BASIC COSTA RICA
Price per person from US$1,249

BASIC COSTA RICA

From
US$1,249
From
US$1,249

Description

Costa Rica invites you to combine culture, nature, and time to enjoy things at your own pace. Explore the key highlights of San José—discovering its history, architecture, and gastronomy—and experience a memorable day taking in the imposing Irazú Volcano, the Basilica of the Angels, and the scenic landscapes of the Orosí Valley. The itinerary includes several free days for you to relax or add optional experiences tailored to your personal travel style. Eight days to enjoy Costa Rica at a leisurely pace, with a rich variety of offerings and that natural charm that makes the country truly unique.

Visiting

Enlarge map
Trip summary
1 Adult
Nights 7
This idea includes
Destinations 1
Accommodations 7

DAY 01. ARRIVAL IN SAN JOSÉ + CITY TOUR

Arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO). Private transfer to the hotel, followed by a city tour of San José.

Discover the history, culture, and contemporary life of the Costa Rican capital through a panoramic tour that blends urban spaces, architectural heritage, and local experiences. The day begins with a visit to the Museum of Costa Rican Art, featuring the "Salón Dorado" (Golden Hall)—a site of great historical and artistic significance and one of the country’s most iconic landmarks.

The tour continues to La Sabana Metropolitan Park—the city’s "green lung"—offering a panoramic view of the National Stadium, a modern icon of San José. Next, you will visit a certified pre-Columbian-style jewelry gallery, where the legacy of indigenous cultures is showcased through pieces inspired by pre-Columbian gold artifacts.

The journey then heads toward the city center for a panoramic tour of key landmarks, including the National Park, the Courts of Justice building, the National Theatre, the Plaza de la Cultura, and the Plaza de la Democracia—allowing you to explore these iconic sites in comfort.

The tour concludes in Barrio Escalante, one of the city’s premier culinary districts, where you will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, such as Aguizotes or Santo Pecado. This comprehensive experience combines history, culture, and gastronomy in the heart of the capital. Afterward, you will be taken back to your hotel for your stay. INCLUDES

  • Transportation from San José
  • Guided sightseeing tour
  • Lunch
  • Guide

DOES NOT INCLUDE

  • Personal expenses
  • Gratuities (tips)
  • Services not mentioned

TOUR INFORMATION

  • Approximate schedule: departure and return times vary based on daily operations
  • Departure from: hotels in San José and the surrounding area
  • Approximate duration: 4 hours
  • Minimum number of passengers: 1 person
  • Languages: Spanish and English
  • Difficulty level: easy
  • Suitable for: all ages
  • Accessibility: accessible; primarily a sightseeing tour with minimal walking
  • Recommended age: all ages
  • RECOMMENDATIONS
  • Comfortable clothing, lightweight footwear, sunscreen, and a camera.

OPERATIONAL NOTES

  • The order of visits may vary depending on the day’s operations. Some stops are subject to availability and operating hours.
  • We recommend that your arrival flight lands before approximately 10:00 a.m.

DAY 02. IRAZÚ VOLCANO – BASILICA OF OUR LADY OF THE ANGELS & OROSI VALLEY

Breakfast at the hotel. At the scheduled time, the excursion to Irazú Volcano, the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels, and the Orosí Valley begins.

Discover the natural, historical, and cultural richness of Costa Rica in an experience that combines volcanic landscapes, local traditions, and one of the country’s most scenic valleys. The day begins with an ascent toward the imposing Irazú Volcano—the highest point in the Central Volcanic Mountain Range—home to several craters. On clear days, it is possible to see both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. From the viewing area, you can take in the volcano’s distinctive crater, with its mineral-rich hues, set against a high-mountain backdrop.

Next, the tour continues to the city of Cartago, the country’s former capital, for a visit to the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels—a site of great historical and cultural significance. During this stop, you will learn about its architecture and the context that makes it one of the most visited landmarks in the country.

The journey then proceeds to the Orosí Valley, one of the most picturesque regions in Costa Rica, characterized by lush green mountains, agricultural plantations, and a tranquil atmosphere. In this area, you will visit the historic Orosí Church—one of the oldest in the country and recognized for its heritage value. Afterward, enjoy lunch in Orosí before beginning the return trip. This comprehensive experience blends nature, culture, and history into a single day. The tour concludes with a return to San José and overnight accommodation at the hotel.

INCLUDES

  • Transportation from San José
  • Admission to Irazú Volcano National Park
  • Visit to the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels
  • Visit to the Orosí Church
  • Lunch in Orosí
  • Guide

DOES NOT INCLUDE

  • Personal expenses
  • Gratuities
  • Services not mentioned

EXCURSION INFORMATION

  • Approximate schedule: departure at 8:00 a.m. – Return: 4:00 p.m.
  • Departure from: Hotels in San José and the surrounding area
  • Approximate duration: 8 hours
  • Minimum number of passengers: 1 person
  • Languages: Spanish and English
  • Difficulty level: Easy
  • Suitable for: All ages
  • Accessibility: Partially accessible; some areas at Irazú Volcano have limitations for individuals with reduced mobility
  • Recommended age: All ages

RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Comfortable clothing, a light jacket, closed-toe footwear, sunscreen, and a camera.

OPERATIONAL NOTES

  • Visibility at Irazú Volcano is subject to weather conditions. It is recommended to visit early in the morning for the best conditions; the order of the itinerary may vary depending on daily operations.

DAY 03. SAN JOSÉ

Breakfast. Free day to relax or take part in available optional tours. Accommodation.

DAY 04. SAN JOSÉ

Breakfast. Free day to relax or take part in available optional tours. Accommodation.

DAY 05. SAN JOSÉ

Breakfast. Free day to relax or take part in available optional tours. Accommodation.

DAY 06. SAN JOSÉ

Breakfast. Free day to relax or take part in available optional tours. Accommodation.

DAY 07. SAN JOSÉ

Breakfast. Free day to relax or take part in available optional tours. Accommodation.

DAY 08. SAN JOSÉ – RETURN HOME

Breakfast. Private transfer from the hotel to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO). End of our services. Check your flight details and plan your route; we recommend arriving at the airport at least 3 hours before departure.

Guide languages

Spanish
Day 1: San Jose
Day 2: San Jose
Day 3: San Jose
Day 4: San Jose
Day 5: San Jose
Day 6: San Jose
Day 7: San Jose
Day 8: San Jose
  • 7 nights’ accommodation in San José, in a hotel corresponding to the selected category
  • Hotel taxes
  • Private airport–hotel–airport transfers
  • San José city tour
  • Daily breakfasts
  • 2 lunches
  • Full-day tour: Irazú Volcano + Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels + Orosi Valley
  • Medical assistance coverage for travelers up to 70 years old, with a limit of USD 40,000 for illness or accident (travelers aged 71–84 and 85+ must pay a supplement for medical assistance and are not eligible for the trip cancellation upgrade; please consult your travel advisor)
  • International and/or domestic flight tickets
  • Personal expenses
  • Any services not specified
  • Optional excursions
  • Gratuities (tips)
  • Meals not mentioned
  • Alcoholic or carbonated beverages
  • Hotel surcharges for early check-in or late check-out
  • Visa processing (if applicable)
  • Airline seat selection

Possible accommodations

3 accommodations

IMPORTANTS NOTES

RATES

  • Rates valid until November 30, 2027
  • Rates are subject to change without prior notice, subject to availability, and have limited capacity.
  • Prices change frequently; therefore, we recommend verifying them, as this document should not be considered final.

CHILD RATE POLICY

The child rate (CHD) applies to minors aged 3 to 11, provided they share a room with two adults.

HOTELS

This is a list of the hotels most frequently used for this tour. It is provided for reference purposes only; passengers may be accommodated in similar or alternative establishments of the same category if the listed hotels are unavailable.

TRAVEL NOTES

  • Travel documents are provided 8 days prior to departure.
  • This itinerary may be subject to changes due to road conditions, weather, unforeseen circumstances, or availability at the time of booking.

OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS

Optional visits or tours—with costs outlined in the program—are offered by our local operator and can be purchased either in advance or at the destination. Please note that if a passenger chooses to participate in these activities, they should not be booked through a different operator, as the scheduled tour timings may vary. The guide has full authority to adjust the order of scheduled visits for logistical, operational, or weather-related reasons, while ensuring that all contracted services are still provided.

We are not responsible for services booked through other companies.

PAYMENT TERMS

  • Initial deposit: $125.00 (NON-REFUNDABLE)
  • 120 days before the start of the trip: 50% of the total program cost
  • 90 days before the start of the trip: 80% of the total program cost
  • 60 days before the start of the trip: 100% of the total program cost
Contact us