Costa Rica seems to be one of those places our readers can't seem to get enough of, and Friendly Planet (tel. 800/555-5765; www.friendlyplanet.com) knows it, too. The company periodically offers great deals to this small country in Central America. How about nine days from $1,149, with eight nights' hotel and airfare?
Costa Rica is pure heaven for bird-lovers, nature enthusiasts, hikers, and travelers who love getting outside and don't mind a little dirt while on vacation.
Start in San José, then travel to Tortuguero National Park on the Caribbean coast for some time in the rain forest, which needs to be explored by boat on a series of canals. You can see the nesting grounds of the area's endangered turtles that give the place its name. To the north is Arenal, where you'll see an active volcano. From there, you'll experience the cloud forest of Monteverde. Pack your hiking boots.
The first and last nights put you in San José, but in between you will spend two in Tortuguero, two in Arenal, and two in Monteverde.
An airfare search using Kayak for the May 16 departure put airfare at $468 from Miami-San Jose. Considering that this Costa Rica deal also includes eight nights' hotel split among four hotels -- where regular rates range from $100-$150 per night -- you're already ahead of the game. After you factor in your meals, the naturalist guide, and transfers, this is clearly a great deal.
Best of all, this trip doesn't pack you into a tour bus with dozens of other travelers. Instead, this package leaves you time to explore on your own or to join optional tours. Town-to-town transfers are in an air-conditioned van with up to 10 people, which saves you the hassle of renting a car and driving.
Trip Type: Air-inclusive; independent
What the Quoted Price Gets You:
Round-trip airfare from Miami to San José, breakfast daily, eight nights' hotel, a bilingual naturalist guide in Tortuguero National Park with entrance fees, all meals in Tortuguero (3 lunches, 2 dinners), transfers in an air-conditioned mini van, and airline fuel surcharges.What Else You'll Have to Pay: Government and air taxes and fees of $106
When: May 16, 23, 30, June 6, 13, 20 (from $1,149); other departures are available in April and May (from $1,199-$1,399).
Book By: March 31 to gain the savings of up to $300; this trip is selling quickly.
Other Gateways: Chicago (add $50), New York (add $75), Denver (add $150)
Other Details: All prices are per person and, if lodging is a component of the package, based upon two people traveling together (unless otherwise noted). The prices listed are general starting rates; see "What Else You'll Have to Pay" for details about associated taxes and fees. Base-prices, taxes, and fees can vary based on point of departure and time of travel. Blackout dates may apply. Trip add-ons like sightseeing tours and meal plans may also increase the price. Check with the tour operator for additional gateways and any single supplements, which is the extra cost that a solo traveler would pay to book the deal.
Talk with fellow Frommer's travelers on our Costa Rica Travel Forum.