10/01/2021
Bask in the warm Costa Rican sun without having to share it with the crowds. Costa Rica's tropical paradise is welcoming visitors who want to take advantage of the uncrowded beaches and rainforests to enjoy sparkling aquamarine waters, lush green plant life and the unique wildlife that call this Central American paradise home. 
No matter how you’d like to explore Costa Rica, we’ve got the options for you. From laid-back surfing to a deeper exploration into the rainforests to spotting some of the wildlife that reside here, Southern Explorations is here to make your trip to Costa Rica memorable and exciting. 
Submitted by Eric on Fri, 10/01/2021 - 6:30pm
Bask in the warm Costa Rican sun without having to share it with the crowds. Costa Rica's tropical paradise is welcoming visitors who want to take advantage of the uncrowded beaches and rainforests to enjoy sparkling aquamarine waters, lush green plant life and the unique wildlife that call this Central American paradise home.
Costa Rica’s proximity to the US—just 3.5 hours from Houston to San Jose and under 3 hours from Miami—as well as low airfare costs, mean a warm, exotic vacation with lush tropical jungle and white sand beaches is closer than you think. Best of all, there aren’t a lot of visitors at the moment, giving you and your group room to spread out and take in the sights with more privacy and fewer fellow tourists.
Paired with our customized tour options, Costa Rica is the perfect location for any type of traveler.
- Our family-friendly Costa Rican trips take away the stress of finding things to do that your whole family will love. We’ve put together a host of activities to fit all ages, including ziplining, horseback riding, river rafting and more. Costa Rica is the perfect place to spend winter break or book for spring break to get you and your family out of the house and into the adventure of a lifetime.
- Ready to see some of the best resorts in the world? Nayara is a world-class destination near Costa Rica’s Arenal Volcano. Nayara was recently voted Travel + Leisure’s second-best hotel in the world and has been one of Southern Explorations’ travel partners for years. Upgrade your lodging on our Classic Costa Rica Trip in one of Nayara’s private individual casitas, thoughtfully built with locally sourced materials.
- Wildlife lovers who like to veer off the beaten path will love our Rainforest and Volcanoes Trip. Explore the Corcovado National Park on the Osa Peninsula. Walk and zip line through the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve via the Sky Trek trail systems in the cloud forest canopy. Spend some time taking in the lush jungle and prolific birdlife and flowers near the Arenal Volcano. For added luxury, remember that you can add in the optional upgrade to the Nayara Resort on this trip, too.
- Interested in doing your own thing? Our Costa Rican self-guided tours give you a map, a car with GPS, and a trip outline, leaving you to fill in the gaps as you wish. We’ll book your hotels based on your budget and give you some ideas of which sites to see, including the breathtaking beauty of Rincon de la Vieja—Costa Rica’s version of Yellowstone Park—and surfing on the protected Nosara Beach on the Nicoya Peninsula.
No matter how you’d like to explore Costa Rica, we’ve got the options for you. From laid-back surfing to a deeper exploration into the rainforests to spotting some of the wildlife that reside here, Southern Explorations is here to make your trip to Costa Rica memorable and exciting.
Costa Rica is not currently requiring COVID tests for visitors. However, all travelers are required to complete a Health Pass 48 hours prior to arrival.
Unvaccinated adults are also required to carry health insurance that fulfills the following criteria to travel to Costa Rica:
- Valid for the entire stay in Costa Rica.
- $50,000 USD for medical expenses, including those from COVID-19.
- $2,000 USD for lodging expenses in the event of a COVID-related quarantine.
Most Popular Costa Rica Trips & Tours
| Trip | Price | Days | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Costa Rica | $3,695 | 9 Days | Arenal Volcano , Monteverde , Manuel Antonio National Park, Snorkeling, Tabacon Hot Springs, Ziplining, Kayaking |
| Coast to Coast | $2,695 | 7 Days | Tortuguero National Park, Manuel Antonio National Park, Pacific Beaches, Caribbean Beaches, Ocean Kayaking, Snorkeling |
| Colors of Costa Rica / Self Drive | $2350 | 9 Days | Self Drive , Arenal Volcano area, Relaxation , Tabacón Hot Springs, Arenal Lake, Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, Zipline, Beach, Surfing |
| Costa Rica Adventure | $3,695 | 9 Days | Pacuare River Rafting , El Silencio Lodge & Spa, Cahuita National Park, Rainforest Exploration, Caribbean Beaches |
| Costa Rica Family Adventure | $3195 | 8 Days | Arenal Volcano, Zip lines, Hanging bridges, Waterfalls, Tamarindo, Wildlife, Pristine beaches, Flexibility |
