Costa Rica Tours & Trips
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Table of contents
- The best Costa Rica tour packages
- What people love about Costa Rica Tours
- 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
Classic Costa Rica
58 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We have seen beautiful spots and wildlife. We had the right amount of organized activities and free time.”
Ilaria, 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 $3,570
30% Off- NZ$2,499You save $1,071
Essential Costa Rica - Package with Manuel Antonio National Park
127 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This tour was a comprehensive sample of Costa Rica. All the connections were very knowledgeable and friendly.”
Anita, traveled in December
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 $3,317
10% Off- NZ$2,986You save $332
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 $2,245
30% Off- NZ$1,571You save $674
Tropical Costa Rica 5 Days, Short Break
14 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The hotel is not new, but is spotlessly clean, well run and well maintained, quiet with a comfortable bed and amenities.”
Ivan, traveled in May
San Jose's Sleep Inn Hotel pairs with Tortuguero's Turtle Beach Lodge on this 5-day adventure. Baldi Hot Springs' 25 thermal pools frame Arenal Volcano views, while dawn reveals Tortuguero's canal wildlife. The artisan town of Sarchi rounds out the journey.
Duration 5 days Destinations San Jose, Sarchi, Arenal Volcano National Park, Tortuguero National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From $1,535
10% Off- NZ$1,382You save $154
Discover Costa Rica
111 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The holiday was wonderful, looking after us every step of the way, and always attentive to our requests.”
Caroline, traveled in August
Wildlife viewing takes center stage from Tortuguero's waterways to Arenal Volcano's lava fields. Distinctive lodges like Esquinas Rainforest Lodge and Savegre Hotel & Spa provide bases for spotting howler monkeys, sloths, and quetzals. Expert naturalists guide visits to Manuel Antonio National Park and Santa Elena Cloud Forest.
Duration 15 days Destinations San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde, Santa Elena, Manuel Antonio National Park, Piedras Blancas, San Isidro de El General, Los Quetzales National Park Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From $7,213
12% Off- NZ$6,360You save $853
What people love about Costa Rica Tours
- Classic Costa Rica
If you are considering a trip to Costa Rica - this is the trip to take. Costa Rica is such an incredible destination for first-time adventurers and this itinerary really covers it all. Our guide, Allan, was great at pointing us in the right direction for local eats and we were able to take in the full world of adventure Costa Rica has to offer, from ziplining in Monteverde to canyoning in La Fortuna. I would go back in a heartbeat and recommend this trip to anyone!
- Essential Costa Rica - Package with Manuel Antonio National Park
Costa rica was so amazing! All the guides were friendly and very knowledgeable, the meals were very good and the accommodation was excellent!
We enjoyed the tour a lot and recommend it to everybody. Due to covid, there were only few people everywhere, and I had a private tour where we mostly had guided tours and transfers just me or there was just one another couple joining. All the hotels and lodges were very good, the staff very friendly, food tasty (especially the lodges in Tortuguero, Arenal and Monteverde were located beautifully in nature). Everything worked as planned and on-time. Specially thanks to Paola she was help me for the hold time while I’m over there.... amazing country, will comes back November or December (stay more days in Tortuguero Thanks Christina
Tropical Costa Rica 5 Days, Short Break
Most popular destinations in Costa Rica
Famous for its stunning cloud forests, Monteverde is calling you to explore its lush trails, discover exotic wildlife, and visit its vibrant butterfly gardens. Get your adrenaline pumping with exciting zip-line tours and walk among the treetops on hanging bridges.
See all Monteverde toursDiscover amazing wildlife and landscapes in Tortuguero National Park. Most travelers enjoy exploring our Tortuguero National Park adventures in September, making it the most popular time of the year.
See all Tortuguero National Park toursExperience Costa Rica’s pura vida way of life. Relax on idyllic beaches, explore lush cloud forests, venture across dramatic volcanic landscapes, and surf in some of the world’s most popular surfing destinations—Costa Rica is absolutely stunning.
See all Costa Rica Caribbean Coast toursDiscover amazing wildlife and landscapes in Manuel Antonio National Park. Most travelers enjoy exploring our Manuel Antonio National Park adventures in January, making it the most popular time of the year.
See all Manuel Antonio National Park tours
Travel Costa Rica your way
Our Costa Rica active tours really hit their stride by mixing different experiences each day. White-water rafting in the Caribbean lowlands paired with zip-lining over Monteverde's cloud forest tops our most-booked trips. Many guests love their morning kayak paddles on Lake Arenal - the volcano views are incredible - before heading to natural thermal springs in the afternoon. When they stay with families in villages like Coope San Juan, they get to cook local dishes and share stories around evening bonfires. The wildlife shows up everywhere you go. During night walks in Monteverde, our groups regularly spot sloths hanging in the trees, hear howler monkeys calling and see toucans settling in for the night. Over in Tortuguero National Park, watching tiny turtle hatchlings scramble toward the waves becomes a highlight for many. Active types particularly enjoy mixing it up - maybe rappelling down waterfalls near La Fortuna in the morning and catching waves during surf lessons at Santa Teresa later that day. These tours work really well if you like variety in your day. You might spend your morning looking for quetzal birds in Arenal Volcano National Park and then cool off by sliding down natural water chutes at local swimming spots. When we kayak through the Pacific coast mangroves, the monkeys often hop right onto the boats - they're quite curious about visitors and not shy at all.
See all Active toursCoach tours offer comfortable travel between Costa Rica's key spots while keeping things flexible for activities. Popular routes mix time in San Jose's lively markets with visits to craft towns like Sarchi, famous for its detailed handicrafts and the world's biggest ox cart. You'll drive through Braulio Carrillo National Park's mountain passes and along Lake Arenal's edges. Our travelers like how we balance scheduled travel time with free moments to explore Tamarindo's beaches and also La Fortuna's local life.
See all Coach / Bus toursOur most loved Costa Rica tours blend time across diverse landscapes - you'll explore Tortuguero's waterways, volcanic areas around Arenal and the misty heights of Monteverde's cloud forests. The guided walks through Manuel Antonio National Park are always a highlight, where local experts help you spot sloths, monkeys and rare birds along the well-kept paths. Most thorough explorer tours span 12-14 days, giving you proper time to understand what makes each region special. Our travelers often talk about those perfect moments - taking dawn boat rides through Tortuguero's canals, watching baby turtles scramble to the sea between September and December and also joining night walks to find nocturnal wildlife. We make sure to include time in smaller towns like La Fortuna, where volcanic hot springs offer perfect relaxation after a day's hiking.
Select from our extensive range of 175 fully guided tours to enjoy a worry-free experience through Costa Rica with our expert guides leading the way.
See all Fully Guided tours
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.
View Costa Rica operators
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
Budget-conscious travelers consistently share positive feedback about tours blending Costa Rica's top sights with authentic local experiences. The most popular routes start in San Jose's bustling markets, then wind through craft towns like Sarchi, where visitors connect with local artisans. From there, trips weave through Arenal's dramatic volcanic landscapes, Monteverde's misty cloud forests and also Manuel Antonio's coastal gems. The 8-10 day format works particularly well, giving visitors time to spot wildlife in Tortuguero's channels, try zip-lining above forest canopies or catch waves at Santa Teresa beach. What makes these tours special is their smart mix of structured activities and independent exploration - you might spend your morning rappelling near La Fortuna waterfalls, then join a family to prepare traditional Costa Rican dishes in the evening. Our travelers frequently mention how much they value the homestay components, which create genuine cultural connections while helping maintain reasonable costs. The wildlife experiences stand out too, from guided walks in Arenal Volcano National Park, to night safaris tracking exotic creatures in Monteverde and also peaceful beach days watching curious monkeys in Manuel Antonio.
Costa Rica budget tours- Costa Rica luxury tours
Costa Rica tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Group
243 tours in Costa RicaCosta Rica comes alive when you travel with 14-16 fellow explorers on our group tours. Most travelers are in their mid-20s to late 30s, with a good blend of solo adventurers, friends and also couples. Over 10-14 days, you'll really get to know places like Monteverde's misty forests and Manuel Antonio's coastal paths. The homestays in Coope San Juan let you connect with local families who'll teach you their cooking secrets and share stories from their daily routines. Many routes take you from Puerto Viejo's Caribbean charm to Pacific beaches, with stops in mountain towns like La Fortuna along the way.
Small Group
90 tours in Costa RicaWith 8-12 people, our small group tours get you closer to Costa Rica's natural wonders. The intimate size means you can quietly approach howler monkeys in Tortuguero's waterways and spot elusive quetzals in Santa Elena's cloud forest. You'll spend mornings learning coffee-making at local co-ops, try your hand at tortilla-making in family homes and explore Arenal's volcanic terrain. Our travelers tell us they love how flexible these tours can be - lingering at sloth sightings, taking spontaneous waterfall swims and also joining night walks to spot nocturnal wildlife. Each tour includes early bird watching sessions and visits to local conservation projects.
Private / Personalized
87 tours in Costa RicaPrivate tours put you in control while keeping all the local expertise. Your dedicated guide can adjust everything to match your interests - whether that means extra time with your camera in Monteverde or more beach afternoons in Tamarindo. These tours excel at mixing famous spots with hidden gems like Rio Celeste's blue waters and Curu Wildlife Refuge's quiet trails. Our travelers really value having both structured activities and free time, plus the freedom to change departure times, meal plans and also daily routines.
Top Costa Rica travel itineraries to fit your plans
Seven-day Costa Rica tours connect volcanic terrain with misty forests and also beach time. Starting in La Fortuna, you'll soak in natural hot springs and explore trails around Arenal Volcano - our groups often spot toucans, sloths and also howler monkeys here. Next comes Monteverde's cloud forests where you'll walk hanging bridges and zip-line above the canopy. The final days unfold on the Pacific coast with a nice mix of surf lessons, yoga sessions and also guided walks through wildlife refuges. Our customers consistently praise our guides for their deep local knowledge of both ecosystems and culture.
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Ten days in Costa Rica gives you real time to understand each region's personality. These routes blend time in Tortuguero's waterways, Arenal's volcanic zones, Monteverde's cloud forests and also Manuel Antonio's coastal wilderness. Our travelers particularly enjoy staying with local families in rural co-ops, learning traditional cooking methods and experiencing genuine Costa Rican home life. The night safaris in Monteverde often become trip highlights - you might find kinkajous, tarantulas, sleeping birds and also rare nocturnal mammals. With 2-3 nights in each spot, there's plenty of time for extra activities like rafting, horseback rides and also waterfall rappelling.
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Our 14-day Costa Rica journeys show you the whole picture. Starting on the Caribbean at Tortuguero, you'll explore waterways and visit the Sea Turtle Conservancy to learn about their protection work. Moving inland, you'll spend time at coffee co-ops learning production methods, join cooking sessions in local homes and search for resplendent quetzals in the Santa Elena Cloud Forest. The Pacific portion includes guided walks in Manuel Antonio and snorkeling at Caño Island's volcanic reefs where our travelers regularly spot rays, turtles and also tropical fish. Our customers tell us having two full weeks really lets them connect with each region's wildlife and also cultural character.
See all toursDemographics
Our solo travelers consistently tell us they meet great people on Costa Rica trips. The San Jose market visits and Arenal hot springs create natural spaces to connect with fellow explorers. Many pick our Tortuguero-Monteverde-Manuel Antonio route, which mixes group meals and activities with time to explore independently. The homestays work really well for solo guests - cooking lessons and family dinners make it easy to get to know everyone. Our guides get constant praise for creating group connections while giving people space and also making sure everyone feels part of the activities.
Couples tend to pick our tours that mix active moments with quiet time together. The most popular routes start at Arenal's hot springs then move to Monteverde's cloud forests for private walks spotting rare quetzals. Many love doing active mornings - zip-lining or volcano hikes - followed by relaxed afternoons soaking in thermal pools. The Pacific coast portion gets special mentions, with sunset sailing and secluded beaches at Manuel Antonio. Homestays give couples time with local families while keeping private space and also joining in to cook traditional dishes together.
Young adults go for our high-energy itineraries. These pack in waterfall rappelling at La Fortuna, surf lessons at Santa Teresa and nighttime wildlife spotting in Monteverde. You'll swim in El Salto's natural pools, tackle white-water rafting near Arenal and also zip through cloud forest canopies. Our travelers in their 20s and 30s really like how we mix scheduled activities with social time - maybe sunset yoga or beach dinners together. Local guides know all the best swimming spots, surf breaks and also hidden waterfalls that make perfect photo spots.
Our senior travelers appreciate tours combining natural wonders with comfortable pacing. Popular routes explore Tortuguero's waterways by boat, perfect for wildlife watching without tough hikes. Monteverde's well-maintained cloud forest trails offer easy walking while discovering local wildlife. Many choose tours to Rio Celeste's blue waters and Cano Island's marine life, where we adapt activities to different mobility needs. The feedback always mentions quality lodging near natural areas, guides who adjust the pace as needed and also plenty of time to photograph Costa Rica's wildlife.
Our family tours hit the sweet spot between wildlife watching and laid-back cultural activities. Kids love spotting sloths and monkeys on the flat paths of Manuel Antonio National Park - they can take their time and really get into nature watching. The Arenal Volcano tour with its homestay element gets great feedback; children jump right into farm life and learn to make tortillas while parents see authentic Costa Rican daily routines. In Tortuguero, families paddle through canals searching for turtles and river otters. Monteverde gives options between easy nature walks or active zip-line routes in the cloud forest. Parents tell us they really value having downtime built into places like Tamarindo Beach where kids can swim and adults take it easy.
- Solo Travelers309 tours All tours for Solo Travelers
- Couples192 tours All tours for Couples
- Young Adults (18 - 39)6 tours All tours for Young Adults
- Seniors (50+)206 tours All tours for Seniors
- Family248 tours All tours for Family
Best time to visit Costa Rica
- Summer 2025
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.
- August 2025 popular 226 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2025
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.
- 240 tours
- 267 tours
- November 2025 popular 289 tours
- 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 popular 269 tours
- January 2026 257 tours
- February 2026 256 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 popular 256 tours
- April 2026 243 tours
- 237 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 2025/2026 (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 2025/2026?
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 2025/2026
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
Kaitlyn
Expert in Costa Rica at TourRadar
Kaitlyn 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.