From
$866
US $779

Tropical Costa Rica 5 Days, Short Break

5 days
Start and end in San Jose
4.5
12 traveler reviews
Tropical Costa Rica 5 Days, Short Break - Destination Services Costa Rica
From
$866
-10%
US $779
Save and compare this adventure

Price based on per person in Triple Room | Standard Hotel Category for departure 01 December 2025

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Plan your adventure:
Partially Guided
Independent travel, featuring selected guided excursions
Guided in English, Spanish
Group Size 1 - 30
Age range 10 to 99
Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Highlights

  • Explore San Jose at your own pace
  • Visit Sarchí, the birthplace of Costa Rican artisans
  • Relax in the thermal waters at Baldi Hot Springs
  • Experience dawn at Tortuguero National Park
  • Enjoy a scenic boat ride through Tortuguero

Itinerary

Expand All
  1. Introduction
  1. Day 1 ARRIVAL SAN JOSE (18km – 30min)
  2. Day 2 SAN JOSE – SARCHI – ARENAL – SAN JOSE (400km – 8hrs)
  3. Day 3 SAN JOSE – TORTUGUERO (117km – 3.5hrs by land / 1.5hr by boat)
  4. Day 4 TORTUGUERO – SAN JOSE (117km – 3.5hrs by land / 1.5hr by boat)
  5. Day 5 DEPARTURE SAN JOSE (18km – 30min)
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What's Included

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  • 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

Customer Photos

Number of tours

66

Age Range

10 to 99 years old

Response time

within 2 days

Response rate

88%

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

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Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation Policy

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Travel Insurance

Be covered for any unforseen circumstances.

Customer Reviews

  • Most Recent
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  • Tropical Costa Rica 5 Days, Short Break reviewer 1
    · March 10th, 2025
    The stable tour group was absent, every day with a new group, but overall was just fine and problems were solved if it occurred.
    Trip date: February 2025
  • PL
    · February 9th, 2025
    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
    Trip date: February 2025
  • Tropical Costa Rica 5 Days, Short Break reviewer 3
    · February 5th, 2025
    The vacation and transportation was very organized.
    Trip date: January 2025
  • Tropical Costa Rica 5 Days, Short Break reviewer 4
    · August 22nd, 2024
    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
    Destination Services Costa Rica commented on this review
    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... Show more
    Trip date: August 2024
  • CZ
    · June 22nd, 2024
    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!
    Destination Services Costa Rica commented on this review
    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
    Tropical Costa Rica 5 Days, Short Break customer review photo 1Tropical Costa Rica 5 Days, Short Break customer review photo 2Tropical Costa Rica 5 Days, Short Break customer review photo 3Tropical Costa Rica 5 Days, Short Break customer review photo 4Tropical Costa Rica 5 Days, Short Break customer review photo 5Tropical Costa Rica 5 Days, Short Break customer review photo 6
    Trip date: June 2024
  • KW
    · April 8th, 2024
    The itinerary, guides, and organization of our entire trip was remarkable! We were able to see many places, the guides were nice (and funny), and organization of schedule and transportation was perfect! I was very pleased!
    Destination Services Costa Rica commented on this review
    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
    Trip date: April 2024
  • CA
    · December 26th, 2023
    Times weren't greatly coordinated and communicated to me. My schedule said that the Pachira pickup would be at 6:40 a.m. The guy from the hotel showed up at 6:30 a.m. and showed me his confirmation that that was the correct time. Arenal was clouded over--no fault of the tour. The 8 p.m. pickup to depart to the airport arrived at 9:45 p.m. Hotels were comfortable.
    Show more
    Destination Services Costa Rica commented on this review
    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.... Show more
    Trip date: December 2023
  • CH
    · August 2nd, 2023
    Trip was good but I would have liked an option to upgrade the hotel if I chose, and options for activities or tours the day of arrival and departure if there was time.
    Trip date: July 2023
  • Tropical Costa Rica 5 Days, Short Break reviewer 9
    · May 16th, 2023
    I had only a very short time for a "sampling" experience of Costa Rica, and so did not know what to expect from this trip. Having no expectations, I was very pleasantly surprised at how smooth and well it went. I was met at the airport promptly after an overnight flight, and since this was an early arrival, I had asked in advance if an early check-in at the hotel might be possible. No sooner did I approach the front desk, than I was welcomed on a named basis by the clerk, so that clearly my request had been received and acted upon. The hotel is not new, but is spotlessly clean, well run and well maintained, quiet with a comfortable bed and amenities, in the middle of San Jose. Numerous restaurants are within safe walking distance, as well as a lovely park. All the arrangements for the trip to Arenal went like clockwork, and I was joined with eight other travelers from different tours, and we formed a very pleasant and compatible group for our daylong trip to the Sarchi and the hot springs. Equally well organized was the overnight trip to Tortuguero with a somewhat larger group, and everything went smoothly. Meals are served buffet style, and so culinary expectations should be adjusted accordingly. Our guide to the park was excellent, and the trip on the water was memorable. Equally, the return to San Jose went well, as did my early morning pick-up for the return trip to the airport. Overall, I was very pleased by how this short trip was organized, which more than met my needs and preferences. Costa Rica offers a wide variety of experiences, and I look forward to returning for a longer trip in greater depth. TourRadar did an excellent job in making this happen.
    Show more
    Destination Services Costa Rica commented on this review
    Thanks so much for your feedback! we really appreciate the time you took to write such a review! Hope soon you come back to Costa Rica
    Tropical Costa Rica 5 Days, Short Break customer review photo 1
    Trip date: May 2023
  • Tropical Costa Rica 5 Days, Short Break reviewer 10
    · February 21st, 2023
    Besides beautiful scenery our guides were excellent, friendly, down to earth, knowledgeable about areas toured and Costa Rica in general. Very reasonable cost
    Destination Services Costa Rica commented on this review
    Thanks so much for your feedback!, we really appreciate the time you took to write such a review!.Hope soon you come back to Costa Rica
    Trip date: February 2023

Dates & Availability

5 days
Tropical Costa Rica 5 Days, Short Break
From San Jose to San Jose

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Upcoming departures
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    27 Mar, 2025
    To Monday
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    5 Apr, 2025
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    From:
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    From:
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    From Friday
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    To Tuesday
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    From:
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    From Saturday
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    To Wednesday
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    English, Spanish
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    Multiple Room Types
    From:
    $866
    $779

What our customers ask about this tour

    The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.
    • What is the maximum group size for the tour?

      Group sizes can vary but please let us know your requirements so we can assist.

    • Is there a single supplement fee for solo travelers?

      Yes, please check the website for the price difference for a single room.

    • 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.

    • What activities are included in the itinerary?

      The itinerary includes visits to Sarchí, Arenal area, and Tortuguero National Park.

    • Can we arrange for transportation to a specific hotel?

      Yes, we can coordinate the transportation service to any hotel you provide us with.

    • Are there opportunities for additional tours during the trip?

      Yes, there are options for additional tours like volcano visits and waterfall gardens.

    • How do we confirm our booking?

      You can confirm your booking directly on the website to proceed with the reservation.

    • What is the currency used for payments?

      The currency for payments is USD, and credit/debit cards are accepted widely.

    • Can early check-in be arranged for our arrival?

      I will request the hotel about the possibility of an early check-in and let you know soon.

    • Can we upgrade to a larger room for three people?

      Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that request, as most hotels do not offer family style rooms.

    Can’t find the answer to your question?
    Reach out to the experts at Destination Services Costa Rica with your enquiry, they usually respond within 2 days.

    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 May 10th, 2025 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after May 10th, 2025, 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
    • 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.