Looking for a 7-9 day Costa Rica tour around Christmas. I was there 30 years ago and particularly enjoyed Lake Arenal, Monteverde, San Jose, Jaco Beach. We like to go 4-5*.

Based on what you've told us, I'd recommend our Highlights of Costa Rica tour (Trip Code: BCC), an 8-day adventure visiting San Jose, Arenal, Monteverde and Manuel Antonio National Park—including wildlife spotting, rainforest walks and beautiful Pacific coast scenery. We currently have 7 spaces available on the 29 December 2026 departure. Alternatively, if you'd like some extra time to relax by the coast, we also offer the Highlights of Costa Rica + Beach Extension (Trip Code: BCCB), a 10-day trip with 5 spaces available on the same departure date. As you're travelling from Sarasota, you would simply arrange your flights into and out of San Jose, and we'll take care of the rest.

What excursions are available for the final days at the park?

There are several optional activities that are available to book during your time in Manuel Antonio National Park on this adventure! • Isla Damas Boat Trip (Transport Included) - USD$90 • Catamaran & Sunset Tour (Transport Included) - USD$101 • White Water Rafting Grade 3 - Savegre River (Transport Included) - USD$119 • Local Cooking Class (Transport Included) - USD$90 • Surf Lesson (Transport Included) - USD$90 • Horseback Riding and Lunch (Transport Included) - USD$97 • Whale Watching (Minimum of 4 travelers required and only runs Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from July 15th to October 15th) - USD$170 Do note that the prices listed above are estimated costs per person - the actual price locally can change based on number of participants and/or currency fluctuations.

How is the weather expected to be? Will it rain most of the time?

Costa Rica in November is warm and tropical, with daytime temperatures around 24–30°C (75–86°F) and nights between 18–24°C (64–75°F). It's still part of the rainy season, especially early in the month, with frequent afternoon showers, mostly on the Pacific side. Rain eases up by late November, making it a great time to visit with fewer tourists and lush green scenery. The Caribbean coast tends to be drier during this time.

The prices in November are about $500 more than noted on the coversheet - why? Are those firm?

November prices are higher because it is high season in Costa Rica. Nov 1st is a guaranteed departure.

Is it unclear about the flight to Costa Rica? Is it on my own account, how do I join the group? It's not clear in the proposal. Can you be more specific? How can I be sure it's really an organized tour? Who do I connect with?

The flight to Costa Rica is not included in the tour package. You'll need to book your flights independently, ensuring you arrive in time for the tour's start date. You'll meet the group at the first hotel listed in your tour itinerary. You'll be traveling with a small group of like-minded individuals, led by an experienced tour leader.

I would be traveling alone. May I ask what kind of group (age, families/couples) you have for this trip?

There are a total of 7 passengers, consisting of one male and six females. There is one couple and a pair of friends, the rest are solo travellers. The group are in their 40s and 50s.

Could you please let me know where I can find which hotels are included?

Thanks for your enquiry. Yes we do currently have 8 spaces available on this departure. I've also attached the trip notes which advise of the hotels used and the itinerary.

What does this include? Airfare? What meals?

When booking through TourRadar, flights would be booked independently. I have attached the trip notes, this will tell you what is included in the trip and what meals are included.

On the 11-day tour, since we'd be "left behind" when the Tour Operator and some others leave a couple of days earlier, how would we arrange to get back to San Jose Airport on the 11th day? What about meals and possible transportation for touring the last couple of days?

On day 9, this morning we say goodbye to the Tour Leader and the rest of the group, who will be travelling back to San Jose for their flight home today. Those who chose to extend stay will remain at hotel in Manuel Antonio. You'll have next two days free to relax on the beach, or explore Manuel Antonio and its forest surroundings. On Day 11: Driving 160km, approximately four hours, back to San Jose's Juan Santamaria International Airport, arriving about 11am where trip ends. Earliest flight can depart is 1pm. Transfer can be arranged at additional cost later in day if desired. It's also possible to extend stay in Manuel Antonio if you would like additional time at the beach.

From

$2,510

US $2,090 per person

Highlights of Costa Rica + Beach Extension

10 days

•

Start and end in San Jose

4.5 (23 reviews)

View all
This tour was the best balance of activities at the start to make the most of the natural beauty and wildlife.
Denise Watson•traveled in August5.0
View all

From

$2,510

17% off

US $2,090 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

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1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

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Plan your adventure:

Platinum Operator: Explore!
Nature & Wildlife: Explore untamed landscapes teeming with wildlife
Group Tour: Join a group and forge lifelong friendships
Fully Guided: An experienced guide will be with you for the entire tour
Medium Intensity: Travelers should be comfortable with somewhat-demanding activities
Guided in English
Group Size 7 - 16
Ages 16+

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Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Itinerary

Intro
Introduction
Day 1
San Jose
San Jose
Accommodation
Hotel 3* (Autentico Hotel)
Optional Activities
- Explore San Jose's grid-pattern barrios and neighborhoods
- Visit the National Museum (Museo Nacional de Costa Rica)
- Dinner at a local restaurant
Landmarks
National Museum (Museo Nacional de Costa Rica)
Day 2
San Jose - Arenal
San Jose - Arenal
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel 3* (Hotel San Bosco Inn)
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Doka Estate with insights into coffee cultivation, processing and roasting
- Guided walk on the flanks of Arenal Volcano with wildlife spotting and geological information
- Viewpoint visit for closer view of Arenal Volcano
Landmarks
Doka Estate
Arenal National Park
Arenal Volcano
Day 3
Arenal
Arenal
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel 3* (Hotel San Bosco Inn)
Included Activities
- Penas Blancas river wildlife float safari with local guide
Optional Activities
- Waterfall hikes
- Lava trail hikes
- Geothermal hot springs
Landmarks
Penas Blancas River
Day 4
Arenal to Monteverde
Arenal to Monteverde
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Lodge (Monteverde Country Lodge)
Included Activities
- Guided night walk through Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve searching for nocturnal species
Optional Activities
- Walk the hanging bridges over the canopy
- Zip-line through the trees
- Visit the local butterfly garden
- Visit the local orchid garden
Landmarks
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Lake Arenal
Day 5
Monteverde to Manuel Antonio
Monteverde to Manuel Antonio
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel 3* (La Foresta Nature Resort)
Included Activities
- Cross Rio Tarcoles Bridge with crocodile viewing
- Stop at Carara Biological Reserve to view scarlet macaws and birdlife
Optional Activities
- Early morning cloud forest reserve visit before departure (opens at 7:00am)
Landmarks
Rio Tarcoles Bridge
Carara Biological Reserve
Manuel Antonio National Park
Gulf of Nicoya
Peninsula of Nicoya
Day 6
Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel 3* (La Foresta Nature Resort)
Included Activities
- Guided morning exploration of Manuel Antonio National Park
- Wildlife viewing including capuchins, poison-dart frogs, coatimundi, squirrel monkeys, howler monkeys and sloths
- Beach access and swimming
Landmarks
Manuel Antonio National Park
Day 7
Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel 3* (La Foresta Nature Resort)
Optional Activities
- Revisit Manuel Antonio National Park
- Relax on white sand beaches
Landmarks
Manuel Antonio National Park
Day 8
Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel 3* (La Foresta Nature Resort)
Optional Activities
- Visit Manuel Antonio National Park
- Explore more beaches and coves
- Relax by the water
Landmarks
Manuel Antonio National Park
Day 9
Manuel Antonio to San Jose
Manuel Antonio to San Jose
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel 3* (Autentico Hotel)
Optional Activities
- Final swim in the ocean
- Walk along the shoreline
- Relax on the beach
Day 10
San Jose
San Jose

Landmarks
National Museum (Museo Nacional de Costa Rica)

Landmarks
Doka Estate
Arenal National Park
Arenal Volcano

Landmarks
Penas Blancas River

Landmarks
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Lake Arenal

Landmarks
Rio Tarcoles Bridge
Carara Biological Reserve
Manuel Antonio National Park
Gulf of Nicoya
Peninsula of Nicoya

Landmarks
Manuel Antonio National Park

Landmarks
Manuel Antonio National Park

Landmarks
Manuel Antonio National Park

What's Included

Expand All

Accommodation
Guide
Meals
Additional Services
Transport

What's Not Included

Flights
Insurance
Optional
Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

All accommodations are subject to change

Autentico Hotel
Hotel 3*
Days 1, 9
Hotel San Bosco Inn
Hotel 3*
Days 2, 3
Monteverde Country Lodge
Lodge
day 4
La Foresta Nature Resort
Hotel 3*
Days 5, 6, 7, 8

Operated by

Explore!

Platinum Operator

Rating: 4.5 (11,871 reviews)
Response time: within 1 day
Response rate: 84%
Cancellation policy: Learn more

Traveler Reviews

4.5

Overall rating based on 23 Reviews

Itinerary
4.8
Transport
4.6
Guide
4.8
Accommodation
4.2
Food
4.1
Tour Operator
4.5

Katharine4.7•February 2025
Rafting on the river. Wildlife tour through Manuel Antonio Volcano walk Coffee plantation
Traveled in February 2025
Review collected by Explore!
Susan4.8•May 2025
We saw everything we wanted to and our tour guide was great as was the driver. One of our group made a suggestion...
Show more
Traveled in February 2025
Review collected by Explore!
Gail4.8•March 2025
All the animals were wonderful to see.
Traveled in August 2025
Review collected by Explore!
Rebecca4.7•July 2025
Definitely all of the wildlife. Our guide Luis was amazing at spotting everything, knowing every birdsong, and asking...
Show more
Traveled in May 2025
Review collected by Explore!
Richard4.3•September 2025
Thr many opportunities you see yhr wild animals.
Traveled in May 2025
Review collected by Explore!
Tracy4.5•May 2025
All was amazing & I was grateful of the extended beach break to add a relaxed balance to my holiday
Traveled in November 2025
Review collected by Explore!
Lindi4.5•March 2023
The hanging bridges, volcano, river trip,
Traveled in February 2023
Review collected by Explore!
Jeremy3.8•March 2023
Seeing all the animals and plants, landscape and others in the group
Traveled in February 2023
Review collected by Explore!
Fiona4.3•March 2023
Sloths and wildlife Zip lining A nice group
Traveled in March 2023
Review collected by Explore!
Daniel4.8•August 2023
Highlights were a couple of extra excursions we booked , Hanging gardens and white water rafting. Well worth it.
Traveled in July 2023
Review collected by Explore!

Dates & Prices

Select departure month

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Upcoming departures

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Ends in1d1h37m46s

17% off
From Saturday
7 Nov, 2026
To Monday
16 Nov, 2026
English
Filling Fast
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$2,510
US$2,090 per person
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Price based on Shared Room
From Saturday
21 Nov, 2026
To Monday
30 Nov, 2026
English
Almost Sold Out
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
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From:
US$2,780 per person
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Price based on Shared Room
19% off
From Saturday
5 Dec, 2026
To Monday
14 Dec, 2026
English
Almost Sold Out
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Guaranteed departure
From:
$2,840
US$2,290 per person
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Price based on Shared Room
From Tuesday
29 Dec, 2026
To Thursday
7 Jan, 2027
This departure date is not available or sold out
Sold out
From:
US$2,590 per person
See Similar Tours For These Dates
Instant Confirmation
6% off
From Saturday
9 Jan, 2027
To Monday
18 Jan, 2027
English
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Guaranteed departure
From:
$2,320
US$2,180 per person
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Price based on Shared Room
Instant Confirmation
From Saturday
6 Feb, 2027
To Monday
15 Feb, 2027
English
Almost Sold Out
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
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From:
US$2,670 per person
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Price based on Shared Room
Instant Confirmation
From Saturday
13 Mar, 2027
To Monday
22 Mar, 2027
English
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From:
US$2,440 per person
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Price based on Shared Room
Instant Confirmation
From Saturday
20 Mar, 2027
To Monday
29 Mar, 2027
English
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This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
US$2,730 per person
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Price based on Shared Room
Instant Confirmation
From Saturday
3 Apr, 2027
To Monday
12 Apr, 2027
English
Filling Fast
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
US$2,650 per person
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Price based on Shared Room
Instant Confirmation
From Saturday
24 Apr, 2027
To Monday
3 May, 2027
English
Filling Fast
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
US$2,680 per person
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Price based on Shared Room

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What our customers ask about this tour

The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.

All questions

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Try a different search term or ask a question to this adventure's experts

L
Lori
Asked on July 19th, 2026
Looking for a 7-9 day Costa Rica tour around Christmas. I was there 30 years ago and particularly enjoyed Lake Arenal, Monteverde, San Jose, Jaco Beach. We like to go 4-5*.
Accommodation
Tour Details
- Explore!Operator•Written July 2026
  Based on what you've told us, I'd recommend our Highlights of Costa Rica tour (Trip Code: BCC), an 8-day adventure visiting San Jose, Arenal, Monteverde and Manuel Antonio National Park—including wildlife spotting, rainforest walks and beautiful Pacific coast scenery. We currently have 7 spaces available on the 29 December 2026 departure.
  
  Alternatively, if you'd like some extra time to relax by the coast, we also offer the Highlights of Costa Rica + Beach Extension (Trip Code: BCCB), a 10-day trip with 5 spaces available on the same departure date.
  
  As you're travelling from Sarasota, you would simply arrange your flights into and out of San Jose, and we'll take care of the rest.
A
Allison
Asked on May 25th, 2026
What excursions are available for the final days at the park?
Tour Details
- Explore!Operator•Written May 2026
  There are several optional activities that are available to book during your time in Manuel Antonio National Park on this adventure!
  
  • Isla Damas Boat Trip (Transport Included) - USD$90
  • Catamaran & Sunset Tour (Transport Included) - USD$101
  • White Water Rafting Grade 3 - Savegre River (Transport Included) - USD$119
  • Local Cooking Class (Transport Included) - USD$90
  • Surf Lesson (Transport Included) - USD$90
  • Horseback Riding and Lunch (Transport Included) - USD$97
  • Whale Watching (Minimum of 4 travelers required and only runs Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from July 15th to October 15th) - USD$170
  
  Do note that the prices listed above are estimated costs per person - the actual price locally can change based on number of participants and/or currency fluctuations.
A
Antonio
Asked on March 31st, 2025
How is the weather expected to be? Will it rain most of the time?
Tour Details
- Explore!Operator•Written March 2025
  Costa Rica in November is warm and tropical, with daytime temperatures around 24–30°C (75–86°F) and nights between 18–24°C (64–75°F). It's still part of the rainy season, especially early in the month, with frequent afternoon showers, mostly on the Pacific side. Rain eases up by late November, making it a great time to visit with fewer tourists and lush green scenery. The Caribbean coast tends to be drier during this time.
T
Tracy
Asked on February 20th, 2025
The prices in November are about $500 more than noted on the coversheet - why? Are those firm?
Price / Availability
- Explore!Operator•Written February 2025
  November prices are higher because it is high season in Costa Rica. Nov 1st is a guaranteed departure.
J
John
Asked on December 6th, 2024
Is it unclear about the flight to Costa Rica? Is it on my own account, how do I join the group? It's not clear in the proposal. Can you be more specific? How can I be sure it's really an organized tour? Who do I connect with?
Flights / Transfers
Tour Details
Travel Support
- Explore!Operator•Written December 2024
  The flight to Costa Rica is not included in the tour package. You'll need to book your flights independently, ensuring you arrive in time for the tour's start date. You'll meet the group at the first hotel listed in your tour itinerary. You'll be traveling with a small group of like-minded individuals, led by an experienced tour leader.
M
Megan
Asked on February 18th, 2024
I would be traveling alone. May I ask what kind of group (age, families/couples) you have for this trip?
Age Range
Group size
- Explore!Operator•Written February 2024
  There are a total of 7 passengers, consisting of one male and six females. There is one couple and a pair of friends, the rest are solo travellers. The group are in their 40s and 50s.
- M
  Megan
  Traveler•Written February 2024
  When I book this trip, it automatically includes the beach extension or is that an other option?
- Explore!Operator•Written February 2024
  The beach extension is included. The Highlights of Costa Rica can be booked online, but I can see your enquiry has come from the BCCB tour, which includes the beach extension.
S
Sarah
Asked on January 16th, 2024
Could you please let me know where I can find which hotels are included?
Accommodation
- Explore!Operator•Written January 2024
  Thanks for your enquiry. Yes we do currently have 8 spaces available on this departure. I've also attached the trip notes which advise of the hotels used and the itinerary.
R
Rose
Asked on August 10th, 2022
What does this include? Airfare? What meals?
Flights / Transfers
Meals
Tour Details
- Explore!Operator•Written August 2022
  When booking through TourRadar, flights would be booked independently. I have attached the trip notes, this will tell you what is included in the trip and what meals are included.
R
Ray
Asked on January 27th, 2022
On the 11-day tour, since we'd be "left behind" when the Tour Operator and some others leave a couple of days earlier, how would we arrange to get back to San Jose Airport on the 11th day? What about meals and possible transportation for touring the last couple of days?
Tour Details
Transport
- Explore!Operator•Written January 2022
  On day 9, this morning we say goodbye to the Tour Leader and the rest of the group, who will be travelling back to San Jose for their flight home today. Those who chose to extend stay will remain at hotel in Manuel Antonio. You'll have next two days free to relax on the beach, or explore Manuel Antonio and its forest surroundings. On Day 11: Driving 160km, approximately four hours, back to San Jose's Juan Santamaria International Airport, arriving about 11am where trip ends. Earliest flight can depart is 1pm. Transfer can be arranged at additional cost later in day if desired. It's also possible to extend stay in Manuel Antonio if you would like additional time at the beach.

Trip essentials

Good to know

Tour ID: 124392

The practical details for your trip across Costa Rica: money, plugs and flexible ways to pay, all in one place.

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Pay in installments
Spread the cost in interest-free biweekly installments of $121.
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Book now with just a 10% deposit. The remaining balance is due 75 days before departure.
₡ - Costa Rican Colon
You’ll encounter Costa Rican Colon in Costa Rica.
Plug types A, B
You’ll need an adapter for these sockets in Costa Rica.

Currency
₡
Costa Rican Colon
Costa Rica
Plugs & adapters
As a traveler from England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa you will need an adaptor for types A, B.
- Type A
  Used in Costa Rica
- Type B
  Used in Costa Rica
Visa
Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality and how long you stay. We can’t process visas for you, but here’s a quick indication for this trip.
This is only an indication. Visa rules depend on your passport, trip length and purpose. Always confirm with the official embassy or consulate before you travel.
Payment information
Pay now
A 10% deposit
Balance due
75 days before departure
Installments
Interest-free, every two weeks
Currency
USD
Booking fee
None
Book now with just a 10% deposit and pay the rest later. The remaining balance is due 75 days before departure, charged automatically to your card, or you can split it into interest-free biweekly installments of $121 at checkout. Everything is charged in USD, and TourRadar never adds a booking fee. Any trip departing before January 2nd, 2027 will need to be paid in full at checkout.
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From

$2,510

17% off

US $2,090 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select departure month

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Pay only 10% today. The rest is due 75 days before departure. Learn more

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

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Traveler Reviews

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What our customers ask about this tour

Pay in installments

Deposit only

₡ - Costa Rican Colon

Plug types A, B

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Plugs & adapters

Visa

Payment information

Accepted for Explore! tours

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