http://escapes.livingsocial.com/deal...-in-costa-rica
Has anyone else seen this deal advertised? Would love to hear advice on the trip that is being offered--pros, cons, etc. It is through a company called Latin Explore (www.latinexplore.com). Some of the details of what the deal includes are: six nights in paradise, complete with a volcano hike, zip line tour, half-day sea kayak trip, and breakfast each morning for two ($1,859)... The two ares of CR that it talks about being in are: (1) the city of Arenal--two nights in "Magic Mountain" hotel room and (2) four nights in Tamarindo (the beach), in a tropical room at "Tamarindo Diria" hotel.

Not a good deal in my opinion. I won't comment on the hotel choices, just to say not ones I would choose. But priceswise - don't know your dates you're looking at, but for example: Diria (may-june) for 4 nights in a "tropical room" = $617; 2 nights at Magic Mountain = $224. Both hotels include breakfast. So take out the hotel cost and that leaves you paying just over $1000 for 3 transfers ($240 for 3 transfers for 2 people via Interbus), a hike ($78 for 2 people via Desafio), a zipline tour ($90 for 2 via Arenal Paraiso zipline) and kayaking ($110 for 2 people via Xplore).

All that comes to $1359. So you are paying $500 for someone to book it for you.

Original post looks like spam to me. First post, trying to be smooth about it...

Actually, I think the first poster is real - my neighbor just asked me about this same deal tonight. He got an email referring to the deal above and knew I'd been to CR a few times and was wondering if I thought it was a good deal. He said that the email also said something about the original price is listed as $3500 and the special for two people is $1800 of so. I told him pretty much what tully posted.

If so, I stand corrected. Looked fishy to me.

Not great deals not great hotels LatinExplore not great

(check BBB.org)

www.gotmyfare.com better for cheapo fly drives from the US

like the Pathfinder sales from $500 all in.

www.spirit.com good packages down also.

So do more research this one is a scam

Thank you for the responses to my question! I appreciate the honesty about the pricing, etc. (Btw, the deal is a "real one" being offered by "Living Social Escapes"). Wanting to find a good deal on a 2nd Honeymoon trip for our 15th Anniversary...have heard that Costa Rica is beautiful, but not sure where to start! I grew up in the beautiful country of Papua New Guinea, and my husband grew up in Colombia, so we actually both prefer trips that are not too "Americanized." Back to doing more research!