Caravan Tours
Caravan Tours
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San Jose, Costa Rica
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Travelers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
1,139 reviews
Excellent
971
Very good
108
Average
37
Poor
13
Terrible
10
L H
Texas2,467 contributions
Feb 2020
I have been on other Caravan tours that I truly enjoyed in the past and would never have ventured to Costa Rica on my own but thought this would be a way to see it since I had such good experiences with Caravan in the past.
The magazine showed animals I would never see in the US unless at a zoo and seeing them in their natural tropical habitat was going to be a thrill to experience.
This was the primary reason I booked this trip along with Caravan's reputation.
First, it was difficult to locate the Caravan driver at the airport because as I exited the building there was a mob of people all holding signs and hawking you to take a taxi. I looked around aimlessly trying to find a sign that showed Caravan.
Luckily one of the local workers noticed our luggage tags and if I was with Caravan and told us it was on the far end of the area. So we walked that direction until I saw some people with bags that had Caravan tags and as I approached the driver came to ask again if I was with Caravan at the same time noticing we had tags on our bags. So this was not a calming start to our tour.
The visit was in late Feb. and the customs lines were very long BUT they moved at a steady pace.
The overview of the trip was nice hotels but a few had issues like no hot water or a malfunctioning shower head.
The bus rides averaged around 1 1/2 hrs. between stops with a few as long as 2+ hrs. The buses are comfortable though and they do try to break the day up and get to hotel by 4 at latest.
Most mornings the bags had to be out by 6 or maybe 7 and bus by 8 or so. Seats are rotated each day clockwise and if you start out on the left midway of bus you end up being on the sunny side 95% of the trip and it can get warm. There is a curtain you can pull but then you can't see the scenery.
I am disappointed to say that this rating is as good as I could give considering I didn't see any of the animals pictured that we hoped to see in the wild. Plus they sorta double book these trips maybe in the peak times because our group had to be split, as it seems others did as well. So that meant it was a pretty tight schedule to keep moving and stay ahead of the other group along with eating early one night and late another to have meals separate from the other group as not enough room at restaurants to accommodate both groups at one time.
These tours definitely have arrangements with certain souvenir shops/stops/ice cream places.
Bottom line of the three Caravan trips I have taken, this was my least favorite, the most expensive and the most hassle. But that could be to lack of experience traveling out of the US. We still are glad we had the experience and that is what memories are made of.
That being said our tour guide Elston was very informative since he is a native Costa Rican with a wealth of information. The driver Chega was very good managing the narrow and winding roads.
The magazine showed animals I would never see in the US unless at a zoo and seeing them in their natural tropical habitat was going to be a thrill to experience.
This was the primary reason I booked this trip along with Caravan's reputation.
First, it was difficult to locate the Caravan driver at the airport because as I exited the building there was a mob of people all holding signs and hawking you to take a taxi. I looked around aimlessly trying to find a sign that showed Caravan.
Luckily one of the local workers noticed our luggage tags and if I was with Caravan and told us it was on the far end of the area. So we walked that direction until I saw some people with bags that had Caravan tags and as I approached the driver came to ask again if I was with Caravan at the same time noticing we had tags on our bags. So this was not a calming start to our tour.
The visit was in late Feb. and the customs lines were very long BUT they moved at a steady pace.
The overview of the trip was nice hotels but a few had issues like no hot water or a malfunctioning shower head.
The bus rides averaged around 1 1/2 hrs. between stops with a few as long as 2+ hrs. The buses are comfortable though and they do try to break the day up and get to hotel by 4 at latest.
Most mornings the bags had to be out by 6 or maybe 7 and bus by 8 or so. Seats are rotated each day clockwise and if you start out on the left midway of bus you end up being on the sunny side 95% of the trip and it can get warm. There is a curtain you can pull but then you can't see the scenery.
I am disappointed to say that this rating is as good as I could give considering I didn't see any of the animals pictured that we hoped to see in the wild. Plus they sorta double book these trips maybe in the peak times because our group had to be split, as it seems others did as well. So that meant it was a pretty tight schedule to keep moving and stay ahead of the other group along with eating early one night and late another to have meals separate from the other group as not enough room at restaurants to accommodate both groups at one time.
These tours definitely have arrangements with certain souvenir shops/stops/ice cream places.
Bottom line of the three Caravan trips I have taken, this was my least favorite, the most expensive and the most hassle. But that could be to lack of experience traveling out of the US. We still are glad we had the experience and that is what memories are made of.
That being said our tour guide Elston was very informative since he is a native Costa Rican with a wealth of information. The driver Chega was very good managing the narrow and winding roads.
Written March 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wphoule
Delta, Canada2 contributions
Feb 2020
A good way to see a lot of the country. The format of 2 days in most hotels minimizes the unpacking and repacking. Saw many animals in their natural habitats, including from one of the hotel balconies. Enjoyed staying in hotel looking out upon a volcano. Diego was a highly skilled bus driver who navigated some extremely congested and narrow roads and spaces. Karol was an amazing tour guide. Extremely knowledgeable and caring. I very much recommend this tour.
Written March 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
libra105
Columbus, OH141 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
I start my review by stating that our tour guide Eduardo C was beyond great and the best tour guide I have ever had on any extended or short tour, simply amazing. His enthusiasm for Costa Rica, Caravan and people is evident in his every action. His energy is boundless & positive and the tour company is lucky to have him as a representative.
The tour itself was fantastic full of full activities, great hotels, safe bus driver and other fellow passengers!
We had never been on a bus tour before so we did not know what to expect. The transition between 5 hotels in 8 days was seamless and bags were taken away and re-appeared at your room promptly!
I can say that we prefer being on a river cruise verse a bus tour because of the constant moving, but if we were to bus again we will do a Caravan Tour as it seems to be a well oiled machine!
The only draw backs to the tour for us was the moldy smell at Hotel San Bada and the bus itself could have been more comfortable since so much time is spent traveling between destinations! The trip was so perfect that I hate to even mention a negative but want others (and Caravan) to know.
Thank you to Caravan for picking great employees, great hotels and excursions. If you are looking for a bus tour, look no further, this company is established and affordable and proven!
The tour itself was fantastic full of full activities, great hotels, safe bus driver and other fellow passengers!
We had never been on a bus tour before so we did not know what to expect. The transition between 5 hotels in 8 days was seamless and bags were taken away and re-appeared at your room promptly!
I can say that we prefer being on a river cruise verse a bus tour because of the constant moving, but if we were to bus again we will do a Caravan Tour as it seems to be a well oiled machine!
The only draw backs to the tour for us was the moldy smell at Hotel San Bada and the bus itself could have been more comfortable since so much time is spent traveling between destinations! The trip was so perfect that I hate to even mention a negative but want others (and Caravan) to know.
Thank you to Caravan for picking great employees, great hotels and excursions. If you are looking for a bus tour, look no further, this company is established and affordable and proven!
Written February 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
luckykady
Boston, MA36 contributions
Feb 2020
This was our fourth trip with Caravan. We take them because they do a good job and are a great value. This was the exception. Although the guides and bus driver were exceptional the trip was not. There was way too much bus riding and not enough doing. Overall the activities were disappointing. Often it was a 2 hour bus ride for a 1 hour activity and then another 2 hour bus ride for a restroom stop and convenience store. We went in a day early and especially enjoyed the National Museum in San Jose. The trip just took a bus ride through the poorer sections of the city with no stops. The first day we had a trip to the Ox Cart Factory and Coffee Plantation, then back to the hotel to enjoy the pool. That was enjoyable but then the trip went downhill. It was a disappointing trip in terms of the activities and accommodations. Magic Mountain Hotel could have been good but it needs some TLC. Our air conditioner was broken and took several hours to fix, the safe did not work, and we were told there was nothing they could do about it. We also had lots of bugs and it smelled of bug spray. It had a nice pool but no down time to enjoy it. This was typical of all the other stops. Often our luggage did not arrive to our room until 15 minutes before dinner so there was no time to take advantage of pools. We should have been told to take bathing suits with us in our backpacks. The day spent at JW Marriott Guanacaste was a welcome respite. Caravan ran 2 buses of 44 people per day. It’s too much regimentation as to meal times and many of the hotels including the Marriott did not replenish the food adequately if one was in the second group to eat. If choosing between Costa Rica and Panama take the Panama trip. Or better yet choose another tour company.
Written February 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Klaret
2 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
We found the ad for this Caravan tour in a magazine two months ago. It offered all of the wonderful things we had heard about Costa Rica at a very competitive price. We hadn't previously known about Caravan, but quickly found glowing reviews of this venerable company. We immediately signed up, taking the last 2 available slots for a May tour (the end of CR's 'dry' season).
The tour could not have been more perfect. The weather was excellent the whole time, with just a few brief rainy periods and one or two impressive showers, otherwise sunny and hot. The passengers were genial and attentive, and there was so much to pay attention to. Aaron, our wonderful guide, tirelessly shared his in-depth knowledge regarding CR's prolific flora and fauna that we were seeing each day. His enthusiasm, professionalism, and stamina was quite impressive. The itinerary struck just the right balance of bus time, walking tours, and relaxing, in beautiful locations and excellent accommodations.
The driver on this tour, Victor, was also amazing, performing his role with an air of serenity, strength, and best of all, accuracy. Both Aaron and Victor represented their Tico culture admirably, speaking flawless English, and just being the friendliest folks you'd ever want to tour with. We felt lucky to grab those last two seats, and heartily recommend this tour.
The tour could not have been more perfect. The weather was excellent the whole time, with just a few brief rainy periods and one or two impressive showers, otherwise sunny and hot. The passengers were genial and attentive, and there was so much to pay attention to. Aaron, our wonderful guide, tirelessly shared his in-depth knowledge regarding CR's prolific flora and fauna that we were seeing each day. His enthusiasm, professionalism, and stamina was quite impressive. The itinerary struck just the right balance of bus time, walking tours, and relaxing, in beautiful locations and excellent accommodations.
The driver on this tour, Victor, was also amazing, performing his role with an air of serenity, strength, and best of all, accuracy. Both Aaron and Victor represented their Tico culture admirably, speaking flawless English, and just being the friendliest folks you'd ever want to tour with. We felt lucky to grab those last two seats, and heartily recommend this tour.
Written May 14, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Frank and Teres A
14 contributions
Feb 2020
Trip of a lifetime. We visited almost the entire country. Our tour director, Martha Seelye was amazing. Very friendly and knowledgeable. The Hotels we stated in were TOP!! the food was incredible with an enormous variety. The trip was coordinated for us to see ALL the most important parts of Costa Rica. What a Trip!!! We saw all kind of animals, trees, rivers, fountains, hanging bridges, rain forest, mountains, volcanoes...The motor coach was very comfortable and our driver Juanca was great. All the tour guides and people we encountered were very friendly, The entire group (about 34 people) worked together great and we make good friends. I was hesitant about Caravan because of the value of the tour, compared to other companies, but we already booked another one with them and God willing will do many more, as they offer excellent deals, great places and a experience of a life time.
Written February 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CGA
Toronto, Canada2 contributions
Feb 2020
We recently did the Costa Rica tour with Caravan Tours and had a fabulous time. Our Tour Director - Ignacio was fantastic. He answered every single question we had and is very knowledgeable on the history and other details of Costa Rica. He made our bus rides very interesting as well. I would certainly recommend this tour with Caravan Tours. Our driver Christian too was so good. He maneuvered those narrow streets with amazing skill and made us all feel so safe.
Written March 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
vincentc77
pa17 contributions
Dec 2024 • Couples
I'm going to start this review based on total cost. We spent just under $2200 (without air) for two people to spend almost 8 days in Costa Rica with guide, transportation, accommodations, and all meals - absolutely amazing. Guide, JD, was professional, helpful, knowledgeable, and personable. Driver, Gio, was also professional and personable. Couldn't ask for a better team. First concern was mobility of the group - this was our first Caravan tour and maybe it attracts persons of later age, but we were unaware of this and will keep this in mind going forward. We are in our 50s and are extremely active for our age. Fortunately, JD did his best on recognizing the hurdle and adjusting the best he could do. Just keep this in mind if you're active and want to cover the most ground in the least amount of time - Did a Greece island cruise last year and the optional excursions really kept us on our toes! Next concern was the overall condition/cleanliness of the accommodations - The Barcelo Tambor resort fell far from our expectations - rooms were dirty, dated, with many facilities broken. Food quality was also less than stellar - however, the pizza at the Italian restaurant was very good! It also caters to many locals that have much lower standards - ill just leave it at that. Fortuna, Magic Mountain, was also troubling. Went down to the lobby around midnight to secure some meds only to find that it was not staffed and locked. Found out that others tried to contact the hotel during the evening due to room issues only to come up empty. Costa Rica has wonderful natural beauty with welcoming natives - highly recommend visiting to a glimpse at the Central Americas.
Written January 2, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anthony H
1 contribution
Mar 2019
My entire family raved about our trip to Costa Rica. First and foremost, the tour guide was amazing. His personality, local knowledge, and rapport with our group were so natural...his pride in his country was also very infectious. We ended the tour thinking we will definitely come back someday. Even today, our 2 teen boys still bring up what a great trip Costa Rica was. The hotels were top-notch. The food was delicious...and the tour guide even personally made sure that I had food I could eat after I let him know about my food allergies. As a family, we are again talking about what Caravan tour we should do next. We recommend Caravan Tours 1000%. Thanks, Caravan! We loved it.
Written January 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PapaDanno
Greenville, SC18 contributions
Feb 2020
We’ve used a number of different tour companies over the years and were pleasantly surprised at how well organized was our Caravan tour to Costa Rica. Before we left we received a rather well put together booklet which explained everything in detail, from our daily itinerary to hints and tips along the way.
Our tour guide, Bernal, has to be one of the best in the industry. Well versed (he’s local), funny, on top of every detail beginning to end. His naturalist bent gave us so much interesting information on the history of each area, pointing out nature in ways we would never have seen or experienced without him.
In this new era of pandemic shutdowns we look forward to a time in the future where we can again travel with confidence.
Our tour guide, Bernal, has to be one of the best in the industry. Well versed (he’s local), funny, on top of every detail beginning to end. His naturalist bent gave us so much interesting information on the history of each area, pointing out nature in ways we would never have seen or experienced without him.
In this new era of pandemic shutdowns we look forward to a time in the future where we can again travel with confidence.
Written May 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I am extremely terrified of riding on mountain roads. I know that the Costa Rica tour has many qualified drivers, but it freaks me out. How many hours would you say are on these type of roads?
Thank you
Written February 21, 2024
They do not drive any longer than a two hour time frame at a time. There are stops made to see different things, and not all the roads are high and curvy. If you're on a little stretch of narrow curvy road, you can look straight ahead in the large coach, and not out the window near you.
Written February 22, 2024
chuck z
High Ridge, Missouri
How much walking is involved in the 8 day Caravan Mt. Rushmore and Yellowstone tour?
Written March 5, 2022
What kind of roads does the motor coach travel on the 9-day Costa Rica trip? Little nervous for narrow mountain roads.
Written March 8, 2020
The roads were not bad at all. More importantly the driver (and I think I can say all drivers working for Caravan Tours) are really good. They manage to negotiate the narrow streets very very well. I was worried about this as well, but it was not an issue at all. Hope this helps.
Written March 9, 2020
Joann C
Medford, New York
I am going to costa rica march second 2020 with caravan tours i see on day five
Its hanging bridges i can't stand hights
Can i still go on the tour that day and just wait till every body else is finished hanging and continue with the day
Written February 20, 2020
You will have the option of 3 hikes, long medium and mini (one bridge) or you can just relax at the site. The bridges are quite steady, especially those with you respect your concerns and don't try to bounce them! Enjoy your tour!
Written March 8, 2020
I am looking at the caravan tour for August with my two kids ages 8 and 11. How is the caravan tour for children?
Written February 16, 2020
I would expect the long times on the bus and the bags out by 6 a.m. days might not be easy for them! I wouldn't see it as created for young people unless your two are really quiet content laid back children. There are far more exciting bus excursions in Costa Rica.
Written March 8, 2020
Lorraine M
Ormond Beach, Florida
Has anyone every taken the Costa Rica 9-day tour, which is as tour of Volcanoes, Rainforests and Beaches?
Written February 6, 2020
Loved it. Don't expect much regarding volcanoes but the rest is amazing! My husband found time on the bus long, I found it as relaxing and a great time to learn endless information about the country from our amazing quide Ana! Great way to see the country for the first time ...then I can see going back on my own to hit the highlights again.
Written March 8, 2020
What are the guidelines for tipping guides and drivers?
Written January 12, 2020
At the end if the tour, our tour director made an announcement that if wanted to tip our bus driver and her, we can give it to them at that time. It was recommended that 5.00 a day for the bus driver and up to 8.00 a day for the tour director. The only other time we tipped was a few local river boat tours or the like, a dollar or 2. Everything else was covered.
Written January 12, 2020
Hello!
This tour has come highly recommended to me. I am thinking of booking in December.
Questions:
1. Will I be able to get off the bus to take pictures?
2. I'm pretty shy and get anxious easily...will the bus be totally full? I know the website said that four seats are always left open...
Plus, I've never toured with a group before.
Thanks.
Written September 30, 2019
Our bus was half empty with lots of room to spread out. They assign seats but you are allowed to move to the back. The bus stops for pictures and also has huge CLEAN windows.
Written September 30, 2019
We were there in August, 2019. This is there low season. No crowds. They said high season is Dec. Jan. Many “Snow Birds “ from the North come here to warm up.
Written September 30, 2019
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.