9 days · Costa Rica
Costa Rica Escape
From AED 7,290per person, twin share
Embark on a Costa Rica adventure and soak up sun, sand and scenery in this beautiful Central American destination!
- Duration
- 9 Days / 8 Nights
- Route
- Starts and ends in San José
- Country
- Costa Rica
- Activity level
- Light (2 of 5)
- Short orientation walks and a morning in Manuel Antonio National Park; the volcano hike and hanging bridges are optional extras, not included
- Accommodation
- 3- and 4-star hotels in San José, La Fortuna, Monteverde and Quepos, 8 nights in total
- Meals
- 8 breakfasts and 3 dinners
- Group
- Group tour, up to 41
- Guide
- Tour leader throughout
- Transport
- Air-conditioned coach
- Best time to go
- Runs across the year: December to April is Costa Rica’s dry season, May to November brings more rain, especially in the afternoons
Tour overview
This 9-day Costa Rica coach tour takes you to the active Arenal Volcano and through the misty Monteverde Cloud Forest! Swim in Quepos' tropical waters and discover the sweeping beauty of Manuel Antonio National Park. You'll also explore San José, Costa Rica's vibrant capital city!
Highlights
- Enjoy a welcome dinner in San José
- Visit La Fortuna, near Arenal Volcano National Park
- Take a scenic drive through the Monteverde Cloud Forest
- Soak up the sun, sand and scenery in Quepos
- Explore the stunning Manuel Antonio National Park
- Discover San José, Costa Rica’s capital city, on a driving tour
- Sit down for a farewell group dinner in San José
Route and hotels
Where the tour goes and where you sleep, night by night.
San José
1 night · Day 1
Hotel Balmoral
La Fortuna
2 nights · Days 2–3
Hotel Magic Mountain
Monteverde
2 nights · Days 4–5
Hotel Cipreses
Quepos
2 nights · Days 6–7
Hotel Mono Azul
San José
1 night · Day 8
Hotel Balmoral
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Start of tour in San José
Meals included: Dinner
Welcome to your Costa Rica Escape! Arrive in San José, the capital, and meet up with your tour leader and fellow travellers at the hotel this evening. After an overview of the exciting upcoming itinerary, head to a local restaurant for a delicious welcome dinner. Get to know your tour leader and group over an authentic Costa Rican meal!
Included
- Welcome dinner of patacones and your choice of main course
- Overnight
- San José
- Hotel
- Hotel Balmoral
- Meals
- Dinner
Day 2
San José – La Fortuna
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, head to La Fortuna. This small town is the gateway to the spectacular Arenal Volcano National Park. Arrive and set off on an orientation walk. This evening is free to join the highly recommended Hot Springs optional excursion! Admire the crystalline waterfalls and relax in these hot spring waters before enjoying an included buffet dinner.
Included
- Orientation walk in La Fortuna, gateway to Arenal Volcano National Park
Optional extras
- Arenal Hot Springs & Dinner Experience · AED 370 per person
- Travel
- San José → La Fortuna by coach
- Overnight
- La Fortuna
- Hotel
- Hotel Magic Mountain
- Meals
- Breakfast
Day 3
La Fortuna: Free Day
Meals included: Breakfast
From volcano views to lush rainforests and plenty of hiking trails, La Fortuna has so much to offer on this free day. To experience the beauty of the Arenal Volcano, join today’s optional excursion for an expertly-guided hike around the volcano and national park. This evening, learn more about (and taste more) Costa Rican cuisine with an interactive cooking class!
Included
- Free day in La Fortuna to explore at your own pace
Optional extras
- Arenal Half-day Volcano Hike · AED 370 per person
- Costa Rican Cooking Class · AED 335 per person
- Overnight
- La Fortuna
- Hotel
- Hotel Magic Mountain
- Meals
- Breakfast
Day 4
La Fortuna – Monteverde
Meals included: BreakfastDinner
This morning, begin the journey to Monteverde travelling through the magnificent Cloud Forest. Arrive and embark on an orientation walk through town. The rest of the day is free to explore or join the Coffee Farm Tour and discover how Costa Rican coffee, chocolate and sugar cane are made. Later, enjoy dinner at a vibrant restaurant surrounded by lush greenery.
Included
- Orientation walk through Monteverde town
Optional extras
- Coffee Farm Tour · AED 240 per person
- Travel
- La Fortuna → Monteverde by coach, through the Cloud Forest
- Overnight
- Monteverde
- Hotel
- Hotel Cipreses
- Meals
- Breakfast and dinner
Day 5
Monteverde: Free Day
Meals included: BreakfastMake the most of a free day in this beautiful part of Costa Rica. Explore Monteverde’s famous cloud forest and take to new heights on the Hanging Bridges & Sloth Sanctuary excursion for an adrenaline-pumping experience featuring amazing views followed by a visit to a sloth sanctuary! Or, explore the area at your own pace. The choice is all yours!
Included
- Free day in Monteverde to explore the cloud forest independently
Optional extras
- Hanging Bridges & Sloth Sanctuary · AED 535 per person
- Overnight
- Monteverde
- Hotel
- Hotel Cipreses
- Meals
- Breakfast
Day 6
Monteverde – Quepos
Meals included: BreakfastJourney from Monteverde to coastal Quepos, a paradise for beach lovers and wildlife enthusiasts with its clear waters and rich biodiversity. After hotel check-in, enjoy free time or join the optional sunset catamaran cruise offering marine wildlife viewing, snorkeling, and stunning views of Manuel Antonio National Park. Depending on the season, you may even spot whales, dolphins, and stingrays!
Included
- Free time on arrival in Quepos, on the Pacific coast
Optional extras
- Quepos Sunset Catamaran · AED 445 per person
- Travel
- Monteverde → Quepos by coach
- Overnight
- Quepos
- Hotel
- Hotel Mono Azul
- Meals
- Breakfast
Day 7
Quepos
Meals included: Breakfast
This morning, set off on an adventure through the impressive Manuel Antonio National Park. Experience a vast diversity of landscapes from white-sand beaches to forests and mountains! Within this park, around 184 species of birds and 109 species of mammals reside including sloths, monkeys, and toucans. Take the opportunity to swim in the crystal clear waters of the beautiful beaches!
Included
- Morning in Manuel Antonio National Park: beaches, forest trails and wildlife including sloths and monkeys
- Swim at one of the park’s beaches
- Overnight
- Quepos
- Hotel
- Hotel Mono Azul
- Meals
- Breakfast
Day 8
Quepos – San José
Meals included: BreakfastDinner
Departing Quepos this morning, the tour travels back to San José! This afternoon, get to know Costa Rica’s vibrant capital on a driving tour. Admire San José’s unique Spanish colonial architecture and see top sights including Casa Amarillo, the National Theatre and the main town square. This evening, sit down for one last farewell dinner with the group.
Included
- Driving tour of San José: colonial architecture, Casa Amarillo, the National Theatre and the main square
- Farewell dinner with the group
- Travel
- Quepos → San José by coach
- Overnight
- San José
- Hotel
- Hotel Balmoral
- Meals
- Breakfast and dinner
Day 9
End of tour in San José
Meals included: BreakfastEnjoy the last breakfast with the tour group this morning, after which this jam-packed Costa Rica coach tour comes to an end. Don’t forget to swap contact details with your newfound travel friends before travelling onwards to your next destination.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Dates & prices
Prices per person, sharing a double or twin room. A single room costs the supplement shown.
FromFri 29 Jan 2027ToSat 6 Feb 2027
Available
AED 7,290
Single room supplement +AED 4,609 single
FromWed 17 Mar 2027ToThu 25 Mar 2027
Available
AED 7,290
Single room supplement +AED 4,609 single
FromSat 26 Jun 2027ToSun 4 Jul 2027
Sold out
AED 7,290
Single room supplement +AED 4,609 single
Full
FromThu 7 Oct 2027ToFri 15 Oct 2027
Available
AED 7,290
Single room supplement +AED 4,609 single
FromSat 16 Oct 2027ToSun 24 Oct 2027
Sold out
AED 7,290
Single room supplement +AED 4,609 single
Full
What’s included
Included
- 8 nights hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms. The majority of our accommodations are of a 3- and 4-star standard, offering excellent value, comfort and convenience
- Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room (subject to availability)
- 8 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Fully-guided tour
Not included
- Flights: Arrange your own flights for the start and end of the tour
- Travel insurance: Purchase a suitable policy that meets your needs
Optional extras
Excursions and upgrades you can add to the tour. Prices are per person.
Arenal Hot Springs & Dinner Experience
Soak in the Baldi hot springs, heated naturally by the Arenal Volcano, then sit down to a buffet dinner with the volcano in view. Treatments such as massages are available at an extra cost. US$100, booked with your tour leader on the day.
AED 370 per person
Arenal Half-day Volcano Hike
Join a guided half-day hike along Arenal’s old lava flows and volcano skirts, taking in the national park’s birdlife and plants and the volcano’s history. US$100, booked with your tour leader on the day.
AED 370 per person
Costa Rican Cooking Class
Learn to cook Costa Rican dishes in a hands-on class, then sit down to a cocktail and the meal you have made. US$90, booked with your tour leader on the day.
AED 335 per person
Coffee Farm Tour
Tour one of the Cloud Forest’s coffee farms and learn how Costa Rican coffee goes from seed to cup, finishing with a freshly brewed cup. US$65, booked with your tour leader on the day.
AED 240 per person
Hanging Bridges & Sloth Sanctuary
Cross Monteverde’s rainforest canopy on hanging bridges up to 100 metres high, then visit a sloth sanctuary, with an expert guide on hand throughout. US$145, booked with your tour leader on the day.
AED 535 per person
Quepos Sunset Catamaran
Cruise the coast near Manuel Antonio National Park on a catamaran, with a stop at Playa Biesanz for snorkelling and a swim. Look out for whales in season, plus dolphins and stingrays. US$120, booked with your tour leader on the day.
AED 445 per person
To add an extra, mention it in your booking notes, and we confirm it with your seats before you pay. Some are booked with your tour leader on the day instead: their description says so.
Traveller reviews
No reviews yet
Travelled on this tour with us? Be the first to tell other travellers how it went.
Good to know
Practical details to read before you travel.
Passport & visas
Entry rules for Costa Rica depend on the passport you travel on. Our visa team checks your passport against Costa Rica’s requirements and handles the application for you if one is needed, so there is nothing for you to work out yourself.
Tell us your nationality when you book so we can confirm what, if anything, you need to arrange.
Flights and timings
Flights to and from San José aren’t included.
Your tour starts at 6pm on day 1 at the hotel in San José, where you meet your tour leader before the welcome dinner. The tour ends after breakfast at the hotel in San José on day 9.
Our team can book your flights from Dubai to match.
Meals and dietary needs
8 breakfasts and 3 dinners are included, with dinners on days 1, 4 and 8. The rest of your meals, including most lunches, are on you, leaving room to try local sodas and restaurants.
Tell us about any dietary needs, halal included, when you book, and we pass them on before the tour.
Money
Costa Rica’s currency is the colón, though US dollars are widely accepted. Cards work in most hotels and larger restaurants; carry some cash for small towns, markets and tips.
Optional experiences booked on tour are paid to your tour leader in cash or by card, in the currency shown.
Weather and packing
December to April is the dry season, with warm, mostly sunny days; May to November is greener but wetter, usually with short afternoon downpours rather than all-day rain.
Pack light, breathable clothing, swimwear, comfortable walking shoes for park trails and orientation walks, and a light rain jacket, especially outside the dry season.
Plan your trip
Our Dubai team arranges what goes around the tour, so it is booked in one place.
Visas
Our visa team in Dubai applies for UAE residents once the tour is booked. For Costa Rica, ask them what your passport needs.
Flights
Flights are not included. We can book them with the tour: Dubai to San José and back. Tick “Flights” when you book and we quote them with your confirmation.
Pay in instalments
Split the cost with Tabby or Tamara, or over 3 to 12 months on a UAE bank credit card for bookings from AED 1,000.
Book this tour
Book online in a few minutes. Your seats are held as soon as you book, and you pay once we have confirmed them.
- Choose your date, travellers and roomsPrices are per person, and the total updates as you choose.
- Name each traveller as in their passportYour seats are held and your booking reference is emailed straight away.
- Pay by secure link once confirmedOur Dubai team confirms the seats with the tour operator, then emails your payment link. Nothing is charged when you book.
Questions before you book? Our support team is on WhatsApp +971 58 582 4488.
Questions about this tour
What will my days actually look like?
Full days, zero filler. Most mornings start with breakfast before heading out to the main sights with your Tour Leader or a local guide. Afternoons often include free time to wander, find a coffee or join an Optional Experience. Expect a good amount of walking too. On some days, you could spend two to three hours on your feet. Comfortable shoes are your best friend.
Who will I be travelling with?
People from all over the world. Different ages, different backgrounds, same instinct to see more. Groups have on average between 35-45 travellers. By day three, you’ll already know everyone's name.
What are the hotels like?
Clean, comfortable and well located. Mostly 3 to 4 star, with private en-suite bathrooms. They're chosen so you can sleep well and feel ready for the next day. They're not the centrepiece. The destinations are. But they're never an afterthought.
How active is this tour?
All travellers carry their own bags, including up hotel stairs where needed. Walking tours can last up to three hours, and some sites involve a fair number of steps. Read through the itinerary to decide if the pace is right for you.
How do Optional Experiences work?
Optional Experiences happen during your tour's free-time slots, and your Tour Leader will tell you about what's on offer during the tour. Most can be booked on the day, but some are pre-sold and must be purchased before your tour begins, so it's worth checking the tour page beforehand to see what's available and get in touch with our team to book anything in advance.
Will I have time to explore on my own?
Yes. Free time is built into the itinerary, giving you space to wander and explore at your own pace. Your Tour Leader can point you towards the places worth your time, so you're never left completely to figure it out yourself.
What support do I have while I'm on tour?
Your Tour Leader is there to look after you during your tour. They know the places most people walk straight past, they'll have a restaurant recommendation ready before you've asked, and they'll sort anything that comes up along the way. All transport and accommodation are arranged for you.
You'll also have a 24-hour emergency contact number and the Holidayys team in Dubai.
How do I book Costa Rica Escape?
Press Book now, choose a date and your rooms, and enter each traveller as their passport shows. We hold your seats and email your booking reference straight away. Our Dubai team confirms the seats with the tour operator, then emails you a secure payment link. Nothing is charged when you book.
When do I pay?
Once the tour operator confirms your seats. We email you a secure payment link for the total in AED, and your booking is complete when it is paid. To pay in instalments, say so in your booking notes.
Is the price per person?
Yes. Prices are per person sharing a double or twin room. Travelling alone? A single room costs the supplement shown next to each date.
Are flights included?
Only when the tour lists them under what is included. We can book flights from the UAE to the start city and home from the end city with your tour.
Do I need a visa?
That depends on your passport and the countries on the route. Our visa team arranges Schengen and other visas for UAE residents, and can apply for yours once the tour is booked.
Payment plans
Pay over time, at 0% interest
Every booking qualifies, from holidays and tours to visas. Pay later with a credit card instalment plan or a buy-now-pay-later account; some banks charge a one-time processing fee.
- Credit card plans from AED 1,000
- Tabby and Tamara, no minimum
- Terms from 3 to 12 months
Find your bank’s plan
Credit cards, from AED 1,000
More tours
12 days · Spain, Portugal
Spain & Portugal in Low Season
Explore Spain & Portugal in Low Season and enjoy sun, sand and scenery without the crowds and extreme heat of summer!
FromAED 6,960 per person
Next: Sun 25 Oct 2026
15 days · Egypt, Jordan
Egypt & Jordan Jewel with 5* Nile Boat Cruise (2026)
Enjoy a relaxing Nile cruise, explore ancient Egypt & venture into Jordan to discover Wadi Rum, Petra, the Dead Sea & more!
FromAED 8,429 per person
Next: Sat 31 Oct 2026
10 days · Italy, Vatican City
Italy in Low Season
Explore the best of Northern Italy during Low Season. Visit stunning destinations, including Rome, Venice and the Italian Riviera.
FromAED 5,564 per person
Next: Sun 1 Nov 2026
From AED 7,290per person, twin share
Book now