Costa Rica Tours & Trips 2020
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DEPARTURE DATES
Travel Style
Travel Style
Relaxed A lot of free time, with very few inclusions. Ideal for independent and/or low-key travelers and cruisers.
Full on For those looking to maximize their sight seeing time. You thrive on a packed day’s schedule from 8 am to 6pm, with some (but limited) free time. Most activities and meals included.
Mixed You will have solid amounts of both free time and structured time with some activities and meals included.
Trip Type
Trip Type
Group Tour Groups are between 25-60 people, typically ~30-40. Usually there will be many opportunities to split off and enjoy meals and excursions in smaller groups. This is the most economical way to travel, saving up to 40% versus booking the same itinerary yourself.
Small Group Tour Small groups are usually defined as between 10 and 24 travelers, often less. If you're the kind of person who enjoys more intimate experiences and personal service this is a good choice. All else being equal you will pay a premium for this style vs a larger group tour.
River Cruise These vessels are smaller than most ocean cruisers, limiting which amenties are available. Passenger counts can vary. One of the biggest advantages of a river cruise is the ability to dock at smaller ports and local villages.
Small Ship Cruise Small ship cruises usually have a max passenger count of 500. The primary purpose of these trips is to spend time off the vessel in local ports (e.g. Mediterranean) or experiencing nature (e.g Galapagos or Antarctica). Cabins can vary from budget to luxury.
Private Guided Private tours give you the undivided attention of a guide, and often involve special access to sites and unique experiences not available to larger groups. This is a great option for families, couples, and small friend groups. Expect to pay a bit more for the extra service.
Self Guided / Independent Tour A travel company plans your itinerary and arranges all the logistics including lodging, local activities, and transportantion. You have the flexibility of a solo trip while still getting the convience and time savings of expert planning. Get 90% of the benefits of a tour, without a guide.
Vacation / Holiday Package Similar to a self guided tour, this usually involves a home base, such as a hotel or resort, with packaged activities and day tours as a part of the stay.
Large Ship Cruise This is the "floating city" experience, with multiple ways to enjoy your vacation aboard the ship as much as on land. Ships are multiple floors, provide several activities, culinary, and shopping options. They often make fewer stops and have less time available for shore excursions.
Itinerary Focus
Lodging Level
Lodging Level
Camping Typically involves most nights sleeping in tents (sometimes permanent tented sites) or in rustic cabins and lodges.
Basic - 2 star You'll stay in no-frills, but clean and comfortable, hotels or guesthouses. A 'Basic' trip might also involve a few nights of camping.
Value - 3 star Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels.
Premium - 4 star 3 to 4 star western hotel equivalents. While not all lodging will be 'luxury' they will be quite comfortable by western standards.
Luxury - 5 star The highest level of comfort and service. All accomodations are in four or five star hotels, boutique lodges or high-end homestays.
Price
Duration Dropdown
Countries Visited
Physical Level
Physical Level
Very Easy Minimal walking - motor vehicles available for all major parts of trip.
Easy Normal generally flat walking in urban or suburban environments.
Moderate Walking or physical activity half to most of day - no carrying equipment.
Strenuous All or most of day hiking or biking, hills included.
Extreme Very challenging all day hiking and backpacking carrying significant equipment.
Travel Theme
Travelers Age
Rivers & Seas Visitied
Attractions & Cities Visited
Activities & Interests
Solo Friendly
Solo Friendly
Good for Singles Trips that specifically cater to travelers looking to meet other singles.
No Single Supplement Trips where single supplement is usually not required for solo travelers.
Supplier (Company)
Flight & Transport Inclusions
Continents Visited
Stride Gives Back Stride Gives Back This trip visits a destination impacted by climate change. When you opt in to the Travelstride Gives Back program, we will donate 10% of our net revenue to organizations that help mitigate climate change in these destinations and across the globe. Learn more
Impacted by Climate Change
Costa Rica Eco Adventure with Guanacaste
- VIEW Arenal Volcano
- VISIT Tortuguero National Park, Sarapiquí, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Costa Rica Family Holiday

- Go beyond a biology lesson and immerse yourself in nature, from spotting rare birds in Monteverde to listening for the evocative call of howler monkeys in Manuel Antonio National Park.
- Harvest produce and come together to cook a rustic meal from scratch during a homestay with family in an agricultural community.
- Get active on guided walks through forest and jungle, plus an incredible canopy walk along suspended bridges in Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve.
- Family holidays aren’t always relaxing, but this trip offers plenty of opportunities to take it slow in thermal springs and pools and on beaches.
- End this adventure by hitting Manuel Antonio National Park, where the evergreen forest grows right up to the long, whitExplore e beaches and irresistible water.
Costa Rica: A World of Nature featuring Tortuguer ...
- Taste for yourself why cacao is called “food of the gods” and observe the process of converting this magical seed from bean to bar.
- Enjoy a traditional Costa Rican dinner.
- Explore a family-owned finca and have a farm-to-table experience, complete with culinary demonstration.
- Learn about Costa Rica’s ecosystem and local culture.
- Visit the world’s first sea turtle research station in Tortuguero National Park.
- Explore Arenal during a captivating 3-night stay.
- Stay in Tortuguero National Park and find yourself surrounded by wildlife.
- Enjoy a 2-night stay just outside of pristine Manuel Antonio National Park.
- Hop aboard a river boat for a jungle crocodile safari and bird watching excursion.
Costa Rica: Raft, Surf & Kayak

- Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is home to monkeys, reptiles, toucans and macaws, while its waters contain turtles, barracudas, sea urchins and more than 125 species of fish.
- Raft Costa Rica’s Pacuare River – an area ranked in the top five rivers of the world for whitewater rafting. You’ll tackle Class 3 and 4 rapids on an unforgettable river adventure.
- Catch some waves with a hiking and surfing expedition at Manzanillo beach. You’ll be away from the crowds and hanging ten in no time!
- Hop into kayaks and paddle through the waterways of Tortuguero National Parkin search of monkeys, sloths, caiman, jaguars and lizards.
- Explore the rich urban centre of capital San Jose, with time before and after your active adventure to really get to know the Costa Rican way of life.
Costa Rica & Nicaragua Highlights
- Soak in the hot springs near the base of Arenal, an active volcano!
- Zip line across incredible flora and fauna in Monteverde.
- Relax beachside in the laidback Nicaraguan town of San Juan del Sur.
- Feel history come alive in Granada, Nicaragua's oldest city!
- End your journey in the colonial city of Leon.
Costa Rica Family Vacation
- Look on in amazement as you visit Costa Rica’s highest active volcano, Irazu. On a clear day, you can see the Pacific and Caribbean oceans.
- Float down Sarapiqui River and enjoy the rich biodiversity found in this rainforest region. Watch out for the rare Green Macaw!
- Kids can unleash their inner thrill seekers on a zip line tour through Arenal's tropical rainforest.
- Relax on the beach while kids play in the warm waters on Costa Rica's beautiful central Pacific coast.
- Enjoy guided tours that combine the right amount of activity and fun for the whole family.
Costa Rica: A World of Nature featuring Tortuguer ...
- Enjoy a traditional Costa Rican dinner.
- Taste for yourself why cacao is called “food of the gods” and observe the process of converting this magical seed from bean to bar.
- Explore a family owned Finca and have a farm to table experience, complete with cooking demonstration.
- Learn about Costa Rica’s ecosystem and local culture.
- Visit the world’s first green turtle research station in Tortuguero National Park.
- Explore Arenal during an extended 3-night stay.
- Stay in Tortuguero National Park and find yourself surrounded by wildlife.
- Enjoy a 2-night stay just outside of pristine Manuel Antonio National Park.
- Hop aboard a river boat for a jungle crocodile safari and bird watching excursion.
Tropical Costa Rica
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- Uncover the importance of conservation in Costa Rica during a visit to a tree nursery.
- Discover the charming town of Zarcero and its whimsical topiary garden.
- Enjoy the breathtaking scenery surrounding Arenal Volcano.
- Spot indigenous wildlife while on a Cano Negro riverboat cruise.
- Learn about Costa Rica's vegetation on a guided walk in the cloud forest.
Tropical Costa Rica
- Discover the history of coffee in Costa Rica during your visit to a coffee plantation.
- Taste your way through a cooking demonstration featuring local ingredients.
- Uncover the importance of conservation in Costa Rica during a visit to a tree nursery.
- Discover the charming town of Zarcero and its whimsical topiary garden.
- Enjoy the breathtaking scenery surrounding Arenal Volcano.
- Spot indigenous wildlife while on a Cano Negro riverboat cruise.
- Learn about Costa Rica's vegetation on a guided walk in the cloud forest.
Costa Rica & Panama Discovery

- Clear sea perfect for swimming, shacks serving cold cerveza and sandy shores covered in starfish are waiting in the Bocas del Toro, where you spend three nights on Isla Colon.
- Head to the coffee plantations, waterfalls and caldera hot springs of Boquete, a highland town so beautiful you won’t miss the beach one bit.
- Ride some of the region’s best breaks in Santa Catalina. If you'd prefer to stay dry (or horizontal), there's a hammock with your name on it.
- Cycle around the quiet streets of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca with your leader, the best way to get your bearings in this relaxed town.
- Get to know Panama City during a guided stroll along the Cinta Costera right to the city’s salty belly – the Mercado de Mariscos (seafood market).
Classic Costa Rica

- Swap the concrete jungle for real jungle on this trip into the rainforests, waterways, hot springs and palm-lined beaches of Costa Rica.
- Long-nosed tapirs, white-faced capuchin monkeys, elegant ocelots and three-toed sloths – Costa Rica is home to exotic animals, and this trip puts you in the perfect position to spot them all.
- Go deeper than the average tourist with a homestay in a quiet agricultural community; the perfect opportunity to experience local life and practice your Spanish.
- Refresh after jungle hikes spotting endemic wildlife in the rejuvenating hot springs of volcanic La Fortuna.
- Begin and end your trip in Costa Rica’s lively capital, San Jose, where you’ll see a more urban side of the country.
Costa Rica Eco Adventure End Liberia
- VIEW Arenal Volcano
- VISIT Tortuguero National Park, Braulio Carillo National Park, Sarapiquí, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Monkeys Jungles and Volcanoes
- CRUISE the canals of Tortuguero National Park
- VISIT Tortuguero National Park, a wildlife centre near Sarapiquí, Arenal National Park, Manuel Antonio National Park
Costa Rica Eco Adventure End San Jose
- VIEW Arenal Volcano
- VISIT Tortuguero National Park, Braulio Carillo National Park, Sarapiquí, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Costa Rica: Raft, Surf, Kayak & Hike

- Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is home to monkeys, reptiles, toucans and macaws, while its waters contain turtles, barracudas, sea urchins and more than 125 species of fish.
- Raft Costa Rica’s Pacuare River and Rio Narajo – areas ranked in some of the world’s best whitewater rafting spots. You’ll tackle Class 3 and 4 rapids on an unforgettable river adventure.
- Catch some waves with a hiking and surfing expedition at Manzanillo beach. You’ll be away from the crowds and hanging ten in no time!
- Explore the rich urban centre of capital San Jose, with time before and after your active adventure to really get to know the Costa Rican way of life.
- Discover the abundant wildlife and secluded swimming coves with a hike through the primary rainforest of Corcovado National Park.
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Top Costa Rica Experiences and Attractions
Top Costa Rica Experiences
Exploring miles of off-the-beaten-track beaches on both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts
Glimpsing rare tropical birds and butterflies on a rainforest hike
Viewing both coasts from atop 11,200-foot Irazu volcano while gazing into massive craters that look like they were scooped out for some gargantuan ice cream cone.
Cooling off in Monteverde Cloud Forest, one of the most beautiful forests in the world, while in search of monkeys, sloths, and other wildlife.
Reveling in the colors of wildflowers and trees on a nature hike: orchids, bougainvillea, jacaranda, and flame and poro trees, which paint the landscape with purples, oranges and scarlets.
Coming upon a forest waterfall and taking a dip in the waters below
Relaxing in a secluded hot springs at Arenal Volcano National Park
Partaking in Costa Rica's famous adventure activities: Riding a zipline high over a forest canopy, rappelling down a waterfall canyon, kayaking on a clear mountain lake -- or all three in one day.
Reeling in a big catch on a sport fishing cruise in a quest for tuna, wahoo and marlin.
Costa Rica Trip Reviews
1,839 Costa Rica Tour Reviews - Summary 95% Recommend
All Costa Rica tours, river cruises, expedition cruises, and adventure trips. Find the best guided trips and expert planned vacation and holiday packages. Average rating of 4.7 for all Costa Rica trips.