Costa Rica Tours & Trip Packages

Costa Rica Tours & Trips

295 Costa Rica trips. Tours from 130 tour companies. 843 reviews. 4.8/5 avg rating.

295 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
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Central American Explorer
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5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Strenuous

Visits

Antigua, Arenal Volcano, Bar, Boquete, Caribbean, Central America, Copan, Granada, Lake Atitlan, Lake Nicaragua, Managua, Monteverde, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Ometepe, Panama Canal, Panama City, Roatan, Salvador

Highlights

  • Journey through six contrasting Central American countries on this epic adventure
  • Explore colourful colonial towns & sacred Mayan sites
  • Unwind on the Caribbean beaches of Bocas del Toro

Themes

Cultural, Hiking & Walking

What travelers are saying

"This is my fifth trip with Explore and it didn’t disappoint me. The organisation and itinerary was very good despite the 24hr delay in one couple joining us. Everything was fantastic with even some of our camp accommodation being upgraded! A special thanks to Salah, our guide for his humour, knowledge patience and huge efforts to give us the most incredible holiday experience!"

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Highlights of Costa Rica + Beach Extension
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4.3/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate

Visits

Manuel Antonio National Park, Monteverde, Pacific Coast

Highlights

  • Explore Costa Rica's diverse nature and wildlife, plus enjoy the beaches of Manuel Antonio
  • Explore unspoilt tropical rainforest and look down into volcanic craters
  • Search for birdlife in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Themes

Cultural, Hiking & Walking

What travelers are saying

"This is my fifth trip with Explore and it didn’t disappoint me. The organisation and itinerary was very good despite the 24hr delay in one couple joining us. Everything was fantastic with even some of our camp accommodation being upgraded! A special thanks to Salah, our guide for his humour, knowledge patience and huge efforts to give us the most incredible holiday experience!"

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Monkeys, Jungles and Volcanoes
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By Trafalgar
preferred
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Why we love them
Their travelers enjoy 24/7 travel expertise and dedicated service throughout the trips - everything is taken care of.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Themes

Family Friendly

What travelers are saying

"The 13 day trip was packed with exciting destinations from the start. We were able to see architecture from the 7th century, along with palaces, castles and churches from centuries gone by. Our tour director, *************, was incredibly knowledgeable about the areas we visited. He and our driver, Karoly, took us on the best European trip we have had so far. Zermatt and The Matterhorn were my favorites. We would definitely use Trafalgar again and would try to book with Tony and Karoly. Thank you!!"

Trip dates & details
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Costa Rica Family Escape
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5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
With a huge range of trip styles and themes, they cater to basically every type of traveler out there- even those with super specific interests.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Monteverde

Highlights

  • Enjoy zip-lining and white-water rafting excursions
  • Join a night walk in Monteverde to see the cloud forest come alive at night
  • Relax on Carrillo Beach and enjoy the Pacific coastline
  • Snorkel and join a boat excursion to see dolphins
  • Experience the beauty and vibrancy of tropical Costa Rica

What travelers are saying

"Discover Costa Rica is a great itinerary, covering varied habitats around the country and staying 2 nights each at 6 centres. Their birdwatching specials are led by local experts who really know their stuff."

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Costa Rica Adventure
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5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
With a huge range of trip styles and themes, they cater to basically every type of traveler out there- even those with super specific interests.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Monteverde

Highlights

  • Embark on a boat tour of the tranquil Tortuguero waterways
  • Eat lunch at an organic farm and visit a pineapple plantation
  • Soar above the cloud forest on a zip-lining excursion
  • Discover Rincon de la Vieja with its bubbling mud pools and hot springs
  • Relax on the Pacific Coast with three nights in a hotel overlooking the beach

Themes

High Adventure, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"Discover Costa Rica is a great itinerary, covering varied habitats around the country and staying 2 nights each at 6 centres. Their birdwatching specials are led by local experts who really know their stuff."

Trip dates & details
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Discover Costa Rica - with Dominical
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4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
With a huge range of trip styles and themes, they cater to basically every type of traveler out there- even those with super specific interests.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate

Visits

Monteverde

Highlights

  • Enjoy unrivalled wildlife viewing – howler monkeys, caimans and sloths
  • Visit the beaches and waterways of Tortuguero, an important nesting site for green turtles
  • Discover verdant rainforest, lush mangroves, lava fields and serene cloud forests
  • Learn from naturalist guides who share their love of Costa Rica with you
  • Relax on idyllic Pacific coast beaches
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Themes

Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"Discover Costa Rica is a great itinerary, covering varied habitats around the country and staying 2 nights each at 6 centres. Their birdwatching specials are led by local experts who really know their stuff."

Trip dates & details
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Ultimate Central America
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Antigua, Arenal Volcano, Boquete, Caribbean, Caye Caulker, Central America, Chichen Itza, Colon, Copan, Granada, La Fortuna, Lake Atitlan, Lake Nicaragua, Leon, Mexico City, Monteverde, Ometepe, Pacific Coast, Palenque, Panajachel, Panama Canal, Panama City, Playa del Carmen, Salvador, San Cristobal, San Ignacio, Tikal, Tikal National Park

Highlights

  • 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.
  • Escape the Mexican heat in the highlands of San Cristobal de las Casas. This old-world town is surrounded by indigenous villages that have retained their traditional customs and roots.
  • Get to know contemporary Maya life during a homestay in San Juan La Laguna, a lakeside village where you can share meals and conversation with a local family.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Overland Journeys

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

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Best of Costa Rica
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna

Highlights

  • Visit a local indigenous community and meet the Terraba people – a matriarchal community who have lived along the Terraba River for the last 500 years – and learn how to make a traditional wooden mask.
  • Hike through the scenic landscapes of Manuel Antonio National Park with a local naturalist guide and learn all the hidden secrets of the rainforest, looking out for local wildlife like sloths and iguanas.
  • Tuck into a super fresh garden-to-table lunch of Costa Rican favourites, including fresh tortillas that you’ll learn how to make from a skilled local woman, with ingredients from her orchard.
  • Meet the family who run the Tierra Amiga organic coffee farm, and learn the whole process of the coffee bean, from planting to harvesting to tasting. Enjoy a cup fresh from the grinders and tuck into a locally made lunch.
  • Wander through the incredible Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, home to more than 100 species of mammals and over 400 species of birds. Learn about the biodiversity of the region and look out for quetzal birds and howler monkeys.
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Themes

Cultural, High Adventure

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

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295 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
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Costa Rica Reviews & Ratings

4.8/5  Excellent
843  Reviews
See all Costa Rica tour reviews
Excellent
552
Great
88
Average
14
Disappointing
4
Terrible
4
A

Anonymous

Aug 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Coastal secrets of Costa Rica

I had booked this trip to celebrate "big birthdays" for both me and my daughter, so my expectations were high and this fantastic holiday exceeded my expectations. ...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

I really wanted to see a Tapir!

Our third visit to Costa Rica was everything we expected and more (sadly we didn't see a tapir - but that was the only disappointment!). The trip is full on - if y...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Wonderful holiday!

I would recommend this well organised holiday to anyone who wants to explore the diverse landscapes of Costa Rica, as well as see a wide range of wildlife - sloths...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

A tropical paradise.

Overall we had such an amazing trip. Our tour guide was fantastic and one of a kind. He really knew his stuff and went the extra mile above and beyond for the grou...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

A wonderful trip

Thoroughly enjoyed this holiday. We saw so much wildlife from sloths and monkeys and even an anteater to scarlet macaws and toucans, as well as the elusive quetzal...

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Costa Rica Tour Selection Trips

  • Allow at least seven to ten days for a tour that will hit many of the highlights.
  • Costa Rica caters to a wide variety of travelers, including couples, singles, and families. Whether you’re looking for hard or soft adventure, Stride can help you find the best Costa Rica tours.
  • If you have a special interest -- birding or fishing, for instance -- look for tours that emphasize those activities; you’ll be able to find them.
  • Don’t be put off by reports of civil strife elsewhere in Central America; Costa Rica has been safe and peaceful for decades.
  • The dry season runs from December to April or May in San Jose (the capital) and the Pacific Coast and from January to April along the Caribbean.
  • Some parts of the country can get rain year-round, and temperature is swayed more by altitude than season, so pack an umbrella and visit any time of year.

Additional details

Tours to Costa Rica usually focus on a combination of eco travel, wildlife, and adventure. You will usually find a tour that weighs one or two of these themes above the other.

If it’s your first visit to Costa Rica, try to find a tour that hits upon what Costa Rica is most known for. These include Arenal Volcano and Monteverde Cloud Forest. Both attractions are extremely popular and are normally included in Costa Rica tour itineraries.

bridge-in-monteverde

Outdoors and Active Costa Rica Tours

Most Costa Rica tours don’t have a heavy emphasis on cultural or historical sight seeing. Simply because the wildlife and outdoor tour activities are enough to occupy the days!

Wildlife lovers will want for nothing in Costa Rica, and most itineraries do focus heavily on the diverse wildlife found in Costa Rica’s rainforests and cloud forests. Some may not include Tortuguero National Park - and if you don’t want to miss observing sea turtles nesting or hatching be sure to find a tour that includes this park!

Some of the most famous animals you can see relatively easily in Costa Rica include the red-eyed tree frog, crocodiles, howler monkeys, spider monkeys, tapirs, basilisk lizards, coatimundis (the Costa Rican version of a raccoon!), and two kinds of sloth. A night safari might allow you to see some of the rarer or more elusive animals in the country, such as jaguars, kinkajous, tarantulas, and ocelots. Don't forget to look up - night is the best time to see snakes as they stalk for sleeping birds in the trees above. 

If you decide to go snorkeling or scuba diving, you may run into bottlenose dolphins (or go see them on a dolphin swim!), green sea turtles and leatherbacks, sharks, and all kinds of tropical fish. Whale watching is  also a great way to see orcas and humpback, blue, beaked, and pilot whales. 

If you are interested in going on a birdwatching trip, there are also tons of beautiful and exotic birds. There are green and scarlet macaws,  toucans, dozens of species of hummingbirds, and all kinds of birds of paradise -- including the rare national bird of Costa Rica, the Resplendent Quetzal. 

costa-rican-volcano

Weather in Costa Rica

It gets quite wet and humid in Costa Rica, and the country is prone to hurricane conditions. Tour activities may change depending on the time of year, but generally you can expect to be walking through the rainforest in every sense of the word.

Most tours in Costa Rica will provide wet weather gear, though it is a good idea to pack light weight waterproof clothing for the majority of your tour. Long sleeves and pants can go a long way toward insect protection as well.

Eco Lodge Accommodation on Costa Rica Tours

Costa Rica has a long history as a leader in eco travel, and a majority of trips to Costa Rica have an eco, sustainable, and green travel theme. These will often feature a stay at an eco lodge, or even a treehouse! These can vary from luxury accommodations to comfortable-but-basic.

Don’t expect terribly reliable internet and electricity - particularly in keeping with the eco lodge approach! These establishments are designed to be as eco conscious as possible, and your tour will reveal new ways you can help contribute and be a responsible traveler.

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