7 Days
1 Country

Costa Rica

5 Cities

San José, Monteverde, Arenal, Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park, Arenal Natura Ecological Park

9 Meals

6 Breakfasts, 2 Dinners, 1 Lunch

Comfortable

Mainly 2 and 3 night stays in each location. Comfortable travel days with numerous stops. Requires walking to participate in top sites.

Average group size average 48-52
Tour brand Costsaver

Costsaver

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 Tours

Bubbling 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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Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1

Arrive San José

Ahh, Costa Rica. Let the Pura Vida way of life take over as you arrive in San Jose. Trendy Barrio Amon offers a glimpse into the history of the city with colonial mansions converted into art galleries, while Barrio Escalante is a foodie’s paradise and the best place to grab dinner to begin your Costa Rica value tour. 

National Theatre in San Jose, Costa Rica
Accommodation Hotel Palma Real

Day 2

San José – Monteverde

Tick off San José’s iconic sights with a quick sightseeing tour before traveling towards the creative little town of Sarchí. Seen as the cradle of Costa Rican artisanship, this is the place to buy intricate arts, crafts and souvenirs including the hand-painted and bright colored oxcart, the national symbol of Costa Rica. The journey continues through the Tilaran Mountain range listening for the collective “oohs” and “aahs” as you enter the mysterious and misty Cloud Forest. 

Wooden mugs at a market stall in San Jose, Costa Rica
Accommodation El Establo Mountain Hotel, Monteverde
Included Meals Breakfast

Day 3

Monteverde sightseeing and free time

Step into another world on your Costa Rica value tour in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve. Learn about the thousands of plant and animal species that thrive in this area, many of which only exist right here, from your Travel Director. Keep your ears open for the sounds of hummingbirds, howler monkeys, sloths, toucans, and if you’re really lucky, the Quetzal bird. Leaving the forest on a nature high, you’ll have time to relax this afternoon, or choose from a selection of Choice Experiences, like the ‘El Trapiche’ tour, where you’ll get to visit sugarcane, banana, orange and coffee plantations.

Forest in Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica
Accommodation El Establo Mountain Hotel, Monteverde
Included Meals Breakfast
Optional Experiences Mare grazing in Estancia pasture, Argentina​
Horseback Riding Tour

Hop on for a horseback adventure with unbeatable views of the Nicoya Gulf and its islands. Saddle up and trot through lush coffee and sugarcane pla...

See More
Additional Cost Applies

Optional Experiences

Optional Experiences
Bat Jungle Tour

Dive into the intriguing world of bats in Costa Rica, where these night flyers outnumber birds. On this guided walk, uncover the vital role bats pl...

See More
Additional Cost Applies

Optional Experiences

Optional Experiences Coffee Beans in Monteverde, Costa Rica
El Trapiche Tour

Get ready for a delicious journey at the “El Trapiche” farm tour. Wander through fields of sugarcane, bananas, oranges, and coffee, diving into the...

See More
Additional Cost Applies

Optional Experiences

Optional Experiences
Sky Tram and Sky Trek

Hop on a gondola and soar through treetops, eyes peeled for the locals—yeah, the wildlife kind! As you glide through the forest, watch the greenery...

See More
Additional Cost Applies

Optional Experiences

Optional Experiences
Sky Tram Up and Down

Get set to elevate your adventure! Hop on a gondola and float through the treetops, eyes peeled for hummingbirds, howler monkeys, sloths, toucans, ...

See More
Additional Cost Applies

Optional Experiences

Optional Experiences Bridge in Monteverde Cloud Rainforest, Costa Rica
Monteverde Cloud Forest Night Walk

Step into the mystical Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve after dark and immerse yourself in a nocturnal adventure. With a Local Guide by y...

See More
Additional Cost Applies

Optional Experiences

Day 4

Monteverde – Arenal

Bubbling hot springs and geothermal activity, wildlife and of course the sleeping giant, Arenal Volcano, Arenal Volcano National Park is one of the jewels in Costa Rica’s crown. Boasting outdoor pools, a butterfly garden, botanical gardens and tame iguanas roaming the grounds.

Thermal springs at Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica
Accommodation Hotel Arenal Montechiari
Included Meals Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5

Arenal full day sightseeing

Best way to explore Arenal’s private reserve? On a guided hike, of course! Be astounded by leftover lava rocks and boulders and plunge through the forest for views of the volcano and Arenal Lake. Next up: Reach all new heights at Arenal Hanging Bridges Park. Join a Local Specialist for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience on a ‘sky walk’ through the jungle canopy. Keep your eyes peeled on the suspension bridges while spotting birdlife. To round off the day of your Costa Rica value tour, let your worries drift away over a dip at local hot springs before heading back to your resort.

Red Ginger near Volcano in Arenal, Costa Rica
Accommodation Hotel Arenal Montechiari
Included Meals Breakfast
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER
Arenal Hanging Bridges

Visit Arenal Hanging Bridges Park, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience:Costa Ricans know a thing or two about adventuring in beautiful places. And you...

See More
Included in Trip

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER

Day 6

Arenal sightseeing and free time

If a tranquil river float and wildlife search sounds like you, you won’t want to miss this morning’s safari float down the Peñas Blancas River. Paired up with a Local Guide, you’ll love spotting monkeys, sloths, iguanas, caimans and tropical birds. Visit a local family, and learn how connected the people of Costa Rica are to their natural environment.

Squirrel Monkey in Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica
Accommodation Hotel Arenal Montechiari
Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7

Arenal – Depart San José

Your Costa Rica value tour comes to an end this morning. Transfer back to San José International Airport, arriving at approximately 11:00 AM.

View of San Jose, Costa Rica
Included Meals Breakfast

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Special Departure

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Included Highlights

Top rated highlights

Learn more about the landmarks, history and culture that makes your destination special.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER
Arenal Hanging Bridges

Visit Arenal Hanging Bridges Park, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience:Costa Ricans know a thing or two about adventuring in beautiful places. And you...

See More
Included in Trip

Optional Experiences

Sign up on tour for additional experiences that have been curated by your Travel Director from their own in-depth local knowledge.

Optional Experience
Horseback Riding Tour

Hop on for a horseback adventure with unbeatable views of the Nicoya Gulf and its islands. Saddle up and trot through lush coffee and sugarcane pla...

See More
Additional Cost Applies
Optional Experience
Bat Jungle Tour

Dive into the intriguing world of bats in Costa Rica, where these night flyers outnumber birds. On this guided walk, uncover the vital role bats pl...

See More
Additional Cost Applies
Optional Experience
Monteverde Cloud Forest Night Walk

Step into the mystical Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve after dark and immerse yourself in a nocturnal adventure. With a Local Guide by y...

See More
Additional Cost Applies
Optional Experience
El Trapiche Tour

Get ready for a delicious journey at the “El Trapiche” farm tour. Wander through fields of sugarcane, bananas, oranges, and coffee, diving into the...

See More
Additional Cost Applies
Optional Experience
Sky Tram and Sky Trek

Hop on a gondola and soar through treetops, eyes peeled for the locals—yeah, the wildlife kind! As you glide through the forest, watch the greenery...

See More
Additional Cost Applies
Optional Experience
Sky Tram Up and Down

Get set to elevate your adventure! Hop on a gondola and float through the treetops, eyes peeled for hummingbirds, howler monkeys, sloths, toucans, ...

See More
Additional Cost Applies

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Costa Rica

  • Official Language of Costa Rica: Spanish is the official language of Costa Rica.
  • Currency used in Costa Rica: The currency of Costa Rica is the Costa Rican colón (CRC).
  • Capital city: The capital of Costa Rica is San José
  • Time Zone(s) in Costa Rica: Central Standard Time (CST) zone. During Daylight Saving Time, it follows Central Daylight Time (CDT).

Costa Rica passport, visa, and entry requirement information for US citizens.

  • Passport: Your passport should have at least two blank pages for entry stamps. Your passport is valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of your trip
  • Visa Requirement: A visa is not required to enter Costa Rica.
  • Entry Requirements: You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to getours.com/travel-requirements-restrictions.

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”

  • *Please note: A "carry-on bag" on a tour coach is not the same as a "carry-on" for a flight. Because our coaches have large windows to enjoy the view, there is minimal space to store large items securely overhead or under the seats. A "carry-on bag" may be a soft-sided daypack, purse, backpack, tote bag, or the like. Because we value our guests' safety, small rolling suitcases or bags with telescopic handles are not permitted. In order to guarantee a smooth trip, guests are not permitted to store an additional "carry-on" bag beneath the coach with the luggage. 

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:

  • Comfortable hiking shoes: Suitable for walking and light hikes. You should also consider bringing sandals or flip-flops for lounging or beach days. 
  • Lightweight, breathable clothing: Pack lightweight and breathable clothing suitable for warm and humid weather, but also consider bringing a light jacket or layers for cooler evenings or higher-altitude areas. Pack quick-drying shirts, shorts, and pants for warm and humid conditions. Long-sleeved shirts and pants offer protection against sun, bugs, and cooler evenings.
  • Quick-dry pants: Opt for comfortable pants that dry quickly if they get wet.
  • Layers: To ensure you're ready for any situation, it's wise to pack adaptable, layered clothing.
  • Rain jacket or poncho: Be prepared for sudden rain showers, especially during the rainy season.
  • Swimsuits: For beach and water activities.

Outdoor Gear & Sun Protection:

  • Hat, sunglasses, UV-protective clothing.
  • Sunscreen with high SPF. If you're visiting any coastal areas, bring reef-safe sunscreen formulated without harmful chemicals known to be damaging to coral reefs and marine life. Traditional sunscreens often contain ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which have been found to contribute to coral bleaching and negatively impact marine ecosystems. Look for sunscreens with certifications such as "Reef Safe," "Coral Safe," or "Ocean-Friendly" to ensure they are environmentally friendly.
  • Water-resistant backpack cover: To protect your belongings from rain.
  • Lightweight, quick-drying towel: Useful for beach visits and other water activities.

Medications and First Aid:

  • Any prescription medications you need. (See more below under Health & Wellness)
  • Basic first aid kit with adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, etc.

Toiletries:

  • Travel-sized toiletries, including shampoo, conditioner, soap, and toothpaste.
  • Travel towel (quick-drying and compact).
  • Hand sanitizer and wet wipes.
  • A washcloth and carry bag (often not available in hotels abroad).

Electronics:

  • A camera: You’re traveling to see extraordinary scenery and sites. So that you don't miss a single moment, bring a trustworthy camera. Check out our travel photography tips for capturing the best photos of your trips. If you feel comfortable, you can also try the camera on your phone. However, if you want to zoom in or capture moving objects, a camera might be your best bet.
  • Mobile phone.
  • Binoculars: Enhance your wildlife viewing experiences. Helpful for bird watching and wildlife spotting.
  • Chargers for each electronic you bring.
  • Travel adapter and/or voltage converter
  • Portable power bank for charging devices on the go.
  • Small travel hair dryer (make sure you have the correct converter and adapter if needed).

Miscellaneous:

  • A travel-friendly daypack or bag to carry your essentials during excursions.
  • Insect repellent.
  • Reusable water bottle. At GET, we’re all about caring for our planet, and with that in mind, we always recommend that you pack a reusable water bottle for your trip. Bringing your own reusable water bottle or asking for tap water at restaurants means you can make a difference by reducing your vacation plastic waste.
  • A small travel alarm.
  • A travel iron if you like your clothes to be pressed.
  • A travel pillow.

Optional:

  • Water shoes: For water-based activities or beach walks.
  • Hiking gear: If your tour involves more intense hiking or trekking, consider bringing sturdier boots and tear-away, convertible clothing items.
  • Rain pants: For additional rain protection during outdoor activities.
  • Hat with neck protection: Extra sun protection for your neck and ears.
  • Scarf or shawl for visiting religious sites or to cover up in conservative areas.
  • Light sleepwear.
  • A new, blank journal to document your trip. Don't know your travel journal style? Find out here!
  • Ziplock bags (storing snacks, toiletries, and keeping things organized).

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

  • Costa Rica uses Type A and Type B outlets. Type A outlets have two flat parallel pins, while Type B outlets have two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin.
  • You might not need a voltage converter, but you will likely need a plug adapter to fit your American devices into the Costa Rican outlets.

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

  • Depending on the area you're visiting in Costa Rica, the climate can vary. Some areas are quite warm and humid, while others may be cooler due to higher altitudes.
  • Air conditioning is used in Costa Rica. Given the warm climate, air conditioning helps maintain comfortable indoor temperatures. Restaurants, shopping malls, museums, and other public spaces typically have air conditioning to provide relief from the heat. 
  • In more traditional or older buildings, air conditioning might not be as prevalent as in modern structures.
  • Keep in mind that local customs and practices might influence the use of 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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Reviews
Service
Vacation
Independent Reviews
Marla Lawrence
Review date: Monday, August 5, 2024
Service
Very easy. Mostly done via email and website. Our original trip was cancelled due to lack of attendees, but we were able to join a group from 2 weeks later
Response from Grand European Travel:
Costa Rica is such a beautiful place and we're so happy to see that you enjoyed it. Thank you for sharing your feedback.
Tuesday, August 6, 2024
Vacation
The trip was amazing. Our guide Jorge and driver Chico were genuinely concerned that our experience was the best possible. All our local guides were attentive to our physical needs/safety and quite often entertaining!
Mary Costello
Review date: Friday, August 2, 2024
Service
As I stated previously, I was never informed that I could have flown out of Vienna. I am very unhappy that I had to spend $422 for absolutely no reason! I have only traveled to Europe three times and all 3 trips have been booked through GET. My previous 2 trips went off without a hitch so I had no reason to believe this one would be any different.
Response from Grand European Travel:
We apologize for any misunderstanding. There are two versions of this tour and the one you purchased had the extension in Budapest at the end, with flights departing out of Budapest airport as well. We do hope the extra time was worth it in that amazing city.
Tuesday, August 6, 2024
Vacation
My tour director, Dani and bus driver, Attila were the best. Looking back at my pictures, it's hard to realize how much we did in so little time. This is definitely a 5 star tour however, the four stars is due to the nasty surprise I received leaving Vienna. I was the only person who did not leave the trip via the Vienna airport! Why? The itinerary indicated a return to Budapest and at NO TIME WAS I EVER OFFERED THE OPTION OF FLYING OUT OF VIENNA!! The agent through GET NEVER brought it up and the itinerary was misleading to the tune of $422 I paid needlessly for a room and transfer to the airport in Budapest. I am a fairly new traveler and did not know Vienna had an airport and, again, was never informed as such.
Nyla Frye
Review date: Tuesday, December 27, 2022
Service
Making the reservation was simple.
Vacation
Booking was easy. Lack of communication ruined the beginning of the tour. We need to talk to a representative to explain!
William Addonizio
Review date: Friday, December 23, 2022
Service
Always smooth. One problem was when I had called and asked about Zipline I was told it not offed which was not correct in fact it was.
Vacation
Amazing , meet awesome people and Ronny our tour Guide made our trip. Wish we could clone him.
Somchai Yanaranop
Review date: Friday, May 10, 2019
Service
Miss. Lauren Veja help us to get true our vacation true reservation and prepare for an adventure. Thank Lauren. .
Vacation
My tours director, Mr, Fabian Guzman meet us 21 of us at hotel lay out our first day, Tomorrow Breakfast and get ready for a beautiful bus, A/C all the way, Our special bus driver, Roberto he is a awesome guy. He so helpful, My wife have a hard time to get in and out, He there to help her at all time, Every stop Roberto clean a bus.
William Stout
Review date: Friday, September 28, 2018
Service
The booking was easy and the tour guide was excellent and knowledgeable.
Vacation
It was a very fair price. For the money, the hotels we top notch for the price.
See More Reviews
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