Costa Rica Tours & Trips 2020
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DEPARTURE DATES
Style
Style
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Retreats Similar to a self guided tour but staying in one location only with activities and day outings included as a part of the stay.
Price
Duration Dropdown
Travelers Age
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.
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.
Theme
Attractions & Cities Visited
Activities & Interests
Travel Style
Travel Style
Flexible schedule A lot of free time, with very few inclusions. Ideal for independent and/or low-key travelers and cruisers.
Full schedule 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.
Balanced schedule You will have solid amounts of both free time and structured time with some activities and meals included.
Flight & Transport Inclusions
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)
Countries Visited
Continents Visited
Rivers & Seas Visitied
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
Cruising Costa Rica and Panama - Panama to Costa Rica

- Drop anchor in smaller port towns like Quepos away from the larger ships. Because of the size of your adventure cruise, your choices are endless on where to stop.
- Discover the depths of the Costa Rican jungle in Manuel Antonio National Park, taking a guided walk through the thickets of the fragile rainforest with an expert naturalist.
- On your cruising days, take regular swim stops off the boat, keep learning with on-board lectures from your naturalist guide, or simply laze on the sundeck with a good book – it’s up to you.
- Meet with one of the seven indigenous groups of Panama on an excursion to an Embera village, discovering their handicrafts, sharing lunch and enjoying a dance with the locals.
- Cruise into port at the mighty Panama City, a modern city full of history. As the major trading route connecting the Pacific and Adriatic, the Panama Canal is a marvel to see in action.
Central American Journey

- The stars of this trip are the dramatic and varied landscapes of lush Central America. If you’re thinking active volcanoes, idyllic beaches and emerald jungles – this trip has got you covered.
- Wind your way through the otherworldly ruins of Copan in Honduras, famous for it numerous elaborate stelae.
- Nicaragua is often neglected by travellers in favour of its neighbours but their loss is your gain as you’ll have incredible Ometepe Island, which was formed by massive volcanoes, pretty much all to yourself.
- Hike, cycle or zip-line through the steamy cloud forests of Monteverde – there’s so many ways to experience the lush canopies and see unique Central American wildlife.
- Try out your Nicaragua sign language skills when you order breakfast at an atmospheric cafe housed in a historic building that is managed and staffed by members of the local deaf community.
Amazing Central America

- The stars of this trip are the dramatic and varied landscapes of lush Central America. If you’re thinking active volcanoes, idyllic beaches and emerald jungles – this trip has got you covered.
- Nicaragua is often neglected by travellers in favour of its neighbours but their loss is your gain as you’ll have incredible Ometepe Island, which was formed by massive volcanoes, pretty much all to yourself.
- Hike, cycle or zip-line through the steamy cloud forests of Monteverde – there’s so many ways to experience the lush canopies and see unique Central American wildlife.
- Try out your Nicaragua sign language skills when you order breakfast at an atmospheric cafe housed in a historic building that is managed and staffed by members of the local deaf community.
- Put your chef hat on and help prepare a traditional Caribbean dinner with a local family in their home in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca.
- 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.
- 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).
Best of Central America

- Whether its slumbering on the sands of Playa del Carmen, gazing at the pyramids of Tikal or haggling in the vibrant markets of Chichicastenango, you'll experience multiple sides of Central America.
- Get to know contemporary Maya life during a homestay in San Jorge La Laguna, a lakeside village where you can share meals and conversation with a local family.
- Nicaragua is often neglected by travellers in favour of its neighbours but their loss is your gain as you’ll have incredible Ometepe Island, which was formed by massive volcanoes, pretty much all to yourself.
- Hike, cycle or zip-line through the steamy cloud forests of Monteverde – there’s so many ways to experience the lush canopies and unique Central American wildlife.
- 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.
- Cruise up the Rio Dulce to your waterfront jungle lodge, then maybe grab a beer and relax while the sounds of nature fill the air.
- Put your chef hat on and help prepare a traditional Caribbean dinner with a local family in their home in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca.
Viva Costa Rica
- 4 Dinner (D)
- 8 Breakfast (B)
- Arenal: Grab your camera, as you’re about to experience a live (and very photogenic) volcano in the Costa Rican rainforest.
- Arenal: It's like a dream come true. We finally get to learn how to make chocolate. (And hopefully eat some too).
- : Insta-op! Trek around the jungle and admire this sparkling tower of water. Then cool off with a dip in the pool.
- :
- Monteverde: Visit a family-run coffee farm and learn more about the source of your Flat White obsession. Side note: they make chocolate here too.
- Monteverde: A stroll through this misty upper level of the forest canopy is an otherworldly experience. We’re literally on cloud 9 with excitement (soz).
- Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio: Ah! The place of our wildest travel dreams. Lush jungle with sloths chilling in the trees. Paradise beaches just made for a relaxing beer.
Costa Rica: Hike, Bike & Raft

- Swap the concrete jungle for real jungle on a guided hike into the Monteverde Cloud Forest, home to Costa Rica’s amazing range of exotic animals.
- 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.
- Cycle the quiet palm-fringed roads and drop in at hidden beaches along the Caribbean coast.
- Opt to ride some waves with 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.
Turtle Trek in Tortuguero
- 3 Breakfast (B)
- 3 Lunch (L)
- 2 Dinner (D)
- Tortuguero: Sloths. Howler monkeys. Volcanos. Jungle. This national park has everything you’d hope to see in Costa Rica. And more
- Tortuguero: Hop on a boat and sail through wetlands on a quest to see native green turtles and rainbow-coloured birds.
- Tortuguero: Even just the words ‘wilderness trail’ give us goosebumps, as we get psyched up to see the Costa Rican wildlife and landscapes.
- Tortuguero: Discover more about the majestic sea turtles. And see the work that’s being done to give them a brighter future.
- : Tortuguero is a coastal park of thicketed jungles, banana plantations and winding canals, stretching into the Caribbean sea. But it's most famous as a breeding ground for the green sea turtle. This adventure takes you along the winding canals, with plenty of time for hikes in lush surrounding jungles. You'll also get to visit a conservation centre and learn how the local community is protecting this precious reptile. But the trip's true showstopper is when you head to the beach with your local turtle ranger, to see the turtles in their natural habitat. It's strictly hands off, but it's also the kind of spine-tingling, life changing travel experience you'll remember forever.
Turtle Trek in Tortuguero
- 3 Breakfast (B)
- 3 Lunch (L)
- 2 Dinner (D)
- Tortuguero: Sloths. Howler monkeys. Volcanos. Jungle. This national park has everything you’d hope to see in Costa Rica. And more
- Tortuguero: Hop on a boat and sail through wetlands on a quest to see native green turtles and rainbow-coloured birds.
- Tortuguero: Even just the words ‘wilderness trail’ give us goosebumps, as we get psyched up to see the Costa Rican wildlife and landscapes.
- Tortuguero: Discover more about the majestic sea turtles. And see the work that’s being done to give them a brighter future.
- : Tortuguero is a coastal park of thicketed jungles, banana plantations and winding canals, stretching into the Caribbean sea. But it's most famous as a breeding ground for the green sea turtle. This adventure takes you along the winding canals, with plenty of time for hikes in lush surrounding jungles. You'll also get to visit a conservation centre and learn how the local community is protecting this precious reptile. But the trip's true showstopper is when you head to the beach with your local turtle ranger, to see the turtles in their natural habitat. It's strictly hands off, but it's also the kind of spine-tingling, life changing travel experience you'll remember forever.
Independent Costa Rica Wonders
Viva Costa Rica
- 4 Dinner (D)
- 8 Breakfast (B)
- Arenal: Grab your camera, as you’re about to experience a live (and very photogenic) volcano in the Costa Rican rainforest.
- Arenal: It's like a dream come true. We finally get to learn how to make chocolate. (And hopefully eat some too).
- : Insta-op! Trek around the jungle and admire this sparkling tower of water. Then cool off with a dip in the pool.
- :
- Monteverde: Visit a family-run coffee farm and learn more about the source of your Flat White obsession. Side note: they make chocolate here too.
- Monteverde: A stroll through this misty upper level of the forest canopy is an otherworldly experience. We’re literally on cloud 9 with excitement (soz).
- Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio: Ah! The place of our wildest travel dreams. Lush jungle with sloths chilling in the trees. Paradise beaches just made for a relaxing beer.
Monkeys Jungles and Volcanoes
- Cruise the canals of Tortuguero National Park
- Explore Tortuguero National Park with a Local Specialist
- Visit Tortuguero National Park, a wildlife centre near Sarapiquí, Arenal National Park, Manuel Antonio National Park
- Connect with Locals
- Family Fun
- Family Fun
- MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
Costa Rica Eco Adventure End San Jose
- Visit Tortuguero National Park, Sarapiqui, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
- View Arenal Volcano
- Connect with Locals
- Dive Into Culture
- MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
Costa Rica Eco Adventure End Liberia
- Visit Tortuguero National Park, Sarapiqui, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
- View Arenal Volcano
- Connect with Locals
- Dive Into Culture
- MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
Monkeys Jungles and Volcanoes
- Cruise the canals of Tortuguero National Park
- Explore Tortuguero National Park with a Local Specialist
- Visit Tortuguero National Park, a wildlife centre near Sarapiquí, Arenal National Park, Manuel Antonio National Park
- Connect with Locals
- Family Fun
- Family Fun
- MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
Costa Rica Eco Adventure End San Jose
- Visit Tortuguero National Park, Sarapiqui, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
- View Arenal Volcano
- Connect with Locals
- Dive Into Culture
- MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
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Top Costa Rica Attractions & Experiences
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.
Top Costa Rica Attractions
2,089 Costa Rica Tour Reviews - Summary 93% 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 4.6 for all Costa Rica trips.
122 trips from 139 tour companies with 2,089 reviews
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