Private Tours & Trips in Costa Rica
Could you imagine private Costa Rican guides adjusting literally everything - more Monteverde cloud forest time, extra Tamarindo beach afternoons, whatever works? Routes mix the famous stuff with Rio Celeste's blue waters, Curu Wildlife Refuge's quiet paths. Costa Rica runs from Caribbean coast over to Pacific with volcanic peaks and cloud forests sitting between - private tours handle this geography at your actual pace.
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Kirsten • traveled in January
Our family of 4 with kids (ages 15 and 10) from the USA really enjoyed this trip! We like to see a lot of different things on our trips rather than just lounging. This trip definitely does that. Everything went very smoothly. Accommodations were great, and the food was delicious. All driver pick ups were on time, clean, and courteous. A few improvements or things for other travelers to ask about: I would have liked to get the final, detailed itinerary sooner. The web site indicated we would get it 2-3 weeks before the trip, but I received it less than 2 days before. I was trying to pre-book a couple of excursions in La Fortuna and Monteverde, and it would have been nice to have the confirmed dates and accommodations sooner. Also, I forgot to mention during booking - and no one asked - that we would want vegetarian meals. Most meals included in the package were buffet style, so that was fine. But on the day trip to Isla Tortuga, there wasn’t much for us to eat. We also did not know that the snorkeling at Isla Tortuga was an “add-on” part of the trip. Snorkeling near the main beach isn’t good, so don’t bother bringing snorkel gear if you don’t book the extra excursion. At the end of the trip we stayed in downtown San Jose, so we were the first to be picked up for Isla Tortuga at 5:20am (that’s rough with kids!), but then stopped to pick up people at many other hotels along the way - so we did not even leave the city until about 6:45am. I wondered if there would have been a different hotel to stay in for the end of the trip that would have been closer to west side of the city (later pick up!), but also not too far from the airport for the departure day.
The Best of Costa Rica, Self-Drive - A
Alicia • traveled in September
This is the first time I travel alone and purchasing this package made it that much easier for me to enjoy my time and not worry. I do wish there was a way to have an option to upgrade hotels if you wanted to or add on tours right from the website since I did have a few time slots available but nonetheless this was great for the price and II enjoyed every single day.
Mountain & Volcano Costa Rica Tour - G
Georgia • traveled in July
Our trip was great! We loved the volcanos area so much that we are planning a return visit.
Costa Rica & Manuel Antonio 7 Days, Self-Drive
10 best Private Costa Rica tour packages
Compiled by
SteffCosta Rica travel expert at TourRadar
- Private 7 Days Costa Rica Rainforest Vacation Tour, Daily Start & Exclusive Guide
- Your Private Costa Rica Trip with more than 1000 Species, Daily Departs
- Mountain & Volcano Costa Rica Tour
- Costa Rica Highlights Adventure 8D/7N
- The Best of Costa Rica, Self-Drive
- Costa Rica & Manuel Antonio 7 Days, Self-Drive
- Costa Rica Express - 7 days
- 9 Days Unique Costa Rican Adventure
- From Arenal to the Caribbean Coast
- Costa Rica Birdwatching
Duration 7 days Destinations San Jose, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Agate Travel From
- NZ$7,080
A personal guide leads your Costa Rican adventure. Visit Poas Volcano, Arenal Volcano, and La Paz Waterfall Gardens at your pace. Flexible scheduling allows for Tortuguero channel wandering and Cahuita National Park snorkeling.
Duration 9 days Destinations San Jose, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano National Park, Tortuguero, Guapiles Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Agate Travel From
- NZ$8,768
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
Your Costa Rican adventure adapts to your preferred pace. Pick your ideal time for Monteverde ziplining, Arenal Observatory visits, and wildlife viewing along Tortuguero's waterways.
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
- NZ$2,068
Costa Rica Highlights Adventure 8D/7N
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The accommodations were great, tours as described, no 'bad surprises'. All transfers were on time.”
Susanne, traveled in June
Eight days of wildlife encounters await with private transfers from San Jose Airport. Intimate tours through Tortuguero National Park and Arenal Volcano hikes complement your stay at Evergreen Lodge, featuring customized meals and English-speaking guides.
Duration 8 days Destinations San Jose, Monteverde, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano National Park, Tortuguero National Park Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Bamba Travel From
- NZ$3,728
The Best of Costa Rica, Self-Drive
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Everything went very smoothly. Accommodations were great, and the food was delicious.”
Kirsten, traveled in December
Private transfers from San Jose Airport lead to comfortable stays at Turtle Beach Lodge and Casa Luna Hotel. Intimate wildlife viewing in Tortuguero combines with self-paced Arenal exploration and tailored Monteverde activities.
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 $2,965
10% Off- NZ$2,669You save $297
Costa Rica & Manuel Antonio 7 Days, Self-Drive
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We loved the volcanos area so much that we are planning a return visit.”
Georgia, traveled in July
A 7-day private escape features accommodations at Park Inn San Jose and Los Lagos Arenal. The trip includes visits to Zarcero village, Arenal hot springs, and Villa Vanilla Spice Plantation, with a Daihatsu Bego rental offering unlimited mileage.
Duration 7 days Destinations San Jose, Arenal Volcano National Park, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From $1,228
10% Off- NZ$1,105You save $123
Costa Rica Express - 7 days
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Country is stunningly beautiful. I enjoyed exploring nature and saw a lot of wildlife.”
Natia, traveled in November
Private airport transfers launch your wildlife adventure. Guided excursions wind through Tortuguero's canals, Arenal Volcano National Park's lava trails, and Manuel Antonio's coastal jungle, with nights in select 4-star accommodations.
Duration 7 days Destinations San Jose, Tortuguero, Tortuguero National Park, Guapiles, La Fortuna, Arenal, Arenal Volcano National Park, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator On The Go Tours From
10% Off- NZ$4,400
Private transfers connect your Costa Rican destinations. Wildlife viewing at Curu Refuge and cultural immersion at San Jose's Central Market come alive with expert guides. Paradise Hot Springs and Monteverde's night tours offer intimate moments.
Duration 9 days Destinations San Jose, Monteverde, Playa Santa Teresa Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Wonderful Holidays UK From
10% Off- NZ$5,527
From Arenal to the Caribbean Coast
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Love the hot springs, views of the volcano and friendliness of the people.”
Michelle, traveled in April
Duration 8 days Destinations San Jose, La Fortuna, Pacuare River, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Alajuela Age Range Ages 6+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Elemento Natural Costa Rica From
10% Off- NZ$2,869
Prime birding locations await with expert guidance. Private tours weave through Tortuguero's canals, while La Selva Biological Station and Ensenada Wildlife Refuge's trails offer premier wildlife viewing.
Duration 12 days Destinations San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, La Fortuna, Puntarenas, Tarcoles Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Elemento Natural Costa Rica From
10% Off- NZ$4,135
What our customers ask about Private Tours & Trips in Costa Rica
When is the best time to take a Private tour in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica's prime touring seasons differ across regions. The Pacific coast areas of Manuel Antonio and Tamarindo see the best weather from December to April. On the Caribbean coast near Tortuguero visitors find favorable conditions in February, March September and October. Clear morning views of Arenal Volcano are most reliable from December to April. A TourRadar traveler noted: "We went in February and had perfect weather for both rainforest exploration and beach time plus our private guide could adjust the schedule around occasional afternoon showers."
What's the typical cost range for a Private tour in Costa Rica?
Daily rates for private Costa Rica tours run between $150-300 depending on your choices. A 10-day tour visiting Tortuguero Arenal and Manuel Antonio averages $2776 per person. This price point includes stays at premium properties like Evergreen Lodge in Tortuguero private vehicles dedicated guides most meals and exclusive activities. One TourRadar traveler shared: "While pricier than group tours the flexibility and personalized attention of our Private tour was worth every penny."
How much wildlife can I expect to see on a Private Costa Rica tour?
The wildlife viewing possibilities are extensive with dedicated guide attention. Tortuguero National Park offers chances to see green sea turtles from July through October along with howler monkeys and hundreds of bird species. Private guides lead specialized quetzal spotting in Monteverde while Corcovado National Park houses 140 different mammals including jaguars and tapirs. A TourRadar traveler mentioned: "Having a private guide in Manuel Antonio meant we could spend extra time tracking sloths and monkeys spotting way more wildlife than we expected."
What kind of accommodations can I expect on a Private tour in Costa Rica?
Accommodations focus on upscale properties tailored to each location. Options range from Casa Luna Hotel & Spa with volcano views in La Fortuna to the beachfront Tamarindo Diria Resort. Nature-focused stays like Evergreen Lodge in Tortuguero provide private bungalows set in rainforest surroundings. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The private accommodations were carefully selected each offering unique experiences from rainforest immersion to beachfront luxury."
How flexible are the itineraries on Private Costa Rica tours?
Daily schedules remain adaptable while covering key destinations like Arenal Volcano and Manuel Antonio National Park. Visitors can modify activity timing pace and specific experiences based on their interests. This might mean extended wildlife viewing in Tortuguero or adding an impromptu sailing excursion in Tamarindo. One TourRadar traveler commented: "Our guide was incredibly accommodating adjusting our schedule when we wanted to spend more time at certain locations or add spontaneous stops."
What's included in the meal plan for Private Costa Rica tours?
Standard meal plans cover daily breakfast at select hotels like Hotel Presidente in San José with additional lunches and dinners at quality restaurants. Lodges such as those in Tortuguero typically provide all meals featuring local ingredients. The private format allows easy accommodation of dietary needs when arranged in advance. One TourRadar traveler mentioned: "The private dining experiences were exceptional from gourmet rainforest lodges to intimate beachfront restaurants."