Costa Rica Natural Paradise

Dear Traveler, Welcome to a great vacation at an affordable price. Your Costa Rica tour is fully guided and includes all meals, all hotels, and all activities. Happy Travels! Caravan
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Tour Year:

20262027

Costa Rica Family Trip

Last year, 2.8 million people from around the world visited Costa Rica. It’s not hard to see why! Between its tropical beaches, beautiful wildlife, and vibrant culture, it’s a near-perfect destination.

Enjoying a Costa Rica family trip takes a bit of planning. Fortunately, you don’t have to figure it out on your own. With this guide, you’ll have the tools to determine your family’s ideal itinerary, meals, modes of transportation, overnight stays, and budget.

Get ready for the ultimate family tour of Costa Rica.

Envision Your Family’s Costa Rica Trip

Before heading out on a Costa Rica vacation, think about what kind of trip you want to have. Start with its spirit, then get practical with a budget.

Your Family Trip’s Tone & Spirit
Talk to your family, ask open-ended questions, and do some introspection to determine the right spirit for your family’s trip. While it’s inevitably personal, there are four popular themes for Costa Rica family vacations:

  • Restful & Relaxing. Day-to-day life can be stressful, and sometimes what a family really needs is a break. If your goal is to simply hit pause and relax, try to build your trip around themes of rest and rejuvenation.

    • Set a slow pace for yourself, and center low-effort, relaxing activities like lounging on the beach. While a relaxing vacation could still have a few high-energy days, be sure to spread them out.

  • Thrilling Adventure. In contrast, if your goal is thrills and adventure, your itinerary can involve experiences and locales known for getting adrenaline pumping.

    • Just make sure the activities are suited to your family members’ ages and skill levels. If there’s a wide spread, one option is to plan some whole-family, little-kid-safe adventure days.

    • Alternate those with “small group” days, letting those interested in extreme jungle trails or watersports challenge themselves, while others stick with tamer options.

  • Wonder & Wildlife. If you’re drawn to Costa Rica for its wildlife, you’re not alone!

    • It’s wise to prioritize explorations of the country’s unique biomes, or guided animal encounters, over activities that, while fun, could be enjoyed at almost any beach.

  • Easy & Friendly. Finally, if your family has a lot of little kids or four-legged members, you might envision a fun trip that’s both kid- and pet-friendly.

    • Look for accommodations that offer services catering to little kids and pets.

    • Choose activities that help young ones and dogs alike get their energy out, without overwhelming or distressing them.

Once your vision feels right, let it be your North Star.

That way, every aspect of a family trip to Costa Rica, from what you do each day, to where you spend the night, and even where you eat, can serve that vision. Don’t let salesy influencers push you into doing anything that undercuts the heart of your ideal family escapade!

Considering Your Budget

Beyond the experiential through line of your trip, considering your budget is also key.

An extremely budget-conscious trip could potentially cost less than $900. But, it would have to be short (say, 3-4 days at most), and you’d likely need to choose inexpensive or free accommodations (i.e. camping), and stick to low-cost food and activities.

Or, you might be at the opposite end of the budget spectrum. Costa Rica is a great destination for a luxury vacation, if that’s your style. Exclusive resorts, gourmet restaurants, and private chauffeur service are just a smattering of options for VIP travelers in the country.

No matter where your family sits on the scale, there’s a Costa Rica vacation that can work for you. With this guide, you have a quick resource to start thinking through how to make this trip pitch perfect.

Where To Go: Cities, Towns, Beaches & Reserves

The cities, towns, or nature reserves you spend your time in should offer easy access to the types of experiences you want to have.

For a relaxing trip, we recommend either camping, or setting up in a wellness-oriented place. Beach towns and villages among volcanic springs are ideal.

Wildlife-centered vacations should choose a site offering easy access to diverse natural biomes as “home base,” while thrill-seekers benefit when they stay in hotspots for surfing, extreme mountain biking, or parasailing.

For maximum kid- and pet-friendliness, the best locales have more infrastructure and services established for visiting families. These are often major metropolitan hubs, or towns where tourism is a central industry.

Restful & Relaxing
Wildlife Wonders
Thrills & Adventure
Easy & Friendly
Budget
Montezuma, a laid-back, bohemian town with iconic beachside waterfalls at Playa Cocalito
La Fortuna, a visitor-friendly village, gateway to the Arenal Valley, and home of the La Fortuna waterfall.
Arenal Valley National Park, where visitors can enjoy tubing, kayaking, and biking “lava trails” in sight of the Arenal Volcano
Dominical & Zacero, serene mountain towns with farmers’ markets and paved topiary gardens.
Standard
Beach towns of the Nicoya Peninsula, a “blue zone” where people live long, healthy lives
Nosara, a town on the Gulf of Nicoya offering trail access into three diverse natural biomes.
Tamarindo in Guanacaste Province, a beach town famous for its themed “surf jams,” nightlife, and popular “crocodile tours” of estuaries
San José, Costa Rica’s capital city
Splurge
Cartago, a city with a laid back rhythm, slightly cooler weather and site of the Cartago ruins.
Cordillera de Tilarán, an eco-tourism hub in the heart of the Cordillera mountains.
Remote islands with great waves:
Cocos Island & Isla Tortuga

Tarcoles, a quiet town offering birdwatching tours and access to Jaco beach
Luxury
Peninsula Papagayo, a gated resort community in the tropical dry forest of Guanacaste
Uvita, a coastal town with prime whale watching real estate, near
Caño Island.
Pacuare Lodge in Limón Costa Rica, where guests zipline to and from The Nest.
The glamorous Escazú District, a San José suburb with upscale bistros and boutiques

Where To Stay: Campsites, Hostels & Hotels

Accommodations can really make or break your vacation budget. If you’re aiming to stay anyplace for under $60 / night, you’re probably looking for a campground or hostel. The good news is, there’s plenty of both in Costa Rica!

If you’re willing to bump that cost up a bit (say $60-$120) there are a lot more hotels and stays available to you. This is particularly true if you’re willing to travel during Costa Rica’s off season.

Costa Rica is also home to several different, internationally renowned luxury resorts.

Restful & Relaxing
Wildlife Wonders
Thrills & Adventure
Easy & Friendly
Budget
Relaxing on a budget is possible in basic (yet well-kept) hostels with private rooms—like Cattleya Monteverda.

Families have praised the $15-$25 / night one-room “cabins”, which include stress-relieving features like kitchenettes, personal bathrooms, and housekeeping services.
To keep costs low, nature aficionados can stay in hostels on farms or conservation gardens, like Rio Agujitas Eco Farm.
The least expensive way to spend nights during a thrilling Costa Rica adventure is by wild camping.

Pitch a tent or roll up a camper van in designated free camp zones. The camp zones near Playa Palemas (not directly on the beach), Montezuma have a solid reputation.
While slightly pricier than a hostel or campground, the best pet-friendly stay is Hotel Nahua in Tamarindo.

It’s a budget-friendly, kid-friendly spot that allows dogs and cats.
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Get a rejuvenation upgrade by spending your nights at the Termales del Bosque & Hot Springs. Rooms range from $68 - $117 / night, depending on the season, and bookings include passes to the onsite sauna.
The Arenal Observatory Lodge is designed to grant all guests incredible, scenic views.

Most family vacations can afford a 4-person room overlooking a cloud forest vista.
The three-star Arbouras Eco Cabinas suit most budgets, and they let your family spend the night overlooking the rainforest from a treetop cabin.
GuanaGlamp Glamping Lodge, a dog-friendly “glamping” hotel with a kiddie pool and craft zone for kids
Splurge
Sheraton Four Points San José offers a pitch-perfect 4-star experience that’s worth the price.

Barcelo San José is a lovely hotel with lush gardens. Its grounds are known for attracting tropical birds and unusual animals.
Magic Mountain Hotel & Spa is an “adventure park” hotel, integrating the natural hot springs of the Arenal Volcano.
Hotel Boutique Casa del Rio is a resort hotel with natural hot spring onsite. Guests’ dogs and cats are welcome.
Luxury
The Lighthouse Ocotal is a luxury villa with a functioning lighthouse, overlooking the bay.
Cielo Lodge is a minimalist, luxury eco-lodge on a private rainforest reserve.
Rancho Pacifico is an award-winning, internationally renowned resort.

Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort, Costa Rica, by Hyatt, offers bespoke pet services and kids’ club.

What To Eat: Markets, Cafés & Restaurants

In Costa Rica, sodas are street vendors or mom-and-pop shops offering meals for as little as $1-2. Ferias, or farmer’s markets, are another great way to save money on food while immersing yourself in the local culture.

Splurge or spend more, and you’ll find almost every kind of sit down restaurant available, plus guided food tours.

Restful & Relaxing
Wildlife Wonders
Thrills & Adventure
Easy & Friendly
Budget
Local sodas (street food vendors), on almost every beach or boardwalk.
La Fortuna’s Friday Feria, an authentic, weekly farmer’s market at the foot of the La Fortuna waterfall
Monday Moonlight Market, an evening and after-dark market with food stalls, fresh produce, artisan crafts, and live music.
Feria Verde, an affordable, genuinely local farmer’s market in San José.

Standard
La Cuchara de Doña Emi in Nosara, a family-friendly open air restaurant with a warm ambiance
Lookout Restaurant, on Playa Coco, a family-style restaurant with an incredible ocean view
El Tigre Waterfalls Restaurant, a slow-casual spot within its namesake park in Monteverde, offering an affordable menu and a stunning view of the waterfalls.
Local sodas that’ve gained popularity among food fans (like Soda Los Papuchones in Utiva), where a hearty meal is ₡2,000–4,000 ($3–$6)
Splurge
Fuji, a fun “hibachi-style” restaurant in San José with a Latin take on Japanese cuisine
San Lucas Treetop Dining Experience in Monteverde, where guests can enjoy a 9-course gourmet dinner from the canopy of Costa Rica’s cloud forest, while kids enjoy a 3-course selection from the kid’s menu.
Try a ½-day sailboat tour built around dolphin encounters or whale watching that serves meals on-deck.

There are plenty to choose from!
Casa Luisa Show y Cena in La Fortuna, a festive, 90-minute “dinner and a show” featuring live music and costumed folk dance performances.
Luxury
San José Tour & Tasting: Coffee, Chocolate & History

This 2-3 hour walking tour of San José’s historic plaza offers guests up to five savory courses, coffee, and chocolate tastings as their guide tells the storied histories of each venue visited.
Sloths Observation: Coffee, Chocolate & Sugarcane Experience.

This all-ages guided rainforest trail tour in La Fortuna incorporates stops at farm-to-table chocolatiers, coffee roasters, and cane juiceries.
La Paz Waterfall Gardens Peace Lodge Restaurant.

This elegant bistro is nestled in the private La Paz Gardens, neighboring Poas Volcano National Park.
San José Bites & Sights Tour.

This 3-4 hour walking tour has plenty of rest stops, where guests enjoy small plates at diverse local eateries.

Highlights include:

  • Two farmer’s markets serving tropical fruits and veg
  • Savory bites baked by soda la tamaleras
  • Uniquely Costa Rican ice cream at a popular heladería

What To Do: Tours, Events & Activities

Costa Rica has plenty of free and low-cost experiences to enjoy. Whether you’re taking your dog to Súper Perro Park, or taking advantage of free public beaches, there’s an excursion that’ll suit your vibe.

Of course, on the expensive end of the spectrum, you’ll find once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Restful & Relaxing
Wildlife Wonders
Thrills & Adventure
Easy & Friendly
Budget
Enjoy a soothing soak in the natural hot springs river in Arenal Volcano National Park. You might have to walk a bit to find it, but the free rejuvenation is well worth it.
Hike to the Montezuma Waterfall. The park is free, and visitors can stay all day.
Budget-conscious adventurers might try surfing at Playa Tamarindo.

The free, public beach is known for its waves—to the point that international surf competitions are held there.
Súper Perro Park, a free dog park & dog sanctuary / rescue in Curridabat, San José, offering a free dog-and-kid playground.

It’s the partner of Territorio de Zaguates (Land of the Strays), a sanctuary featured on National Geographic, located on a mountainside ranch just an hour out from the city. There, guests can play with “hundreds” of free-roaming rescue dogs.

Both sanctuaries are free, but request donations.
Standard
Enjoy a massage while lying on the shores from a professional, traveling masseuse.

Look for massage therapists with an established setup, rather than those who “cold approach” beachgoers.
Nature-loving families praise immersive, 1-hour tours at Costa Rica’s sloth sanctuaries. Look for those who’ve earned seals of approval from animal welfare groups.
Tamarindo offers adventures for all ages, at diverse price points.

Younger kids love the beach’s scavenger hunt, which allows new sign-ups all day.

Older and bolder family members can rent a kayak, golf cart, or jet ski for a self-guided beach escapade.

Museo de los Niños, an inexpensive Children’s Museum in San José, offers a fun, indoor experience tailored to kids of all ages.
Splurge
Relax with a Coffee & Chocolate Scrub at Nayara Gardens. Refresh your skin and nails, and enjoy a tasty treat as you do.
For an immersive, family experice with Costa Rica’s wildlife, it’s hard to beat a guided rainforest tour (½ day or full day). Guides detail the lives of different plants and animals while shepherding your family along trails, under canopies, and across hanging bridges.
Costa Rica is a great place to splurge on an adventure experience. Popular options include:

  • Horseback riding on the beach

  • Parasailing excursions

  • Guided cave tubing tours

  • Rugged jungle tours on ATVs or Dune Buggies
    For an easy, kid-friendly excursion that’s sure to be memorable, try a Class 1 “Safari Float” ride on the Sarapiqui River.

Luxury
Luxuriate in an Oceanic Bioluminescent Ritual. This treatment uses the unique, glowing microfauna of Costa Rica’s estuaries to rejuvenate skin. Get your skin glowing in a way you’ve never done before.
If money is no object, enjoy a view that few ever get of Costa Rica’s tropical forests and volcano.

Embark on an aerial tour of Costa Rica’s landscape, riding in style in a hot air balloon or helicopter.
The ultimate luxury thrill? Try a private, full-day snorkeling tour. Each guest receives personalized attention and opportunities to try more daring, shallow dives—like shark-watching from underwater reefs.
Go all-out, and bring the whole family to a ½-Day Dolphin Watch Tour & Snorkeling Experience.

Be sure to choose a tour that offers basic snorkeling training if any of your family members are inexperienced.

How To Travel: Buses, Shuttles & Boats

Travel costs aren’t a trip’s biggest expense,but they do add up. Moreover, your mode of transportation during a Costa Rica vacation can add to your experience.

Restful & Relaxing
Wildlife Wonders
Thrills & Adventure
Easy & Friendly
Budget
Golf cart rental
Walking
Backpacking & cycling
Public buses (Collectivos)
Standard
Shuttles & Van Tours
Ferry Services
Jeep-Boat-Jeep Transport
Public buses (Directivo)
Splurge
VIP airport shuttle service
Trains & Aerial Trams
Red Taxis
Private Car Rental
Luxury
Professional Chauffeur in luxury vehicle
Horseback Tour throughout

Helicopter Flights & Private Plane Charter
Yacht cruises & private sailboat charters

Safety Tips For Costa Rica Family Adventure Vacations

Costa Rica is one of the safest destinations in the world.

That said, it’s always wise to plan ahead. Stay alert, avoid scams, and bring bottled water if you’ll be spending a lot of time in rural areas or on hikes. For more safety tips, check out, “Is it Safe to Travel to Costa Rica Right Now?”

Experience Costa Rica Stress-Free With Caravan

Trip planning is never truly easy. Fortunately, with Caravan, do the hardest part of the work for you! Our travel directors curate all-inclusive tours, booking everything from hotels to meals to transit well in advance.

To book a spot on Caravan’s Eight-Day Tour of Costa Rica, call 1-800-227-2826. To learn more, phone our team at +1-312-321-9800.

Sloth
Hot Springs
Butterfly Garden

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2026 Hotels

Accommodations in the hotels and lodges are usually rooms with two beds and private bath or shower. A limited number of single rooms are available. Triple rooms are usually two beds.

Barcelo San José

Days 1, 2 • San José

Barcelo San José

Barcelo San José

The Barcelo San Jose Hotel is located 1 mile from downtown San José, amidst beautifully landscaped gardens in a quiet residential area. This five star hotel features two indoor restaurants, two bars, a casino, a large swimming pool and pool bar and restaurant, spa with Jacuzzi, steam bath, sauna, tennis and squash courts, massage therapists, hairdresser, and gift shops. Your hotel is fully air-conditioned. Free internet access.

Magic Mountain

Day 3 • Fortuna

Magic Mountain

Magic Mountain

Magic Mountain Hotel and Spa is located on the northern end of Fortuna. All rooms have either a balcony or a terrace with a view of Arenal Volcano. Magic Mountain has a restaurant, sports bar, swimming pool with pool bar and two jacuzzis. The deluxe spa specializes in a variety of treatments including volcanic mud wraps, massages, facials, pedicures and manicures. Free internet access.

Barcelo Tambor Beach Resort

Days 4, 5, 6 • Nicoya Peninsula

Barcelo Tambor Beach Resort

Barcelo Tambor Beach Resort

The Barcelo Beach Resort is located on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast in the secluded Nicoya Peninsula. It is situated alongside picturesque Playa Tambor, a gently sloping beach nearly four miles long overlooking breathtaking Ballena (Whale) Bay. The beach is perfect for leisurely, romantic strolls. The resort grounds are set amidst lush tropical gardens with a variety of walking paths. Iguanas freely wander the grounds and troops of spider and howler monkeys swing from the trees. Here, at Barcelo Tambor, you’ll sleep to the magical sounds of the jungle. A golf course is adjacent to the property. On-site amenities at the resort include outdoor pools, tennis courts, beach volleyball, mini golf, and a fitness center. A full-service deluxe spa and hair salon are available for a fee. The fully equipped guest rooms are air conditioned and all feature either a terrace or a balcony. Free WiFi.

Sheraton Four Points San José (Formerly Quality Hotel Real)

Day 7 • San José

Sheraton Four Points San José (Formerly Quality Hotel Real)

Sheraton Four Points San José (Formerly Quality Hotel Real)

The Quality Hotel Real San José is conveniently located in the entertainment center of the Santa Ana District in San Jose and just a few steps away from a variety of restaurants, bars and shopping centers. Valle del Sol Golf Course, one of the finest golf courses in Costa Rica, is only three minutes away. A well-equipped exercise room will inspire your workout, offering a view of the swimming pool and garden. All guest rooms have been thoughtfully decorated and feature a variety of amenities, including free high-streaming-speed Internet.

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Airport Transfers

Arrival Transfers

Transfer on your own from the Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) to your hotel, the Barcelo San Jose (Residencial, Diagonal 23A, Robledal La Uruca) in San Jose. Once you have exited customs and collected your baggage at the airport, proceed to the official taxi service known as “Taxis Unidos Aeropuerto,” The taxi kiosk is located on your left at the exit door of the airport. Here you can request your taxi. The driving time from the airport to the hotel is approximately 30-60 minutes, depending on traffic. The cost will range from $30-$40 US Dollars plus tip. Payment can be made by US Dollars, Costa Rica Colones or via credit card. Currency exchange and ATMs are available in the airport. When you arrive at your hotel, please identify yourself as a Caravan tour member to the front desk personnel.

Departure Transfers

This tour includes departure transfers from your hotel in San José to the Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San José, Costa Rica on the day the tour ends, scheduled to arrive at the airport at 5:00 a.m., 7:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m., and 11:30 a.m. These transfers are only available on the day the tour ends. If you wish to extend your stay in Costa Rica, you will need to transfer on your own, at your own expense. Please ask the hotel bellman to arrange a taxi. Expect to pay $25.00 U.S. Dollars per taxi, plus tip. The driving time from the hotel to the airport is approximately 30-60 minutes, depending on traffic.

Airfare is not included or sold by Caravan.

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Passports & Visas

To enter Costa Rica, US citizens need a passport valid for 6 additional months after the date of your arrival into Costa Rica. A 3 month tourist visa is automatically issued to U.S. citizens after clearing Costa Rica customs. Non U.S. citizens, please check passport and visa requirements. Note: It is recommended that children under 18 years old traveling internationally without both parents or legal guardians, carry a notarized letter of authorization signed by the missing parent(s) or guardian(s). A notarized birth certificate showing only one parent, a parent’s death certificate, or a court order of child custody may also be permissible. Failure to have proper documentation could result in denial of boarding by the airline, due to international child protection laws.

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Weather & Clothing

Temperature °F (high/low) Rainfall (inches)

San JoséNicoya Peninsula
TempRainTempRain
Jan78/641.192/790.1
Feb79/640.893/800.1
Mar80/640.794/800.1
Apr81/651.993/800.9
May79/654.890/794.1
Jun78/645.689/794.8
Jul78/654.790/793.4
Aug78/645.290/784.6
Sep77/636.289/776.8
Oct77/636.588/776.6
Nov77/644.489/782.9
Dec77/642.290/790.7

Temperature °F (high/low) Rainfall (inches)

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
San José
temp78/6479/6480/6481/6579/6578/6478/6578/6477/6377/6377/6477/64
rainfall1.10.80.71.94.85.64.75.26.26.54.42.2
Nicoya Peninsula
temp92/7993/8094/8093/8090/7989/7990/7990/7889/7788/7789/7890/79
rainfall0.10.10.10.94.14.83.44.66.86.62.90.7

Clothing Tips

This is a casual tour. Casual wear is suggested for sightseeing and daytime travelling. Dress code for evenings is casual. Suit jackets for men and dresses for women are never required on Caravan's Costa Rica tours. It is recommended to wear drip-dry clothing in the rainforest. Shirts with long sleeves and long pants are recommended for rain forest and cloud forest hikes.

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Travel Tips & FAQs

These are only the first 25 Travel Tips. Read all 80 Travel Tips

Drivers License

You can drive with your normal driver's license in Costa Rica for 3 months after your entry into Costa Rica. There is no such thing as an international driver's license, although there is an international driving permit which you can buy for $10 at an American Automobile Association office. These permits are valid for one year after date of issue, and are valid only when accompanied by a valid driver's license. It is not necessary to buy an international driving permit for a visit of under 3 months to Costa Rica.

Preparing for the Tropics

It is recommended to bring at least one pair of quick-dry pants and one quick-dry shirt. The quick-dry pants that zip at the knee to convert into shorts are particularly popular. Be sure to also bring a sweater or jacket for the cooler night temperatures. Caravan does not make product endorsements, but many feel that Avon Skin So Soft oil (not cream), or Avon's Expedition anti-mosquito spray is effective protection against mosquito bites in the jungle. Caravan does not endorse any vitamin, but please note that Central American pharmacies sell 500 milligram Vitamin B-1 tablets, a non-prescription vitamin, as "anti-mosquito" pills. Many people take Vitamin B-1 pills and eat garlic for about two weeks prior to and during their visits to the jungle because they believe that the smell of Vitamin B-1 and garlic repels mosquitoes. If you believe this may be of value, consult your doctor for further information on Vitamin B-1 and garlic. Many also avoid eating bananas in the rainforest, as it is believed that this smell attracts mosquitoes. Also, it is wise to wear light-weight quick-dry long-sleeved pants and shirts in these tropical areas.

Are meals included?

Included meals for each tour are listed at the end of each day. Meals are shown by B (breakfast), L (lunch) and D (dinner). Full, buffet, or deluxe continental breakfasts are included everywhere. Free bottled water is provided on the motorcoach. Alcoholic beverages are not included unless specified.

My Tour Price Includes

Virtually everything! Hotels, most meals, all of the activities described in the itinerary, airport departure transfers, gratuities to hotel porters and restaurant staff. Caravan’s professional Tour Directors and local guides will be with you every step of the way, ensuring a worry free vacation. They are fluent in English, experienced and fun, ensuring a worry-free vacation.

My Tour Price Does Not Include

Prices do not include air travel, country entry or departure fees, airport porters, visas, phone calls, valet, laundry, all items of a personal nature, extra food and beverages not on the regular menu, and tips to the Caravan Tour Director, driver, and local guides.

Age of Travelers on a Caravan Tour

Usually, you find a mix of different age adult travelers on a Caravan Tour. Children age five (5) and older are welcome, and children usually join tours offered during Christmas holidays, summer vacation and spring break vacation.

A Well-Paced Itinerary

A well-paced and unhurried itinerary is our goal, after all, you are on vacation! Touring days begin and end at reasonable hours and include frequent stops. While the occasional early morning departure is necessary, we do our best to ensure a leisurely vacation.

Size of Tour Group

Group sizes will vary depending on the reserved rooms at the hotels and the capacity of the boats and motorcoaches used. Usually, group sizes range from 30 to 44 passengers.

Fully Guided Tours Since 1952

Caravan has been offering fully guided tours worldwide under the same family ownership and management since 1952. Caravan understands and truly cares about your great expectations.

Many Tours Sell Out Each Year

The farther in advance that you book, the more likely it is that your preferred tour will be open. Late bookings are welcome if the space is still available.

Family Trips

Families are always welcome on any of our tours, but we do not have any programs specifically for or limited to families. Families can make specific requests for connecting, adjacent, triple or quad rooms, when available. Children must be at least 5 years old.

Forms of Payment

Caravan accepts payment (in U.S. funds only) via MasterCard, Visa, or Discover.

Caravan’s $129 Travel Protection

Caravan Travel Protection offers peace of mind if you cancel for any reason whatsoever prior to the departure of the tour. The travel protection plan also includes air, baggage, evacuation, medical, and quarantine coverage. The cost is $129.

Children on Tour

Children age five (5) and older are welcome on tour when accompanied by an adult. Usually, children travel during the school vacation months of June, July and August, and also during spring and winter school breaks.

Customs Duties for Personal Items in Costa Rica

There is no customs duties charge for your personal items in Costa Rica.

Customs Duties for Items Purchased in Costa Rica

When returning to the U.S., U.S. customs allows each person an exemption of customs taxes on up to $800.00 U.S. worth of Costa Rican goods that are in your possession and personally accompany you. Items to be sent later are not included in your $800 duty-free exemption. If two family members are traveling together, they may combine their customs exemption. For instance, a married couple will have a total $1,600.00 customs exemption. A flat duty rate of 3% is applied to the first $1,000 of goods per person beyond the $800 per person exemption. The duty-free exemption applies ONLY IF you have not used any exemption allowance whatsoever in the past 30 days. For instance, if you have made another international trip within the past 30 days, and used even a small exemption of $10, you would not get the $800 exemption. For this reason, sometimes it is best not to use the exemption if (1) the value of your goods is very low, and (2) you are planning to use the exemption on another trip within 30 days. Duty on items you mail home to yourself is waived if the value is $200 or less.

Costa Rica Immigration

After exiting your plane, you will first arrive at the immigration desk, and present your passport and a Costa Rica immigration form. (This form is provided to you by your airplane. On the form, you will write your name, passport number, nationality, occupation, and the reason for your visit - tourism or business.) After you are approved in the immigration computer, you take the escalator or elevator downstairs to the baggage claim area.

San Jose, Costa Rica Baggage Claim

When you arrive at the baggage claim area, you will find free luggage carts and clean restrooms. You can pick up a free map here at the Tourist Information booth.

Costa Rica Customs

After you pick up your suitcase at baggage claim, you must stop at the customs table and put your suitcase on a conveyor belt through the scanning machine. This takes about ten seconds. Then the customs agent will signal you to exit the customs area.

Airport Porter Tips

If an airport porter assists you with your suitcases, please tip the airport porter $2 per person or more in the United States, and $1 per person or more in Costa Rica, depending on the amount of your luggage.

Caravan Does Not Arrange Airline Transportation

Airfare is not included or sold by Caravan Tours. Reserve your flight to San Jose, Costa Rica (airport code SJO), and not San Jose, California (airport code SJC). Try to schedule flights with as few connections as possible. If you have connecting flights, please allow enough time between flights so you can comfortably reach your connecting gates.

Activities in Costa Rica if Arriving a Day Early or Staying a Day Longer

Some clients participate in rafting tours or zip-line canopy tours. Caravan feels that these activities sometimes can be risky and dangerous. Others sign up for tours of Lankaster Gardens to see flowers, or horseback riding trips. There are travel desks at the hotels and numerous travel agents in San Jose, Fortuna who can arrange activities for you if you wish.

Fishing in Costa Rica

You can charter a deep sea fishing boat while you are staying on the Pacific Ocean. Quepos, has world class deep sea fishing. Chartered deep sea fishing boats are available for prices from $500 to $1,000 or more a day. If you decide to go fishing, please wear your life jackets at all times.

International Travel with Minors

If you are travelling with children under 18 years old without both parents or legal guardians, carry a notarized letter of authorization signed by the missing parent(s) or guardian(s). A notarized birth certificate showing only one parent, a parent’s death certificate, or a court order of child custody may also be permissible. Failure to have proper documentation could result in denial of boarding by the airline, due to international child protection laws.

Safety in San Jose

As in many major tourist cities around the world, there are professional pickpockets and petty theft in San Jose; so please be careful when walking in the city. If you wish to explore the city center of San Jose, please be careful crossing the street as cars often do not stop at red lights and there are very steep gutters. Please also watch the sidewalks carefully, as there are often large holes and missing manhole covers. Caravan recommends against using the public buses. When traveling by taxi, only travel with the official taxis that work with your hotel. Please use caution if you walk in San Jose after dark. At any time of day you should not walk in a small area of downtown San Jose called the zona roja (red light district).

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Customer Reviews

These are only the first 7 Customer Reviews. Read all 343 Customer Reviews

"Costa Rica is a beautiful place to visit, and with the tour you actually felt like you visited many places and things to do in the country."

T. W., Conway, South Carolina

"Caravan has done a great job of making the Costa Rica trip an amazing cultural, educational and affordable experience."

M. R., Ocean View, Delaware

"Every detail was well planned and executed. I learned a lot about Costa Rica and gained a deep appreciation for the culture and history of the country. The whole tour was a great experience!"

Client, Poughkeepsie, New York

"We were blown away by the beauty of the country we saw!"

A. G., Stephen City, Virginia

"Costa Rica Caravan tour is one of the BEST tours we have taken so far."

Client, Silver Spring, Maryland

"I feel that the Caravan Costa Rica tour was a perfect way to get a nice overview of all it has to offer."

Client, Lacey, Washington

"The rainforest was like stepping into another world. It was a breathtaking experience that I will never forget."

S. C., Peora, Arizona

Read All 343 ReviewsClick Here to Read All 343 Customer Reviews

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Why Travel with Caravan?

Excellence Since 1952

You can trust our years of experience with tours of superb quality and excellent value. Caravan has enjoyed the same family management and ownership since 1952.

PanAm Jet
In 1959, Pan Am invited Caravan to be the very first tour company to fly their clients on its new line of Clipper Jets.
Vintage Motorcoach
In 1964, Caravan introduced the very first fleet of air conditioned motorcoaches in all of Europe.
Leather Back Turtle Park
Caravan is a proud supporter of the Leatherback Turtle National Park and Costa Rica's efforts to protect this endangered giant.
Federal Reserve Bank Of Chicago

Caravan Care

For your safety, Caravan cancelled most 2020 and all 2021 tour departures and refunded 100% of all payments received. See Caravan’s Covid-19 Terms of Travel.

Caravan's Proud History

In 1965, Roger Mudd hosted a two-hour CBS TV special on Caravan Tours. This TV production took about one month to make and was so successful it inspired the 1968 romantic comedy movie “If it’s Tuesday this must be Belgium.” In the early 50’s the Mayor of Dublin presented Caravan with the Key to Dublin for bringing the first American tour to the city after WWII. Since then, Caravan has been recognized as a pioneer in travel. You can trust in our stability, experience and dedication to quality.

Great Hotels

Stay at park lodges, scenic resorts, and excellent hotels in great locations. See hotel descriptions on each tour page.

Meals

Most meals included within Latin America. For USA and Canada tours, included meals are listed on each itinerary page. Bottled water is provided on motorcoaches in Latin America.

Complete Sightseeing

Enjoy complete sightseeing with more visits, extra features, and local guides.

Fully Guided by Tour Directors

All tours conducted from start to finish by professional tour directors, who are fluent in English, experienced, and fun.

All-inclusive

Caravan includes all activities listed in the tour itinerary page. Caravan does not sell any optional activities which can add hundreds of dollars to your tour price. Your free time is scheduled in great settings where there is no need to buy additional expensive activities.

Shopping Freedom

Caravan will not bring you to overpriced shops in exchange for payments. Caravan gives you ample opportunity and time for great shopping, and the freedom to choose where and when to shop.

Great Value, Book Early

Caravan’s strong buying power gives you great vacations at prices much lower than you can find anywhere. Most of our tours sell out quickly. Book early for the date you prefer and the best airfare.

How does Caravan Tours sell these tours for such a low cost?

Caravan delivers volume to our suppliers, who in turn reward us with their very best prices. We in turn pass these savings on to you, and you reward us by buying our tours. As volume continues to rise, we then receive even better prices from our suppliers, and we pass even greater savings on to you. This year our tours are better than ever.

Trade Association Memberships

Caravan is a member of NTA (National Tour Association), ABA (American Bus Association), CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association), and ACMA (American Commerce Marketing Association).

NTA, ABA, CLIA, and ACMA