Tropical Costa Rica

Included Features

• Free parking with roundtrip motorcoach transportation to a local international airport
• Roundtrip airfare from a local international airport to Costa Rica
• Eight night hotel accommodations
• Sightseeing as stated in itinerary by luxury coach*
• Meals: 8 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 5 Dinners
• Services of a professional Member Choice Vacations Tour Director/Driver
• All local taxes, hotel service charges & porterage for one suitcase per person

*The roads in Costa Rica are impacted by heavy rains each season making them bumpy and require lower driving speeds. Expect winding and some unpaved roads along the way. 

Highlights

• San Jose
• Coffee Plantation
• Arenal Volcano
• Cano Negro Refuge
• Lake Arenal Cruise
• Farm Tour and Lunch
• Monteverde Cloud Forest
• Choice on our of Monteverde Hanging Bridges or Canopy Adventure
• Guanacaste

Itinerary

Monday, February 9: Depart Central PA for San Jose, Costa Rica -Tour Begins

Transfer by motorcoach from Central PA to a local international airport for a flight* to San Jose, Costa Rica. Welcome to Costa Rica! Your trip to Costa Rica opens in the colorful capital city of San Jose, the perfect place to relax and soak up the sights as your adventure begins. Hotel: Doubletree Cariari Hotel, San Jose

*Group air schedule will be released when available. Schedule is in economy class. Seat assignments are controlled by the airline. Specific seat requests cannot be guaranteed. Air upgrades may be available and are by request only and are not guaranteed. Any air upgrades or deviations must be requested at the time the initial deposit is made. 

Tuesday February 10: San Jose - Coffee Plantation - Arenal 

Welcome to the Central Valley. Begin with a tour of a local coffee plantation highlighting the history and cultivation of this driver of the Costa Rican economy. This afternoon, check in for a leisurely 3-night stay at a lodge overlooking the majestic Arenal Volcano. Get to know the Costa Rican culture this evening. Hotel: Mountain Paradise Hotel, Arenal (Breakfast, Dinner)

Wednesday, February 11: Arenal - Cano Negro - Arenal 

Embark on a Cano Negro guided riverboat trip in a covered canoe known as a panga. These 20,000 acres are home to  the largest viewable collection of indigenous wildlife in all of Costa Rica. Go in search of caimans, river otters, sloths, monkeys,  river turtles, exotic birds and rare butterflies. Later, return to Arenal for the chance to relax at your resort (Breakfast)

Thursday, February 12: Arenal 

Today, explore a family-owned farm, getting a peek into the daily lives of the locals. During a tour of the gardens, learn how the plants are organically grown through the concept of sustainability. The farm considers itself a “classroom without borders.” Taste the exotic fruit harvest and experience the traditional way to process sugar cane. Enjoy a sip of cane liquor before engaging  in a culinary demonstration and a farm-to-table lunch. (Breakfast, Lunch)

Friday, February 13: Arenal - Lake Arenal Cruise - Monteverde

Enjoy a delightful cruise on Lake Arenal, Costa Rica’s largest and most important lake. Then, it’s off to the secluded Monteverde Cloud Forest, a place you have to see to believe, where trees grow to heights of 100 feet! Set off on a nature walk through this spectacular ecosystem, where you’re sure to encounter many incredible species of flora and fauna. Hotel: El Establo, Monteverde (Breakfast, Dinner)

Saturday, February 14: Monteverde

This morning, it's your choice! Join an expert for a leisurely paced “Hanging Bridges” walking tour to gain a different perspective of the cloud forest’s lush ecosystem -OR- take an exhilarating ride on one of the longest canopy zip line tours in Costa Rica. Your afternoon is at leisure, or, if you would like to do both the hanging bridges and the zip line tour, you may purchase the second as an option on tour. This evening, take part in an expert-led discussion about the migratory birds that flock to Costa Rica. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Sunday, February 15: Monteverde - Guanacaste

Today we make our way to breathtaking Guanacaste, known for its fine sandy beaches. Settle in for a relaxing 2-night stay at your resort and take in the mesmerizing ocean views. Hotel: Nammbu Beachfront Bungalows, Guanacaste (Breakfast, Dinner)

Monday, February 16: Guanacaste

Fun in the sun is in store today as you explore the nearby beaches, or simply relax by the pool and take advantage of your resort’s lovely amenities. This afternoon, visit the delightful beach town of Samara for some local culture. Return to your hotel in time to catch a Costa Rican sunset and soak in the spectacular colors as the sun illuminates the natural landscape before your final dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner) 

Tuesday, February 17: Guanacaste - Depart for Central, PA

The tour comes to a close today, taking away fabulous memories of your Costa Rican Adventure! Transfer to the airport for your flight and transportation back to Central, PA. (Breakfast)

*Group air schedule will be released when available. Schedule is in economy class. Seat assignments are controlled by the airline. Specific seat requests cannot be guaranteed. Air upgrades may be available and are by request only and are not guaranteed. Any air upgrades or deviations must be requested at the time the initial deposit deposit is made. 

*Hotels and the itinerary are subject to change at any time without advanced notice and or compensation.

**Elevators and air conditioning are not available in most accommodations used on this tour. Many accommodations can be spread out and you should be prepared to walk a variety of terrain to get to public spaces like resort lobbies and restaurants; you may need to access your room through outdoor pathways. 

Activity Level: 3

Moderate- Good mobility is required for this trip. Climbing stairs and standing for 2-3 hours at a time, as well as walking on uneven terrain may be necessary. Portions of the itinerary may include higher altitudes. The itinerary may involve longer days up to 12-14 hours in length. This activity level is not recommended for travelers with significant mobility concerns.

General Information

Travel Documents

Original, signed Passport valid for 6 months beyond stay, and with at least one blank Visa page for Visa Stamp(s) is required for this trip. 

As travel policies are rapidly changing, the final requirements will be communicated prior to departure. Please see your travel advisor for additional information.

Payment

A deposit of $698 per person will confirm your reservation. Final Payment is due to AAA by October 28 , 2025.

Cancellation Penalties

October 15, 2025 - November 10, 2025 - $698 per person , plus any additional suppliers fees.                                             November 11, 2025 - January 24, 2026 - 40% of total price, plus any additional supplier fees.                                                              
January 25, 2026 - February 8, 2026 - 75% of total price, plus any additional supplier fees.                                                              
February 9, 2026 and after - NON-REFUNDABLE

*Airfare is non-refundable after final payment

Flight

Air arrangements are handled by the tour operator.  Seat assignments cannot be confirmed until the tour operator releases names to the airline(s) 30 days prior to departure.  Specific seat requests cannot be guaranteed.  Some flights may contain code share agreements.

Insurance

For your protection, AAA recommends travel insurance.  Pre-existing medical conditions may be waived with proper coverage if travel insurance is purchased within 14 days of initial deposit only.  Other conditions may apply; ask your travel agent.  AAA recommends Allianz.

Clothing/Climate

Temperatures for Costa Rica during February range in the low 60s to low 80s.  Casual clothes that can be layered work best. Comfortable, waterproof walking shoes are a must and a small umbrella is recommended. 

Baggage

One suitcase per person will be allowed. You may also bring a carry-on bag small enough to fit under your seat. Baggage fees are not included in the price of the trip. Baggage fees and other charges may be directly assessed by airlines or airport. 

Travel Assistance

For personal comfort, group participants who need assistance are required to have a traveling companion who is capable of and totally responsible for providing needed assistance.

GRP6826

Consumer Disclosure Notice - Part of Contract of Service.

Please read this notice, it constitutes part of your contract for travel-related services. 
AAA TRAVEL is acting as a mere agent for SUPPLIERS in selling travel-related services, or in accepting reservations or bookings for services that are not directly supplied by this travel agency (such as air and ground transportation, hotel accommodations, meals, tours, cruises, etc.). This agency, therefore, shall not be responsible for breach of contract or any intentional or careless actions or omissions on part of such suppliers, which result in any loss, damage, delay or injury to you or your travel companions or group members. Unless the term "guaranteed" is specifically stated in writing on your tickets, invoice, or reservation itinerary, we do not guarantee any of such suppliers’ rates, bookings, reservations, connections, scheduling, or handling of personal effects. Travel agent shall not be responsible for any injuries, damages, or losses to any traveler in connection with terrorist activities, social or labor unrest, climatic conditions, abnormal conditions or developments, or any other actions, omissions, or conditions outside the travel agent’s control. Traveler assumes complete and full responsibility for, and hereby releases the agent from any duty of, checking and verifying any and all passport, visa, vaccination, or other entry requirements of each destination, and all safety or security conditions at such destinations. For information concerning possible dangers at international destinations, contact the Travel Advisory Section of the U.S. State Department. For medical information, call the Public Health Service. By embarking upon his/her travel, the traveler voluntarily assumes all risks involved in such travel, whether expected or unexpected. Traveler is hereby warned of such risks, and is advised to obtain appropriate insurance coverage against them. Traveler’s acceptance and retention of tickets, reservations, or bookings after issuance shall constitute a consent of the above, and an agreement on his/her part to convey the contents hereto to his/her travel companions or group members.