Costa Rica Vacations

The following trips combine the natural wonders of Costa Rica with worry-free travel, making them an easy vacation choice. Escorted tours feature the services of a guide who leads your group and provides insight into the various destinations. Independent vacations combine airfare and hotel accommodations and allow you to explore on your own. Both types of packages will save you money, as tour operators lock in low hotel and air rates well in advance of travel.

Waterfalls, volcanoes and wildlife await in Costa Rica, and the splendid natural beauty of this Central American country is part of every travel experience. White-sand beaches border lush rain forests, where guided hikes might reveal turtles, toucans, scarlet macaws and howler monkeys. Itineraries typically visit Tortuguero National Park, dedicated to the protection of endangered turtles, and Poas Volcano, with a massive crater that cradles a beautiful deep-green lake.

* Key to Quality Ratings

These vacations are classified according to the quality of accommodations, the number of included amenities and activities, and the level of service delivered.

= Budget vacations that typically range from $50 to $200 per person, per day, plus airfare.

= First class vacations that typically range from $80 to $350 per person, per day, plus airfare.

= Deluxe vacations that typically range from $200 to $650 per person, per day, plus airfare.