Question about Costa Rica Tours?

Question

I will be traveling alone to Costa Rica this June and will be there for a week. I'm 27 years old and I'm pretty active. Some of the activities in Costa Rica that I'm interested in doing include mountain biking, white water rafting and zip lining through the rain forest. Basically I'm wondering whether it is better to book these activities separately or as part of a multi-day tour package. I've noticed that some of the all-inclusive tours tend to cater towards older adults who might be less inclined to seek adventure. I actually want to experience the culture and I really have no interest in being pampered or "nickled and dimed" at some fancy resort. Is it better to have all these tours booked ahead of time or should I play it be ear and book upon arrival? Any tips or advice is appreciated. Also, if anyone has any adventure tour suggestions that involve camping, biking, etc that might be up my alley let me know. Thanks.

Answer 1

There is no reason to pre-book any activities in June. The pre-book prices are usually higher and you don't really know what you are paying for. When you get there and see it and don't like it, you can bail.



Do each one individually, not a package deal. Your hotel can book anything you want for you.

Answer 2

I went to Costa Rica a few years back around Spring time (just before the rainy season). I had no problems booking a day or two in advance or even on the spot (as opposed to booking way ahead of time) but it really depends on HOW you are traveling. If you go by your own car (i.e. rental car) than you have a lot more flexibility. If you don't have transportation, booking ahead might save you the trouble of getting there and finding there is no room.



Zip-lining was BY FAR, one of the coolest experiences of my life!!! The day started off cloudy which actually made the whole adventure more interesting as it really puts things in prescriptive (i.e. how high you are). Don't forget about a night walk in the jungle and the hot springs to relax after your adventure :D



Don't forget to ask the locals! I found them to be pretty knowledgeable in the best way of getting somewhere, booking something, or even recommendations on where to stay.



Cheers and safe travels!

Answer 3

When I was in Costa Rica, we went Zip Lining, White Water Rafting, Hiking, and a lot of other stuff. I think it is best to do them separately, just because some can take a little longer to get to and from, you need food, and its nice to get out early, do your activity and then go to the beach and dinner later. I strongly recommend Zip lining and Rafting, even though the rafting can be extreme depending on where you are. We were in manuel antonio, and as for biking, it seems that the roads are too poor in most of the country to really get into the biking... the jungle is dense too, that is why I liked hiking.

Answer 4

You are right on with the aspect of less active plans for the older crowd...so, if you are getting a good rate for flight and hotel, etc, perhaps food is included? Then you can always spin off on a local adventure on your own - no reason why not, just be wise to do it with a group of hopefully other tourists so you don't get advantage taken of you, and the more established side tours need to be aware of safety precautions....sorry to sound like a mum, old habits die hard! Have fun!