holiday can be run year round although September and October are the rainiest months.

These are tropical countries so, with the exception of the cloudforest, temperatures range from 25°C – 35°C all year round.

There are two seasons: rainy and dry.

The rainy season is from mid-May through November when most days begin sunny on the Pacific with rains of short duration coming in the afternoon and night.

Rains usually last only a couple of hours and do not cause any problems for visitors.

The exception to this is September and October when rains, particularly further south into Costa Rica, are pretty much constant.

Other than these two months the rainy season is a nice time to travel as places are less crowded. The wildlife is there no matter what time of year you visit.

The dry season runs from December to mid-May.

During this period you can expect hot, clear and sunny days. In fact, it can get very hot in Nicaragua and northern Costa Rica (up to 40c).

The cloudforest is at altitude, so can feel cold and damp throughout the year, especially at night.

How long?
21 days but this holiday can be altered to suit you.

How active?
A combination of walking, culture and wildlife – the pace is really up to you.

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

How comfortable?
A selection of good, comfortable three and four star hotels and lodges throughout. All tend to be smaller places with character and excellent service.

How independent?
Fully guided throughout your time in Nicaragua.
In Costa Rica it is a self-guided itinerary with a 4×4 car provided.

We can also offer this holiday with private transfers in Costa Rica if you prefer not to drive yourself.

How responsible?
Pura Aventura is passionate about the places it visits.
To help preserve the integrity of these destinations we:
• Keep groups small to minimise environmental impact.
• Work directly with local businesses and organisations to directly benefit local economies. We use small, locally owned hotels and restaurants. We know the owners except in the large cities.
• Work with local guides so that our holidays are more interesting for clients and more beneficial locally.
• Make payment to suppliers before our clients arrive.

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 Chile. 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 Nicaragua and Costa Rica.

BBC News

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

Official Government website

Find out more about Nicaragua and Costa Rica by visiting their official governement websites.

Prepare your holiday

Health

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

Currency Exchange

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

Weather

To know the forecast in Nicaragua and Costa Rica, visit Wunderground.

Pura’s Amazon shop

Find out our own Nicaragua selection and 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 Nicaragua and Costa Rica with Kayak, Expedia, Vayama and Opodo.