Costa Rica Guided Tours & Trips
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10 best fully guided Costa Rica tour packages
Compiled by
SteffCosta Rica travel expert at TourRadar
- Costa Rica: Ocean Waves & Sunsets
- Costa Rica Adventure
- Volcanoes Adventure in Costa Rica
- Costa Rica Quest
- Journeys: Explore Costa Rica National Geographic Journeys
- Costa Rica Experience (7 destinations)
- Costa Rica: Hike, Bike & Raft
- One Week In Costa Rica (7 destinations)
- Natural Highlights of Costa Rica
- Discover Costa Rica - with Dominical (including San Jose)
Costa Rica: Ocean Waves & Sunsets
43 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The best guide ever!”
Spyridoula, traveled in September
Highly-rated CEOs lead immersive activities from Arenal Volcano Park trails to Santa Teresa's prime surf spots. Transportation between destinations and personalized activity suggestions enhance the experience.
Duration 8 days Destinations San Jose, La Fortuna, Playa Santa Teresa Age Range Ages 18-39 Operator G Adventures From $1,499
15% Off- NZ$1,274You save $225
Costa Rica Adventure
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The Costa Rica adventure is absolutely worthwhile and delivers what it promises.”
Luisa, traveled in May
Costa Rica's diverse landscapes unfold with local expertise. San Jose's architecture, nocturnal wildlife in La Fortuna, and Manuel Antonio National Park's wonders shine through guided interpretation. Authentic cultural exchanges flourish during visits to Maleku communities and local farms.
Duration 13 days Destinations San Jose, La Fortuna, Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park, Samara Age Range Ages 18-39 Operator INTRO Travel From
15% Off- NZ$3,649
Volcanoes Adventure in Costa Rica
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Green World was awesome!”
James, traveled in April
Skilled Costa Rican guides accompany each activity, from Irazu's volcanic peak to Arenal's forest trails. Naturalists enhance wildlife viewing at Las Pailas, while specialized guides offer expertise at Doka Coffee Estate and La Paz Waterfall Gardens.
Duration 9 days Destinations San Jose, Orosi, Irazu Volcano National Park, Cartago, Arenal, Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park, Poas Volcano National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator Green World Adventures From $3,357
15% Off- NZ$2,853You save $503
Costa Rica Quest
318 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Loved the island; loved the activities were so much fun.”
Makelis, traveled in August
Skilled CEOs guide visitors through Costa Rica's highlights, from coffee plantations to national parks. Professional guides enhance visits to Monteverde Cloud Forest and Manuel Antonio, ensuring smooth transitions between selected accommodations.
Duration 9 days Destinations San Jose, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range Ages 12+ Operator G Adventures From $2,059
20% Off- NZ$1,647You save $412
Journeys: Explore Costa Rica National Geographic Journeys
26 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour was very well organised. Would definitely recommend.”
Fiona, traveled in April
Professional guides lead tours through Tortuguero's waterways, Santa Elena Cloud Forest, and Manuel Antonio National Park. Local experts enhance visits to Sea Turtle Conservancy and Monteverde Institute across 8 distinct locations.
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+ Operator National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures From $4,659
25% Off- NZ$3,494You save $1,165
Duration 9 days Destinations San Jose, Santa Rosa de Pocosol, La Fortuna, Monteverde, Quepos, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From $2,230
10% Off- NZ$2,007You save $223
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
Skilled guides spot wildlife in Monteverde Cloud Forest, navigate Pacuare River's rapids, and share local culture through Caribbean cooking demonstrations in Puerto Viejo. Includes naturalist interpretation and activity instruction throughout Costa Rica.
Duration 8 days Destinations San Jose, Monteverde, La Fortuna, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From $2,805
25% Off- NZ$2,104You save $701
Seasoned experts navigate Costa Rica's diverse landscapes, from Monteverde's Cloud Forest to Arenal Volcano views. Professional-led hikes in Cahuita National Park, cultural demonstrations in Puerto Viejo, and market tours in San Jose await. Suitable for ages 18+.
Duration 8 days Destinations San Jose, Monteverde, La Fortuna, Arenal, Cahuita, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca Age Range Ages 18-35 Operator Intrepid Travel From
25% Off- NZ$1,145
Costa Rica's biodiversity shines from Tortuguero's waterways to Monteverde's cloud forests. Arenal Observatory Lodge's hanging bridges and naturalist-led night walks in Monteverde Wildlife Refuge reveal hidden wonders. Traditional cuisine at authentic lodges like Pachira Lodge rounds out the experience.
Duration 8 days Destinations San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, La Fortuna, Caño Negro, Monteverde Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From
25% Off- NZ$4,070
Rich biodiversity unfolds from Tortuguero's turtle beaches to Monteverde's cloud forests with expert naturalists. The journey includes La Fortuna Waterfall, Manuel Antonio's wildlife, and Marino Ballena National Park with professional interpretation.
Duration 15 days Destinations San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, La Fortuna, Arenal, Monteverde, Santa Elena, Manuel Antonio National Park, Dominical, Marino Ballena National Park, Savegre Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From
25% Off- NZ$7,260
What people love about Fully Guided Tours in Costa Rica
- 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!
- 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
- Costa Rica Adventure
The Costa Rica adventure is absolutely worthwhile and delivers what it promises. To see Costa Rica's nature, beaches and especially the amazing wild life in 13 days, it is absolutely perfect! The days are perfectly planned, we didn‘t had to worry about any activities or food. There is a lot of program in the 13 days, but I wouldn't want to miss any of it. Just bring a rain jacket. ;-) And now even more important: our tour guide Elmer. Thanks to him, it was an unforgettable trip. He was 100% perfectly organized, we basically didn't have to worry about anything and he guided us perfectly through the days. He not only took care of the organization, but also tried to bring us closer to the culture of Costa Rica through the language, the local food and his knowledge of the animals and nature. In emergencies, he was immediately on hand and took care to everyone individually all the time. He handled the whole thing with a lot of humor, joy and even more inportant with respect towards all of us. Even though his German dialect and card playing skills could be improved… :-D He is a special, funny and above all a caring person with whom we always felt comfortable and safe. Many thanks Elmer! Thanks to you it was an unforgettable trip!
What our customers ask about Costa Rica Guided Tours & Trips
What kind of accommodations can I expect on a fully guided tour in Costa Rica?
Accommodations on Costa Rica guided tours range from well-appointed hotels to atmospheric eco-lodges. Travelers often stay at places like Volcano Lodge in La Fortuna which offers direct views of Arenal Volcano or Pachira Lodge which sits on a 34-acre property next to Tortuguero National Park. A TourRadar traveler noted "The setting and gardens particularly at Volcano Lodge and Cristal Ballena were really beautiful." Most properties maintain 3-4 star standards with standard amenities though eco-lodges in remote areas may offer a more natural but comfortable experience.
What's included in terms of meals on fully guided Costa Rica tours?
The tours typically cover daily breakfast and select other meals at vetted locations. Tortuguero's Laguna Lodge provides all meals featuring local ingredients and cooking styles. In La Fortuna guides often connect travelers with local families for authentic home-cooked meals. According to one TourRadar guest: "Our guide at El Establo Mountain Hotel in Monteverde introduced us to amazing local restaurants we would never have found on our own with authentic Costa Rican flavors."
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see with a guide in Costa Rica?
Knowledgeable guides significantly increase wildlife spotting opportunities throughout Costa Rica. Tortuguero National Park offers sightings of howler monkeys toucans and nesting sea turtles (July-October). Guides in Monteverde Cloud Forest expertly track the elusive quetzal bird hummingbirds and sloths. Manuel Antonio visitors often encounter white-faced capuchin monkeys three-toed sloths and scarlet macaws. A TourRadar traveler noted: "Our guide had an incredible ability to spot wildlife - we saw sloths toucans poison dart frogs and so many species we would have missed on our own at the Arenal floating safari."
What's the best time of year for a guided tour in Costa Rica?
The dry season from December through April provides reliable weather conditions and clear wildlife viewing. The green season (May-November) brings fewer tourists and vibrant vegetation. Specific experiences have optimal timing: turtle nesting in Tortuguero peaks July through October while Arenal volcano views are clearest December through March. One traveler reported: "We went in February and had perfect weather for all activities - from hiking in Arenal to beach time in Manuel Antonio."
How do guides enhance cultural experiences on Costa Rica tours?
Local guides open doors to authentic cultural encounters through their community connections. They explain traditional coffee production at places like Mi Cafecito Coffee Cooperative and arrange tortilla-making sessions in La Fortuna homes. A TourRadar participant shared: "Our guide brought us to his favorite local sodas (restaurants) in Monteverde and introduced us to traditional dishes explaining their cultural significance. He made us feel like we were experiencing the real Costa Rica."
How much free time is typically available during fully guided tours in Costa Rica?
Tours balance structured activities with 2-3 hours of daily free time plus occasional full free afternoons. In La Fortuna morning volcano tours might be followed by free time for hot springs or town exploration. Manuel Antonio often reserves afternoons for independent activities after guided morning hikes. As one traveler noted "The balance was perfect - we had organized activities but also plenty of time to explore restaurants in Tamarindo or relax at Playa Santa Teresa on our own."