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Editor Pick

Top Costa Rica Vacation Packages for 2023

Written by

AAA Travel Editor, Sherry Mims

Visit Costa Rica with exciting and exclusive AAA Vacations® packages. These carefully curated itineraries offer exciting adventures as well as unbeatable savings and benefits that you won't find anywhere else. AAA’s collection encompasses guided tours, and independent and inclusive vacations that cater to every type of traveler — from traditional to off-the-beaten-path. Whether traveling solo or planning a romantic getaway, you'll find numerous vacation options in Costa Rica.

Trips range from landmarks and farmlands to culture and eco-tours in cloud forests and national parks. In Costa Rica, ecotourism in particular is a popular option for nature enthusiasts seeking sustainable and accessible travel that supports local communities and conserves the environment. These usually enlist local guides and visit lesser-known destinations. However, all will introduce you to Costa Ricans' (aka Tico) hospitality and the “pura vida” (pure life) lifestyle.

As a AAA Member, you can enjoy special benefits and save even more on luxury vacations. To check availability, browse AAA’s available Costa Rica tours online. You can filter by destination, tour, operator and tour type. You’ll find vacation packages like Costa Rica: A World of Nature; Monkeys, Jungles & Volcanoes; and Tropical Costa Rica. Alternatively, you can put together the best of the best with Custom Vacation - Central and South America, where you can see more of the region, learn about new cultures and enjoy world-class service.

Although you can make arrangements in a variety of ways, we recommend reviewing available AAA Vacations® packages and working with a AAA Travel Agent to book prior to your arrival for cost efficiency and peace of mind. Having an agent will take the guesswork out of travel and introduce you to fabulous Costa Rica hotels and the country's natural beauty. Packages are subject to change; read AAA’s Terms and Conditions for complete details, including amenities, Member Benefits and restrictions.

Top AAA Vacations Travel Packages

Costa Rica: A World of Nature

On a 12-day guided journey, learn about Costa Rica’s diverse offerings and enjoy an emerald paradise where trees tower and wildlife thrive, allowing you to immerse yourself in the “pura vida” lifestyle. The excursion allows two nights in San Carlos and three nights around the Arenal National Park region. A visit to a cacao farm allows you to experience local trade. Check out sea turtle conservation activities at a research station in Tortuguero National Park. A crocodile safari, a bird-watching cruise and a trek on hanging bridges over the rainforest round out your adventure. Don’t miss zip-lining through the canopy or hiking along Arenal Volcano’s old lava flow trails to top off your unforgettable trip.

The vacation package includes 11 evenings of lodging and 23 meals. As a AAA Member Choice Vacations Operated Tour, it offers 24/7 Member Care, Best Price Guarantee, $75 toward an optional excursion and $50 Member Benefit savings. It's also overseen by a tour manager who ensures efficient on-tour transportation and hotel luggage handling. When airfare is booked through Member Choice Vacations, a round-trip sedan service to the airport is also included, with one transfer per reservation. (Restrictions may apply.)

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Custom Vacation - Central and South America

Costa Rica is one of the crown jewels of Central America, and this vacation, operated by Pleasant Holidays, allows you to enjoy six nights where you wish — from lush rainforests to hot springs and beautiful beaches. Flights and a $100 activity voucher per booking only sweeten the savings and benefits of this vacation package. You get to further customize your trip by choosing your accommodation, transportation and location of your choice to take in the sights and experiences.

Adding to the adventure, you have the freedom to travel beyond Costa Rica's borders and visit Belize, Nicaragua and Panama. These locales have blue waters, lush green jungle, and colorful cultures and landmarks. So choose your adventure, and let Central America surprise you!

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Monkeys, Jungles & Volcanoes

Imagine this: You're on an eight-day guided tour of Tortuguero's waterways, watched over by toucans. You then pick a trail and climb Arenal Volcano in Arenal Volcano National Park. With this package, you’ll receive seven nights of excellent lodging and the services of a well-being director and a skilled travel director. Also enjoy seamless hotel-to-hotel luggage handling and on-tour transportation and expenses. There are airport transfers on arrival and departure days as scheduled.

Keep in mind, this trip isn't simply about stunning views and exciting adventures. It's about making memories and enjoying excellent service along the way. As for the food? Expect seven breakfasts, three lunches and six dinners — meaning you're well-fueled for your Costa Rican journey.

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Tropical Costa Rica

Take a 9-day guided tour of Costa Rica's beautiful forests, waterfalls and coastlines. Spend two nights in Playa Carrillo, Guanacaste, to experience Guanacaste beaches and scenic beauty, and then two in Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve to visit a rare cloud forest — a moist tropical woodland that’s distinguished by persistent low-level cloud cover. Take a zipline tour or visit a hanging bridge facility to experience the forest canopy. Then get ready for a boat ride to take in Caño Negro wetland and Wildlife Refuge, which is near the Nicaraguan border. Then there's the chance to explore Arenal Volcano or San José's Plaza de Cultura (Culture Square) and National Theatre.

With this package, you’ll discover not just a bite but a whole slice of tropical paradise. There are tropical plants and wildlife, and plenty of adventurous things to do. Included are eight breakfasts, one lunch and five dinners during your stay. The package features eight nights' lodging, tour management, on-tour transportation, luggage handling and round-trip airport sedan service when airfare is purchased through Member Choice Vacations; follow up with your AAA Travel Agent for details and restrictions.

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AAA Travel provides peace of mind when you travel — before, during and after your vacation! Members enjoy the advantages of membership including exclusive benefits, map routing, savings with the AAA Discounts & Rewards® program as well as recommendations for AAA Diamond-designated hotels and restaurants across the U.S. and Canada. Let AAA provide the rest of your travel needs with AAA Travel Guides, TourBooks®, access to travel agents and counselors and travel insurance. Your next vacation starts with AAA — your complete travel solution. Visit AAA.com/Travel.

Written by

AAA Travel Editor, Sherry Mims

Sherry is an experienced #AAAEditor and former journalist who enjoys writing informative travel articles and reviews. Her commitment to making meaningful connections with people and places fuels her work for AAA. Favorite activities range from skiing to backpacking abroad and taking ghost tours.

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