Planning an Accessible Costa Rica Trip: Where to Start

Many of the families who write to us have one person in mind when they plan: a grandmother who tires easily, a partner who uses a wheelchair, or a friend who wants a slower, more restful trip. Our first answer is always the same. Costa Rica can be wonderful for them too, as long as the trip is built around them from the start.

Since 2009 we've planned trips the way we'd plan them for our own family. Here is how we approach an accessible or slower-paced itinerary.

Start by telling us who's coming

The most useful thing you can share is a simple, honest picture of your group. A few details help a lot:

• Everyone's ages and how comfortable each person is walking, and for how long
• Any mobility aids, such as a cane, walker or wheelchair
• Whether stairs, uneven ground or getting in and out of a vehicle are difficult
• What each person is most excited to see or do
• How much rest you want between activities

There's no need to know the answers to everything. Just tell us what you know, and we'll ask the rest.

Honest answers about what's possible

Not every experience suits every traveler, and we'd rather tell you that before you book than on the day. Some tours are active by nature, like rafting or rappelling. Others can be adapted, shortened or swapped for something that gives a similar feeling at a gentler pace.

When we say something will work, it's because we believe it will work for your group. When we're not sure, we'll say so and look for another option. You can read more about how we adapt trips on our Accessible Travel page.

Let us handle the logistics

For many travelers, the tiring part of a trip isn't the tours. It's everything in between: getting from the airport, finding the right hotel, figuring out transport each day. We arrange airport transfers, private transportation and hotel or house reservations, so everything is ready from the day you arrive to the day you leave.

That means fewer surprises and more energy for the moments you came for. See how it works on our Transport & Lodging page.

Our guides speak English and Spanish, and tours in French or German can be arranged with advance notice. If someone in your group feels more at ease in their own language, just let us know early.