Self drive tour of Costa Rica
Arenal Volcano – Monteverde Cloud Forest – Manuel Antonio National Park
8 Days / 7 Nights

Day 01
Upon your arrival in Costa Rica, a representative from Mapache Rent a Car will pick-up in front of the International Airport, transfer you to their office, give you your land portion vouchers and 4WD Daihatsu Terios, for 8 days rental.  Make arrangements at this time for your return time & location.  You will need to cover the $750.00 deductible / damage deposit with a credit card at time of rental.  Drive on your own to the Arenal Volcano (approximately a 3 hour drive)

Day 01-03
2 night accommodations in Arenal at the Arenal Observatory Lodge (Double Smithsonian Room) (2B) or similar
The Arenal Observatory Lodge is located inside the Arenal National Park across a gorge from the volcano and surrounded by lush rainforest. The lodge offers comfortable rooms, good restaurant, pool and Jacuzzi, and a guided hike each morning

While staying in the Arenal area there are many optional activities to explore (at your own expense) i.e.: Arenal Volcano National Park, Rio Frio/Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, Venado Caves, La Fortuna Waterfall, hike to Cerro Chato, horseback riding, mountain biking, river rafting, a paddling Safari float trip, Arenal Hanging Bridges, Sky Trek / Sky Tram, Canyoning & Waterfall Rappelling, Arenal Mundo Aventura (an ecological tropical adventure park), fishing on Lake Arenal or the various hot springs in the area. If you visit Tabacon Hot Springs Resort (located across the street from Tabacon Lodge) please be advised that in case of a pyroclastic flow from the Volcano, the Tabacon is situated in a high risk area. For this reason we warn you to visit Tabacon Hot Springs Resort at your own risk

Day 03
Drive on your own to Monteverde Cloud Forest (approximately a 4 hour drive)

Day 03-05
2 night accommodations in Monteverde at Hotel Fonda Vela (Double Junior Suite) or similar
The Fonda Vela Hotel has nine buildings nestled in the landscaped property, designed with natural lighting, privacy and warmth. All have large windows with views of our forest allowing the outside beauty to be a part of a cozy interior.
Their 20 junior suites have a small refrigerator, table, king and queen-size beds, a comfortable sofa and 14 with TV's.
All rooms have telephones. Most of the rooms are wheelchair accessible; please request one at the time of making your reservation if that is required. On the 35-acre property, you will find lush forests and verdant pastures that are excellent for birding and hiking

Monteverde means Green Mountain and is nestled high in the Tilaran Mountain Range, 110 miles northwest of San Jose (approx a 4 hour drive). It was originally settled in the 194Os by five Costa Rican families fleeing the rough-and-ready life of the gold-mining fields of nearby Guacimal. In 1951 a group of Quakers arrived from the United States and, with the help of their Costa Rican neighbors, began developing the community that exists today. Dairy farming and cheese production became their principal means of support. Temperatures in Monteverde range from 55-75 degrees F. 
Average rainfall is 97 inches, falling mostly between June and November.  Bring warm clothing and rain gear

While staying in Monteverde, you can explore the many optional activities (at your own expensive) i.e.: Monteverde Reserve, night tours of Monteverde Reserve, the private reserve of Sendero Tranquilo, Finca Ecologica, horseback riding, The Original Canopy Tour, Skywalk, Sky trek, Butterfly Garden, Ranario a Frog exhibit, CASEM-the Women’s Co-op, Monteverde Cheese Factory, the many art galleries & village shops, or simply relax at your hotel

Day 05
Drive on your own from Monteverde Cloud to Manuel Antonio Beach (approximately a 4 hour drive)

Day 05-08
3 night accommodations in Manuel Antonio Beach at Hotel La Mansion Inn (Double Ocean View Room) (3 B) or similar
La Mansion Inn is situated on a mountainside overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Manuel Antonio National Park. The Inn is just minutes away from pristine beaches, sport fishing at Quepos harbor, and the local airport slightly sloped at 15 minutes. Located in Manuel Antonio, near Costa Rica's famous National Park, La Mansion is nestled in one of the last remaining "natural zoos" of the world. Suites and rooms are anything but "standard". All are air-conditioned and have bathrooms, a dresser, television, in-room telephone system, outside sitting area and desks. Every room has sliding glass doors, which open to incredible views of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding jungle.

While staying in Manuel Antonio there are many optional activities to explore (at your own expense) such as guided excursions to the National Park, ocean & river kayaking, world class sport fishing, horseback riding, canopy tours, sunset sailing, Isla Damas Estuary Tour, Rain Maker Reserve, white water rafting (subject to water levels) or simply relaxing on the beautiful beaches or at your hotel

Day 08
Drive on your own to San Jose International Airport.  Return the rental car this morning, as per your arrangements you made on pick-up at the International Airport.  Allow at least an hour to return the rental car and 2 hours before your scheduled departure flight.