Costa Rica Vacations & Tours

After careful consideration in consultation with our Costa Rica travel specialists, we have suggestions for how you can organize your trip of any length. A custom Zicasso tour reduces the pressures of planning a trip by allowing us to organize your days based on what you want to experience. The suggestions below provide you with guidelines on how to plan a Costa Rica trip:

7 to 9 Day Trips

If you have 7 to 9 days in Costa Rica, we suggest you visit Arenal, Monteverde, and Manuel Antonio National Park. Organizing your days efficiently will offer you more time to better experience the essentials of Costa Rica.

7 Days

Days 1-3: Arenal

Days 5-7: Manuel Antonio National Park

8 Days

Days 1-3: Arenal

Days 4-5: Monteverde

Days 6-8: Manuel Antonio National Park

9 Days

Days 1-3: Arenal

Days 4-5: Monteverde

Days 6-9: Manuel Antonio National Park

If you can spend closer to 14 days in Costa Rica, we suggest adding more destinations to the original locations of Arenal, Monteverde, and Manuel Antonio National Park by visiting Tortuguero and Corcovado National Park. Each Zicasso tour is custom-tailored to your desired experience, but we recommend that you organize your time as follows:

10 Days

Days 1-3: Arenal

Days 4-5: Monteverde

Days 6-8: Manuel Antonio National Park

Days 9-10: Tortuguero

12 Days

Days 1-3: Arenal

Days 4-5: Monteverde

Days 6-9: Manuel Antonio National Park

Days 10-12: Corcovado National Park

14 Days

Days 1-3: Arenal

Days 4-5: Monteverde

Days 6-8: Manuel Antonio National Park

Days 9-11: Corcovado National Park

Days 12-14: Tortuguero

15 Days

Days 1-3: Arenal

Days 4-5: Monteverde

Days 6-9: Manuel Antonio National Park

Days 10-12: Corcovado National Park

Days 13-15: Tortuguero

16 days

Days 1-4: Arenal

Days 5-6: Monteverde

Days 7-9: Manuel Antonio National Park

Days 10-13: Corcovado National Park

Days 14-15: Tortuguero

10 to 12 days is the perfect amount of time for a Costa Rica trip. Costa Rica remains an idyllic destination for active travelers and those searching for a tropical escape. The famous biodiversity offers thrilling outdoor excursions and getaways into the peaceful wilderness. Your goals will help guide you to how and where you travel in Costa Rica. 10 to 12 days offers you enough time to visit the highlights of Arenal, Monteverde, and Manuel Antonio National Park in addition to having time for further exploring the country at your pace.

During your Costa Rica tour, you can discover deserted beaches and transcendent forests hiding toucans and quetzals. Active volcanoes, pristine wave breaks, cultural markets and fantastic hiking trails also highlight Costa Rica’s dazzling charm.

Arenal volcano has created a thermal wonderland that embodies the lush beauty and captivating biodiversity for which Costa Rica is known. Arenal contains natural marvels, such as cultural excursions, active explorations, and relaxing hot springs.

What to See & Do

The Main Must-Do Tours in Arenal (recommended 3-4 nights depending on pace):

1.  Active Tours

• Ziplining offers a different perspective of the treeline by taking you on a thrilling ride through the canopy.
• Whitewater Rafting allows you to rush along the rivers for views of scenic waterfalls and lush mountains that support the marvelous wildlife.

2.  Food Tour

• A chocolate tour reflects the heritage of the cocoa bean in Central and South America as well as its delicious representation in Costa Rica.
• Coffee tours highlight the importance of Costa Rica’s biodiversity by revealing the production methods and diverse flavors of local beans.

The small town of Monteverde embodies the marvels of wildlife and biodiversity in Costa Rica, which can be found in the enchanting Cloud Forest and Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve. Untamed wilderness, butterfly farms, and the local community showcase the local majesty.

What to See & Do

The Main Must-Do Tours in Monteverde (2 days depending on pace):

1. Active Tours
   • Nature walks through the Cloud Forest reveal stunning wildlife, such as three-toed sloths, jaguars, and Baird’s tapir, along the trails and hanging bridges.
   • Horseback riding in the Cloud Forest reveals the pathways for a mixture of wildlife viewing and further wilderness exploration.

The dazzling beauty of Manuel Antonio National Park stems from the white-sand beaches and relaxing ambiance of the Pacific coastline. The wilderness features 109 different mammals as well as 184 different bird species that are easily viewed from the trails.

What to See & Do

The Main Must-Do Tours in Manuel Antonio National Park (3-4 days depending on pace):

1.  Active Tours

• Sea Kayaking allows you to explore the colorful waters of the Pacific while also witnessing the immense wildlife along the coastline.
• Surfing is a fantastic activity to experience in Manuel Antonio due to the consistent and easy breaks within view of the lush scenery.

2.  Sightseeing

• The Pacific Ocean is the perfect destination to whale watch and offers glimpses of humpback, orcas, and pilot whales.
• Wildlife Viewing around Manuel Antonio immerses you in the rainforest with possibilities for finding endangered squirrel and spider monkeys.

Traveling with Zicasso provides you with exclusive access to many activities, excursions, and tours for a distinctive experience. The following information offers insight into our recommended experiences and can be tailored to focus on your unique interests:

An active tour will immerse you in the excitement of the mountains, rivers, lakes, and treetops across Costa Rica for a distinctive glimpse of the landscape and  incredible wildlife at your preferred pace.

Recommendations for some of the best active tours in Costa Rica include:

Hiking

• Arenal Volcano National Park – Hiking trails wind through more than 7,114 acres of protected landscape, leading trekkers over lava flows and through Costa Rica’s primary rainforest.
• Rio Celeste Waterfall – The blue water of the hidden river hosts trails that lead to natural hot springs fed by the Tenorio Volcano.

Surfing

• Playa Guiones – The shoreline of Playa Guiones has over 300 days of surf a year with consistent waves that break over a soft, sandy seafloor.
• Playa Tamarindo – The long stretch of surf along the Pacific coast offers consistent waves for experienced and novice surfers.

Whitewater Rafting

• La Fortuna – Rapids around La Fortuna create the gateway to the Arenal Volcano National Park and an adventurous destination home to multiple rivers with a variety of rapid classes.
• Penas Blancas River – The perfect choice for children and adults alike, the Penas Blancas River boasts power and precision with class I and II rapids as well as floating safaris that offer views of the surrounding wildlife.

Private Excursions and Special Access

Zicasso’s travel specialist partners have insider access to unique experiences that you cannot get any other way. These experiences, customized to your specific interests, can often be your most memorable, turning your trip into the experience of a lifetime. Here are some examples, but the possibilities are endless:

• Learn how to mix perfect cocktails by blending spirits with the varieties of Costa Rican coffee. A trained barista will guided you in matching the flavors of each ingredient.
• Experience authentic Costa Rican cuisine by producing a multi-course meal under the tutelage of a celebrated chef.

Costa Rica has become a universally beloved destination for travel and a country that is eager to celebrate its cultural gastronomy. The volcanic landscape supports the warm climate and fertile soils rich with abundant minerals. Delectable fruits and stunning seafood reflect the fresh ingredients often used in the local cuisine in addition to culinary staples, such as rice, black beans, and roasted chicken. Tasty chocolate and celebrated coffee crown the popular flavors of Costa Rica.

Poas: The rich soil of the volcanic region of the Poas Volcano reaches elevations between 3,937 feet and 5,249 feet above sea level,resulting in a harsh but supportive micro-climate ideal for growing coffee beans. The beans often result in a fruity and floral flavor, ending with earthy or chocolate notes.

Tres Rios: The mountainous region of Tres Rios possesses some of the most coveted coffee in the world. The mineral-rich soil stems from the Irazu Volcano, resulting in a high-quality bean known for its subtle acidity, intense aroma, and slightly tart chocolate flavor.

Terrazu: The largest coffee-growing region in Costa Rica produces some of the world’s highest quality coffee while accounting for over one third of the country’s entire crop. The delicious flavors include hints of honey, grass, malt, dates, and chocolate.

Art

The Costa Rican government supports and encourages the preservation of historic monuments, museums, galleries, and popular art initiatives. The town of Sarchi embodies the ideals of Costa Rican art by acting as the cultural center of the country and home to the world’s largest ox cart. The charming mountain town shines with handmade furniture, vibrant jewelry, and miscellaneous artworks, including the bright pinks and oranges of small hand-carved ox carts.

History

Costa Rica is a young country but has roots embedded in the essential history of Central America from before the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century. The museums in San Jose truly embody the rich history of the country with artifacts that are displayed in the Gold Museum, the Jade Museum, and the Costa Rican National Museum. The neighborhoods of San Jose offer insight into how the city has changed through the centuries, from the retreat of the Spanish empire to the dissolution of the military in the mid-20th century. You can discover the remarkable heritage of the cities and the evolution of the preserved wildlife during a customized Zicasso trip. Your travel specialist will design a tour with specialized guides, such as a biologist with a PhD, coffee-cuppers, or a guide certified in leading bird-focused small-group tours.

The starting price of a custom-tailored Costa Rica trip is approximately $180 per person, per day. For an escorted group tour, the starting price can be $150 per person, per day.

The cost of a vacation is dependent on several factors, such as the:

• Length of your trip
• Season (month) of travel
• Class of hotel
• Number of locations/cities you visit
• Number of guided day tours and activities (e.g., cooking class, wine tasting, etc.)
• How much you splurge on meals, shopping, etc.

A vacation such as this is often the biggest purchase of the year. It will also likely be one of the most memorable experiences of your lifetime. To get the most out of your trip, we highly recommend using an expert travel specialist to plan a customized tour that is tailored to your specific interests and budget. You can also join an escorted group tour so that most travel arrangements are pre-planned for you. This way, you can travel hassle-free and relax while a professional tour director and guide takes care of all logistics and any issues that might arise.

The cost of a tailor-made Costa Rica tour typically starts at $1,800 per person for a 10-day trip, i.e., at $180 per person, per day during the low or shoulder-season.

This includes:

• 3-star hotels (shared twin room)
• Some guided day tours and activities
• Transportation in Costa Rica, such as airport transfers and domestic flights

A 5-star, tailor-made Costa Rica  tour, where most services are upgraded and extra unique experiences are included, typically starts at $500 per person for a 10-day trip.

An escorted Costa Rica group tour, with scheduled departure dates, delivers excellent value. With comparable inclusions, such as the class of hotel, guided activities, and transportation, a group tour can be 30 - 50% less expensive than an equivalent tailor-made tour.

Everyone’s priorities, interests, and preferences are different. Submit a trip request on Zicasso, and we will personally match you with an expert trip planner who will help you customize your dream trip or help you select the right group tour while also taking your budget into consideration.

Updated: December 23, 2019

The best time to visit Costa Rica is during the dry season between mid-December and April. The dry season offers plenty of sunshine for both exploring the rainforests or relaxing on the celebrated beaches.

Visiting in between December and April is also the most popular time of year to travel to Costa Rica, which means prices are higher for hotels and rooms should be booked well in advance.

Visiting in the wet season between May and November offers different surprises, such as gorgeous foliage and natural wildlife in addition to lower prices for hotels. July and August also offer a sweet spot during the wet season when you can spot wildlife, enjoy the beaches, and discover the country without getting caught in the rain.

You should plan your Costa Rica trip between three to six months in advance if you wish to visit key destinations like Arenal, Monteverde, and Manuel Antonio National Park. Due to the high demand of international and domestic travelers around Christmas, New Years, and Easter, in addition to the limited number of hotels and services, you should reserve your accommodations and transfers early. We recommend planning your Costa Rica trip up to six months in advance if traveling around different holidays.

The best way to see Costa Rica in 10 Days is with a combination of private drivers and flights. Flights between local airports are quick and allow you to travel farther and faster with reliable service. This allows you to visit distant areas of Costa Rica in a smaller period of time.

Private transfers in Costa Rica are affordable and make traveling around the country easy for every type of traveler, whether visiting as a couple, family, on a senior trip, or a solo traveler. Private transfers will take you to your hotels, link you to different regions, and connect you to exciting activities.

Renting a car for first-time visitors is unnecessary and can, in fact, cause confusion or avoidable stress. Private transfers and domestic flights are easy, affordable, and accessible for all types of travelers, and the roads around Costa Rica are often unmarked and unpaved. Traffic in the cities can be aggravating with mountain roads being long and winding.

A Zicasso travel specialist will always include private transfers to and from the airport, between destinations, and that connect to activities for your best stress-free Costa Rica tour, which circumvents possible gas service charges, winding mountain roads, and challenging weather conditions.

Travel considerations during your Costa Rica tour include safety, logistics, and ease of accessibility. The following information offers guidelines to consider during your trip:

Costa Rica is incredibly safe. During your Costa Rica trip, you will find the country and people welcoming and eager to share their culture. As with anywhere around the world, when in busy areas, pickpockets can be a concern. Regarding the general health of the nation, there are no issues concerning eating or drinking throughout Costa Rica.

You’ve booked your dream vacation, now protect it with travel insurance. A wide range of factors can leave your vacation in limbo. Medical emergencies, inclement weather, and unexpected cancellations can cause turmoil for your trip, so in the unlikely event of a disaster, get the travel insurance coverage that provides peace of mind. To get a quote, visit our travel insurance page.

Having a family-friendly guide will maximize your time by enhancing the experiences of your trip for every member of your family. Your guides can cater each tour to the children to keep their interest and can also create separate tours for teenagers or adults that focus on wildlife, conservation, or the unique ecosystems for which Costa Rica is known.

Having a guide who is knowledgeable in touring with seniors will understand how to organize more accessible tours and activities while also planning for appropriate transfers that will maximize what you can see and experience. Private transfers can help carry your luggage to and from check-in while quick domestic flights can also shorten the travel time between destinations.

A guide knowledgeable in romance around Costa Rica will help uncover secluded corners of the country for unique perspectives and majestic opportunities, such as a secluded couple’s hike or horseback riding at sunset.

Guests with mobility challenges can be well assisted by our Costa Rica travel specialists. Access and alternative arrangements can be made with ease to ensure the enjoyment of certain monuments, historical sites, accommodations, and restaurants.

For most travelers, the best airport to fly in and out of when visiting Costa Rica is Juan Santamaria International Airport in San Jose (SJO). Being the largest airport in the country and its central location,San Jose’s international airport is easy to reach while also making destinations around Costa Rica easily accessible. Other airports also provide equal opportunities and possibilities for flights inside of Costa Rica and connect to larger international airports.

For most travelers, the most convenient airport is Santamaria International Airport, but the second most accessible airport in Costa Rica is Liberia’s Daniel Oduber Airport (LIR).

San Jose has the largest and most accessible airport in Costa Rica with flights from around North American and Europe landing in the nation’s capital before continuing to smaller airports around the country. Smaller airports require a connection in San Jose before traveling to other destinations, making it advantageous and easy to fly in and out of San Jose.

When traveling mostly around the Guanacaste region, it is much easier to fly in and out of Daniel Oduber Airport (LIR) in Liberia, which is the capital of Guanacaste.

Costa Rica has four domestic airlines that airlines that provide regular service across the country. Between the national airlines, you can travel to at least 14 different destinations around the country, andeach local airport is connected to the major hubs of San Jose and Liberia.

Zicasso Air Desk is an international air ticketing service that eliminates the stress of finding and booking the right flights for your upcoming vacation by employing the same personalized service you can expect from planning a trip with Zicasso. Our competitive flight pricing, 24x7 Service & Support, and Complimentary Consultation of Routing vs. Pricing with an Expert Flight Specialist make finding the perfect flight for your trip effortless.

When returning to Costa Rica for another tour, you can travel beyond the destinations of Arenal, Manuel Antonio, and Monteverde to discover destinations considered more off-the-beaten-path but equally worthy of your attention. The following list includes some of our recommendations for where you can visit during your return Costa Rica trip.

• Nicoya Peninsula

The rugged, mountainous landscape of the Nicoya Peninsula contrasts the barrelling waves that glint with turquoise hues and pristine sands that amble down the coastline. The relaxing ambiance only enhances the surrounding beauty of the forging rivers and towering ridges during the day, leading to luxurious stargazing and sea turtle spotting in the evening.

• Corcovado National Park

The unique biodiversity of the protected landscape hosts primary rainforest that hosts half of Costa Rica’s indigenous species, including a large population of scarlet macaws. The jungle terrain offers fantastic hiking trails and a secluded coastline that travels from Bahia Drake to Puerto Jimenez.