Costa rica - seems to be all package tours

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Kristina L

There are so many package deals because they sell. Costa Rica is a big travel destination currently, but some people that don't travel much or are used to traveling to more European destinations are nervous about their first time in Latin America - so the package deals sell well. And they are generally a really good price.

I'm a bit of a travel control freak, so I prefer to do my own. Can't say that I really save that much money though and the amount of time I put into planning is crazy. But at least I do what I want to do when I want to do it.

River

Been here for three years now...Just fly into Liberia (North Pacific) and within 20 minutes you can reach Playas Del Coco, Hermosa and Ocotal.
Easy to just wing it, plenty of gringos around and pretty safe on these parts.
Need any help, just let me know.
Good Luck, Pura Vida!

DER

There is no reason you can't plan and do it yourself but keep in mind that the roads are horrible. If you want to do it yourself, I suggest either using public busses or arrange intercity transportation with Interbus.

I went to Costa Rica and used GAP tours. Pricing is right as most of their tours incl transportation, group leader and accomodations. Once you get to a destination you are pretty much on your own. It was super!

If you'd like to read more:
http://www.travelsnippetsandmore.com/2008/08/review-gap-adventures.html

Zach H

The reason you see a lot of package deals for Costa Rica is purely monetary. Package deals are where the best commissions are for travel companies. Plus some people like to be led around on their vacations, they don't want the hassle of driving in a different country and so on.

I'm a do it yourself kind of guy. There are a lot of little villas and hotels in Costa Rica but not all of them have websites so it's not always easy to plan a trip. So that's also a reason there are so many package tours.

But that's not to say you shouldn't do it or it can't be done. My brother and I are going there in November and I have planned our trip out.

www.costaricanativa.com

IÂ´m a trip adviser in Costa Rica, I read your question and frankly it all depends on how much information you can get, pre booked or when you get here.
Pre booked
Pros - you can acquire most of the information online, most tour operators and travel agencies as well as hotels have great information on their web pages. Also if you are only going to be here for a short period of time you can create an itinerary so that you and your friends can get most of it.
Cons - you might miss cheap deals if you donÂ´t have a clue were to look for.

On site
Pros - being here youÂ´ll probably make friends, that can guide you through travel agencies or tour operators which can be cheaper than the one you found online.
Cons - you can get ripped if your not careful, just to save a few bucks

Conclusion
If you want to make your life easier pre book, that will guarantee your safety, make the most out of your trip but it will probably cost you more. For me, to save a few bucks and get my camera stolen its not such a great deal.
If you want adventure and cheap deals, then you should try searching for the best deals here.

If you need more help check my online chat, www.costaricanativa.com

kapn

None.......depends on how much effort you want to put into it..

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Costa rica - seems to be all package tours - why ?