Costsaver trips are great if you are looking for a budget friendly, semi-independent vacation that is designed with just the basics in mind. Unlike classic tours, Costsaver includes just the essentials including 3-star accommodation (not always centrally located, but close to public transportation for easy access to the center of town), airconditioned motorcoach transportation, an expert Travel Director and Driver. With a basic orientation included in major cities, enjoy the freedom and flexibility to explore the destination at your own pace, or tailor your days on trip with Choice Optional Experiences unique to each itinerary and arranged by your Travel Director.
View all CostSaver ToursBubbling mud pools, rainforests teeming with wildlife, and an active volcano are all yours for the taking on this adventure. Starting in the cultural capital city of San Jose, visit turtle nesting grounds and sky walk through the rainforest canopy to create enriching and unforgettable memories.
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Costa Rica passport, visa, and entry requirement information for US citizens.
Costa Rica has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons. The dry season, or "verano," lasts from December to April, bringing sunny days and less rainfall. The wet season, or "invierno," spans from May to November, characterized by more frequent rain showers, predominantly in the afternoons. The coastal regions, both on the Pacific and Caribbean sides, experience higher temperatures and humidity, while the central areas, like the capital city of San José, have milder temperatures due to higher elevation. The country's diverse topography and microclimates create a wide variety of ecosystems, including rainforests, cloud forests, and dry savannas.
On-Tour Luggage & Carry-On Bag Size Limits
Luggage: Each guest traveling may bring one suitcase no larger than 30” x 18” x 10" and weighing no more than 50 lb
Carry-On Bag: *Restricted to one piece per person, not to exceed 12” x 11” x 6”
So your driver and any hotel porters can safely lift and transport your suitcase throughout your vacation, we strongly recommend that you test the weight of your baggage prior to travel. You should be able to lift and comfortably transport it for short distances.
Baggage allowances vary from airline to airline, and you should check with your chosen carrier for details prior to travel.
Packing Tips for Your Tour
Packing for a guided tour will vary depending on the duration of the trip, the time of year, and the activities planned. Here is a general packing list to help you get started:
Clothing:
Outdoor Gear & Sun Protection:
Medications and First Aid:
Toiletries:
Electronics:
Miscellaneous:
Optional:
As an American citizen traveling to Peru, here's what you need to know about electricity, adapters, hair dryers, and air conditioning:
Electricity
American appliances run on 110-120 volts at 60 Hz. Costa Rica uses a standard voltage of 120V and a frequency of 60Hz, which is similar to the electricity standards in the United States. This means that most American devices will work without the need for a voltage converter.
Adapters and Converters
We recommend purchasing a universal adapter with a voltage converter so you can pack less. And to pick up any necessary adapters or converters for your electronic devices before departing on your guided tour and bringing them with you.
Hair Dryers in Your Hotel
Many hotels in Costa Rica provide hair dryers in their rooms for guests to use, especially those catering to international travelers. These hair dryers are usually compatible with the local voltage and plug types, so you won't typically need to worry about bringing your own unless you have specific preferences or requirements.
Since Costa Rica uses the same voltage as the United States (120V), most American appliances, including hair dryers, if you have a high-powered or specialized hair dryer that you prefer to use or if you're staying in accommodations that might not provide hair dryers, yours should work without the need for a voltage converter. However, if your appliances aren't dual-voltage, you'll still need a plug adapter to fit them into the Costa Rican outlets.
Remember also to pack any necessary travel adapters or voltage converters if your hair dryer is not compatible with the local voltage and plug type. It's always better to be prepared to ensure a comfortable and hassle-free experience during your trip.
If you are unsure about the electrical compatibility or amenities provided by a specific hotel, you can see if they provide this information on their site or contact them directly before your trip to inquire about the availability of hair dryers and other electrical considerations for international travelers. If you need a hair dryer during your trip but cannot find one in your hotel room, you can inquire with the hotel staff. Many hotels will be able to provide a hair dryer upon request, either at the front desk or through housekeeping.
Air Conditioning
Traveling by coach
Our modern air-conditioned coaches have been selected with your comfort in mind. Your Travel Director will familiarize you with all the onboard features. Regular stops are made to stretch your legs, take refreshments, fill up your water bottles, and use the facilities.
Airport transfers
Airport transfers to and from the airport on the first and last days of your tour are complimentary only if you are traveling on a tour operated by Trafalgar, Insight Vacations, or Luxury Gold, and your flight times coincide with the shuttle-coach transfer timings. Learn more about Airport Transfers here.
To enable you to personalize your tour experience, you will find a number of Optional Experiences designed to complement the itinerary. These are designed to offer a deeper insight into the culture and character of the areas to be visited and provide some wonderful highlights to your travels. The optional program is designed to let you experience more of what interests you and to get the most from your vacation without replacing or overlapping with anything included in an itinerary.
The majority of Optional Experiences will be offered to you by your Travel Director at the beginning of your trip. Some may be subject to change, depending on the time you are traveling or local circumstances, including weather and days of the week. Your Travel Director will provide further information.
Exact payment options will be advised locally by your Travel Director/Local Representative for each Optional Experience, but in many cases, cash, Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are all accepted.
Traveling on a guided tour can be an exciting and enriching experience. However, it's essential to prioritize your health and safety while exploring new territories. Staying informed, prepared, and cautious will go a long way in ensuring a safe and enjoyable travel experience. Always stay in touch with your Travel Director and always follow their recommendations.
Here are some health advice and recommendations for travelers:
Visit the Doctor: Before embarking on your trip, schedule a visit with a medicine specialist or your healthcare provider. They can provide personalized health advice based on your medical history, current health status, and the specific countries you'll be visiting.
Travel Insurance: Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, evacuations, and trip cancellations.
First Aid Kit: Carry a basic kit with essential items like band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, antidiarrheal medication, and any prescribed medications.
Stay Hydrated: Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, avoid strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day, and rest in air-conditioned or shaded areas.
Respect Local Customs: Respect local customs and dress codes, especially in conservative areas. Dress modestly, particularly when visiting religious sites.
In order to ensure a healthy and enjoyable trip, we strongly suggest that you pack an adequate supply of your prescription medications and carry them in their original packaging, along with a copy of your prescription. Here’s what you need to know about traveling with medications.
Prior to traveling, please notify GET of any disability requiring special assistance or any specific dietary needs that you may have, and we will strive to accommodate these.
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Email Sign-up Travel Credit: Receive a $150 per person ($300 per couple) discount toward your first tour (operated by Trafalgar or Insight Vacations) when you sign up for GET emails; valid for each full-paying adult who signs up with a unique email address. Valid for new bookings only made from 01 January to December 31 2024 for travel from 01 January 2024 to 31 December 2025. Full payment is due within three days of booking. Discount is not combinable with any other discount or offer, including GETAWAY Deals, Limited Time Offers, AARP member discount, Past Traveler Global Tour Rewards discount, Groups or Multiple Trip discounts. Offer cannot be booked online. GET reserves the right to validate bookings and will remove any additional offers added online that are not combinable. Other conditions may apply.