Costa Rica Vacation Packages

Costa Rica is an amazing vacation destination for so many reasons, not least of which its proximity to the United States and the promise of its tag line: "No Artificial Ingredients." And where else can you see four species of monkey, a three-toed sloth, hundreds of species of birds, crocodiles, and more.

To plan your Costa Rica vacation, whether a luxury family vacation or surfing adventure, we suggest you contact our Costa Rica travel experts.

• View Costa Rica vacation packages & tours.

For an overview on Costa Rica family vacation packages, Cost Rica golf vacation, or otherwise, please read on.

In 1986 Costa Rica became one of the first countries that established ecotourism as a model for development and remains a leader in sustainable tourism. Tourism has now surpassed coffee production as the largest economic driver. And key attractions includes the Costa Rica rain forest, jungle and beach resorts.

Hotels are rated on a flag system that categorizes properties on how ecologically-friendly they are, and in addition to Costa Rica rain forests and cloud forests, active volcanoes like Arenal, and fascinating wildlife, Costa Rica is now becoming a popular golf destination as well.

A small country that at 32,000 square miles occupies just .01% of the world’s territory (about the combined size of San Bernadino and Riverside counties for those familiar with Southern California), Costa Rica includes 4% of the planet’s biodiversity.

What’s the best way to get around the country?
Costa Rica has two major airports: in the capital of San Jose, and in Liberia, gateway to the popular northwest beach resorts. 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. If you're visiting Costa Rica for the first time, it pays to consult with a travel expert to properly plan for your visit. (Of the country's 20,000 miles of roads, 25% are paved and 75% are gravel and dirt.)

< Travel Tip: Car Rental in Costa Rica >
We don't encourage most visitors to rent cars and drive during their luxury Costa Rica vacation (especially for a vacation package of a week or less or first-time visitors, unless you're just staying at one hotel or resort and doing some day trips), as driving is strenuous, and transfers and/or local flights can be readily arranged. 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 there are very 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 arange a Costa Rica vacation that fits your needs.

What is there to do on a Costa Rica family vacation?
A luxury Costa Rica vacation package offers world class soft adventure experiences. Located as it is between the Pacific and Caribbean seas (about a five-hour car drive from one shore to the other), many are water-based including:
- surfing (available on both coasts)
- sailing
- windsurfing (Lake Arenal, Papagayo and Tamarindo)
- scuba diving (Coco Island among others)
- snorkeling
- fishing (65 world record catches have been landed in Costa Rican waters)
- water skiing
- sea kayaking (especially Manuel Antonio Park, Golfo Dulce and Papagayo)
- river rafting (from Class I to Class V)
- parasailing

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
- great golf, and more!

In fact, Costa Rica golf is becoming ever more popular as courses have been 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 courses were designed and built, and Costa Rica golf emerged as 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.

A luxury Costa Rica vacation package is the perfect way to awaken your senses with hot springs, nature walks, pristine beaches, lush cloud forests, and 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.

< 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.

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).

What can I expect in hotels and service during my Costa Rica famliy vacation package?
Regardless of where you stay, you'll find the Ticos hospitable. While service is improving, it's not as polished as in resorts in the US or Europe. But what they may lack in polish, they more than make up for in a genuine desire to please.

Not so long ago the luxury traveler would have been challenged to find a resort suited to their travel style. Not today. Hotels range from deluxe properties including the ever popular mid-sized Four Seasons, the two large Marriott properties, and unique accommodations like the boutique Peace Lodge, as well as more budget accommodations. There are also some all-inclusive resorts which are ideal for families or those desiring to relax and dine on-property, and villas catering to honeymooners.

Many travelers may prefer to stay in some of the choice boutique hotels featuring fewer rooms, a more quaint and natural environment, and lower rates than offered by the larger chains and upscale resorts.

TravelStore works with select suppliers in arranging packages to Costa Rica, all with local offices that 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.

If cruising appeals to you, Cruise West offers all-inclusive seven-night vacation cruise packages that visit Panama and Costa Rica, accompanied by naturalist guides, and passengers get up-close with the surroundings on Zodiac crafts. We would be happy to arrange either a cruise or land package option for your visit.

What are the different areas to visit in Costa Rica?
There are a number of distinct areas which are outlined in the General Plan of Sustaniable Tourism Development for the country, 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.

Some intriguing facts about Costa Rica.
- 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 and lowest infant mortality rate of the Americas
- No visa is required for US and Canadian visitors, and you can drive with your current license and a valid passport.
- 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.

For your luxury Costa Rica vacation, contact one of our vacation experts or call us at 1-800-850-3220.