Is there a specific arrival time required, and will transfers be available regardless of arrival time? Are there any special celebrations planned for New Year's in San Jose? On the free days, are there optional activities that can be arranged?

Regarding the arrival time, is not a specific time required, but just have to let us know the flight information with all details to arrange it. For New year celebrating, some hotels make a special dinner or activities, will be depending on the hotel where they spend the new year. For the free days, of course that they can arrange optional activities.

Could you please provide the hotel names, are there specific arrival time requirements, will transfers be available regardless of arrival time? Additionally, since spending New Year's in San Jose, are there any special celebrations planned? On the free days, are there optional activities that can be arranged?

We need the flight information with details to arrange the transfer. Not to worry, our representative will be waiting regardless of arrival time.

Is it possible for us to go straight to Tortuguero that day or do we have to move it to the next day?

The most scenic option is by boat, but it's important to depart at 6:00 a.m. in order to arrive in Tortuguero around midday. The flight option needs to be checked in advance to confirm availability for that day and whether your arrival time allows for the flight connection.

Are airport transfers included in the tour?

Transportation services from/to the airport are already included in the cost of the itinerary.

Is there a room share with another female?

Unfortunately we do not have any other female asking to share room. However, we would be more than happy to welcome you in our beautiful and Pura Vida country.

What are the check-in and check-out times at the hotel?

Standard check-in is typically in the afternoon, while check-out is usually before noon.

if i arrive at sjo on March 8, 11:00pm, what date shall i book from this tour?

You have to book the same date, March 08

Would that present any problems for this tour arriving at 8:30 p.m.

There is not problem as you will spend the first night in San Jose.

Do u do discount for airline employees

Any kind of discount should be process directly with Tour Radar team and your airline.

Can I get transport from airport to hotel before my tour starts on January 18th? Do you have a transport voucher for the earlier date?

You can coordinate transportation to the hotel before your tour starts, but you'll need to arrange movement to the first hotel by yourself. We don't use vouchers - you'll only need your passport ID for hotel check-in. Tour providers will find you in the hotel lobby, and we'll send a confirmation services letter with detailed information.

From

$914

US $823 per person

Tropical Costa Rica 5 Days, Short Break

5 days

•

Start and end in San Jose

4.4

15 traveler reviews

View all
The vacation and transportation was very organized.
Louise McLean, traveled in February
5.0
View all

From

$914

-10%

US $823 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 Date

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

Platinum Operator: Destination Services Costa Rica
Explorer: Curated to ignite your sense of adventure
Group Tour: Join a group and forge lifelong friendships
Partially Guided: Independent travel, featuring selected guided excursions
Low Intensity: Travelers can expect some light physical activities
Guided in English: Other languages on request: Spanish
Group Size 1 - 30
All Ages Welcome

Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival in San Jose
Start point
Aeropuerto Internacional Juan Santamaría (SJO), Ruta Nacional 1, Alajuela, Alajuela, Costa Rica (Pick up at San Jose Airport)
Accommodation
Hotel (Sleep Inn Hotel)
Optional Activities
- Explore San Jose city and surroundings
Day 2
Arenal Volcano
Meals
Breakfast (At the hotel), Lunch (At a cosy restaurant with a magnificent view of the volcano), Dinner (With a great view of the volcano)
Accommodation
Hotel (Sleep Inn Hotel)
Included Activities
- Visit to Sarch\u00ed Town
- Guided visit to Arenal area
- Baldi Hot Springs Resort with 25 mineral water reservoirs
Landmarks
Arenal Volcano
Sarch\u00ed
Baldi Hot Springs Resort
Day 3
San Jose to Tortuguero National Park
Meals
Breakfast (In Gu\u00e1piles city around 8:30 am), Lunch (Delightful lunch at the lodge around 1:00 pm), Dinner
Accommodation
Hotel (Turtle Beach Lodge)
Included Activities
- Guided visit to Tortuguero Village
Landmarks
Tortuguero National Park
Tortuguero Village
Day 4
Tortuguero National Park to San Jose
Meals
Breakfast (At the lodge around 7:00 am), Lunch (At a restaurant in Gu\u00e1piles city around 9:30 am)
Accommodation
Hotel (Sleep Inn Hotel)
Included Activities
- Guided visit to Tortuguero National Park - early morning canal tour at dawn
Landmarks
Tortuguero National Park
Day 5
Departure from San Jose
End point
Aeropuerto Internacional Juan Santamaría (SJO), Ruta Nacional 1, Alajuela, Alajuela, Costa Rica (Drop off at San Jose Airport)
Meals
Breakfast (At the hotel)

Landmarks
Arenal Volcano
Sarch\u00ed
Baldi Hot Springs Resort

Landmarks
Tortuguero National Park
Tortuguero Village

Landmarks
Tortuguero National Park

What's Included

Expand All

Accommodation
Guide
Meals
Additional Services
Transport
Free eSIM
TourRadar offers the lead traveler (the person who booked) a free 1GB eSIM for the trip. The eSIM is redeemable only through the TourRadar app 72 hours before departure.

What's Not Included

Flights
Insurance
Optional
Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

All accommodations are subject to change

Sleep Inn Hotel
Hotel
Days 1, 2, 4
Turtle Beach Lodge
Hotel
day 3

Operated by

Destination Services Costa Rica

4.4

(343 reviews)

Number of tours

Age Range

2 to 99 years old

Response time

within 1 day

Response rate

100%

We are a leading company in Costa Rica, providing the best possible...

Cancellation Policy

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Travel Insurance

Be covered for any unforseen circumstances.

Traveler Moments

Traveler Reviews

4.4

Overall rating based on 15 Reviews

Itinerary
4.8
Transport
4.7
Guide
4.9
Accommodation
4.4
Food
4.4
Tour Operator
4.4

C
Cameron
January 29th, 2026
2.0
The tours were not as described
Traveled in January 2026
M
Murali
May 11th, 2025
5.0
Excellent and well-organized tour. All the airport, hotel, and tour pick-up were punctual and efficient. The tours to...
Excellent and well-organized tour. All the airport, hotel, and tour pick-up were punctual and efficient. The tours to Mt. Arenal volcano and Baldi Hot Springs were very good, and Erick, our guide was excellent. Similarly, the tour to Tortuguero National Park was very good, and the guides, Ignacio and Daniel were excellent. The lodge and the meals at the Tortuguero National Park were very good, but note that there is no TV or wifi in the rooms, and the windows cannot be shut at night to quiet the birds' noise outside at night, if you are expecting these things. The boat ride and the wildlife watch tour were excellent. A couple of things I would suggest for the tour company to address in the Mt. Arenal and Baldi Springs day tour: (1) If you can include in the tour description and itinerary that tour members would be provided with a towel and a key to a locker, it would have been very helpful as I carried a big towel unnecessarily and was worried about my personal belongings. (2) At the Baldi Hot Springs, after 2.5 hours of soaking in the hot springs, we were all done by 5 pm and hungry, and so, if the dinner had been started earlier say 5 or 5:30 pm, it would have helped us to get back to our hotels by 10 or 10:30 pm instead of pas t11 pm. Some of us had to get up early next day to check out of the hotel by 6:15 am for the next day's tour to Tortuguero National Park, and could have enjoyed the next day's tour with a little more sleep. The Sleep Inn Hotel at San Jose, arranged by the tour company was excellent and was within walking distance to all the main shopping areas, restaurants, and the museums. The hotel breakfast and fitness room were very good. The hotel staff were very helpful to give me directions to local attractions near the hotel. In my free time, I was able to visit the National Museum within 5 minutes walking distance from the hotel, and across from the Jade Museum. If you are walking around on your own, be ware of the sidewalks in San Jose as they were in bad condition and can be tripped easily, if not paying attention. Of course, this is not the tour company or the hotel's problem, but more of the San Jose city issue. I highly recommend this tour and this tour company.Show more
Traveled in April 2025
Reply from: Destination Services Costa Rica
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience in such detail! We are so happy to know that you enjoyed our tours to Arenal Volcano, Baldi Hot Springs, and Tortuguero National Park, and that Erick, Ignacio, and Daniel did an excellent job as guides. We are also pleased to know that the transportation and accommodation logistics, including your stay at the Sleep Inn Hotel, met your expectations. We sincerely appreciate your suggestions regarding communication about towels and locker keys at Baldi, as well as dinner times. These comments are very valuable to us, and we will take them into account to improve the experience for our future travelers. We understand that details such as the lack of Wi-Fi or the natural noise in Tortuguero can be unexpected, and we appreciate you mentioning them, so other visitors are well-informed. We are glad you were able to take advantage of your free time to explore the nearby museums and sites in San José. Thank you again for recommending us. We look forward to serving you on future adventures in Costa Rica. Andrea Rojas P. Destination Services Costa Rica
Show more
D
Derek
March 16th, 2025
5.0
We did a lot of traveling over the Costa Rican countryside but saw and experienced so much. While most of the trip...
Show more
Traveled in March 2025
Reply from: Destination Services Costa Rica
Dear Mr. Carlson, Thank you for sharing your experience with us. Your opinion is very important for us! We are very happy to hear that you had a great time in our beautiful Costa Rica. Hope to welcome you again in a near future. Our Warm Regards, Andrea Rojas Destinations Services Costa Rica
Show more
Tanya
March 10th, 2025
4.0
The stable tour group was absent, every day with a new group, but overall was just fine and problems were solved if...
Show more
Traveled in February 2025
Reply from: Destination Services Costa Rica
Hello Tanya, Thank you for taking the time and give us your opinion which is very important to us. We hope to see you again in a near future. Our best regards, Andrea Rojas P, Destinations Services Costa Rica
Show more
P
Pramita
February 9th, 2025
4.0
It was a pretty good experience. The only part that was a bit inconvenient was over 3 hours ride to Arenal Volcano...
It was a pretty good experience. The only part that was a bit inconvenient was over 3 hours ride to Arenal Volcano site from our hotel in a small white tourist van. I was expecting a better comfortable tourist bus since the road was a lot of winding and turns and also many pick ups on the way. My co traveller was an elderly lady and it was quite rough on her at the end of the day. One more thing to add was I didn’t get any welcome letter or contact from my tour operator until a day before our tour started.Instead, I had to constantly reach them through email or wats app . The hotel information they gave me earlier was different. Luckily, an agent contacted after my many attempts and send me a note of welcome letter with details just a day before. This was something that should have been done atleast 3 or 5 days prior to our trip. I had to resend my flight details which I had already provided them way ahead but seemed like they didn’t have it. So last minute , it was again finalized and set. Nevertheless, the whole trip went well once the tour started. Jazmin came to pick us up at the airport and she was so helpful and available anytime we needed any help with questions. She provided us her number and was really so helpful with all arrangement. She is a great agent. Thanks to her for our trip . I loved the trip ! Worth visiting the place. Good experience over all.Show more
Traveled in February 2025
Louise McLean
February 5th, 2025
5.0
The vacation and transportation was very organized.
Traveled in January 2025
William
August 22nd, 2024
4.0
First time using Tourradar and was extremely impressed. Everything ran on time and the vans and shuttles arrived...
First time using Tourradar and was extremely impressed. Everything ran on time and the vans and shuttles arrived exactly when they were supposed to according to my itinerary. It was so nice to have someone waiting at the airport when I landed and not to have to think about driving in a foreign country for five days. I ate more than I expected. So many meals were included and they are spaced according to the travel schedule to break up the 3 hour ride from one destination to the next. San Jose hotel was a Radisson that was perfectly situated to walk to the main part of the city during daylight hours. (I did take Ubers after dark) The hotel room did have a slight musty smell which I remember experiencing when I stayed at a couple hotels in Houston. Guess it comes with the humidity. The main parts of the hotel did not have that. The bar at the Radisson was very reasonable and the provided breakfast was very good. The resort hotel in the national park was beautiful but the cabins did not have A/C. From what I read, most of the resorts don't have AC in that area. It was very warm sleeping at night but it was only for one night and it was worth it to see a group of monkeys the next morning hanging out in the trees above the pool. Overall, very pleasantly surprised how smooth everything went and I will for future travel deals with Tourradar for my next vacation.Show more
Traveled in August 2024
Reply from: Destination Services Costa Rica
Good Day Dear William I'm very glad to know you have a nice experience during your trip, thanks for your comments, we are definitely taking it in count to keep improving our services. We hope you have the opportunity to come back soon to Costa Rica and we can assist you to discover more nice places in the country. Regards, Karla Alpízar Destination Services Costa Rica's Team
Show more
Cara
June 22nd, 2024
5.0
We had a wonderful time! Everything went smoothly, our tour guides and drivers were friendly and knowledgeable, and...
We had a wonderful time! Everything went smoothly, our tour guides and drivers were friendly and knowledgeable, and each of the places we visited was amazing. Highly recommend!Show more
Traveled in June 2024
Reply from: Destination Services Costa Rica
Hi Cara I'm very glad to know you have enjoyed an incredible time during your trip :) We hope you can have the opportunity to come back some day and we will more than happy to assist you discover more nice places from Costa Rica. Best regards, Karla
Show more
K
Kristen
April 8th, 2024
5.0
The itinerary, guides, and organization of our entire trip was remarkable! We were able to see many places, the...
Show more
Traveled in April 2024
Reply from: Destination Services Costa Rica
Good Day Dear Kristen We are very glad to know you have enjoyed a good experience during the whole trip, we really appreciate your kind comments. Regards, Karla Alpízar Destination Services Costa Rica's Team
Show more
C
Carilyn
December 26th, 2023
3.0
Times weren't greatly coordinated and communicated to me. My schedule said that the Pachira pickup would be at 6:40...
Show more
Traveled in December 2023
Reply from: Destination Services Costa Rica
Good Day Dear Carilyn Our apologies for the inconveniences, we are going to improve in the transportation services with the providers in order to prevent this kind of delay situation will occur in the future. We really appreciate your feedback. Regards, Karla Alpízar Destination Services Costa Rica's Team
Show more

Dates & Availability

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1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

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Ends on 25 Feb, 2026

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From Sunday
8 Mar, 2026
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12 Mar, 2026
English, Spanish
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
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What our customers ask about this tour

The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.

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L
Liam
Asked on October 28th, 2025
Is there a specific arrival time required, and will transfers be available regardless of arrival time? Are there any special celebrations planned for New Year's in San Jose? On the free days, are there optional activities that can be arranged?
Accommodation
Tour Details
Travel Support
- Destination Services Costa RicaOperator•Written October 2025
  Regarding the arrival time, is not a specific time required, but just have to let us know the flight information with all details to arrange it. For New year celebrating, some hotels make a special dinner or activities, will be depending on the hotel where they spend the new year. For the free days, of course that they can arrange optional activities.
K
Kate
Asked on October 28th, 2025
Could you please provide the hotel names, are there specific arrival time requirements, will transfers be available regardless of arrival time? Additionally, since spending New Year's in San Jose, are there any special celebrations planned? On the free days, are there optional activities that can be arranged?
Accommodation
Flights / Transfers
Tour Details
- Destination Services Costa RicaOperator•Written October 2025
  We need the flight information with details to arrange the transfer. Not to worry, our representative will be waiting regardless of arrival time.
L
Lucy
Asked on September 25th, 2025
Is it possible for us to go straight to Tortuguero that day or do we have to move it to the next day?
Tour Details
Transport
- Destination Services Costa RicaOperator•Written September 2025
  The most scenic option is by boat, but it's important to depart at 6:00 a.m. in order to arrive in Tortuguero around midday. The flight option needs to be checked in advance to confirm availability for that day and whether your arrival time allows for the flight connection.
- L
  Lucy
  Traveler•Written September 2025
  We would like to start our tour straight from the airport to skip San Jose and go straight outside to either Arsenal Volcano and surroundings. We can take the next day to go to Tortuguero.
- L
  Lucy
  Traveler•Written October 2025
  Can you please let me know if there is any tour that can be done on the day of arrival?
- Destination Services Costa RicaOperator•Written October 2025
  You could make a coffee tour half day. Airport pickup and transfer to your hotel in the capital city.
- L
  Lucy
  Traveler•Written October 2025
  Is it possible to do a trip to Monteverde cloud forest and after finishing tour going straight to Tortuguero?
- Destination Services Costa RicaOperator•Written October 2025
  A one-day tour to Monteverde is not feasible, as the journey takes approximately 5 hours each way, making it impossible to continue with the itinerary to Tortuguero, which departs at 6:00 a.m. the following morning.
- L
  Lucy
  Traveler•Written October 2025
  What are the options for Monteverde?
K
Kerstin
Asked on March 30th, 2025
Are airport transfers included in the tour?
Flights / Transfers
- Destination Services Costa RicaOperator•Written April 2025
  Transportation services from/to the airport are already included in the cost of the itinerary.
K
Kathy
Asked on March 21st, 2025
Is there a room share with another female?
Accommodation
Tour Details
- Destination Services Costa RicaOperator•Written March 2025
  Unfortunately we do not have any other female asking to share room. However, we would be more than happy to welcome you in our beautiful and Pura Vida country.
L
Lucas
Asked on February 15th, 2025
What are the check-in and check-out times at the hotel?
Accommodation
- Destination Services Costa RicaOperator•Written February 2025
  Standard check-in is typically in the afternoon, while check-out is usually before noon.
D
Dean
Asked on February 14th, 2025
if i arrive at sjo on March 8, 11:00pm, what date shall i book from this tour?
Flights / Transfers
Tour Details
- Destination Services Costa RicaOperator•Written February 2025
  You have to book the same date, March 08
- D
  Dean
  Traveler•Written February 2025
  So some one will pick me up at sjo to the hotel at midnight?
- Destination Services Costa RicaOperator•Written February 2025
  Yes, our representative will be waiting for you
S
Sheila
Asked on December 28th, 2024
Would that present any problems for this tour arriving at 8:30 p.m.
Tour Details
- Destination Services Costa RicaOperator•Written December 2024
  There is not problem as you will spend the first night in San Jose.
C
Chris
Asked on December 5th, 2024
Do u do discount for airline employees
Price / Availability
- Destination Services Costa RicaOperator•Written December 2024
  Any kind of discount should be process directly with Tour Radar team and your airline.
K
Kyle
Asked on December 2nd, 2024
Can I get transport from airport to hotel before my tour starts on January 18th? Do you have a transport voucher for the earlier date?
Flights / Transfers
Tour Details
- Destination Services Costa RicaOperator•Written December 2024
  You can coordinate transportation to the hotel before your tour starts, but you'll need to arrange movement to the first hotel by yourself. We don't use vouchers - you'll only need your passport ID for hotel check-in. Tour providers will find you in the hotel lobby, and we'll send a confirmation services letter with detailed information.

From

$914

-10%

US $823 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 Date

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

Good to Know

Tour ID: 208690

Currency
₡
Costa Rican Colon
Costa Rica
Plugs & Adapters
Vaccines
- These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
- Typhoid - Recommended for Costa Rica. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
- Hepatitis A - Recommended for Costa Rica. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
- Hepatitis B - Recommended for Costa Rica. Ideally 2 months before travel.
- Yellow fever - Certificate of vaccination required if arriving from an area with a risk of yellow fever transmission for Costa Rica. Ideally 10 days before travel.
Visa
- Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
- Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
Payment information
- For any tour departing before April 21st, 2026 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after April 21st, 2026, a minimum payment of 20% is required to confirm your booking with Destination Services Costa Rica. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 60 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
- Some departure dates and prices may vary and Destination Services Costa Rica will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
- The following cards are accepted for "Destination Services Costa Rica" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
Cancellation Policy
- Your money is safe with TourRadar, as we only pay the tour operator after your tour has departed.
- TourRadar is an authorized Agent of Destination Services Costa Rica. Please familiarize yourself with the Destination Services Costa Rica payment, cancellation and refund conditions.
Accessibility
Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveler, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team, who are ready and waiting to help you.
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Tropical Costa Rica 5 Days, Short Break

Itinerary

Arrival in San Jose

Optional Activities

Arenal Volcano

Included Activities

San Jose to Tortuguero National Park

Included Activities

Tortuguero National Park to San Jose

Included Activities

Departure from San Jose

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What's Included

What's Not Included

Where You'll Stay