Costa Rica and Nicaragua Tours & Trips

What our customers ask about Costa Rica and Nicaragua Tours & Trips

• What are the best times of year to visit Costa Rica and Nicaragua?

  The December to April dry season offers excellent conditions for visiting both countries. This period is particularly good for exploring destinations like Arenal Volcano National Park or walking through Granada's historic center. For Monteverde Cloud Forest January through March provides the best trail conditions with less mud while the Caribbean coast near Puerto Viejo sees its driest weather during September and October. Hotel rates peak during these prime months at popular properties like Hotel Patio del Malinche in Granada or Atlantida Lodge in Cahuita. A recent visitor shared "The weather was perfect for exploring especially around Lake Arenal where we moved from high altitude rain showers to scorching sunshine."

• What unique wildlife experiences can I expect in Costa Rica and Nicaragua?

  These countries deliver remarkable opportunities to see animals in their natural habitat. Monteverde Cloud Forest alone houses more than 2000 plant species and 320 types of birds. Visitors to Tortuguero National Park regularly spot nesting sea turtles howler monkeys and hundreds of bird species along the waterways. Cahuita National Park stands out for sloth and monkey sightings while places like Hacienda Baru offer bird watching from a 7-meter observation tower. One traveler noted: "The wildlife viewing exceeded our expectations - we saw quetzals in Monteverde toucans in Arenal and even spotted several three-toed sloths along the Caribbean coast."

• What type of accommodations can I expect during the tour?

  The lodging options span from standard hotels to nature-focused eco-lodges. City stays in places like Granada feature properties such as Hotel Patio del Malinche offering traditional design elements and swimming pools. Nature destinations like Monteverde house guests in places like Monteverde Cloud Forest Lodge which integrates with the surrounding environment while providing modern comforts. A recent guest shared "The hotels were better than expected many with pools and clean and comfortable. The Atlantida Lodge in Cahuita was particularly memorable with its beachfront location."

• How much spending money should I budget per day?

  Daily expenses typically range from 50-70 USD covering meals drinks and extras in both countries. Costa Rica commands higher prices especially in tourist destinations like La Fortuna and Manuel Antonio. Nicaragua offers more budget-friendly options with local restaurant meals near spots like Hotel Patio del Malinche in Granada costing 5-15 USD. One traveler suggested "Take more money than you think you'll need. Costa Rica can be surprisingly expensive especially in tourist areas."

• What's the best way to get around within Costa Rica and Nicaragua?

  Tours typically combine private bus travel boat transfers and occasional public transport. The package usually covers transportation between major stops like Granada to Ometepe or La Fortuna to Monteverde. For remote locations like Pachira Lodge in Tortuguero boats serve as the main transport option. As one traveler reported "The transport was well organized from comfortable buses to boat transfers making it easy to explore remote locations."

• What cultural experiences can I expect?

  Local life unfolds through visits to colonial buildings markets and community gatherings. Activities range from coffee plantation tours to cooking classes near places like Los Ramos Community Lodge plus exploration of colonial cities such as Granada with its busy streets and historic architecture. Many itineraries include market visits and meetings with local craftspeople. One visitor recalled "Visiting indigenous communities in Ometepe and learning traditional cooking methods was incredibly authentic."