Costa Rica Small Group Tours
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10 best Costa Rica small group tours
Compiled by
MelissaCosta Rica travel expert at TourRadar
- One Week of Bliss in Costa Rica, Small Group Tour
- Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste, Self-drive
- Costa Rica: Ocean Waves & Sunsets
- Costa Rica Quest
- Journeys: Explore Costa Rica National Geographic Journeys
- Best of Costa Rica 9 Days Tour
- Exotic Costa Rica, Self-drive
- Costa Rica Highlights, 10 days
- Best of Costa Rica (including Manuel Antonio National Park)
- Basic Costa Rica: Coastlines & Cloud Forests
Duration 8 days Destinations San Jose, Arenal, Monteverde, Puntarenas Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in English, French, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type Group Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From $3,906
15% Off- NZ$3,320You save $586
Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste, Self-drive
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great guides and we especially loved the boat ride out to Tortuguero.”
Ingrid, traveled in January
Small groups averaging 8-12 travelers share excursions in Tortuguero. The intimate size ensures personal attention during wildlife spotting in Braulio Carrillo National Park and creates authentic cultural interactions in Tamarindo beach town.
Duration 10 days Destinations San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, Guapiles, Arenal Volcano National Park, Santa Elena, Monteverde, Playa Tamarindo Age Range up to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 30 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From $2,885
15% Off- NZ$2,453You save $433
Costa Rica: Ocean Waves & Sunsets
43 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The best guide ever!”
Spyridoula, traveled in September
Small groups averaging 12-15 travelers, primarily aged 20-35. The select size allows for personalized attention from your CEO guide, rated 4.9/5 by past guests, and enables flexible scheduling of optional activities like white water rafting and surf lessons.
Duration 8 days Destinations San Jose, La Fortuna, Playa Santa Teresa Age Range 18 to 39 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 18 Group Type Group Operator G Adventures From $1,359
25% Off- NZ$1,019You save $340
Costa Rica Quest
315 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The included activities were fun and interesting, with lots of optional activities to keep us entertained.”
David, traveled in February
Groups of 12-16 fellow adventurers foster friendships during night walks in Monteverde Cloud Forest and Manuel Antonio beach visits. The intimate size enables personal attention from your CEO guide and easier spotting of sloths and monkeys in national parks.
Duration 9 days Destinations San Jose, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range up to 90 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type Group Operator G Adventures From $1,919
25% Off- NZ$1,439You save $480
Journeys: Explore Costa Rica National Geographic Journeys
24 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“From the Caribbean to the Pacific and the mountains in between this journey showcased the amazing flora and fauna of this most diverse Central American country.”
Michelle, traveled in February
Limited to 16 travelers, with average age of 56. Close wildlife viewing in Tortuguero's canals and Manuel Antonio National Park. Personal attention from CEO guide ensures authentic experiences like home-cooking classes and reforestation projects.
Duration 14 days Destinations San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde, Santa Elena, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range up to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type Group Operator National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures From $4,399
25% Off- NZ$3,299You save $1,100
Duration 9 days Destinations San Jose, Arenal Volcano National Park, Tortuguero National Park, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Cahuita Age Range 12 to 75 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator GUIDEcuador Travel From
25% Off- NZ$5,120
Exotic Costa Rica, Self-drive
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The packaged tour saved us a lot of time deciding where to travel to and where to stay.”
Gary, traveled in December
The limited group size allows natural immersion at locations like Manuel Antonio National Park. Smaller numbers ensure personal attention during activities like the Las Pailas loop trail and Rio Celeste waterfall visits.
Duration 8 days Destinations Liberia, Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park, Bijagua, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range up to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 20 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From $2,565
15% Off- NZ$2,180You save $385
Costa Rica Highlights, 10 days
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Extremely organized and very well planned tour! Highly recommend this tour!”
Hana, traveled in February
The 4-hour Arenal Volcano hike and Monteverde Cloud Forest trek are led by expert English-speaking naturalist guides. Premium accommodation at Turtle Beach Lodge provides private downtime between shared activities.
Duration 10 days Destinations San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde, Playa Tamarindo Age Range 10 to 99 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 15 Group Type Group Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From $5,548
15% Off- NZ$4,716You save $832
Duration 10 days Destinations San Jose, La Fortuna, Arenal, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Intrepid Travel From $4,600
30% Off- NZ$3,220You save $1,380
Basic Costa Rica: Coastlines & Cloud Forests
33 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“A fantastic tour in a beautiful country. A memory I'll never forget.”
Kate, traveled in January
A select group led by a Chief Experience Officer (CEO) averages 14 travelers aged 20-35. The intimate size enables unique activities like the Coope San Juan homestay dinner and personal coffee tastings at Life Monteverde cooperative in Costa Rica's mountains.
Duration 14 days Destinations San Jose, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, La Fortuna, Monteverde, Playa Santa Teresa Age Range 18 to 39 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 18 Group Type Group Operator G Adventures From $2,159
25% Off- NZ$1,619You save $540
Reviews of Small Group tours to Costa Rica
- Costa Rica Quest
First time travelling solo and this company opened my eyes to the value of sustainable travel
- Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste, Self-drive
Everything was right on schedule. Great guides and we especially loved Juan Carlos who brought us from San Jose to the boat ride out to Tortuguero and picked us up and drove us back to Guapile. A+ from us
- Costa Rica: Ocean Waves & Sunsets
Esteban was an amazingly patient, knowledgeable, caring and accommodating person. This trip was 10/10 because of him! Would recommend it to everyone!
What our customers ask about Costa Rica Small Group Tours
What destinations are best suited for small group tours in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica's prime locations for small group tours center on Tortuguero National Park where visitors can spot wildlife Monteverde Cloud Forest for hiking and canopy exploration Arenal Volcano for outdoor adventures and Manuel Antonio National Park which combines beach and rainforest experiences. Small eco-lodges like Pachira Lodge in Tortuguero and Hotel Belmar in Monteverde specifically welcome intimate groups. The Country Inn & Suites in San Jose provides a practical starting point before venturing to these natural areas.
How do accommodations differ on small group tours versus larger tours?
Boutique hotels and eco-lodges that host small groups offer a more personal experience than large-scale resorts. Places like Le Cameleon Hotel in Puerto Viejo and Savegre Lodge in San Gerardo de Dota typically feature 15-30 rooms creating a more intimate setting. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The small eco-lodges we stayed at in Tortuguero and Monteverde felt so much more special than big resorts - we really got to know the staff and local community."
What is the ideal small group size for exploring Costa Rica's national parks?
Groups of 8-12 travelers work best for exploring parks like Arenal and Monteverde as shown by tours such as "Costa Rica at its Best." This size lets visitors get closer to wildlife and receive more attention from nature guides. A TourRadar traveler noted "The guides were excellent and being in a smaller group meant we could spot more wildlife like sloths and monkeys in Tortuguero National Park." Properties like Evergreen Lodge in Tortuguero and Savegre Hotel in Monteverde cater well to these smaller groups.
How does transportation work with small group tours in Costa Rica?
Travel happens in 16-20 seat air-conditioned minibuses for land routes while small boats that fit 15-20 passengers serve areas like Tortuguero National Park. One operator notes: "Due to the type of vehicles we use luggage is often transported on the roof covered by tarpaulin." Smaller vehicles can reach remote spots and stop easily for wildlife viewing.
How does dining work on small group tours in Costa Rica?
Tours include daily breakfast and select meals at local restaurants or lodge dining rooms. At Savegre Hotel groups eat at Las Bromelias restaurant which serves seasonal local produce. A TourRadar review states "The small group size meant we could eat at authentic local spots rather than tourist restaurants. Our guide took us to amazing family-run places in La Fortuna where we tried traditional Costa Rican dishes."
What is the typical age range and demographic on small group tours in Costa Rica?
Tours attract travelers aged 30-70 years old with many outdoor enthusiasts. Places like Tabulia Tree Hotel in Manuel Antonio and Arenal Montechiari welcome various age groups. Tour data shows solo travelers make up 34% while couples account for 49% creating a social yet personal environment. A TourRadar traveler shared "Our small group had a great mix of ages and backgrounds which made for interesting conversations and shared experiences."