Costa Rica packs an amazing variety of habitats into a tiny space: 2 oceans (and the Pacific coast varies hugely from the Nicoya to the Osa peninsula); cloud forest, dry forest and rain forest; lush lowlands covered with coffee plantations. Looking at the map, you’d imagine it would be easy to flit from the Arenal volcano region to Monteverde cloud forest in an hour or so. Sadly not. For one thing, the country is divided by a mighty mountain range. Secondly, the roads in some rural areas - where you’re bound to want to go - are atrocious. In the 'Green Season', you’ll need expert local knowledge to navigate the river crossings. And thirdly, the towns are as tricky to navigate as the potholed roads, due to an unconventional approach to signposting based on the premise that locals know where to go. If you don’t speak Spanish, even the friendly Ticos’ directions will mean nothing.
All this can make reaching your hotel more of an adventure than zip-wiring through a rainforest, which is why we'd advise booking a tour or bespoke itinerary with our chosen ground operator, rather than stressing about the logistics yourself. They can arrange a package that includes as much or as little as you like (drivers and guides, activities, hotels, or your entire trip), and their suggested itineraries have been designed by their well-travelled staff to help you get the most out of each region. Whether you want to birdwatch, white-water raft, surf, be pampered or enjoy a mixture of lazing and activity, their friendly staff will listen your needs and advise you.
Why we chose this partner
- Long established; the company was set up in 1999 by 2 friends. They now have 160 full-time staff in 6 countries (a mix of international expats and locals)
- They are the only company who meet you off your international flight and fast-track you through immigration
- They have access to rooms in peak season which you won't find through other websites or specialist tour operators
- A wide range of Itineraries for everyone - couples, families, adventure lovers - plus the option to include a week in Panama
- All guides are ICT (Costa Rican Tourism Board) certified, and speak English, as do their drivers
- Their staff are available any time you need help on your trip, at the end of a phone
Please be aware
- i-escape can only vouch for those properties which are featured and reviewed on our website. For other areas and accommodations, while we do trust our operator to provide the best options for your needs, you should make sure that you are happy with their suggestions before confirming
- And - for clarity - the company sells customised packages (including accommodation and transport, as a minimum); you can't book individual hotels through them
Best time to go
Generally, the best time to visit is the dry season, December - April, although in Costa Rica 'dry' still means occcasional rain. In May the Green (aka rainy) season starts but this is a great time to visit as you can avoid the crowds. Just be aware that rivers may swell and dirt roads get muddy, making travel more challenging.
Our top tips
Location
Most tours start and end in San José, the capital city and the busiest airport - though Liberia is becoming more popular, especially among charter / package operators. Click on the links below for a list of airlines serving these airports.
You will be met at the airport straight off the plane and taken straight through immigration (unless you have agreed otherwise).
More on getting to Costa Rica and getting around
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 1 independent review from i-escape guests
The Tailormade Tours rep made everything so easy. She really listened to what we wanted and found 2 fantastic hotels, plus a load of activities that the whole family enjoyed. Both hotels we stayed at were amazing, but a special mention for Punta Islita - location, room size, food - it was perfect for us.
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape