Costa Rica Tours & Trips
Few places hit the nature button quite like Costa Rica. Ever dreamed of hiking with views of the Arenal Volcano, or weaving your way through stunning Monteverde Cloud Forest? How about white water-rafting down the imposing Pacuare River, or relaxing on stunning Samara Beach? Head to San Jose and soak up the culture while trying mouthwatering dishes. Costa Rica is where adventure meets culture.
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LowriW • traveled in April
Costa rica was so amazing! All the guides were friendly and very knowledgeable, the meals were very good and the accommodation was excellent!
Essential Costa Rica - Package with Manuel Antonio National Park - S
Sam • traveled in December
Amazing tour! Great variety of well-planned activities, with the flexibility to participate in additional adventures (e.g. canyoneering, rafting, cycling, surfing etc.). Wonderful group atmosphere, and a guide that was entertaining, knowledgeable, and committed to ensuring everyone was well taken care of and always having a great time.
Costa Rica Adventure - M
Monica • traveled in December
We had a smooth trip - thanks for our guides Alonso and Chris. They were very helpful and informative. Good variety of activities during our trip.
Costa Rica Quest
Table of contents
- The best Costa Rica tour packages
- Most popular destinations in Costa Rica
- Travel Costa Rica your way
- Best tour companies for Costa Rica tours
- Best places to start your Costa Rica tour
- Discover Costa Rica tours for every budget
- Costa Rica tours for every type of group
- Top Costa Rica travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit Costa Rica
- Costa Rica travel guides - curated by our experts
- Contact our Costa Rica travel experts
- What our customers ask about Costa Rica Tours & Trips
The best Costa Rica tour packages
Compiled by
SteffCosta Rica travel expert at TourRadar
Essential Costa Rica - Package with Manuel Antonio National Park
128 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Excellent communication and help during this tour. Costa Rica was amazing.”
Sharmeen, traveled in October
Costa Rica's premier destinations await - from Tortuguero's turtle nesting beaches to Arenal Volcano's hot springs. Guests stay at Pachira Lodge, walk Monteverde Cloud Forest's hanging bridges, and visit Manuel Antonio National Park's wildlife-rich trails. Includes 9 breakfasts and specialized naturalist guides.
Duration 10 days Destinations San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range Ages 10+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From $3,403
10% Off- NZ$3,063You save $340
Costa Rica Adventure
634 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Costa Rica is full of culture and the natural hot springs were the main highlights.”
Gem, traveled in April
This 10-day Costa Rican odyssey, rated 4.8/5 by 600+ travelers, winds from San Jose through La Fortuna's hot springs, Monteverde's cloud forests, and Santa Teresa's beaches. Local homestays, night wildlife safaris, and cloud forest ziplining create memories for around $1,900.
Duration 10 days Destinations San Jose, La Fortuna, Monteverde, Playa Santa Teresa, Montezuma, Cabuya Age Range Ages 18-39 Operator TruTravels From $3,110
30% Off- NZ$2,177You save $933
The Best of Costa Rica
11 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The stay there and the river tour and nature hike were the best part of the trip. Your selection of the Tortuga Lodge was an excellent choice.”
Jess, traveled in October
Costa Rica's biodiversity spans 5 distinct locations over 10 days. The route covers Tortuguero's canals, Arenal Volcano views, Monteverde's cloud forest canopy, and Tortuga Island's shores. Accommodations include Turtle Beach Lodge and Casa Luna Hotel & Spa.
Duration 10 days Destinations San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde, Tortuga Island Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From $2,941
10% Off- NZ$2,647You save $294
Costa Rica Quest
321 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Well organized and plenty of optional activities.”
Bruce, traveled in November
Costa Rica unfolds from Arenal Volcano to Manuel Antonio National Park's beaches. Nighttime walks illuminate the cloud forest, while Mi Cafecito Coffee Plantation reveals local culture. Distinctive properties like Hotel Historias Lodge serve as bases for guided tours with private transportation.
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
10% Off- NZ$2,039
Costa Rica Family Vacations
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Wonderful experience, our accommodation were very comfortable.”
Salena, traveled in June
Natural wonders abound from Arenal Volcano's hanging bridges to Tambor's pristine beaches. Cool waters await at La Fortuna Waterfall, while Arenal National Park's trails lead to adventure. Snorkeling at Tortuga Island's reefs rounds out this package, costing around $2,000 with 4-star lodging.
Duration 6 days Destinations San Jose, Arenal Volcano National Park, Tambor Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator Green World Adventures From
10% Off- NZ$3,377
Raft, Hike and Explore Costa Rica
30 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Exploring the nature of Costa Rica, the excitement of white water rafting and zip lining. Highly recommend this tour!”
Rob, traveled in July
Adrenaline meets natural wonder on Costa Rica's premier adventure tour. Class 3-4 rapids on Pacuare River, Arenal Volcano's thermal springs, and Monteverde Cloud Forest's zip-lines create excitement. Country Inn San Jose, Arenal Montechiari Hotel, and Monteverde Country Lodge offer daily breakfast.
Duration 7 days Destinations San Jose, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde Age Range Ages 12+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Green World Adventures From
10% Off- NZ$2,628
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
Costa Rica's wildlife thrives at Drake Bay Resort, where howler monkeys and scarlet macaws inhabit Corcovado National Park. Arenal's hot springs, Monteverde's Sky Trek zip lines, and Caño Island's snorkeling complement stays at upscale properties like Hilton Garden San Jose.
Duration 10 days Destinations San Jose, Corcovado National Park, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde Age Range Ages 12+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Destiny Travel Costa Rica From
10% Off- NZ$6,883
Classic Costa Rica (including Arenal Volcano National Park)
60 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“great trip awsome people in are group make the trip.”
janharmen, traveled in February
Around $2,600 unlocks adventures through Tortuguero's rainforests, Monteverde's cloud forests, and Manuel Antonio's beaches. Eco-lodges and Santa Rosa de Pocosol homestays provide authentic accommodations. Wildlife spotting and traditional Costa Rican cuisine enhance the experience.
Duration 15 days Destinations San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, Santa Rosa de Pocosol, Tenorio Volcano National Park, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From $4,260
30% Off- NZ$2,982You save $1,278
Costa Rica Wildlife Tour
90 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We saw a LOT of the wildlife in CR. The activities & majority of the lodgings were amazing.”
Maureen, traveled in November
San Jose launches a 15-day immersion through Costa Rica's biodiversity, including Tortuguero's waterways and Savegre's cloud forests. White-water rafting on Pacuare River, Manuel Antonio's wildlife, and traditional finca visits showcase natural and cultural riches.
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+ Operator Explore! From $6,940
20% Off- NZ$5,550You save $1,390
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
Natural wonders unfold across 5 destinations in 7 days. Monteverde's cloud forest hosts zipline adventures, Arenal Volcano stands proud near Observatory Lodge, and wildlife thrives in Tortuguero National Park. Stays include Hotel La Puesta del Sol and Hotel Arenal Rossi.
Duration 7 days Destinations San Jose, Monteverde, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano National Park, Tortuguero National Park Age Range Ages 15+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Marvelus Travel From
20% Off- NZ$2,068
Most popular destinations in Costa Rica
More exciting destinations:
Travel Costa Rica your way
More travel styles:
Best tour companies for Costa Rica tours
From what our Costa Rica travelers tell us, Green World Adventures comes out as the top choice - they're really getting things right with well-organized tours and guides who know their stuff inside out. TruTravels is also doing great work, especially with Jurgen leading groups and giving everyone a proper look into local culture while keeping the mood light and social. The other companies have some catching up to do. Intrepid's itinerary looks good on paper, but we're hearing mixed things about their transport and hotels. Similar story with Travel Destinations - the language barriers seem to be an issue and their larger groups make it harder to get that personal touch many travelers want. What makes Green World stand out is how smoothly everything runs - from pickup times to accommodation choices, they've got the details sorted. Jurgen and the TruTravels team are clearly passionate about sharing Costa Rica's culture, and it shows in how they run their tours. They're particularly good at creating a group dynamic where everyone feels included and learns something new about the country. Both companies' guides regularly go beyond basic facts and figures, sharing local insights you won't find in guidebooks. Rather than just moving people from point A to B, they're focused on creating genuine travel experiences that feel authentic and unscripted.
Best places to start your Costa Rica tour
San Jose is the natural starting point for most Costa Rica trips, with 84% of our travelers flying into the capital first. Liberia airport up in Guanacaste works well as an alternative, particularly if you're headed straight for the Pacific beaches. Looking at our booking data, you'll want to lock in your Costa Rica tour about 3 months (87 days) ahead - this gives you good choice of dates and helps with getting spots at popular places like Manuel Antonio and Tamarindo. Our experienced travelers often suggest dividing time between different areas to get the most out of the trip - maybe combining Arenal's volcanic terrain with Monteverde's rich wildlife and Manuel Antonio's coastal beauty. Most visitors find that 10-14 days hits the sweet spot, letting them explore multiple regions while having enough time to really dive into local culture through cooking classes, market visits and also community experiences.
Discover Costa Rica tours for every budget
Costa Rica tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Top Costa Rica travel itineraries to fit your plans
Demographics
Best time to visit Costa Rica
- Winter 2025 / 2026
Winter in Costa Rica really shines with wildlife and thermal springs. Our most-booked routes mix time at Arenal's volcanic hot springs with guided walks in Monteverde Cloud Forest, where our travelers regularly spot quetzals and sloths hanging in the misty canopy. The cool weather makes hiking especially nice - you'll walk Manuel Antonio's paths seeing capuchin monkeys, toucans and also tropical birds before heading to white sand beaches. Many guests stay with local families in Santa Rosa de Pocosol to learn traditional cooking and help with daily farm work. The dry season creates perfect conditions for waterfall rappelling near La Fortuna and ziplining through Monteverde's forest canopy.
- December 2025 194 tours
- January 2026 262 tours
- February 2026 popular 279 tours
- Spring 2026
Spring offers ideal conditions for nature tours combining Tortuguero's waterways with mountain experiences. Early boat rides let you watch river otters and manatees while morning mist rises from the water. Many guests pick tours mixing volcanic areas with beach time - you'll relax in Tabacón's mineral pools before heading to Tamarindo's surf spots. The spring shoulder season means fewer people on Tenorio Volcano's blue river trails and Mistico Park's hanging bridges. Our local guides are really good at finding tree frogs, tropical birds and also three-toed sloths along forest paths.
- March 2026 278 tours
- April 2026 popular 281 tours
- 265 tours
- Summer 2026
Summer brings out Costa Rica's green landscapes and cultural life. Popular routes begin at San José's local markets, then head to Sarchi's craft workshops and La Fortuna's activity hub. The afternoon rains actually create great conditions for rafting and canyoning. Many guests love our Monteverde night walks where guides find sleeping birds, active sloths and also rare nocturnal animals. The warm weather works well for mixing forest hikes with beach time - from July through September you'll see nesting sea turtles in Tortuguero before visiting Manuel Antonio's quiet bays.
- 265 tours
- July 2026 popular 270 tours
- August 2026 267 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2026
Fall is prime time for seeing wildlife across different terrains. Our most popular routes include Corcovado's rainforest trails where guests often see scarlet macaws, spider monkeys and coatis. Many tours combine Arenal volcano views with boat trips through Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, known for excellent bird watching. Fall timing works perfectly for coffee plantation visits in Monteverde, where you'll see traditional processing and try fresh roasts. Several trips include time in Osa Peninsula's quiet beaches for snorkeling with tropical fish, whale watching and also seeing sea turtle hatchlings between September and December.
- 245 tours
- popular 258 tours
- November 2026 217 tours
Costa Rica travel guides - curated by our experts
Costa Rica Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
Get inspired by Costa Rica while learning everything you need to know to travel this Central American nation like a pro. Learn the basics, discover the highlights and more.
Best 7 Day Costa Rica Itineraries 2026 (with Reviews)
Looking for the perfect 7-day Costa Rica itinerary? From water sports to hiking to white-sand beaches, discover itinerary inspiration to help make your trip-planning a breeze with TourRadar!
What is the best time to visit Costa Rica in 2026?
Uncover the best time to visit Costa Rica and experience its rich culture, pristine beaches, and lush rainforests. Plan your journey to catch the country at its most vibrant and discover all the best spots, from San José to Monteverde.
Weather in Costa Rica in 2026
Explore the tropical appeal of Costa Rica's weather. Discover the seasons, monthly overview, regional climates, and best time to visit. Let TourRadar guide you to your unforgettable Costa Rican adventure.
Contact our Costa Rica travel experts
Melissa
Expert in Costa Rica at TourRadar
Melissa is one of our seasoned Costa Rica Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Costa Rica tours answered!
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+64 4888 0182What our customers ask about Costa Rica Tours & Trips
Is Costa Rica Pricey for Travelers?
You'll find Costa Rica isn't exactly a budget destination these days with prices matching what you'd expect back home especially in the tourist hotspots. The good news is there's always ways to keep costs down like exploring free hiking trails in national parks. Take the Classic Costa Rica tour with Intrepid Travel it's got flexible activity options and lots of food choices but yeah travelers often mention you should expect Western prices nothing super cheap here.
What Can Adventure Seekers Do in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica's packed with amazing adventures you've got to try! Zip through Monteverde's cloud forest for a totally different view of the ecosystem or tackle the Pacuare River's world-class rapids it's actually rated among the top 10 rafting spots globally. Near Arenal Volcano you can try canyoning which combines waterfall rappelling with navigating canyon walls it's pretty incredible. Most TourRadar trips let you customize your adventure level and the Tropical Costa Rica 5 Days tour includes time at Baldi Hot Springs where you've got 25 different mineral pools to relax in.
Where Can I Experience Real Costa Rican Culture?
You can really dive into local life here learn to make tortillas with locals like Doña Mara in the Central Valley or stay with families in Coope San Juan it's this great rural community where you get to see real Costa Rican life. Over in Quepos you can join cooking classes where locals share family recipes passed down through generations it's such a genuine way to connect. The Costa Rica Adventure tour by TruTravels includes that homestay in Coope San Juan where you'll cook with locals and really get what daily life's about.
What Natural Areas Can I Visit Outside the Cities?
There's Tortuguero National Park where endangered green sea turtles nest you'll need to take a boat to get there but the jungle lodges make it worth it. Corcovado National Park on the Osa Peninsula is incredible National Geographic calls it "the most biologically intense place on Earth" and guided tours are the way to go. Getting to Monteverde's cloud forests is an adventure itself with jeep and boat rides across Lake Arenal. The Classic Costa Rica tour takes you to Tortuguero by boat from La Pavona and you actually stay right in the park.