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Rental car round trip - Costa Rica & Nicaragua

Costa Rica & Nicaragua Trip - Natural Beauties of Central America

Highlights

  • Discover two countries flexibly with a rental car

  • Experience breathtaking landscapes

  • Comfortable accommodations

  • Get to know the beauty in 15 days

  • Species rich flora and fauna

Description

What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of Nicaragua and Costa Rica? Rich nature? Diverse landscapes? Exotic animals?

You're not wrong… But there’s a lot more to both countries. Are you ready to experience them firsthand?

If so, then come with us on this rental car round trip through these two countries that will surprise you again and again.

Destination

Central America

Granada - Ometepe - Tenorio - Guanacaste - Monteverde - Dominical - San José

The months of December to April are considered the best time to travel to Costa Rica and Nicaragua. During this time, rainfall is low and temperatures are pleasantly warm. However, there is a difference between the temperatures in the lowlands, the highlands and the coasts. Although there can be short but heavy rain showers every day during the rainy season between May and November, these months are ideal for exploring the lush rainforest.

Welcome to Managua! Get a taste of Nicaragua's atmosphere after receiving important documents, such as vouchers, schedules and main contact information, at the airport. A private transfer will then take you to your first hotel in Granada. Enjoy your first impressions of Nicaragua during the approximately one-hour drive. Is it like you imagined it? Soon you will reach Granada, the oldest city in Central America, which was founded in 1524 and still attracts many visitors with its well-preserved colonial architecture.

On the way, about 45 kilometers from Managua, you will reach the northern shore of Lake Nicaragua, the largest lake in Central America. It is the only lake in which freshwater sharks cavort.

Get ready to be surprised again and again during your trips over the next few days. The main highway, Managua-Granada, is a scenic route. But other routes you will be on will be just as surprising.

The majestic city of Granada is the perfect starting point to discover all the unique beauties of the country. Indescribably beautiful nature, exciting adventures, kayak rides, history, culture, volcano climbs, shopping and much more - let yourself be carried away and transported to this slice of paradise. Are you ready for your two-week-long adventure with us?

Time spent traveling from the airport in Managua to the hotel in Granada: approx. 1 hour / approx. 50 km

2 nights at Real La Merced Hotel*** with breakfast in standard room with breakfast, Granada, Nicaragua

Start days 2 and 3 right with a proper breakfasts - exciting excursions are on the itinerary. A representative of the car rental company will bring your rental car to your hotel in Granada. From now on, you have autonomy and flexibility during your trip from Managua to Colonial Leon.

Spend these days as you wish. We recommend diving into local life and letting yourself be carried away by the easy atmosphere. The Central Plaza, surrounded by a cathedral from 1900, is the perfect place to enjoy an exquisite Nicaraguan coffee. The beautiful neoclassical buildings of Casa Pellas and the old City Hall create the perfect environment to switch off.

Make the most of today and tomorrow to get to know the city. If you are not sure about what to do, we have picked out some exciting suggestions for you:

Architecture enthusiasts take note! The Fortin de la Polvora, is an old, restored Spanish fortress whose preserved walls are still a popular stopover for many visitors interested in history.

The Xalteva and La Merced are two beautiful 18th century churches. La Merced is considered the second most important church in the city, making it an interesting stop on your discovery tour of the city.

The San Francisco Convent is the oldest church in Central America and the most remarkable building in Granada. Behind the light blue facade is a museum from the region. Let the guides take you through the museum, which showcases numerous works of art.

Or how about the Casa de los Leones, with its beautiful stone entrance portal, in which numerous patterns and writings have been carved? A unique sight and beautiful photo motif.

You want to experience more of nature and actively get to know the country? Then let's go to The Islets on the coasts of Granada. There are 356 small charming islands forming channels surrounded by green nature, birds and unique flora. A 40 minute boat ride will take you through the different channels.

From the water to the mountains? No problem! Visit the 1345 meter high Mombacho volcano, which will once again give you new perspectives of the country. Drive up the narrow, steep roads further and further until you reach the paths that lead you into the crater, which is no longer active. Thanks to the special enviromental conditions, unique plants and animals, such as orchids, bromeliads and the blue morpho butterfly, are native to the area.

Mombacho Volcano is also popular for its canopy tour, where you can glide from tree to tree and admire the different species of birds and butterflies.

Masaya Volcano is also a well-known destination, as it is located in Nicaragua's first national park, established in 1979. There you will find a beautiful volcanic lake that has become known as the "Masaya Lagoon". Visit the Environmental Education Center, a museum where you can see a model of the park as well as paintings by Nicaraguan artists who have pictured the history of the volcano.

Get up early this morning and drive to the small port of San Jorge in Rivas. It will take you about 90 minutes to get there, but the trip is worth it because you will reach the beautiful Lake Nicaragua with its breathtaking panorama. The lake got its fame through the French oceanographer Jacques Cousteau, who discovered the freshwater bull sharks there for the first time.

You will cross the lake by boat and during the trip you can experience unique views of Ometepe Island, which is now a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. During the trip, enjoy a different perspective of what you experienced yesterday. Have you already discovered the Mombacho volcano?

Ometepe Island is not like other islands in the world. Not only because it is the largest volcanic island in a freshwater lake on our planet, but also because of its sensual shape. This shape is created by the two towering volcanoes surrounded by tropical forests. On the island, you will find the extinct volcano Maderas and the active volcano Concepcion in a very friendly and rural population.

Time spent traveling from Granada to Ometepe: about 3 hours / about 100 km

2 nights in San Juan de la Isla Hotel*** with breakfast in standard room, Ometepe, Nicaragua

The advantage of this round trip? You have the autonomy and flexibility to organize your day. After breakfast you can discover the island as you like. In order to assist you with some guidance, we have again picked out some suggestions for today, which you are welcome to try out.

If you want to relax from the past few days and experience nature, then don't miss Santo Domingo Beach, a narrow strip of white sand beach located between the two volcanoes. An excellent way to spend a relaxing day.

Not far from the hotel is a little insider tip: a crystal clear, natural spring water river is nearby. Highly recommended for a relaxing walk in the afternoon.

Allow a little more time for a visit to Altagracia, an ancient indigenous settlement that has now evolved into a little sleepy town.

Do you love museums? Then head to the Local Museum, where well-preserved ancient Indian pottery and numerous other ancient artifacts are on display. Get exciting insights into local history.

If you are craving more excitement, then dare to go to the Maderas Volcano. Since this excursion entails hiking and climbing, we recommend it only if you are physically fit. To reach the top, you will need about five to six hours. But the effort will be worth it, because high up you will find a small lagoon. The best time for this climb is from December to April. The rainy season makes the climb even more difficult.

A less challenging but still exciting trip awaits you on the Istiam River. Sit in one of the kayaks, learn the controls and experience nature at its best. Paddle along the shore and beaches of the lake until you reach the mouth of the river.

You want to discover the island on land rather than in the water? Then rent a bike from the hotel and explore the surroundings on two wheels.

A final suggestion from us is the Charco Verde Nature Reserve. An easy walk through the reserve will take you to the tropical wonders of this island, such as rare birds, animals, reptiles, plants, breathtaking landscapes and the popular Charco Verde, a small lake in the middle of the reserve.

After about two and a half hours of driving, today you will be taken to the Penas Blancas Border Point, the border between Nicaragua and Costa Rica. Enjoy the incomparable nature and the different panoramas of the diverse landscape during the drive. After completing all the necessary formalities at the border, you will pick up your new rental car to continue your journey through Costa Rica. You will travel to the Tenorio area.

From the border, you will need about two and a half hours for this drive and will be able to enjoy unique views of the landscapes of Guanacaste. Soon you will reach your accommodation for the next two nights.

Time spent traveling from Ometepe to Tenorio: approx. 5 hours / approx. 200 km

2 nights at Celeste MountainLodge*** with breakfast in a standard room, Bijagua, Costa Rica

After the long drive yesterday, you can decide what you would like to do most today.

How about the optional excursion to Rio Celeste that you can book with this round trip? There you will find a hiking trail that will lead you through the tropical rainforest, to unreal looking blue waters of the river and waterfall.

Walk along the paths that will lead you along natural wonders and take the opportunity for a swim in one of the natural hot springs. Enjoy this relaxing moment in the midst of nature. Continue hiking through the jungle to locate the hot volcano winds - a unique experience.

Good morning! Can you believe you've been here for a week already? A lot has already happened, but the next few days remain exciting and thrilling, so brace yourself. This morning starts after breakfast with a drive to the northern Pacific coast of the Guanacaste region, more specifically to Samara Beach.

The drive there will alone leave you in awe as you see the incomparable beauty of the landscapes left and right. After only a two-hour drive and only half an hour from Liberia Town, you will reach your hotel, the Sol Samara. From here, enjoy the breathtaking views and the palm tree-lined beaches. Lie down in the shade of the palm trees and listen to the sound of the sea and the light wind blowing gently through the palm fronds. You will quickly understand why this region is the perfect place for rest and relaxation in nature.

Time spent traveling from Tenorio to Samara Beach: approx. 2 hours / approx. 120 km

2 nights at Sol Samara*** with breakfast in standard room, Samara Beach, Costa Rica

If you felt like seeing more of the island yesterday, today you can decide what you are going to do after breakfast - spend the day in the hotel or go to the beach. We also recommend walks in the surrounding area - the rich biodiversity of this place is more than worth exploring.

Were you able to recover well yesterday? Then today you are perfectly prepared to continue your trip. After breakfast, you will set off for Monteverde, a hotspot for nature lovers. The highlands and the forests where clouds hang low are quite popular among photography enthusiasts.

Today it is a nature reserve with beautiful green landscapes, unique birdwatching spots and a mild climate that makes rural Costa Rica all the more interesting. You will find mostly small farming communities dedicated to cattle ranching and agriculture in this area.

Time spent traveling from Samara Beach to Monteverde: approx. 3.5 hours / approx. 170 km

2 nights at Trapp Family Lodge*** with breakfast in superior room, Monteverde, Costa Rica.

After breakfast, there is nothing on the agenda for you today, so you can enjoy the day again as you wish. Discover your new surroundings, where you will once again experience the diversity of Costa Rica. Some optional activities we can recommend to you again today:

Visit the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, one of the best examples of sustainable tourism. This park is home to 2.5% of the world's biodiversity, which is why you should look very closely here to discover the numerous rare plants and animals.

Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, on the other hand, is the slightly smaller nature reserve, but it is by no means less interesting. Walk through the mystical looking side forest and discover numerous animals, such as snakes and birds.

Among the excursions that can be booked, you will also find the Sky Trek and the Sky Tram, which show you the cloud forest from a different perspective at a height of several meters.

Or you can opt for the Trapiche Tour, where you can visit a coffee and sugar farm and also help out there.

After breakfast, it's time to pack up again and get into the car. The rest of the drive will take you to the South Pacific region, where the Ballena National Marine Park is located. This park is the first protected area in the region and protects sand and pebble beaches, mangroves, islands with cliffs and a coral reef. There is also a marine platform formed in front of the park. It is connected to the mainland by a sand bridge and can be visited at low tide. From a bird's eye view, this platform with its connection to the mainland looks like a giant tail fin of a whale.

Numerous whales and dolphins come to the coast due to the warm water temperatures. These waters are the perfect ecosystem for the animals, especially during the mating and birthing season.

Time spent traveling from Monteverde to Dominical: approx. 3.5 hours / approx. 220 km

2 nights at Cristal Ballena**** with breakfast in a Junior Suite, Dominical, Costa Rica

In the morning, you will wake up with the sun and then you can enjoy your breakfast. Spend the day as you wish leisure. Take advantage of the hotel's facilities, go to the nearby beach or join optional excursions, such as whale and dolphin watching tours, where the beautiful animals accompany the boat. Or visit Cano Island on a boat tour. On the island, you can spot countless species of birds in the region, or cruise through the mangrove forests where there is much more waiting for you to discover.

After enjoying your stay here to the fullest, today you will head to San Jose. If you think you have seen it all, just wait. Once again, beautiful views await you along the way, so you won't know where to look first. From barren coastlines to green nature, there is a lot of variety here. If you open the window, or make a stop now and then, you will notice that the temperature changes from the coast to downtown San Jose.

In San Jose, you will spend your last night before it is time to say goodbye tomorrow.

Time spent traveling from Dominical to San Jose: approx. 3 hours / approx. 200 km

1 night in Wyndham Herradura**** with breakfast in a superior room with breakfast, San Jose, Costa Rica

Before you know it, you'll have to pack your suitcase and leave. We hope you will take home some new experiences and many stories to tell.

You will be transferred to Juan Santamaria International Airport in time for your flight home.

itravel - for that moment.

Real La Merced***, Granada, Nicaragua (3 nights)

Hotel Real La Merced is an oasis of tranquility on the shores of Lake Nicaragua, where warm weather and pleasant temperatures prevail year-round. The historic building is located in the old town of Granada, making it the perfect base for sightseeing tours of the city. In the 16 comfortably furnished rooms, you will find a coffee maker, air conditioning, an alarm clock, a flat-screen TV, and a hairdryer and complimentary toiletries in the bathroom. Other amenities include a desk, a safe, a water and coffee maker, a phone, and bedding. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.

San Juan de la Isla***, Ometepe, Nicaragua (2 nights)

The San Juan de la Isla welcomes guests in a wonderful location on its own stretch of beach in Altagracia, just 2.3 km from the main road. In addition to a restaurant, you can also look forward to free Wi-Fi and free private parking here. Enjoy views of the Concepción Volcano and the surrounding landscape of Lake Nicaragua. Each of the air-conditioned rooms offers a terrace, a private bathroom with a shower and free toiletries, as well as a fan and bed linens. A garden, terrace and bar invite guests to stay at San Juan de la Isla. A shared lounge, tour desk and ironing service are also available. A range of activities can be enjoyed at the accommodation and in the surrounding area, including cycling, fishing and hiking.

Celeste Mountain Lodge***, Tenorio, Costa Rica (2 nights)

Between the two volcanoes of Tenorio and Miravalles, the eco-friendly Celeste Mountain Lodge awaits you in a huge natural garden - ideal for observing Costa Rica's rich wildlife up close! The designer lodge offers 18 spacious as well as modern rooms in minimalist style with spectacular panoramic views of the lush green mountains. All rooms have a bedside lamp, private bathroom with shower, hairdryer and shelves.

You'll feel like you're sitting right in nature, as the rooms have no windows, only mosquito netting and wooden screens. Celeste Mountain Lodge places special emphasis on good food: every day you will be treated to three included meals of local cuisine at large tables together with the other guests of the lodge.

Sol Samara Hotel***, Samara Beach, Costa Rica (2 nights)

This hotel is within walking distance of Playa Samara and Puerto Carillo Beach - two of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica and Central America. The hotel welcomes you with its authentic Costa Rican charm and is a place where you will feel at home. From eleven standard rooms, you can enjoy the view of the garden and also the interior of the rooms will convince you with bright, fresh colors and a living space of 21 m².

Trapp Family Lodge***, Monteverde (2 nights)

Trapp Family Lodge in Monteverde is the lodge closest to the Monteverde Reserve in Costa Rica. These 20 comfortable rooms with rustic charm are inspired by the immediate surroundings and have beautiful tropical wood decorations. Private balconies offer beautiful views of the landscape, and you can also gaze at the rainforests from the family-style restaurant.

Cristal Ballena****, Dominical, Costa Rica (2 nights)

Quiet and idyllic on a hill between the Pacific Ocean and the mountains with the green rainforests lies the hotel Cristal Ballena. Enjoy great ocean views by the swimming pool with pool bar and restaurant, spacious rooms, a natural park facility, spa, beach walks and many exciting excursion options.

Wyndham Herradura****, San Jose, Costa Rica (1 night)

Each of the 230 modern rooms and suites features fresh decor inspired by the beauty of the tropics. Sit back on your terrace and enjoy views of the pool and gardens, as well as the beautiful mountains. Comfortable beds, a plasma TV, and high-quality furniture create a feel-good atmosphere.

Duration of the trip: 15 days / 14 nights

Included

Nicaragua

  • Private transfer from Managua International Airport to Granada
  • 5 days of car rental - a standard SUV (Suzuki Grand Vitara 4x4.) without mileage limit
  • 2 nights at Hotel Real La Merced, Granada
  • 2 nights at Hotel Villa Paraiso, Ometepe Island
  • 5x breakfast
  • Taxes

Costa Rica

  • 9 days of car rental - a standard SUV (Hyundai Tucson 4x2) without mileage limit
  • 2 nights at Tenorio Lodge, Tenorio
  • 2 nights at the Sol Samara, Samara Beach
  • 2 nights at the Trapp Family Lodge, Monteverde
  • 2 nights at Cristal Ballena, Dominical
  • 1 night at the Wyndham Herradura, San Jose
  • 9x breakfast

Not included

  • International flights
  • Meals and beverages not mentioned in the scope of services
  • Personal expenses, such as minibar and tips
  • Airport tax on departure (approx. USD 29 per person)
  • Nicaragua
    • Entrance fee from the International Airport in Managua (Tourist Card US$ 10 / person)
    • Ferry fees for vehicle and persons, Ometepe
    • Exit through Penas Blancas (border between Nicaragua & Costa Rica): US$ 2 / person, Cardenas Municipality US$ 1 / person
    • Meals and excursions not mentioned in the program
    • Tips for drivers, guides, etc.
  • Costa Rica
    • Meals not mentioned in the program
    • Optional excursions or activities
    • Tips for drivers, guides, etc.
    • Personal expenses
    • Airport taxes
  • Rental car
    • Rental car is charged according to strict 24h cycle
    • Driver must be at least 25 years old
    • A valid credit card must be presented for car rental (AMEX, VISA or Master Card)
    • Rental car must be returned with a full tank
    • The terms and conditions of the rental car company apply
    • Excluded: fuel fees, daily insurance, GPS navigation, security deposit

Additional experiences

El Trapiche Tour

  1. Price per person from 33 € excl. Flight
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Ometepe Island Tour

  1. Price per person from 90 € excl. Flight
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San Ramon Waterfall Tour

  1. Price per person from 93 € excl. Flight
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Sky Trek & Sky Tram Monteverde

  1. Per person from 70 € excl. Flight
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Kayak tour on Rio Istian

  1. Price per person from 97 € excl. Flight
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