Costa Rica Small Group Tours
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10 best Costa Rica small group tours
Compiled by
MelissaCosta Rica travel expert at TourRadar
- Costa Rica Experience
- Costa Rica: Ocean Waves & Sunsets
- Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste, Self-drive
- Exotic Costa Rica, Self-drive
- 9 Days Unique Costa Rican Adventure
- Journeys: Explore Costa Rica National Geographic Journeys
- Costa Rica Quest
- Best of Costa Rica 9 Days Tour
- Costa Rica Pure Nature 10 days
- Costa Rica: Hike, Bike & Raft
Duration 9 days Destinations San Jose, Santa Rosa de Pocosol, La Fortuna, Monteverde, Quepos, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range Ages 15+ Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Intrepid Travel From $2,375
10% Off- NZ$2,138You save $238
Costa Rica: Ocean Waves & Sunsets
43 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was a journey of self-discovery, of learning about the world, and meeting people you never would have met otherwise.”
Jacqueline, traveled in April
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 $1,499
15% Off- NZ$1,274You save $225
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 $2,994
10% Off- NZ$2,695You save $299
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 All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 20 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From $2,662
10% Off- NZ$2,396You save $266
Small groups ensure personalized wildlife viewing at Curu Refuge and Monteverde's night tours. Private transfers provide comfortable travel between San Jose, Monteverde cloud forest, and Playa Santa Teresa's secluded beaches.
Duration 9 days Destinations San Jose, Monteverde, Playa Santa Teresa Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Wonderful Holidays UK From
10% Off- NZ$4,617
Journeys: Explore Costa Rica National Geographic Journeys
26 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Interesting country. Beautiful diversity.”
Paul, 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 Ages 12+ Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type Group Operator National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures From $4,879
25% Off- NZ$3,659You save $1,220
Costa Rica Quest
318 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This was a great tour to get to see and experience. A lot of the highlights, both cultural and scenic that Costa Rica has to offer!”
Elisabeth, traveled in May
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 $2,139
20% Off- NZ$1,711You save $428
Duration 9 days Destinations San Jose, Arenal Volcano National Park, Tortuguero National Park, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Cahuita Age Range Ages 12+ Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator GUIDEcuador Travel From
20% Off- NZ$5,313
Costa Rica Pure Nature 10 days
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I highly recommend this tour as it is one of the few that takes you to Corcovado National Park in the south. Our 3 days in that region were our absolute favorite!”
Beverly, traveled in December
Groups under 15 people venture through Corcovado's eight distinct habitats with naturalist guides. Close-up waterfall hikes at San Pedrillo and optimal wildlife viewing await at Drake Bay Resort.
Duration 10 days Destinations San Jose, Corcovado National Park, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde Age Range Ages 12+ Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 15 Group Type Group Operator Destiny Travel Costa Rica From
20% Off- NZ$6,847
Costa Rica: Hike, Bike & Raft
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“A very nice sampling of Costa Rica: cloud forest, volcano, Caribbean beach. Good for those looking for moderate physical activity.”
Maya, traveled in February
Maximum 12 travelers, minimum age 15, allows for personalized experiences like spotting sloths in Monteverde Cloud Forest and Caribbean cooking demonstrations in Puerto Viejo. Small numbers ensure better wildlife viewing and more attention from local guides.
Duration 8 days Destinations San Jose, Monteverde, La Fortuna, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca Age Range Ages 15+ Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Intrepid Travel From $2,980
15% Off- NZ$2,533You save $447
Reviews of Small Group tours to Costa Rica
- Exotic Costa Rica, Self-drive
The packaged tour saved us a lot of time deciding where to travel to and where to stay with the limited time we had. Service by Tour Radar was excellent, answering questions quickly and professionally. The lodges we stayed at were superb and driving around Costa Rica (about 600 miles) was no more difficult than driving in Vermont (I drive on plenty of dirt roads with potholes, and the paved roads in CR are good). We recommend that you book ahead national park registrations during the busier months.
- Costa Rica: Ocean Waves & Sunsets
Such a fun trip! Loved the options for activities. Flor was an amazing guide and really listened to what the group wanted to make sure we all had the best time. Awesome people, awesome places!
- Journeys: Explore Costa Rica National Geographic Journeys
Fabulous tour. Tour guide excellent. Costa Rica is the most amazing country.
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."