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
- Costa Rica Experience (7 destinations)
- Costa Rica: Hike, Bike & Raft
- Best of Costa Rica 9 Days Tour
- Premium Costa Rica
- Costa Rica Wildlife Tour
Duration 8 days Destinations San Jose, Arenal, Monteverde, Puntarenas Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, French, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type Group Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From $4,008
10% Off- NZ$3,608You save $401
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 $2,961
10% Off- NZ$2,665You save $296
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 $1,359
20% Off- NZ$1,087You save $272
Costa Rica Quest
318 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This tour was a nice balance of getting transported around with a very knowledgeable guide.”
Garry, 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 Ages 12+ Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type Group Operator G Adventures From $2,059
20% Off- NZ$1,647You save $412
Journeys: Explore Costa Rica National Geographic Journeys
25 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great nature, great travelling companions.”
Stewart, 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 $4,399
25% Off- NZ$3,299You save $1,100
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 $2,245
30% Off- NZ$1,571You save $674
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 $2,805
25% Off- NZ$2,104You save $701
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
25% Off- NZ$5,254
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 $6,470
20% Off- NZ$5,176You save $1,294
Costa Rica Wildlife Tour
89 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“A great itinerary with an excellent guide and driver.”
Ross, traveled in June
Groups of 16-24 travelers share wildlife encounters with expert guides. The setting is ideal for viewing sloths in Tortuguero National Park, quetzals in Savegre Cloud Forest, and capuchin monkeys in Manuel Antonio, plus local finca visits and chocolate tastings.
Duration 15 days Destinations San Jose, Los Quetzales National Park, Turrialba, Tortuguero National Park, Arenal Volcano National Park, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range Ages 16+ Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type Group Operator Explore! From $5,970
15% Off- NZ$5,050You save $920
Reviews of Small Group tours to Costa Rica
- 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!
- Costa Rica Quest
As I posted on Facebook: Costa Rica. What I can say in a few words that pictures haven't already? The Costa Rica Quest tour was the best possible vacation at the most opportune time for Lori and I with lots of sun and warmth, from the climate and the people. It was relaxing yet with some good exercise and excitement in a beautiful country which is peaceful and ecologically conscious. Costa Rica has breathtaking scenery and wildlife, delicious food, fruit, beer, and coffee, and nice and helpful citizens, who are among the happiest anywhere and have an appreciation for the good life which they sum up succinctly: “Pura Vida!” We enjoyed: a nature hike near Arenal volcano; a boat ride on Lake Arenal; crossing hanging bridges and zip lining (yes even Superman-style and the Tarzan swing) in the rain forest and and at the top of the canopy; soaking up the sun on a Pacific Ocean beach; and, one of the world's most amazing ecosystems, including white-faced monkeys, crocodiles, macaws, sloths, and tarantulas. But most important we had the pleasure of traveling with a diverse group of wonderful people. Our new friends hail from the UK, Canada, Germany, Sweden, and yeah that state to the south of us. ;^D We represented many different backgrounds, but we all shared an interest and appreciation for each other and our new experiences and surroundings. So this is also a shoutout and thank you to all of you for helping to make this trip the best we've ever enjoyed: Rick and Jean; Lotten and Jens; Louise, Ian, and Jon; Tonya; Martin; Jana; Cait'lin; Natalie; Noosha; and, Preetam. Of course, we couldn't have done it without our friendly and adept Tican group leader, Eugenio Quesada. He made us feel welcome, watched out for us every waking moment (and probably some when we were sleeping), educated and catered to us, and endured some hardships of his own with endless humor, patience, and passion. I hope we will all keep in touch and continue to share our experiences and lives as we did for those 9 days. Salud and, yes, Pura Vida! — Lori and Bill Cohen, Tualatin (Portland), Oregon
- Journeys: Explore Costa Rica National Geographic Journeys
Great tour of Costa Rica highlights! Good balance of organized activities with free time. Very professional.
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."