Anybody been on either tours. I am looking at both. Caravan Tours is cheaper and with all meals. But, I would like to know of the quality. I know Trafalgar has good tours. They both go to Tortuguero and visit Jaco. I have a young son. Which is better for families too. What is best way to compare. This is an important trip for me. Thanks

I too am trying to find out about Caravan Tours but am interested in USA tours. (Grand Canyon or Western Parks)

but as to Costa Rica, I found this article, he liked it.

http://www.suddenlysenior.com/fullstory.html

I took the Trafalgar trip to Costa Rica last year. It was very good, except for the hotel in Jaco. That place was awful. Luckily, we only spent one night there. Our guide was Diego and our driver was Marco. If you go with Trafalgar, I hope you get these two guys, as they were wonderful. But be warned that the actual tour is conducted by Swiss Travel Service, a local company in Costa Rica. Apparently, Trafalgar contracts its Costa Rica tours to this company.

I found this site in looking for a trip for us. You might check it out.

http://www.1costaricalink.com/eng/web/f . .. .. . ckages.htm

We went on a tour to Costa Rica with Caravan in December 2004. It was great. I also was concerned about the low cost. Most the meals are buffets, some people on the trip wanted more sit down meals rather than buffets. My husband and I were fine with the buffets. Healthy, well prepared and nutritious but nothing fancy. Tortuguro was my favorite place but all in all and very enjoyable trip. Our tour guide Paul and driver Marino were super, very knowledgeable, so friendly and made the trip even more fun. If you can request a tour guide ask for Paul. I would recommend this tour.

We took the trip in march '05 with caravan and had a wonderful trip. Our tour guide, Ricardo, was the very best guide we've ever had. Everything is included even drinking water on the bus. It is very good value . . Rooms are fine, nothing fancy but clean.