My OAT Costa Rica Review

And best of all, Costa Rica has been one of the lower-cost Overseas Adventure Travel destinations. On trips such as Costa Rica: Wildlife & Tropical Landscapes and Heart of Costa Rica, solo senior travelers often can get their own private room at every lodge and hotel for the standard base price, without paying the typical $800–$1,200 “single supplement” charged by many other tour operators.

Why I Chose Costa Rica As One Of My First OAT Trips

Costa Rica is one of the best destinations in the world for first-time international senior travelers. With good reason.

It offers the excitement of exotic wildlife and tropical landscapes while eliminating much of the friction, culture shock and logistical anxiety that can come with international travel. U.S. dollars are widely accepted, and because tourism is such an important part of the economy, English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

Planning Your First
OAT Adventure?

If you're considering a Costa Rica Overseas Adventure Travel trip, I hope my experiences and tips help you decide whether OAT is right for you.

I've now taken 19 OAT adventures and have another one booked.

If you decide to travel with OAT, I'd really appreciate your telling them
(when booking):
"I was referred by Jesse Slome
OAT #932019."

It costs you nothing and their referral program helps me earn a 1-time credit toward a future adventure.

So far, 88 travelers have told OAT they were referred by Jesse Slome.

If you decide to take an OAT adventure, I hope you'll be #89!

Thank you - and I hope to see you somewhere in the world!

When We Took This Trip: May 22, 2012 - June 3, 2012
Jesse's Thrifty Senior Traveler Rating: 4.00 out of 5 Stars

Why Costa Rica - Why Overseas Adventure Travel

We visited Costa Rica back in 2012, when I was a young 60. I'm 73 as I write this updated review. So, why is Costa Rica the Thrifty Senior Traveler's top recommendation for first-time international travelers?

An Affordable Destination
Costa Rica can be a relatively budget-friendly international destination for travelers accustomed to U.S. prices. That has also been reflected in the prices charged for OAT tours, making it a great trip for seniors looking to see if they enjoy the OAT travel experience.

Easy, Low-Cost Flight Access
Reaching Costa Rica from the U.S. is remarkably convenient, with multiple direct, nonstop flight options from major American hubs. Direct flights are available from cities including Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Houston, Atlanta, Dallas, New York, Los Angeles and Chicago.

Flight times can range from roughly three to six hours, depending on where you live. Airfares vary considerably based on departure city, season and how far ahead you book, but Costa Rica can often be reached for less than many long-haul international destinations.

A Peaceful Country With A Warm Culture
Costa Rica is sometimes called the "Switzerland of Central America" because of its peaceful history, long-standing democracy and the fact that it has no standing army.

Costa Ricans are known for their warm, welcoming culture. In fact, older adults are sometimes affectionately referred to as ciudadanos de oro — "golden citizens."

U.S. Dollars Are Widely Accepted — And English Is Common In Tourist Areas
You won't have to worry too much about exchanging money before arriving. U.S. dollars are widely accepted in many tourist areas, and because tourism is such an important part of Costa Rica's economy, English is commonly spoken by hotel staff, drivers, restaurant workers and tour guides.

Accessible Ecotourism — Nature Without Hardship
No need to hike through dense jungle to see sloths, toucans and monkeys. Many of Costa Rica's popular nature destinations offer relatively accessible trails, boardwalks and viewing areas.

And you will be amazed by the lush green landscapes and incredibly colorful birds.

The Food — Especially The Fruit — Is Incredible
Costa Rican cuisine offers plenty of familiar, wholesome foods — grilled fish, black beans, plantains and tender meats.

But for me, the real star of many meals was the fruit. Pineapples, papayas and mangoes grown locally and allowed to ripen naturally can have a sweetness and flavor that's hard to match with fruit that has traveled thousands of miles before reaching a U.S. grocery store.

Why Costa Rica ?

Why Overseas Adventure Travel ?

Overseas Adventure Travel currently offers two different Costa Rica tours.

Costa Rica: Wildlife & Tropical Landscapes
A 13-day exploration covering several of the country's key ecological regions, including San José, San Carlos, Arenal Volcano, the Monteverde Cloud Forest, Manuel Antonio and San Gerardo de Dota. The itinerary includes 12 nights of eco-lodge and hotel accommodations.

Heart of Costa Rica: Rivers, Rain Forests & Arenal Volcano
An 8-day, faster-paced itinerary focused on some of Costa Rica's core highlights, including San José, the Arenal Volcano/La Fortuna region and the scenic Pacific Coast. The trip includes 7 nights of lodge and hotel accommodations.

Here's why the Thrifty Senior Traveler recommends OAT.

Expert Trip Experience Leaders
The leader can make or break a tour. In my experience, OAT's Trip Experience Leaders have consistently been outstanding. Ours could spot birds so far off in the distance that we called him the Bird Whisperer.

Authentic Cultural Immersion
You'll see plenty of flora and fauna, but OAT's home-hosted meals with local families, visits to rural schools, and hands-on stops at family-run sugarcane, coffee and organic farms might just become the most memorable part of your trip. They typically are for me.

Small Group Size
OAT's small group size — generally no more than 16 travelers — can mean quicker transitions on river boats and minibuses, easier navigation through national parks and a more intimate, family-like travel experience.

Good Accommodations
I loved the eco-lodges OAT selected, many of them located right in the middle of nature. Check where the company currently stays, and I have a feeling you'll like them too. Imagine listening to howler monkeys and tropical birds directly from your private patio or balcony.

Written by Jesse Slome, The Thrifty Senior Traveler
Originally published August 25, 2026 | Last updated August 25, 2026

But don't just take the Thrifty Senior Traveler's word for it. Here's how more recent OAT travelers have rated their
Costa Rica experiences.

Costa Rica: Wildlife &
Tropical Landscapes

Consistently holds an average traveler rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

Costa Rica Land Adventure With Pre- or Post-Trip Extensions
Extensions, such as Tortuguero or Corcovado National Park, have typically received ratings as high as 4.9 out of 5 stars from past participants.

Note that these ratings are, of course, subject to change. The best way to check is via OAT's website.

Why Only 4 Out Of 5 Stars?

We loved our OAT Costa Rica trip and, at the time, we probably would have given it a 5-star rating. But since then, we've taken more OAT adventures — including OAT's Ultimate Africa Safari and an Antarctica cruise.

Both of those were truly five-star, once-in-a-lifetime trips in our eyes. Costa Rica was excellent and remains one of my top recommendations, especially for first-time international travelers. But when I compare it to waking up surrounded by African wildlife or cruising among icebergs and penguins in Antarctica ... well, Costa Rica gets a very respectable four stars.

If this is your first OAT trip, I'm betting you'll love Costa Rica too.

When you are back, read my reviews of Ultimate Africa and Antarctica.