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Caravan Tours

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$1,295 — 1,695

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Age Range: 50+

Average Tour Price: Under $2,000

Average Tour Duration: 8-10 days

Travel Style: Sightseeing at natural attractions

• Group Tours
• North America
• Central America & Caribbean

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Caravan tours reviews & ratings, fantastic tour don't hesitate, just go.

Fantastic tour!! I cannot recommend it more highly. Everything was great. We had a good group, our tour director Jose was wonderful and our driver Viktor was great. ...

Joan from NYC

It was wonderful!

I can’t even describe how wonderful our trip is, since we are still here in Costa Rica. Never again will you have the opportunity to learn so much history by their ...

I have travelled all over and this tour will stay with me forever. Our historian, Giovanny, is the best of the best and the Jose, our driver was able to drive the narrow roads effortlesslyl

THis is without a doubt, one of my nicest tours. We were fortunate and the valcano was active! We also saw so many wild animals. Remember this is not a zoo. Some ...

Disappointed

They promised to accommodate Vegitarians but with fixed menu policy no veg choices. While generally 2 meats and fish offered to the rest. Restaurants mede up what th...

Have taken the Canadian Rockies trip twice and loved it both times.

Everything was perfect!

See all Caravan Tours reviews

Editoral Review of Caravan Tours

Caravan Tours Quick Facts

Age Range:  50+

Average Tour Price:  Under $2,000

Average Tour Duration:  8-10 days

Travel Style:  Sightseeing at natural attractions

Caravan Tours, founded in 1952 and based in Chicago USA, provides escorted group tours to countries in the Americas. They are one of the oldest group tour operators and focus on value vacations with a no-frills.  

What Makes Caravan Tours Stand Out?

• Competitive prices
• No additional expenses
• Complete sightseeing

Caravan Tours offer affordable prices for the avid budget traveler . These competitive prices are possible because of the volume of their suppliers who offer the best prices to Caravan. In turn, Caravan passes these budget friendly prices onto their travelers.

Tours are kept reasonable and transparent. Caravan doesn’t include any optional activities that travelers can have for an additional price. They include all activities within the initial price instead of forcing travelers to pay hundreds of more dollars to make their tour more enjoyable.

Caravan Tours is the complete sightseeing experience. Travelers will get to visit many tourist attractions and sites with more included features. Local guides will offer a rich insight into the destination. These guides are hand picked by Caravan for their knowledge, friendliness and command of English so you can rest assured that you will be in good hands the entire time.

Who Will Enjoy Traveling With Caravan Tours?

• Budget travelers

Caravan is not the most flashy or inventive tour company. Tours visit standard sites, groups are generally large - transportation in comfortable yet basic motorcoaches. If you are looking for an immersive cultural experience, you will probably won’t find what you’re looking for with Caravan. 

However if you are looking for an affordable trip to some of the most incredible natural attractions and national parks in the USA , Canada , and Latin America - this could be a great fit.

Caravan’s tours tend to attract a slightly older crowd, primarily Americans. They are a well known budget brand for 50+ and senior travelers. Families looking for an easy, relatively comprehensive, and inclusive tour will also enjoy the Caravan experience.

Top Destinations

Caravan Tours operates exclusively in North America and Central America , including trips to the United States , Costa Rica , Guatemala and Canada . They offer nine tours in total.

Caravan Tours Travel Style

Caravan Tours handles all accommodations. Travelers will stay in hotels centered in cities as well as park lodges and scenic resorts.These accommodations are chosen based on ambience, service and location to the entirety of the tour.

Meals are included on most trips although some excursions offer flexibility for dining out at restaurants of your choosing. In Latin America , Caravan includes airport transfers in the tour price. Flights are not included in the price of most trips, but Caravan does provide resources to popular airlines with affordable airfare to the destinations they travel to. Accommodations are in basic lodges and hotels, often with large national chains such as Hilton. 

When traveling with Caravan, expect a more slow travel pace. They know the value of a balance between seeing exciting sights and relaxing in a beautiful destination. Their itineraries are specifically paced so you never feel overwhelmed or underwhelmed.

Why Choose a Tour with Caravan?

Caravan has many years of perfecting their itineraries to specific destinations, such as Yosemite National Park , the California coast , and Costa Rica . 

Their escorted vacation packages truly offer great value for the money and you are assured to see the highlights in any destination you visit. If you want an all-inclusive tour experience and don’t mind traveling with a larger group, Caravan is perfect for you.

Caravan Tours Covid Safety Precautions

Caravan has cancelled all tours scheduled for 2020 and states that they will be providing full refunds. They are now accepting pre-registration for those wishing to travel in 2022.

Some countries are beginning to reopen to international visitors with entry restrictions while others have remained closed. See a full updated list  »

Want more information about travel safety and the coronavirus?  Read about where it's safe to travel to in 2020  »

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About the company.

Caravan Tours began selling fully escorted tours in 1952. We have been under the same management and ownership ever since. In 1965, Roger Mudd hosted a two hours CBS TV special on Caravan Tours. This TV production took about one month to make and was so successful it inspired the 1968 romantic comedy movie “If it’s Tuesday this must be Belgium.” In the early 50’s the Mayor of Dublin presented Caravan with the Key to Dublin for bringing the first American tour to the city after WWII. Since then Caravan has been recognized as a pioneer in travel.

Great Value, Book Early

Caravan’s strong buying power gives you great vacations at prices much lower than you can find anywhere. Last year many of our tours sold out quickly. Book early for the date you prefer and the best airfare.

How does Caravan Tours sell these tours for such a low cost? Caravan delivers volume to our suppliers, who in turn reward us with their very best  prices we, in turn, pass these savings on to you, and you reward us by buying our tours.  As volume continues to rise, we then receive even better prices from our suppliers, and  we pass even greater savings on to you. This year our tours are better than ever. How satisfied are Caravan clients? The short answer is “very.” Our surveys are uniformly very positive. However we  continually strive to improve our tours, (they are often updated several times in the  course of one year), we study all client surveys and suggestions for improvement very  carefully. Pitch-Free Travel : Caravan includes all activities listed in the tour itinerary page. Caravan does not  sell any optional activities which can add hundreds of dollars to your tour price. Your  free time is scheduled in great settings where there is no need to buy additional  expensive activities.

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Caravan Tours Trips & Specials

Guatemala with Tikal, Atitlán and Antigua

Panama Canal Cruise, Rainforests & Beaches

California Coast and Yosemite Park

Want a tailor-made trip instead, your trip, your way, planned by an expert:.

• You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
• Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics

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Caravan tours company ranking by category, similar companies, about travelstride, find your perfect trip, travel confidently.

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Top Rated Caravan Costa Rica Vacations

Caravan Costa Rica vacations are the perfect holidays offering something for everyone. With a name that literally means “ Rich Coast ,” how can you miss?

Costa Rica is a small Central American country but although small in size (just under 20,000 square miles), Costa Rica is overflowing with natural wonders and exotic tropical beauty.

No matter who you are or where you are from, Caravan’s well-planned Costa Rica vacations will astound you. Stops include Arenal volcano, one of the country’s most famous volcanos, plus some of the most popular attractions in the country:

• Hiking or walking through tropical virgin rainforests and cloud forests
• Relaxing on white sandy beaches at world class resorts
• Exploring wildlife refuges, nature reserves, and protected sea turtle nesting beaches
• Taking in jungle river cruises and bird watching cruises
• Or taste-testing fresh coffee at a local coffee plantation

Top 4 Costa Rica Destinations

Costa Rica vacations are extraordinary and we recommend that travelers check out some of these most popular, must-see destinations:

• Leatherback Turtles National Park : This protected marine and wildlife refuge is one of the more popular National Parks in Costa Rica and a top eco-tourism destination. Plan to travel here between September and March to catch a glimpse of the prime nesting season for the giant leatherback turtles. This national park also has an overabundance of mammals and birds (over 174 species!), plus truly unique flora and fauna just waiting to be explored.
• Poás Volcano : This popular Costa Rica volcano is located near the center of country. Poás Volcano is often misty and cloudy but when the mist breaks, visitors are given a unique glimpse of the green sulphuric lake that shoots geysers up over 800 feet in the air. At a mile wide and over 1,000 feet deep, Poás volcano is the world’s largest active crater.
• Caño Negro National Wildlife Refuge : The only way to get to Cano Negro, one of Costa Rica’s most popular tourist destinations, is on a boat cruise along the Rio Frio River. Experienced Costa Rica tour guides help visitors stay on the lookout for migratory birds, crocodiles, web-footed water walking lizards, spider monkeys, jaguars, cougars, and more.
• Arenal Volcano : Located about 55 kilometers northwest of Costa Rica’s capital San José, Arenal Volcano remained dormant for several hundred years until it erupted suddenly in 1968 creating three more craters. Only one crater still exists today and tourists enjoy visiting one of the 10 most active volcanoes in the world (from a safe distance of course).

All Inclusive Vacations by Caravan

Because Costa Rica is small it is possible to travel from the Pacific Coast to the Atlantic Coast and see most of the major attractions in between while on Caravan’s 8-day Costa Rican vacation. Caravan’s Costa Rica tour guests are pleasantly surprised by not only the tropical diversity of Costa Rica but also how affordable it is to travel Costa Rica all inclusive on Caravan’s fully guided tours!

Caravan Costa Rica vacations well planned with tour itineraries that make them ideal all inclusive, fully guided trips for every type of traveler including singles, couples, families and seniors.

Caravan Tours Are Fully Guided

There is a good reason why Caravan Tours has named Costa Rica the “Natural Paradise”.

Caravan Tours offers Costa Rica vacation packages that include some of the destinations and activities mentioned in this article.

Visit Caravan’s Costa Rica tour reviews   page to read about the personal travel experiences of previous tour guests on Caravan’s fully guided, all inclusive tour of Costa Rica.

Call toll-free at  1-800-Caravan (227-2826)

• Book a Caravan All Inclusive Costa Rica Tour
• Check out our Costa Rica  Travel Tips page

Costa Rica FAQs

Why is costa rica so popular.

Easily accessible from North America, Costa Rica is a safe natural paradise. This small country has 6% of the world’s biodiversity plus amazing turtle nesting beaches and is mostly sunny and warm throughout the year.

When is the best time to Visit Costa Rica?

Costa Rica’s peak tourist times are during the dry season, between December and April. The wettest months are September and October. The best time to see nesting turtles and whales is between July and November.

Are masks required in Costa Rica?

Yes, both tourists and native Costa Ricans must wear a mask?

Do I need to speak Spanish in Costa Rica?

Tourism in Costa Rica is the #1 industry, and most locals can converse in English, so you don’t need to speak Spanish.

Can I drink the water in Costa Rica?

Yes, you can drink the tap water in most of the popular tourist destinations, but it is not recommended in rural locations.

What currency is needed in Costa Rica?

Colon is the local currency however US dollars are widely accepted over other currencies.

How expensive is Costa Rica to visit?

Costa relies heavily on tourism dollars and most visitors are from North America, so the cost is quite comparable to vacationing in the United States or Canada.

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Costa Rica Natural Paradise

Dear Traveler, Welcome to a great vacation at an affordable price. Your Costa Rica tour is fully guided and includes all meals, all hotels, and all activities. Happy Travels! Caravan

Costa Rica All Inclusive Resorts Deals

Affordable resorts in costa rica, what to expect from caravan’s costa rica travel deals, costa rica & manuel antonio, caravan’s travel deals to costa rica resorts include:, 2024 hotels, days 1, 2 • san josé, barcelo san josé, day 3 • fortuna, magic mountain, days 4, 5, 6 • nicoya peninsula, barcelo tambor beach resort, day 7 • san josé, quality hotel real san jose, airport transfers, arrival transfers, departure transfers, passports & visas, weather & clothing, temperature °f (high/low) rainfall (inches), clothing tips, travel tips & faqs, language spoken in costa rica, costa rica immigration, san jose, costa rica baggage claim, airport porter tips, caravan does not arrange airline transportation, costa rica customs, customs duties for items purchased in costa rica, customs duties for personal items in costa rica, drivers license, fishing in costa rica, activities in costa rica if arriving a day early or staying a day longer, my tour price includes, preparing for the tropics, are meals included, children on tour, family trips, my tour price does not include, age of travelers on a caravan tour, forms of payment, many tours sell out each year, fully guided tours since 1952, size of tour group, a well-paced itinerary, caravan’s $129 travel protection, customer reviews.

"I took the tour to see the nature and beauty of Costa Rica. It was beyond my expectations. Several friends had recommended this Caravan tour to me and now I am ready to recommend your company to others." Mrs. D.T., Story, Wyoming

"This was the best vacation I've had. It is the only way to see Costa Rica." Ms. P.H., Plano, Texas

"The sights were absolutely fabulous! We visited all the places we were interested in seeing. This was an exceptional tour at an exceptional price. The guides were very eco-minded. We received a good education from them and their passion for preserving their environment was contagious. We totally get it. Your Costa Rican tour was awesome." Mr. & Mrs. B.H., Burton, Michigan

"The superior lodging and food made our concerns seem silly. We found all the hotels clean and modern. We always try to support local artists when we travel, so we were delighted to visit Sarchi with its oxcart factory and its shop with an extensive selection of goods made in Costa Rica. We enjoyed the spectacular and clean pools at Baldi Hot Springs, cruising the Rio Frio; the focus on flora and fauna attracted us to this trip in the first place." Mr. & Mrs. M.C., Kenai, Arkansas

"I was in awe. I was in Costa Rica on vacation. Couldn’t have asked for a better ride from our driver. A first class guy. My first Caravan trip and I would recommend you guys to anyone." Mr. H.T., Waterloo, Illinois

"It is almost impossible to visit a country in one week, but Caravan is doing a wonderful job in Costa Rica. Food was incredible, very fresh, great variety and plentiful. Love all activities. Got to see all birds and animals including the elusive sloth. We had a smooth ride, everything was just wonderful." Ms. V.N., Terrytown, Louisiana

"I definitely want you to know our feeling about this tour considering it is one of if not the best tours we have ever taken. Every hotel was very good with outstanding locations. The efficiency that Caravan developed in hotel check-in was easy and fast. The sightseeing was outstanding for sure. We had been to Costa Rica previously and this was by far superior by the extensive destinations geographically seeing most of the country that tourists would be interested in. This coupled with the extremely skilled guide made it superior to what we had seen before. He was so very knowledgeable concerning every possible thing we were witnessing and much more. In addition, he has an extremely entertaining wit. We both had a wonderful time and were amazed at all we got for the $’s." Mr. & Mrs. J.M., Marysville, Washington.

Why Travel with Caravan?

Excellence since 1952, caravan care, caravan's proud history, great hotels, complete sightseeing, fully guided by tour directors, all-inclusive, shopping freedom, great value, book early, how does caravan tours sell these tours for such a low cost, trade association memberships.

Costa Rica Natural Paradise

Dear Traveler, Welcome to a great vacation at an affordable price. Your Costa Rica tour is fully guided and includes all meals, all hotels, and all activities. Happy Travels! Caravan

All Inclusive Costa Rica Tour Packages

As well, Caravan Costa Rica tours are always fully guided and eco friendly. Each tour may include National Park rainforest tours, an aerial tram canopy ride, wildlife refuge river cruises, volcanoes, turtle nesting beaches, and some of the best Costa Rica resort hotels…all for one low package tour price!

Costa Rica Tours for Seniors, Kids & Families

Costa rica tour benefits, costa rica tour highlights, join the caravan and experience costa rica.

Call Caravan Toll Free: 1 800 227-2826 Chicago IL Phone: 312-321-9800 Check Tour Availability: Costa Rica tour Reservations

2024 Hotels

Days 1, 2 • san josé, barcelo san josé, day 3 • fortuna, magic mountain, days 4, 5, 6 • nicoya peninsula, barcelo tambor beach resort, day 7 • san josé, quality hotel real san jose, airport transfers, arrival transfers, departure transfers, passports & visas, weather & clothing, temperature °f (high/low) rainfall (inches), clothing tips, travel tips & faqs, language spoken in costa rica, costa rica immigration, san jose, costa rica baggage claim, airport porter tips, caravan does not arrange airline transportation, costa rica customs, customs duties for items purchased in costa rica, customs duties for personal items in costa rica, drivers license, fishing in costa rica, activities in costa rica if arriving a day early or staying a day longer, my tour price includes, preparing for the tropics, are meals included, children on tour, family trips, my tour price does not include, age of travelers on a caravan tour, forms of payment, many tours sell out each year, fully guided tours since 1952, size of tour group, a well-paced itinerary, caravan’s $129 travel protection, customer reviews.

"I took the tour to see the nature and beauty of Costa Rica. It was beyond my expectations. Several friends had recommended this Caravan tour to me and now I am ready to recommend your company to others." Mrs. D.T., Story, Wyoming

"This was the best vacation I've had. It is the only way to see Costa Rica." Ms. P.H., Plano, Texas

"The sights were absolutely fabulous! We visited all the places we were interested in seeing. This was an exceptional tour at an exceptional price. The guides were very eco-minded. We received a good education from them and their passion for preserving their environment was contagious. We totally get it. Your Costa Rican tour was awesome." Mr. & Mrs. B.H., Burton, Michigan

"The superior lodging and food made our concerns seem silly. We found all the hotels clean and modern. We always try to support local artists when we travel, so we were delighted to visit Sarchi with its oxcart factory and its shop with an extensive selection of goods made in Costa Rica. We enjoyed the spectacular and clean pools at Baldi Hot Springs, cruising the Rio Frio; the focus on flora and fauna attracted us to this trip in the first place." Mr. & Mrs. M.C., Kenai, Arkansas

"I was in awe. I was in Costa Rica on vacation. Couldn’t have asked for a better ride from our driver. A first class guy. My first Caravan trip and I would recommend you guys to anyone." Mr. H.T., Waterloo, Illinois

"It is almost impossible to visit a country in one week, but Caravan is doing a wonderful job in Costa Rica. Food was incredible, very fresh, great variety and plentiful. Love all activities. Got to see all birds and animals including the elusive sloth. We had a smooth ride, everything was just wonderful." Ms. V.N., Terrytown, Louisiana

"I definitely want you to know our feeling about this tour considering it is one of if not the best tours we have ever taken. Every hotel was very good with outstanding locations. The efficiency that Caravan developed in hotel check-in was easy and fast. The sightseeing was outstanding for sure. We had been to Costa Rica previously and this was by far superior by the extensive destinations geographically seeing most of the country that tourists would be interested in. This coupled with the extremely skilled guide made it superior to what we had seen before. He was so very knowledgeable concerning every possible thing we were witnessing and much more. In addition, he has an extremely entertaining wit. We both had a wonderful time and were amazed at all we got for the $’s." Mr. & Mrs. J.M., Marysville, Washington.

Why Travel with Caravan?

Excellence since 1952, caravan care, caravan's proud history, great hotels, complete sightseeing, fully guided by tour directors, all-inclusive, shopping freedom, great value, book early, how does caravan tours sell these tours for such a low cost, trade association memberships.