Costa Rica Small Group Tours
4.6 stars on(9,434 reviews)- Choose from 100+ Costa Rica tours
- 750+ verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
- 24/7 customer support
10 best Costa Rica small group tours
Compiled by
MelissaCosta Rica travel expert at TourRadar
- Costa Rica Quest
- Costa Rica Experience
- Costa Rica Highlights, 10 days
- Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste, Self-drive
- Premium Costa Rica
- Costa Rica's Best Beach + Jungle Hikes (ages 21-35)
- Best of Costa Rica (including Arenal Volcano National Park)
- Journeys: Explore Costa Rica National Geographic Journeys
- Mountain & Volcano Costa Rica Tour
- Costa Rica: Ocean Waves & Sunsets
Costa Rica Quest
319 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The beaches at Manuel Antonio National Park were amazing. The guided walking tour to explore the wildlife was great.”
Ralph, traveled in March
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 Ages 12+ Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type Group Operator G Adventures From $2,039
30% Off- NZ$1,427You save $612
Costa Rica Experience
32 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“What a beautiful country with so much to see and experience. I would definitely sign up for an Intrepid tour again!”
Emma, traveled in July
Groups of 12-15 fellow adventurers venture through Costa Rica. The intimate size enables personal homestay experiences in Santa Rosa de Pocosol, closer wildlife encounters in Monteverde Cloud Forest, and more attentive guidance from local experts. For ages 18+.
Duration 8 days Destinations San Jose, Santa Rosa de Pocosol, La Fortuna, Arenal, Monteverde, Quepos, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range Ages 15+ Group Size Max Group Size 14 Group Type Group Operator Intrepid Travel From
30% Off- NZ$2,370
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 Ages 10+ Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 15 Group Type Group Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From $5,991
15% Off- NZ$5,093You save $899
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 All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 30 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From $3,116
15% Off- NZ$2,649You save $467
Premium Costa Rica
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“A wonderful way to explore Costa Rica. The hotels all had amazing views from the balcony, and the food was really tasty.”
Catherine, traveled in July
Small groups averaging 8 travelers, accompanied by expert naturalist guides, uncover Costa Rica's hidden gems. The select size allows private access to Arenal Vida Campesina farm and personal wildlife spotting in Cano Negro Wetlands. Private transportation ensures comfort between destinations.
Duration 9 days Destinations San Jose, La Fortuna, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range Ages 15+ Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Intrepid Premium From
15% Off- NZ$6,075
Costa Rica's Best Beach + Jungle Hikes (ages 21-35)
14 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Phenomenal trip, packed with activities from start to finish. Incredible experience.”
Andrew, traveled in May
Duration 5 days Destinations San Jose, Playa Hermosa, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range Ages 21-35 Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type Group Operator Under30Experiences From
15% Off- NZ$1,775
Best of Costa Rica (including Arenal Volcano National Park)
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Had a great time. A great way to see Costa Rica and, in my case, travelling alone.”
Stephen, traveled in January
An intimate gathering of 12 travelers maximum, guided by local experts through Costa Rica's biodiversity. The select group size ensures individual attention during Terraba indigenous community visits and private access to organic coffee farms in Los Santos region.
Duration 10 days Destinations San Jose, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano National Park, Arenal, Monteverde Age Range Ages 15+ Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Intrepid Travel From
15% Off- NZ$4,630
Journeys: Explore Costa Rica National Geographic Journeys
26 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Costa Rica has been on my bucket list for awhile I'm glad I chose your tour group and package!!”
Sheila, traveled in July
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 Ages 12+ Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type Group Operator National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures From $5,259
15% Off- NZ$4,470You save $789
Mountain & Volcano Costa Rica Tour
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We especially loved the activities, and appreciated the way we never had to worry about our transfer transportation.”
Emily, traveled in July
Groups of up to 14 travelers share guided adventures through Costa Rica's highlights. Personal wildlife encounters unfold during Tortuguero's canoe tours, while natural hot springs offer volcanic mud facials near Arenal Observatory.
Duration 7 days Destinations San Jose, Monteverde, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano National Park, Tortuguero National Park Age Range Ages 15+ Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 15 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Marvelus Travel From
15% Off- NZ$2,141
Costa Rica: Ocean Waves & Sunsets
43 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The accomodations were hostels but they were nice hostels! I love my time spent in Costa Rica!”
Maria, traveled in January
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 Ages 18-39 Group Size Max Group Size 18 Group Type Group Operator G Adventures From $1,599
30% Off- NZ$1,119You save $480
Reviews of Small Group tours to Costa Rica
We had the most fantastic guide Angie on our recent intrepid tour she was extremely knowledgable about the country and the plants animals and birds. She was a pleasure to spend time with and went out of her way to make sure everything ran smoothly.
Costa Rica Experience (8 destinations)
- Costa Rica: Hike, Bike & Raft
A very nice sampling of Costa Rica: cloud forest, volcano, Caribbean beach. The tour guide, Jonathann was excellent. Good for those looking for moderate physical activity: some white water rafting, biking, hiking, with options for more (zip line, etc), a visit to a wildlife sanctuary, waterfall swim, more. Travel between was by public buses, hotels were clean, comfortable, modest. Small group size, international mix of travelers.
- Costa Rica Wildlife Tour
The tour leader and the driver were excellent, knowledgeable, endlessly patient and upbeat. Hotels were generally acceptable but not luxurious. La Baula Lodge was below par (both food and accommodations). Guayabo Lodge was too far from the included activities, but otherwise comfortable. El Faro Hotel would have been acceptable had I not been assigned the room under the kitchen, where noisy food preparation began at 5 a.m. I was a bit disappointed we didn’t see more animals in the parks, possibly because they were just too crowded. The weather (rain most days) may have impacted wildlife viewing also.
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."