Costa Rica, considered the jewel of Central Ameria, is a captivating country, complete with jungles, cloud forests and active volcanoes.
Friendly Planet Travel offers either a seven-day or nine-day tours. Included in the prices, ranging from $1,199 to $1,379 $1,249 to $1,479, are round-trip flights from Miami; all transfers on air-conditioned, chauffeur-driven minivans; superior hotel accommodations; daily breakfast; all meals in Tortuguero; comprehensive sightseeing with a naturalist, bilingual guide in Tortuguero; entrance fee to Tortuguero National Park; and more.
“Costa Rica is a quaint and untrammeled place where 25 percent of the country is preserved as national parks,” says Peggy Goldman, President of Friendly Planet Travel, offering these tours for the last three to four years. “With our two tours, we’re able to offer travelers a slice of paradise at a price that is as stunning as the country itself.”
Both tours begin in San José, the capital and largest city of Costa Rica, which is nestled in a green valley, surrounded by mountains. Tthe Captivating Costa Rica tour will take visitors to the Arenal region next. It’s home to the one of the most active volcanoes in the world.
"I chose Costa Rica because I've heard it's a fun place to go and highly affordable," said Colorado resident Kathy Gietl, who recently visited the country a few weeks ago.
With the Costa Rica Pura Vida nine-day tour, tourists will spend two extra days exploring the Caribbean coastal area and Tortuguero before heading to Arenal. Small boats will take guests for a tour through the canals of the Tortuguero National Park to see rainforest vegetation and wildlife, including Capuchin, Howler and Spider monkeys, crocodiles, and more. Other wildlife include green turtles, one of several varieties of endangered turtles who lay their eggs on Tortuguero’s shores.
The tour covers breakfasts as part of its package. A typical Costa Rican breakfast is called "Gallo Pinto," literally translated as "spotted rooster." The entree is accompanied by rice and beans and served with eggs.
Both tours then continue on to Monteverde, transporting visitors to the Monteverde Reserve where more than 300 species of birds and mammals and many varieties of orchids can be found. These tours also include the Cloud Forest Reserve on the suspension bridges that span from mountaintop to mountaintop. At the end of the trip, guests can visit San José to see two of its famous landmarks, the National Theater and Edificio Correos buildings.
"It's a rich, fantastic tourist destination," Goldman said. "Amazing beaches, gorgeous resorts, ecologically advanced and full of activities that make it fun for everyone of any age."
Tip 1: Travelers opting for a tour can cover a lot of ground throughout the country.
Tip 2: Costa Rica is considered one of the best eco countries in the world.
Tip 3: Plan travel budgets accordingly. Meal costs range from $20 to 50. Most hotels and resorts will offer breakfast as part of their amenities.
Friendly Planet Travel, Inc.
500 Old York Road, Suite 200
Jenkintown, PA 19046
800-555-5765 (toll-free)
or 215-572-9594
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