Our Team
Our Tour Experts
Heroes and Heroines
Hike Cloud Forests
Walk past crashing waterfalls and meandering rivers on the Monteverde Trails.
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![Amy Waters snow biking]()
Our Team
Steppes Travel is made by the people who work here. Incredible holidays are made possible because of their vast travel experience and the great enthusiasm they bring to their work.
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![William Dalrymple]()
Our Tour Experts
We carefully select our experts based on their knowledge, companionship and influence, ensuring that you can travel with the most knowledgeable leaders in the field.
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![Liz Bonnin]()
Heroes and Heroines
The people who lead the way when it comes to those things which matter to us: exploration, the environment, women’s empowerment and education.
Self-Drive Journey in Costa Rica
Embark on a self-drive adventure through Costa Rica, travelling on scenic roads that cut through rainforests and bypass volcanoes, making detours to go snorkelling, scout for slow-moving sloths and hike forest-flanked jungle trails.
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
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Canopies & Kayaks
Go horseback riding, kayaking, canopy walking and windsurfing.
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The Osa Peninsula
Spend time birding and wildlife-watching in the “most biologically intense place on Earth”.
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Rainforest & Wetland
Explore a variety of fascinating biospheres that include wetlands, rainforests and cloud forest.
Why we like it
Combining the infinite freedom that comes with travelling in a hire car with a custom-made itinerary that connects the highlights of Costa Rica, this road trip takes an in-depth look at the hugely varying landscapes that make up this dual-coastlined country. Featuring a sprinkling of boat rides and internal flights, and a careful balance of pristine coastlines with overgrown jungles, this journey traverses the width and length of this Central American adventure mecca. Throw in high chances of spotting native wildlife, from sloths and green macaws to glasswing butterflies and howler monkeys, and this road trip becomes truly extraordinary. We can tailor-make a bespoke route to suit any activity level and interest and, when it comes to accommodation, we know the most thrilling family-friendly jungle hideaways, the most romantic infinity pool cabins, and everything in between.
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Days 1
San Jose
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Day 2
San Jose - Tortuguero
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Day 3
Tortuguero
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Day 4
Tortuguero - Arenal
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Days 5-6
Arenal
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Day 7
Arenal - Monteverde
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Day 8
Monteverde
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Day 9
Monteverde - Uvita de Osa
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Day 10
Uvita de Osa - Puerto Jimenez
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Days 11-12
Osa Peninsula
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Day 13
Osa Peninsula - Puerto Jimenez - San Jose
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Day 14
San Jose
Days 1
San Jose
Day 2
San Jose - Tortuguero
Day 3
Tortuguero
Take to the water in a boat that navigates the tributaries where chattering monkeys and flitting birds live their lives overhead.
Day 4
Tortuguero - Arenal
Days 5-6
Arenal
Whizz through the jungle canopy along zip lines with views to Arenal Volcano.
Day 7
Arenal - Monteverde
Day 8
Monteverde
Walk past crashing waterfalls and meandering rivers on the Monteverde Trails, scouting for hummingbirds.
Day 9
Monteverde - Uvita de Osa
Day 10
Uvita de Osa - Puerto Jimenez
Days 11-12
Osa Peninsula
Spend time birding and wildlife-watching in the “most biologically intense place on Earth”.
Day 13
Osa Peninsula - Puerto Jimenez - San Jose
Day 14
San Jose
More details
On the Road in Costa Rica
Driving in Costa Rica is relatively straight-forward and supremely fun for intrepid travellers who are keen to head off the beaten track and travel independently. The Costa Ricans (colloquially known as “Ticos”) are helpful and welcoming, the roads are (generally speaking) in good condition and we can ensure that you are set up with sat navs and local mobile phones. Drive on scenic roads, revelling in the freedom to stop and take in the sights at your leisure, looking out for foraging white-nosed coatimundis as you travel along the highways and keeping your eyes peeled for the elusive and rarely seen jaguar.
Biking & Canopy Walkways
It is difficult not to be jungle-centric when exploring Costa Rica, but this country is no one-trick pony. Embark on exploratory excursions, keeping a watchful eye out for endemic wildlife that includes slow-moving sloths, tree frogs and glasswing butterflies. In some of the country’s most rugged terrains, whizz through the jungle canopy along zip lines with views to Arenal Volcano, cross long suspension walkway bridges and journey on horseback to thundering waterfalls. Perhaps travel to find the endangered green macaw, visit a fruit farm or take a bean-to-bar chocolate-making lesson. Bursting with single-track trails, Costa Rica is a mecca for mountain biking- perhaps embark on a full day ride far off the beaten track with our expert guides to discover the real Costa Rica.
Boat Safari & Turtle Nesting
Travel north to the Caribbean Coast and the canals of Tortuguero National Park, where dense rainforest, swamps and waterways allow for superb wildlife viewing opportunities. Take to the water in a boat that navigates the tributaries where chattering monkeys and flitting birds live their lives overhead, and watch out for the Jesus Christ lizards that are renowned for their ability to run on the surface of water. In one of the finest places in the world to watch Atlantic green sea turtle’s nesting, we can arrange expertly guided excursions to secluded spots on the Caribbean Coast where, under moonlight, it is possible to watch as turtles come ashore to lay eggs.
Play in the Sea: Snorkelling & Paddle-Board Yoga
From the black volcanic sand of the Osa Peninsula to the coral reefs of Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica is an opportune place to explore dramatic ocean ecosystems. Take to shallow coastal waters to paddle above crab, starfish and angel fish, or perhaps snorkel in one of the most biologically intense places on Earth with views to colourful brain coral reefs. Perhaps try a spot of meditative yoga atop a paddle-board in one of the tranquil protected bays or experience the majesty of the ocean during a surfing lesson. Fearless travellers with the relevant qualifications might consider diving with hammerhead and bull sharks, while others might prefer to simply lounge on the pristine sand with a good book as monkeys chatter in the flanking forests.
Start planning your trip
Meet our experts
A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.
Paul Bird
It wasn’t part of the script, career plans were quite different but after four global trips visiting such exciting destinations, travel became a passion that eventually led to me entering the industry. The more I have travelled the greater the desire has been to see and do more.
Talk with our experts
- 01285 880 980
John Faithfull
Costa Rica is simply the best spot in Central America for nature lovers, and is always John’s top recommendation for those wishing to hike, swim, zip, raft, ride or float through outstanding scenery and rich biodiversity.
Talk with our experts
- 01285 880 980
A note on price
Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.
This Itinerary
Price
From £4,190 Per person
When to travel
Costa Rica in January
January to April generally has the lowest rainfall throughout the year, though showers can still be expected in such a tropical climate. One of the most popular times of year to visit, with fantastic opportunities to view wildlife, explore the jungle, and relax on white sandy beaches. The ideal time to visit the Pacific Coast.
Costa Rica in February
January to April generally has the lowest rainfall throughout the year, though showers can still be expected in such a tropical climate. One of the most popular times of year to visit, with fantastic opportunities to view wildlife, explore the jungle, and relax on white sandy beaches. The ideal time to visit the Pacific Coast.
Costa Rica in March
January to April generally has the lowest rainfall throughout the year, though showers can still be expected in such a tropical climate. One of the most popular times of year to visit, with fantastic opportunities to view wildlife, explore the jungle, and relax on white sandy beaches. The ideal time to visit the Pacific Coast.
Costa Rica in April
January to April generally has the lowest rainfall throughout the year, though showers can still be expected in such a tropical climate. One of the most popular times of year to visit, with fantastic opportunities to view wildlife, explore the jungle, and relax on white sandy beaches. The ideal time to visit the Pacific Coast.
Costa Rica in May
May and June mark the beginning of the ‘green season’. Rainfall increases a little, but with that means fewer visitors and quieter national parks. The flora and fauna return to its lushest state and makes for beautiful photography opportunities.
Costa Rica in June
May and June mark the beginning of the ‘green season’. Rainfall increases a little, but with that means fewer visitors and quieter national parks. The flora and fauna return to its lushest state and makes for beautiful photography opportunities.
Costa Rica in July
July and August is green season, but there is a brief little summer or ‘veranillo’, which breaks up the rain in July. A great time to enjoy water sports in the country, although sun-seekers can still enjoy the beaches on the far northern Pacific coast.
Costa Rica in August
July and August is green season, but there is a brief little summer or ‘veranillo’, which breaks up the rain in July. A great time to enjoy water sports in the country, although sun-seekers can still enjoy the beaches on the far northern Pacific coast.
Costa Rica in September
While travel is not recommended on the Pacific side in September and October, as it is the peak of the wet season, it is the ideal time to visit the Caribbean coast.
Costa Rica in October
While travel is not recommended on the Pacific side in September and October, as it is the peak of the wet season, it is the ideal time to visit the Caribbean coast.
Costa Rica in November
November and December see the country start to dry up, although the exact timing of the end of the green season varies. By Christmas and New Year, it is getting busy again so it is worth booking accommodation in advance.
Costa Rica in December
November and December see the country start to dry up, although the exact timing of the end of the green season varies. By Christmas and New Year, it is getting busy again so it is worth booking accommodation in advance.
Holiday Inspiration
Our experts have created and curated these tailor-made holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something that is the spark for your unique adventure.
Why Choose Steppes?
Our knowledge and expertise set us apart. So too our curiosity. It is this that drives us to create a journey that is really bespoke to you, all the while ensuring we travel and operate sustainably.
Are you ready to discover extraordinary once again?
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