Costa Rica Vacation Packages: Exciting Adventures Await You On a Costa Rica Tour
Costa Rica vacations offer an amazing destination for many reasons, not least of which is Costa Rica's proximity to the United States and the promise of "No Artificial Ingredients." Where else can you see four species of monkey, a three-toed sloth, hundreds of species of birds, crocodiles and more, as well as engage in many outdoor activities. It's no wonder Costa Rica family vacations are growing in popularity.
To arrange the best Costa Rica tours, whether a luxury vacation, surfing adventure, or golf in Costa Rica, we suggest you contact our travel experts.
- View Costa Rica vacation packages & tours.
What's Special About Costa Rica?
In 1986 Costa Rica became one of the first countries that established ecotourism as a model for development and the country remains a leader in sustainable tourism. Costa Rica vacation attractions include the rain and cloud forests, jungles, active volcanoes like Arenal and fascinating wildlife. A small country at 32,000 square miles, Costa Rica occupies just .01% of the world’s territory but includes 4% of the planet’s biodiversity.
Costa Rica Family Vacations
A luxury Costa Rica vacation package offers world class adventure experiences. Located as it is between the Pacific and Caribbean seas, many are water-based including:
- surfing (available on both coasts)
- sailing & windsurfing (Lake Arenal, Papagayo and Tamarindo)
- snorkeling & scuba diving (Coco Is. among others)
- fishing (with 65 world record catches landed here)
- water skiing & parasailing
- sea kayaking (Manuel Antonio Park, Golfo Dulce & Papagayo)
- river rafting (from Class I to Class V)
Additionally, you can enjoy: birdwatching (with over 850 species); canopy or zip line tours; five active volcanoes; mountain biking; hiking in over a dozen national parks; bungee jumping; jeep safaris; hot air ballooning; natural hot springs (Tabacon); horseback riding, and more! Read more about
family vacations.
What About Golf Costa Rica?
Golfing in Costa Rica golf is becoming ever more popular as courses are built. While the first championship course was built in the 1970's for members only, it wasn't until the 1990's, with the growth of tourism, that new courses were built, and Costa Rica emerged as a compelling destination for golfers. There are several 18-hole courses today, including the Par 72, 7,030-yard Robert Trent Jones II-designed course at Paradisus Playa Conchal, a fine all-inclusive resort.
Costa Rica Resorts and Service
Regardless of where you stay, you'll find the "Ticos" hospitable. While service is improving, it's not quite as polished as in resorts in the US or Europe. But what they lack in polish, they more than make up for in a genuine desire to please.
Costa Rica offers a variety of accommodations, from budget hotels to private villas.
< Quick Tip: Costa Rica Lodging >
San Jose, the capital, is generally not that desirable a place to stay. While there are several worthwhile attractions, we suggest that you stay at one of the fabulous ranches or lodges about an hour out of town. Our Costa Rica vacation experts can readily arrange it.
All-Inclusive Costa Rica Resorts
All-inclusive Costa Rica vacations are growing in popular and offer a wide range in comfort and luxury. And as we've suggested, Costa Rica family vacations make for a perfect holiday, and an all-inclusive resort makes it easier for familes. (
Read more about all-inclusive vacations.)
Luxury Costa Rica Travel
Not so long ago the luxury traveler would have been challenged to find a resort suited to their travel style. Not today. Costa Rica resorts range from deluxe properties including the ever popular Four Seasons, two large Marriott properties, and unique villas and boutique accommodations like Peace Lodge.
For health and wellness, Costa Rica resorts offer plenty of spas and yoga classes. Costa Rica is also one destination where cosmetic surgery is growing in popularity and can be done at considerably less cost than in the U.S.
Getting Around Costa Rica
Though a small country, a common error made by visitors is not allowing for the time it takes to navigate the country’s roads, getting from one part to another. While there are some well-paved highways, many roads are full of potholes, if paved at all. Popular Monteverde can only be reached via a dirt road that takes a couple of hours to navigate. (Of the country's 20,000 miles of roads, 25% are paved and 75% are gravel and dirt.) The good news is transfers and local flights can be readily arranged.
< Travel Tip: Car Rental in Costa Rica >
We don't encourage most visitors to rent cars and drive around the country during their Costa Rica vacation (especially first-time visitors or if staying a week or less). In the city, intersections appear to be "no-man's land" and roads in the countryside are poorly marked (if at all). It can take two hours to drive 25 miles, and if you're unfamiliar with the country, distances and how long it takes to get somewhere an be deceiving. To get to Tortuguero by land could take over seven hours from some locations, or you can take a 20-minute flight! Our Costa Rica travel experts can arrange a Costa Rica vacation that fits your needs.
What’s The Weather Like?
Costa Rica has two seasons: the Dry Season from December to March or April, and the Green Season from April/May through November. During Dry Season weather is sunny with occasional showers, while during Green Season there is higher humidity with generally sunny mornings and rainy afternoons.
If you desire to see the country when it is most green, or when rivers are fuller for better rafting, the Green Season is best. Coastal waters on both coasts generally remain around 83 degrees (F).
Areas to Visit in Costa Rica
There are a number of distinct areas, each with its National Parks, refuges and reserves. The Central Valley is anchored by the capital of San Jose, offering a number of attractions including museums, nightlife and golf, and a strong hotel network.
The Northern Plains area includes the active Arenal Volcano and Lake Tabacon (where the famous hot springs are). Northern Guanacaste is the second highest growth area in high quality hotels, has the best beaches, and includes El Coco, Tamarindo and Flamingo, and is served by the Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport in Liberia. Wedged between these three areas is Monteverde, featuring the Monteverde Biological Reserve. Southern Guanacaste includes Nicoya and Samara, good beaches and mangrove swamps.
Between the Central Valley and Guanacaste areas is Puntarenas and Islands of the Gulf, including Puntarenas and Tambor. The Northern Caribbean area is famous for turtle and bird-watching as well as fishing, and includes Barra Colorado National Wildlife Refuge and Tortuguero National Park, where there are no roads (transportation is by boat or aircraft), but 60 species of mammals, 209 species of birds, 57 species of amphibians, 30 species of fresh water fish, 2,000 species of plants, and 4,000 species of trees.
Three areas define the southern part of Costa Rica. The Southern Caribbean offers quality beaches and natural resources and Afro-Caribbean culture, a good area for kayaking and wetland observation. The Middle Pacific is famous for surfing (notably Jaco and Playa Hermosa, both good areas for beginners) and Manuel Antonio National Park. Corcovado-Golfito area included Corcovado National Park, Golfo Dulce Reserve and Isla Del Cano Biological Reserve.
Costa Rica has two major airports: in the capital of San Jose, and in Liberia, gateway to the popular northwest beach resorts.
Some Intriguing Facts
- Costa Rica has the lowest illiteracy rate in the Americas
- Costa Rica has no army, and more teachers than policemen
- Costa Rica has free and universal social security
- Ticos have the longest lifespan average in the Americas
- Ticos have the lowest infant mortality rate of the Americas
- No visa is required for US/Canadian visitors
- The water is safe to drink throughout the country
- Costa Rica is a world leader in marine turtle conservation
- Over 25% of the country, the highest percentage of any country, is protected by National Parks, Biological Reserves and Wildlife Refuges.
Are You Ready For a Costa Rica Vacation?
TravelStore works with select suppliers in arranging packages to Costa Rica, all with local offices you can contact should you need to do so during your visit. Contact one of our
travel experts to arrange your luxury Costa Rica vacation package, or call us at
1-800-850-3220.
If cruising appeals to you,
Cruise West offers all-inclusive seven-night vacation packages that visit Panama and Costa Rica, accompanied by naturalist guides; and passengers get up-close on Zodiac crafts. We would be happy to arrange either a cruise or land package option for your visit.
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