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10 Days from $995 Costa Rica Natural Paradise

Dear Traveler, Welcome to a great vacation at an affordable price. Your Caravan Latin America tour includes all meals in Latin America, all activities, all hotels, a great itinerary, all airport transfers, all transportation and excursions. A professional tour director accompanies you for the entire tour. Purified water at meals. Free bottled water on motor coach. Join the smart shoppers and experienced travelers who have chosen Caravan for more than 50 years.  
Happy Travels! Caravan Tours
Notice: the following is the 2010 itinerary
Click here for the 2009 itinerary
Notice: the following is the 2009 itinerary
Click here for the 2010 itinerary

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Tortueguero Park Boat CruiseToucan

Costa Rica Tour Map Costa Rica Tour Map
Begins and Ends: San Jose, Costa Rica

Day 1 – San José, Costa Rica

Welcome to the “rich coast,” friendly land of democracy and rare natural beauty. With naturalist guides, see exotic birds and wildlife, hike in jungle rainforests, view volcanoes, soak in hot springs and cruise through biological reserves. Relax on both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. Caravan provides transfers from the San José airport to your hotel for a two night stay. Rooms are available for check in after 3:00 p.m. Dine at your hotel, then join Caravan for an 6:00 p.m. welcome briefing. D

Day 2 – Poás Volcano, Cloud Forest

This morning enjoy a drive through Costa Rica’s famous coffee growing region. Next, weather permitting, visit Poás Volcano. You can safely view inside the dramatic crater from an overlook. Next, hike the Escalonia Cloud Forest Trail, home to epiphytes, orchids, ferns and tropical hummingbirds. Cloud forests are like rainforests, but with less rain and more humidity. Lunch. Visit the National Museum. See ancient mysterious stone spheres. Then, see San José’s Plaza de la Cultura, Central Park and the National Theatre. Visit the Gold Museum. Enjoy dinner. BLD

Day 3 – Butterfly Garden, Tortuguero Park

Scenic morning drive through Braulio Carrillo Park. Look for cascading waterfalls. Visit a butterfly garden. See a banana plantation. Then, cruise through rivers and canals to the 47,000 acre Tortuguero National Park. Tortuguero is home to more than 300 species of birds. Look for toucans, parrots, kingfishers and the rare green macaw. Enjoy lunch. Next, an afternoon boat excursion into Tortuguero Park. Look for otters, turtles and manatees. Listen to the joyful sounds of the jungle. Enjoy a two night stay at your lodge. Dinner. BLD

Day 3 – Rainforest Aerial Tram

Scenic morning drive through Braulio Carrillo Park. Look for cascading waterfalls. Then, a thrilling adventure into the heart of the rainforest. Glide through the jungle canopy on the world famous rainforest aerial tram, rated one of Costa Rica’s top tourist attractions. Next, with a naturalist guide, enjoy a short rainforest hike on level terrain. Enjoy lunch. Visit a butterfly garden. See a banana plantation. Then, cruise through rivers and canals to the 47,000 acre Tortuguero National Park. Tortuguero is home to more than 300 species of birds. Look for toucans, parrots, kingfishers and the rare green macaw. Enjoy a two night stay at your lodge. After dinner in Tortuguero, a naturalist talks about the rainforest. BLD

Day 4 – Tortuguero Park, Canal Cruise

Cruise this morning with naturalist guides along canals lined by raffia palm, habitat of howler and white-faced monkeys, green iguanas and tropical birds. Look for white and snowy egrets and the amazing nests of the montezuma oropendola. Then, enter the mysterious reflecting waters of Caño Palma wildlife reserve. Next, visit the Green Turtle Research Station. Learn about efforts to protect the turtle’s nesting habitat, eggs and young hatchlings. Walk along the Atlantic turtle nesting beaches with a naturalist guide. Next, to Tortuguero village. Meet Costa Rican school children on your visit to a local school (when in session). Return to your lodge for lunch. Free time to enjoy the swimming pool and tropical flower gardens at your lodge. Dinner. BLD

Day 5 – Pineapple Tour, Fortuna

Morning cruise on Tortuguero River. Enjoy lunch. Visit a pineapple plantation. Sample Costa Rica’s famous sweet organic pineapples. Next, through scenic countryside to the San Carlos Valley for a two night stay in Fortuna. Dinner. BLD

Day 6 – Caño Negro, Hot Springs, Arenal

Head north this morning, passing through sugar cane, teak and orange plantations. Then, cruise on the Rio Frio which runs through the world famous Caño Negro wildlife refuge, home to many migratory birds found nowhere else in Costa Rica. Look for whistling ducks, roseate spoonbills, cormorants, anhingas, blue heron, and northern jacanas. Watch for caimans, crocodiles, spider monkeys and web-footed, water-walking lizards. Lunch. Return to Fortuna. Free time to explore this charming village. Then, enjoy a relaxing soak in the volcanic hot springs. Weather permitting, see nearby Arenal Volcano’s softly glowing lava flow. Enjoy dinner. BLD

Day 7 – Hanging Bridges, Guanacaste

This morning enjoy an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the rainforest at the Hanging Bridges, rated one of Costa Rica’s top tourist attractions. Hike on six suspension bridges, through lush tropical rainforest canopy. Enjoy views of a waterfall and look for tropical birds. Later, a scenic drive around Lake Arenal. Enjoy lunch. Then, tour a coffee cooperative where thousands of small family farmers process their coffee. Enjoy fresh Costa Rican coffee. Next, enter the Guanacaste province. Drive through the only tropical dry forest in Costa Rica. Stop in Liberia. Then, to Costa Rica’s beautiful Pacific Coast for a two night stay. Dinner is at your resort. BLD

Day 8 – Pacific Coast, Guanacaste

This morning drive to the nearby Natural Trail of Hacienda Pinilla. This tropical bird and wildlife sanctuary is home to the playful howler monkey. Lunch. Enjoy a carefree leisurely afternoon. Time to beachcomb or swim the pristine beaches of your resort. Dinner. BLD

Day 8 – Central Pacific Coast, Manuel Antonio

This morning drive by the Carara Biological Reserve. This tropical bird and wildlife sanctuary is one of the world’s few nesting places for the scarlet macaw. Then, visit Manuel Antonio National Park, home to the playful rare squirrel monkey. Time to beachcomb or swim at the pristine beaches (on Mondays, visit Manuel Antonio’s beautiful public beaches instead). Lunch. Return to your resort to enjoy leisure time. Dinner. BLD

Day 9 – Handicrafts, San José

Morning drive through the cattle ranches of Guanacaste. Stop at the Monteverde Cooperative. Sample delicious Monteverde Cheese. Continue en route to the Central Valley, time to shop for colorful handicrafts, including painted oxcarts. Enjoy lunch. Return to San José. Farewell dinner. BLD

Day 9 – Handicrafts, Coffee Plantation

Morning drive to the Central Valley. Time to shop for colorful handicrafts, including painted oxcarts. Enjoy lunch. Then, visit a coffee plantation. Pick a few beans when in season. Sample fresh Costa Rican coffee and learn about the history of the coffee bean. Return to San José. Farewell dinner. BLD

Day 10 – San José

Your tour ends after breakfast this morning at your hotel. Caravan provides transfers throughout the day to the San José airport. Thanks for vacationing with Caravan. ¡Hasta la vista! B

Arthur Frommer’s Budget Travel


See what Arthur Frommer says about us in his syndicated Budget Travel column.

December 2005

“The distinguished 53-year-old Caravan Tours has scheduled virtually daily departures there throughout January, February and March for its escorted 10-day tour.

“And what a tour it is: Usually, travelers have to choose from among Costa Rica’s beaches, volcanoes and rain forests. This tour goes to all those places and includes every major sight, as well as three meals a day on all but two days, and excellent hotels and lodges. The cost is a remarkable $995 per person for everything other than airfare to the capital city of San Jose.

“Caravan’s long record in its tour programs ... inspires confidence about this strong effort to establish a presence in Costa Rica.”

January 2006

“I am still impressed that the large Caravan Tours has scheduled almost-daily departures from January through March of its escorted tour of the beaches, volcanoes and rain forests of Costa Rica. It’s a sign of how firmly tourism has taken hold of that Central American republic, and a tribute to the appeal of unsullied nature, which Costa Rica represents. However, it’s also because of the brilliant, affordable pricing of this tour by Caravan.”

September 2007

“On my Sunday radio program, I’ve several times mentioned the attractive price of $995 per person plus airfare for a 10-day, fully-escorted trip to Costa Rica offered thoughout the year by the distinguished Chicago tour operator called Caravan Tours. The price includes all accommodations, all meals, and all motorcoach sightseeing and transportation...highly affordable vacations. ” ‘The Travel Show with Arthur Frommer’


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2009 Departure Dates

Jan   1*, 2*, 3*, 4*, 5*, 6*, 7*, 8*, 9*, 10*, 11*, 12*, 13*, 14*, 15*, 16*, 17*, 18*, 19*, 20*, 21*, 22*, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31
Feb   1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28
Mar   1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31
Apr   1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30
May   1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29, 31
Jun   5, 7, 12, 14, 17, 19, 20, 21, 24, 26, 27, 28
Jul   1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 10, 11, 12, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31
Aug   1, 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21*, 28*
Sep   4*, 11*, 18*, 25*
Oct   2*, 9*, 16*, 23*, 30*
Nov   4*, 6*, 7*, 8*, 11*, 13*, 14*, 15*, 18*, 20*, 21*, 22*, 25*, 27*, 28*, 29*
Dec   1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18**, 19**, 20**, 21**, 22**, 23**, 24**, 25**, 26**, 27**, 28, 29, 30, 31

*indicates Super Value date.
**indicates Holiday Value date


Call For Latest Availability

Caravan's tours sell out fast! Please call 1 800 CARAVAN or 312 321-9800 before confirming other travel arrangements to verify availability and place a complimentary hold on your preferred departure date. Other dates may be available.

2009 Price Per Person - $U.S.

Room Type Super
Value
Great
Value
Holiday
Value
Double $ 995 $ 1,095 $ 1,195
Triple 975 1,075 1,175
Single 1,195 1,295 1,395
Plus Taxes and Fees:
Double $189; Triple $179; Single $219

2010 Departure Dates

Jan   1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15*, 16*, 17*, 18*, 19*, 20*, 21*, 22*, 23*, 24*, 25*, 26*, 27*, 28*, 29*, 30*, 31*
Feb   1*, 2*, 3*, 4*, 5*, 6*, 7*, 8*, 9*, 10*, 11*, 12*, 13*, 14*, 15*, 16*, 17*, 18*, 19*, 20*, 21*, 22*, 23*, 24*, 25*, 26*, 27*, 28*
Mar   1*, 2*, 3*, 4*, 5*, 6*, 7*, 8*, 9*, 10*, 11*, 12*, 13*, 14*, 15*, 16*, 17*, 18*, 19*, 20*, 21*, 22*, 23*, 24*, 25*, 26*, 27*, 28*, 29*, 30*, 31*
Apr   1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30
May   2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30
Jun   4, 6, 11, 13, 16, 18, 19, 20, 23, 25, 26, 27, 30
Jul   2, 3, 4, 7, 9, 10, 11, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31
Aug   1, 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 27
Sep   3, 10, 17, 24
Oct   1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Nov   3, 5, 6, 7, 10, 12, 13, 14, 17, 19, 20, 21, 24, 26, 27, 28
Dec   1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17**, 18**, 19**, 20**, 21**, 22**, 23**, 24**, 25**, 26**, 27**, 28*, 29*, 30*, 31*

*indicates Great Value date
**indicates Holiday Value date


Call For Latest Availability

Caravan's tours sell out fast! Please call 1 800 CARAVAN or 312 321-9800 before confirming other travel arrangements to verify availability and place a complimentary hold on your preferred departure date. Other dates may be available.

2010 Price Per Person - $U.S.

Room Type Super Value Great Value Holiday Value
Double $ 995 $ 1,095 $ 1,195
Triple 975 1,075 1,175
Single 1,195 1,295 1,395
Plus Taxes and Fees:
Double $189; Triple $187; Single $222

new york times blurb

How to Reserve Space

Call 1-800-Caravan. You can reserve space free for up to 3 days, then a $300 deposit per person is due. Full payment due 60 days prior to departure.

In Latin America, Caravan transfers you between the airport and hotel on the starting and ending dates of your tour.

Airfare is not included or sold by Caravan. Here is a list of some of the airlines that service this tour.

All Meals Included
B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Hotels - listed by day

1, 2

San José
Barcelo San Jose Palacio Hotel, Aurola Hotel

3, 4

Tortuguero Park
Laguna Lodge, Pachira Lodge

5, 6

Fortuna
Lomas del Volcan, Arenal Springs, Arenal Manoa, Magic Mountain

7, 8

Guanacaste, Pacific Beach
J.W. Marriott Resort and Spa
Central Pacific Coast
Doubletree Resort

9

San José
Aurola Hotel
San José
Barcelo San Jose Palacio Hotel, Aurola Hotel

Birdwatching in Costa Rica

Pay by

Master Card Master Card, Visa Visa, or  Check check.

Travel Protection Plan

Caravan’s very reasonably priced travel protection plan offers peace of mind if you cancel for any reason prior to departure of the tour and also includes comprehensive medical air and baggage insurance. Caravan strongly recommends purchasing this plan. The cost is $99. Find out more

Touring Costa Rica Costa Rican Rainforest Infinity Pool

Back to Top Hotels

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

In Costa Rica, Caravan often uses more than one hotel or lodge in a given area. Although each property is wonderfully different and may have many unique features, Caravan‘s goal is to offer a comparable overall selection so that you can experience the same enjoyment regardless of which property combination you find on your actual tour departure. Scheduled Caravan sightseeing will be the same from all the hotels.

Days 1, 2, 9 – San José

Days 1, 2 – San José

Barcelo Palacio, Aurola Hotel

San José is located in the central highlands of Costa Rica, midway between the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. With an elevation of around 4000 feet, San José has a temperate year-round climate. San José is Costa Rica’s largest city and is the country’s seat of government.

Barcelo San Jose Palacio Hotel
The Barcelo San Jose Palacio Hotel is located 1 mile from downtown San Jose, 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. Internet access is available in the lobby internet cafe for a fee.

Aurola Hotel
The Aurola Hotel is located in the heart of downtown San José and is only a stroll across the park from museums, nightlife, shopping and Costa Rica’s financial and government centers. This San José landmark has just completed a multi-million dollar renovation and is updated with all the modern amenities. The Aurola’s spacious, tastefully decorated rooms offer views of the city and mountains beyond. The hotel has two restaurants, a casino, lounge, a swimming pool and a small gymnasium. The hotel is fully air-conditioned. Internet access is available 24 hours daily in the hotel lobby for a fee.

Hotel Photo
 

Days 3, 4 – Tortuguero Park

Laguna Lodge, Pachira Lodge

Tortuguero National Park is located on the remote and beautiful northeastern Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. Tortuguero is a top Costa Rica highlight and is considered to be one of the world’s great natural treasures. Both of the Tortuguero lodges used by Caravan are surrounded by lush tropical rainforests and offer easy access to the Park’s network or lakes, rivers, canals and navigable channels for optimum wildlife viewing.

Laguna Lodge
Laguna Lodge is located on Tortuguero Beach on the Atlantic Ocean. Tortuguero Beach is home to the foremost nesting site for the green turtle in the western half of the Caribbean. Laguna offers beautiful grounds, a dock on the canals, a restaurant, two bars, a swimming pool with outdoor Jacuzzi, and an open butterfly garden. All of the guest rooms have fans. Internet access is available for a fee at the Internet cafe in the nearby village of Tortuguero.

Pachira Lodge
Pachira Lodge is located on Tortuguero’s main canal. The lodge features a restaurant, bar and swimming pool and other resort style amenities. All of the guest rooms have ceiling fans and are tastefully decorated. Internet access is available for a fee at the Internet cafe in the nearby village of Tortuguero.

Hotel Photo
 

Days 5, 6 – Fortuna

Lomas del Volcan, Arenal Springs, Arenal Manoa, Magic Mountain

Fortuna is a small town located at the base of picturesque Arenal Volcano in northcentral Costa Rica. The hotels and lodges used by Caravan are located in and around Fortuna. All of the properties are within easy viewing range of Arenal Volcano.

Lomas del Volcan
Lomas del Volcan Lodge is located in the countryside on the outskirts of Fortuna. The lodge sits in the foothills at the base of majestic Arenal Volcano, with excellent nature trails on its 300 acre reserve. Don’t be surpirsed if you are serenaded during your stay by the sounds of birds and monkeys in the adjacent tropical forest. The hotel offers comfortable and spacious air-conditioned “chalets” each with a terrace and a refrigerator. The hotel has a restaurant, beautiful jacuzzi, and swimming pool, all with volcano views. Intenet access is available in the Internet cafes for a fee in the nearby village of Fortuna.

Arenal Springs
Arenal Springs is a new hotel located in the countryside on the outskirts of Fortuna. This well-designed, modern hotel features colonial style “chalets", each with a view of Arenal Volcano. Every room is air-conditioned and has its own terrace, ceiling fan, refrigerator, telephone, security box and other modern amenities. Each room’s bathroom shower shares space with a skylight covered indoor mini-garden. The hotel has extensive grounds with lush gardens and a swimming pool. Internet access is available in the Internet cafes for a fee in the nearby village of Fortuna.

Arenal Manoa
The new Arenal Manoa Hotel is located in the countryside on the outskirts of Fortuna. All rooms are air conditioned with satellite television, telphone, refrigerator, and a terrace with a panoramic view of Arenal Volcano. Guests can enjoy the restaurant, wet bar, swimming pool and jacuzzi. The Arenal Manoa has spacious gardens, walking trails and the opportunity to experience the daily operations of a Costa Rican family dairy farm. Internet access is available at internet cafes in the nearby village of Fortuna for a fee.

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 Aernal 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. Internet access is available in the Internet cafes for a fee in the nearby village of Fortuna.

Hotel Photo
 

Days 7, 8 – Guanacaste, Pacific Beach

J.W. Marriott Resort and Spa

Description forthcoming.

Doubletree Resort

The Doubletree Resort is located on Dona Ana Beach in Puntarenas on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast, approximately 45 minutes north of Jaco. This is the first Doubletree Resort (operated by Hilton) in Costa Rica. The beach and hotel pier are perfect for strolling and viewing sunsets. The resort features a casino, nightly entertainment, fitness center, pools, tennis courts and air-conditioned rooms. Internet access is available for a fee.

Hotel Photo Hotel Photo
 

Day 9 – San Jose

Aurola Hotel

See description and photo above for Days 1, 2.

 
 

Back to Top Airport Transfer Information

Arrival Transfers

Caravan includes complimentary arrival transfers from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San José, Costa Rica to your hotel in San José on the day the tour begins. These transfers are only available on the day the tour begins. Please see Costa Rica FAQ’s “Airport Information” for more detailed information for all incoming passengers. Tour members arriving on earlier days will need to arrange transfers on their own. After you clear customs, Caravan’s representative will meet you at the taxi stand, about 20 feet from the international terminal, with a “Caravan” sign. You may have to wait a couple minutes as your representative might be transferring another client. Please be sure to call the Caravan office before your flight to make sure that we have received your correct flight information. The airport representative is available to meet all flights with Caravan passengers, but will only meet your flight if we have received your flight information and are expecting you on that flight. If you miss your flight please call the Caravan office at 800-227-2826 or 312-321-9800 to notify us. Driving time to your hotel can run from 30 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. If you take a taxi, use “Taxis Unidos Aeropuerto,” the official taxi service, and expect to pay $15.00 - $20.00 U.S. per taxi. To enter Costa Rica, you will need a U.S. 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.

Departure Transfers

Caravan includes complimentary departure transfers to Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San José, Costa Rica from your hotel in San José on the last day of the tour. Transfers can be arranged approximately every 90 minutes. These transfers are only available on the day the tour ends. Tour members departing on later days will need to arrange transfers on their own. If you extend your stay in San José, please ask the hotel bellmen to arrange a taxi. Expect to pay $15.00 - $20.00 U.S. per taxi.

Airline Info

Airfare is not included or sold by Caravan Tours. Here are lists of airlines that service this tour:

San Jose, Costa Rica Tour Begins
and Ends
Air Canada, Air Madrid, Alitalia, America West, American Airlines, Austrian Airlines, Aviateca, British Airways, Comair, Continental, Copa, Cubana, Delta, Frontier Airlines, Iberian, KLM, Lacsa, Lanchile, Lauda Air, Lberia, LTU, Lufthansa, Martinair, Northwest, NWA, Spirit Airlines (begins 4/5/07), Taca, United Airlines, US Airways

Back to Top Local Weather

Temperature (hi/lo) and Rainfall (inches)
  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
San Jose, Costa Rica
temp 73/59 75/59 77/60 78/60 78/62 78/62 77/62 77/62 76/60 77/60 75/60 73/59
rainfall 0.3 0.2 0.3 1.7 9.0 11.5 8.7 10.0 13.5 13.5 5.7 1.6
Tortuguero
temp 88/68 88/68 87/69 87/71 87/71 87/71 88/71 86/71 87/71 87/71 85/69 88/69
rainfall 12.7 8.5 8.1 11.1 11.4 13.8 14.1 14.4 6.8 8.4 15.9 17.8
Jaco
temp 96/71 96/71 95/73 95/73 91/76 89/73 91/73 91/73 89/73 89/73 89/73 91/71
rainfall .2 .2 .2 1.5 7.7 9.1 6.3 9.1 11.9 10.9 4.9 1.2

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 the Caravan’s Costa Rica tour. It is recommended to wear drip-dry clothing (such as that offered by Columbia, ExOfficio and Travelsmith) in the rainforest. Shirts with long sleeves and long pants are recommended for rain forest and cloud forest hikes. Pants that zip at the knee to convert into shorts are very comfortable in the rainforest.  See Travel Planner: General Clothing Tips

Back to Top Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?

Virtually everything! Hotels, all meals, all of the activities described in the itinerary pages, airport transfers, gratuities to hotel porters, restaurant staff and local guides. Caravan’s professional Tour Directors conduct every land tour from start to finish. They are fluent in English, experienced and fun, ensuring a worry free vacation.

What is not included in the tour price?

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 and Driver. General fees and taxes are additional and listed separately beneath each tour’s price.

Can your tours be enjoyed by all age groups?

Usually, you find a mix of different age adult travelers on a Caravan Tour. Most tours will be joined by adults of all ages. Children age five (5) and over are welcome, and children usually join tours offered during Christmas holidays, summer vacation and spring break vacation.

Do your tours include any evening activities?

Yes. Caravan includes an evening nature talk in Tortuguero, and evening visit to the hot springs by Arenal Volcano. Great for single travelers!

How long will each day be?

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 and you will arrive at your hotels between 1:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. each day.

How large will my group be?

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

Are meals included?

All meals are included on your Costa Rica tour. 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. Bottled water is provided free on the motorcoach and purified water is provided at the meals. Alcoholic beverages are not included unless specified.

These are only the first 7 frequently asked questions... See answers to all 64 Frequently Asked Questions »

Back to Top Customer Reviews of our Costa Rica Natural Paradise tour

“We really enjoyed the trip in a beautiful country and the price was right!”

Mr. & Mrs. D.P., Prescott, Arizona

“The pace of the sightseeing and activities was well thought out and executed. Our tour director always prepared us for the next activity. I really enjoyed this trip and have recommended it to others.”

Ms. B.T., Pasadena, California

“The sights were absolutely fabulous! We visited both coasts and many places in between ... all the places we were interested in seeing. I wasn’t sure I wanted to visit Tortuguero, but it turned out to be one of my favorite destinations! This was an exceptional tour at an exceptional price. The guides were very eco-minded. We received a good education from them and their passion for preserving their environment was contagious. We totally get it. Your Costa Rican tour was awesome.”

Mr. & Mrs. B.H., Burton, Michigan

“The sightseeing and activities, these were all that were promised and more! We would never have seen and done everything on our own! Very satisfied with this Caravan tour. Will definitely use your tour company again and have and will recommend it to friends. Pura Vida.”

Mr. & Mrs. L.R., Fort Myers, Florida

“You have put together an outstanding package at a very reasonable price. Costa Rica is a great vacation destination!”

Mr. & Mrs. M.M., Laguna Niguel, California

“As a travel agent, I would recommend clients to Costa Rica with Caravan. This was an excellent tour, especially since everything was included. We saw and did a great deal in a short period of time.”

Mr. & Mrs. B.S., Rochester, New York

“The meals were fabulous and the final with ‘sit down’ and filet mignon was especially nice. The sights were very good, enjoyed the coffee plantation and the cart factory. Had not traveled with Caravan before, but will recommend it to my friends. ”

Ms. J.M., Laguna Niguel, California

“The meals were very good and well presented. I enjoyed the lunch stop locations too. Our tour director made this trip very comfortable and fun. This was my first Caravan tour. I would book another one in the future.”

Mr. & Mrs. B.R., Oberlin, Ohio

“The hotels were all great in their own way. The meals were very good, tasty,, plentiful and fairly well-balanced. The tour director was unbelievably great, an encyclopedia of information convey tours in an entertaining, caring and interesting manner. You have set very high standards with your tour and guides.”

Mr. & Mrs. W.H., Henderson, Kentucky

“The hotels were all nice and a nice variety of different types or styles of doing things. The sightseeing and activities were wonderful. Loved the whole experience of everything offered. A wonderful experience and great value, I will be using you again and will recommend to others.”

Ms. N.L., Winsted, Connecticut

“The meals were delicious! It was very easy to keep my vegetarian diet with this tour. Your tour director was WONDERFUL! Never let go of her, she was knowledgeable about everything any of us wanted to know. She was so personable and always happy too. Costa Rica is BEAUTIFUL!”

Mrs. P.H., Gainesville, Florida

“Our tour director was always accessible and approachable to the group. All in all, this tour was excellent, well planned and varied! I enjoyed it and recommend Caravan to everyone. Next trip, I plan to use Caravan due to the quality and knowing you take care and time to arrange good tours whenever they are offered. Thank you!”

Mrs. E.M., Phoenix, Arizona

“This was the best vacation I had. It is the only way to see Costa Rica.”

Ms. P.H., Plano, Texas

“We had the perfect tour director, very knowledgeable of Costa Rican history, local cultures, and coconuts. Caravan, you should be proud! Besides the fact that you guys do a great job staging all of the sights, wildlife and timing (it was all fake right?!),it was obvious to us that the guides, the hotel staffs, the tour director, the restaurant personnel, etc. All seemed to rise to the occasion for a Caravan tour. You guys are doing something right. Keep it up!”

Mr. & Mrs. M.G., Pleasant Hill, California

“The local guides were good at Tortuguero and the rain forest and wildlife park, especially seeing Blondie, the orange colored Howler. The trip was well conducted and we saw a lot of Costa Rica.”

Mr. A.S., San Diego, California

“I liked the diversity of the trip. It was well planned with nice accommodations. It was a pleasant experience, would recommend tour.”

Mr. & Mrs. S.S., Hopatcong, New Jersey

“I very much appreciate the professional manner that we were treated. I am a travel agent, and working in this industry can sometimes be a thankless job, therefore when I am treated with respect, I try to acknowledge. We are truly grateful to Caravan and our tour director for being so accommodating. I can guarantee you that I will be selling Caravan tours enthusiastically in the future! Our tour director’s knowledge and passion for his country is so evident by the way he describes customs, culture, education, wildlife among many other things. All of the sightseeing, I loved every minute of it, great activities and some free time.”

Mr. & Mrs. J.C., Caledonia, Michigan

“There was so much food. I got a good idea of foods of Costa Rica. There was variety and lots of bottled water! There was great diversity in visiting different parts of country with attractions, just enough shopping opportunities. The tour director was the sweetest person I ever met. She was always smiling, had great English, always available, very knowledgeable on history, vegetation and country of Costa Rica. She kept things moving, always left on time, very respectful of everyone on tour. She was conservation and safety conscious, had good sense of humor and very accommodating.”

Ms. J.M., Abington, Pennsylvania

“The hotels were excellent, especially the one at Tortuguero. I’d like to spend a week there! The tour director was wonderful! Excellent! I can’t say enough about him. He was so knowledgeable about the plants and animals. He was an added bonus to the trip!”

Ms. J.L., Asheboro, North Carolina

“The hotels were an outstanding value. Each was clean, comfortable and had a special charm of its own. The meals were ample, excellent choices wide enough to satisfy a picky eater like me. It ranged from excellent to superb. Mexico’s Ancient Civilizations last year rated ten out of ten with our tour director. This tour director made Costa Rica fifteen out of ten. I will schedule Tikal, Copan sometime next year.”

Mr. C.G., Las Vegas,, Nevada

“My family and friends could not believe how wonderful the accommodations were. Everywhere we stayed the staff was nice and treated us very professionally. At Tortuguero, the staff treated us from the minute we arrived to the second we left as family. I cannot wait to take another Caravan tour, and tell all my friends about this one. Please do not change a thing, you have got it right.”

Mr. & Mrs. J.D., Boca Raton, Florida

“The meals were very good. I loved all the fresh fruit. The entire trip was awesome.”

Mr. & Mrs. T.R., Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin

“The driver was excellent. I drove for UPS for thirty years, I know what it takes to handle a vehicle of this size. I have been on many tours around the globe and our tour director was by far the best. He is very detailed, courteous, sincere and a perfect gentleman.****** Six stars.”

Mr. & Mrs. L.W., Hot Springs, Arkansas

“I can think of nothing that would improve this trip. I have traveled with other companies; therefore I have some basis for comparison. You are at the top of my list.”

Ms. M.U., Dublin, Georgia

“I am the last person I would have expected to take an escorted tour. This was a very pleasant surprise! Good work!”

Ms. S.K., Los Altos, California
These are only the first 25 reviews of this tour... Read all 183 Reviews »

Back to Top About Caravan Tours

Caravan’s Proud History

Caravan Tours began selling fully escorted tours in 1952. We have been under the same management and ownership ever since. 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. More recently, Caravan was awarded the Sierra Madre Explora award for our positive effect on Mexico’s Copper Canyon region!

Great Value, Book Early

Caravan’s strong buying power gives you great vacations at prices much lower than you can find anywhere. Last year many of our tours sold out quickly. Book early for the date you prefer and the best air fare.

Trade Association Memberships

ASTA, NTA, CLIA, ACTACaravan Tours is a member of ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents), NTA (National Tour Association), CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association), and an allied member of ACTA (Alliance of Canadian Travel Agencies).

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.

How satisfied are Caravan clients?

The short answer is “very.” Our surveys are uniformly very positive. However we continually strive to improve our tours, (they are often updated several times in the course of one year), we study all client surveys and suggestions for improvement very carefully.

Pitch-Free Travel

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.