Unforgettable Costa Rica Vacation Packages

Costa Rica Vacation Packages Guide

If you are thinking about your next vacation in a place with beaches, adventure, culture and impressive nature, you have to read our travel guide to Costa Rica.

Costa Rica has enormous appealing for travelers all around the world, and it is waiting for you now. In the "tica" lands, as Costa Ricans call it, you will not stop delighting yourself with its beaches, nature, gastronomy and the warmth of its people.

Costa Rica is a relatively small country in Central America, with only 51,100 km2 and a population of approximately 5.1 million inhabitants. Tourism is the main engine of its economy, more specifically ecotourism.

Costa Rica offers attractions for children, youth, adults, friends, couples and families in search of adventure, environmental awareness and nature. The good thing about Costa Rica is that in each destination there is something for everyone. We have easily designed Costa Rica vacation packages for all types of travelers.

For example, families prefer to spend more time relaxing, so hot spring pools and beaches are often more attractive for them. Groups of friends and young couples without children prefer to visit regions that offer more adventure with animal watching and zip lining. Read carefully the description and see the pictures of the vacation packages to Costa Rica we have designed and you will notice the attractions that are best for you.

In this small guide we will try to share the best places that Costa Rica has to offer to travellers and all you need to know to plan your choose the perfect Costa Rica tour Package.

Why Visit Costa Rica?

Costa Rica is one of the best destinations to visit in Central America, among the many things it has to offer we have:

#1 Nature in Abundance

Despite it is a small country, Costa Rica stands out for its protected natural sites, rich forests and a variety of flora and fauna all around the country.

This is due to the fact that 5% of all world biodiversity is found in Costa Rica and, more than 25% of its territory is classified as protected national parks and nature reserves. Declared as such to avoid deforestation and exploitation of natural resources and preserve and safeguard nature. In all the Costa Rica vacation packages you will find plenty of activities related to nature.

#2 Incredible and Numerous National Parks

Costa Rica has a total of 58 wildlife refuges and 27 national parks. It also has 32 protected areas, 15 marshy wetland areas, 8 biological reserves, 11 forest reserves and 12 conservation regions, which protect different natural habitats distributed throughout Costa Rica.

#3 Diverse Fauna and in its Natural Habitat

Many of the reserves have become tourist destinations that you should visit in your tour to Costa Rica. So for all those passionate about the various animal species, indigenous and migratory birds, insects, amphibians, reptiles, fish, and any type of animal species, Costa Rica will be a paradise. Many of the Costa Rica vacation packages include excursions to see birds in the forest. A very special one is in Monteverde where you will see Quetzales if you are lucky. Quetzales are known to be the most beautiful birds on earth.

Among the most common animals and most likely to see, are the two and three-toed sloths, that live in many parts of Costa Rica. The squirrel monkeys, capuchin monkeys and spider monkeys. And very striking exotic birds such as the quetzal.

#4 Paradisiacal Virgin Beaches

Costa Rica has the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Caribbean Sea to the east. Because of this, it has more than 1,100 miles of coastline with beautiful beaches.

The best thing is that the distance between the Caribbean and Pacific coasts is only 321 kilometers (200 miles), so you can visit beaches on both coasts by traveling by car in a single day. In addition, they are usually very quiet beaches, since the density of tourists is not very high. If you want to enjoy a splendit sun vacation on your holidays a tour package to Costa Rica is a perfect idea.

#5 Experience Extreme Sports

In Costa Rica, nature and ecotourism are exploited to the maximum in a responsible manner.

It was in Costa Rica where the Canopy was born, a way to slide through the heights of the forests and appreciate the beauty of its colors, birds, and trees from a new perspective full of adrenaline.

Fun bungee jumping, mountain biking, rappelling, rock climbing, hiking, mountaineering, and canyoning are also widely practiced in the forested lands of Costa Rica.

Likewise, there are fun aerial activities such as paragliding and the fun doesn't stop there. In the water thousands of tourists and natives go surfing every year on its beaches, which are optimal for this due to its waves. Our travel itineraries to Costa Rica include special vacation packages for surfers.

Diving and snorkeling are also very common activities to do in our Costa Rica vacation packages. You can closely swim with whale sharks, killer whales, dolphins, turtles, different fish and many more species. And, in its numerous and varied rivers, rafting or canoeing is practiced continuously.

If you consider taking a tour or trip to Costa Rica, you can be sure that you will never get bored, the options are very varied!

#6 Numerous and Impressive Volcanoes

Costa Rica is located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, so volcanoes are very common within its territory. They are distributed mainly in the north of the country and the Central Highlands, there are more than 200 volcanos, of which a little more than half are active.

Visiting them is an unforgettable experience, and even more so if you immerse yourself in the surrounding hot springs. Many of the vacation packages to Costa Rica that we offer include visit Arenal Volcano, one of the most popular destinations of Costa Rica.

#7 Varied, Fresh and Healthy Gastronomy

The typical Creole dishes of Costa Rica stand out for the use of fresh fruits, vegetables, spices and herbs, so their dishes are very natural and quite healthy.

Do not miss the opportunity to try the gallo pinto, the casado, the ceviche, the pot of meat, the pork tamales, the stuffed chili, and their desserts, such as the dulce de leche, the chiverre and churchill empanadas and the cajeta, a very delicious type of sweet.

#8 The Cordiality and Chill of its Inhabitants

If Costa Ricans stand out for something in their way of being and thinking, definitely for their good spirits and kindness. The Ticos take their motto very seriously: "Pura Vida" using it not only to express themselves, show gratitude or greet, but also to externalize their way of life, the desire and search for a peaceful, full life, that leaves no room for stress and worries.

#9 Costa Rica is Safe to travel

Although there is clearly a certain level of crime in the capital, Costa Rica is one of the safest countries in all of Latin America, and the tourist spots and beaches are usually quite calm.

This is why many families with children decide to plan Costa Rica vacation packages. Parents can feel safe and discover a country of latin america.

#10 Attractive Cities and Culture

Even though the main reason for traveling to Costa Rica is its natural attractions, the cities are also a very fun place to visit, and you can do walks through its small towns with beautiful museums, churches, parks, cafes and restaurants that are also the most enriching.

#11 Climate and Clothing in Costa Rica

The climate in Costa Rica is humid and warm. However, there are regions where the altitude is higher and the temperature drops. Therefore, we recommend you:

• To bring fresh clothing, waterproof clothing and windbreaker.
• Wear shoes suitable for hiking. During your trip, you will likely be involved in rainforest hikes and adventure activities.
• Bring insect repellent and sunscreen. In the low-lying tropics near the coasts, insects proliferate.
• Do not foreget your swinwear

Best Time to Take a Trip to Costa Rica

The appropriate time to do tours to Costa Rica will depend on your liking, the places you want to visit and the activities you prefer to do.

The dry season (warm weather and no rain) is from December to April. During this time, rainfall is less and the sun is intense, so if you want to visit parks and observe animals in their natural habitats, it will be easier, as they come out more in sunny days. In addition, transfers are easier because the rivers are calmer and mud is not generated in the streets. we offer a lot of Fly and Drive travel packages to Costa Rica. We usually advice renting a 4x4 car.

The rainy season runs from May to November and, as its name indicates, rainfall intensifies, usually at noon. If your interest lies in the interior jungle or in extreme activities such as canoeing or surfing, this time of the year is a good option for you. In addition, being low season the prices of hotels and services are usually lower.

• However, generally the most recommended month to take a trip to Costa Rica is March, when the weather is better, it rains less and it is easier to spot wild animals.

Required documents

The first thing you need to enter Costa Rica is your passport, valid for more than 6 months from the date of entry into the country and at least one page available for stamps.

You can check if you require a visa for entry at this link.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is now also required to complete, with less than 72 hours in advance, a form entitled "Health Pass", which you can fill out here (this can change soon).

If you are not a minor and do not have the complete vaccination scheme against COVID-19, in addition to completing the previous form, you must have medical insurance that meets the requirements of the Costa Rican government.

If you have already been vaccinated, and your last vaccine was received more than 2 weeks before the date of travel, you will be able to enter the country without any problem. But please check the updated information before booking one of our Costa Rica vacation packages.

Airport and Transportation

The main gateway to Costa Rica is the Juan Santamaría International Airport, located in the country's capital, San José, and is the second busiest airport in Central America. This is because most of the tours to Costa Rica and routes of travelers start and end in San José, and the offices for corporations are located in San Jose.

Almost all airlines arrive to San Jose, such as Avianca, Aeroméxico, Air Canada, Air Panama, American Airlines, Iberia, Jet Blue, Air France, among others.

However, it is not the only airport, as there are 4 international airports in Costa Rica. The 2nd most important is the Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport, located in Liberia, from where excellent excursions to Costa Rica are also organized. An advantage of the latter is that it is located just 15 km from beautiful beaches.

From the airport, the most practical ways to get around is by taxi. All of our guided tours to Costa Rica include transportation in and out the airport.

Remember to change some money into the local currency before you leave the airport, you will surely need some cash afterwards.

Language and Currency

The language used in almost all the Costa Rican territory is the Spanish language.

Regarding its currency, it is named Costa Rican Colon, whose symbol is ₡.

The value of 1 US dollar is equivalent to 649.13 colones, so its bills handle values of 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000 and up to 50,000 colones.

However, shops and restaurants usually accept payments in dollars. ATMs are located throughout the entire country.

Hotels and Lodges in Costa Rica

As we mentioned before, tourism for Costa Rica is of great importance, so lodgings and hotels abound in existence and variety. One of the most important aspect when designing Costa Rica vacation packages is choosing the best hotels. Take a look to the hotels we have choose for our itineraries, they are lovely.

Among the types of lodging that you can find in the country, are:

- Hotels: There of all levels of quality and prices. They usually have all the comforts and the price of the stay per day in a double room is between 80 and 150 dollars.

- Lodges: Although they are usually smaller in size, they maintain a good quality and are found more frequently in the natural areas. Some lodges are destinations! They are found in such wonderful places that looking at their pictures will give your heart the desire to be there.

The accommodations for tours to Costa Rica can also include cabins, a very common accommodation on the coast.

What to visit in Costa Rica?

The main attraction on a trip to Costa Rica is living and enjoying its nature to the extreme. Being in the woods surrounded by huge trees and varied flowers is an experience you will never forget. Add the sound of the animals, the rain, the waterfalls, the butterflies, the monkeys and the many birds that you will be able to observe.

The main activities in the region are flora and fauna sighting tours, extreme sports, bathing in hot springs, horseback riding and hiking in national parks.

Let's lear about the favorite places of tourists to visit in Costa Rica.

• Volcán Arenal

The Arenal Volcano is located approximately 160 kilometers from San José, the capital of Costa Rica. The volcano was for many years the destination that attracted most tourists to the country. It is a volcano that was active until 2010, the year in which the last eruption occurred. The region has an impressive tourist infrastructure, the hotels are immersed in nature and in many there are thermal water pools that reach up to 40° centigrade (140° fahrenheit).

• Monteverde

Monteverde is located 140 kilometers from San José at one of the highest altitudes in Costa Rica. In the area you can see the most exotic bird species in the country. For example, in Curicancha Park you can see Quetzals, one of the most beautiful birds on the planet.

In this region are the most extreme adventure parks in Costa Rica. You can practice the Tarzan jump, the bungee jump, and the giant zip lines. In some of the zip lines you can launch yourself face down facing forward, this position is known as Super Man.

Our tours to Costa Rica and travel packages include visits to Monteverde.

• Manuel Antonio National Park

Manuel Antonio National Park is the most famous in all of Costa Rica, and one of the most visited in all of Latin America. It is located 230 kilometers from the city of San José. In this park you will be able to observe the four different monkeys that exist in Costa Rica. The two most loved are the White Faced Monkeys and the Sloths. In addition, in Manuel Antonio, there is a beach that has been recognized as one of the most beautiful in the world by Fortune Magazine.

Manuel Antonio is also a beach destination, so many of the visitors take the opportunity to sunbathe and relax.

• Tortuguero

Tortuguero is located 130 kilometers (90 miles) from the city of San José on the Caribbean side. The main attraction of this area are the turtles and visiting the Braulio Carrillo National Park.

The views Tortuguero are impressive, turtle lovers go crazy with happiness in this region. You will also be able to observe other species of Costa Rica such as lazy and white-faced monkeys.

• Puerto Viejo Limón

It is the farthest area from the city of San José, it is located on the coast of the Caribbean Sea, very close to the border with Panama. Enjoy the nightlife, the white sand beaches and the nature of Puerto Viejo. Visitors to Puerto Viejo practice snorkeling and different water activities during the day. Others like to relax on the beach, and at night the nightlife is among the best in Costa Rica.

Why buy a vacation package to Costa Rica?

Guided tours and vacation packages to Costa Rica are one of the best travel options available. From the time you arrive to the airport someone will be taking care of you and your vacation. Foreget searching for the right activity, booking every tour and finding the best hotel for your trip. We have years of experience helping many travelers discover Costa Rica.

We offer Fly and Drive travel packages to Costa Rica and also Do ir Yourself (DIY) travel packages. So we got you covered. Our vacation packages to Costa Rica are designed by our professional agents. All these tours can be adapted to your specific needs and can be done in different modalities and categories:

Category from 3 to 5 Stars (and boutique)

The category mainly refers to the level of luxury that you will enjoy in your hotel. We have comfortable and affordable lodging options; intermediate level, luxury and super luxury.

Fly and Drive mode

In this modality, the tour packages to Costa Rica include the activities in the itinerary, the accommodations and the rental of a car for the entire duration of the trip. The advantage of this modality is that you can do city transfers at a time that suits you in an economical way.

We have also planned the rental of your car so it starts when you need it. There are some places such as Tortuguero where you cannot get to with a car. So why spend money for a car that you will not use for 3 or 4 days. We got you covered...

Shared Mode Tours to Costa Rica

In this modality, the transfers between cities and most of the tours are carried out in a shared ride. It is a comfortable and economical way to carry out your itinerary in Costa Rica.

Private Travel Packages to Costa Rica

This is the most comfortable way to make the trip. Enjoy the road while your driver transports you through Costa Rica. Most drivers also know special places in the road and they will suggest you spots and give you extra information.

Mixed Category and Modality

Any type of trip to Costa Rica can be adapted to your needs. Our expert travel agents can help you adapt your budget to your needs and mix the modality and the category in different parts of your trip.

Now cheer up, it will be an impressive trip to Costa Rica, you will remember it all your life and Costa Rica is waiting for you.