Cost-Conscious Costa Rica

By Jason Sheftell
December 6, 2005

Costa Rica continues to be among the hottest destinations for American tourists. With its combination of volcanoes, pristine coast, rain forests, wildlife and across the board affordability, the country consistently delivers true value for your vacation dollars.

For adventure lovers, Tico Travel (tel. 800/493-8426; www.ticotravel.com) has surfing, adventure and nature lover packages to the wilds of Costa Rica. Experienced surfers would want to check out the popular "Tamarindo and Hermosa Surf Special" covering three nights in Hermosa and four nights in Tamarindo, both great locations on the Pacific Ocean. Starting at $624 per person for a party of two, this package includes all accommodations, seven days of your choice of automobile, all hotel and car taxes, and a surf map complete with break instructions. Rates decrease if you go with three or four people. Daily breakfast is not included.

Tico Travel can arrange discount airfares for you upon request. For surfing beginners, the company has trips through the Witches Rock Surf Camp that offers daily in-water surf instruction, class seminars on etiquette, predicting waves, board repair, the unlimited use of different sized surfboards, a graduation tour of a local surf break, accommodations, and airport transfers to the Tamarindo Airport, a local air strip with flights back to San Jose. Prices for this instructional surf package start at $1,290 for the individual surfer or $895 for double occupancy if you decide to go with a friend. Travel for this package is from Saturday to Saturday.