Costa Rica Only ground transport Tours & Trip Packages

Costa Rica Only ground transport Tours & Trips

294 Costa Rica trips. Tours from 130 tour companies. 856 reviews. 4.8/5 avg rating.

129 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
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Only ground transport
Costa Rica Eco Adventures Tour
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5/5 Excellent
18 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Arenal Volcano, La Paz, San José, Tortuguero National Park

Highlights

  • Enjoy guided walk on hotel trails and in botanical garden
  • 1 night at DoubleTree by Hilton Cariari or similar hotel in San Jose
  • 2 nights of standard accommodations at Evergreen, Aninga, or Pachira in Tortuguero
  • Enjoy Boat tour to Tortuguero National Park
  • Enjoy Trip to Tortuguero town & visit of the Green turtle museum
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Themes

Eco, Sustainable & Green Travel, High Adventure, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"Absolutely loved our tour. We did the Jewels of Costa Rica and had a great time! Our guide Albert and photographer Antoinette treated us like family. They were so friendly and knowledgeable, and seemed to really love sharing their country with us. We bought the tour through Groupon after a lot of research on tripadvisor, and couldn't have been happier!"

Trip dates & details
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Central Teaser
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4.8/5 Excellent
12 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Granada, Lake Nicaragua

Highlights

  • Visit the beautiful white sandy beaches of Tamarindo
  • Surf lesson at Santa Teresa
  • Enjoy snorkel at San Juan Del Sur
  • Explore Granada

Themes

National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"I was very excited to support a Canadian company, but unfortunately, this trip was anything but blissful. The tour guide was unprofessional, incompetent, and inappropriate. He was reported in the middle of the trip because of how vulgar he was being with the girls on the tour. Guided tours are supposed to be a haven for young, solo travelers and, unfortunately, this tour was the nightmarish opposite. If you plan on booking a trip with this company, please dig into who your guide will be, how many trips they have done, and what kind of reviews they have had. Additionally, the accommodations, activities, and transportation included in this trip cost a sliver of what I paid. I completely understand the additional cost of paying the full-time guides, and the price of convenience that comes from a trip being planned for you, but unfortunately, I did not get my money’s worth with LBW. Following my friends and my dissatisfaction with the tour and the inappropriate guide, LBW’s customer support team was unfortunately slow to respond, disorganized, and inconsistent with their suggested solutions. Please, save your money, and book with another company."

Trip dates & details
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Costa Rica Unbound - Signature Tour
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5/5 Excellent
7 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Wheelchair Accessible
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Themes

National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"They are just great!!! They have a no-nonsense ambience. The Dormitory is adequate, very clean and comfortable. The food was very tasty, homely and had a good variety. The activities catered to our satisfaction. They are provided with lots of patience. Every staff member is so friendly and they ensure that you enjoy the outing. We were a family with people from all are groups. They took care of every individual needs. Our aged mother was made very comfortable, and they arranged a chair for her at every activity area. We spent almost two days and one night. And we enjoyed every moment. If one is looking for a good outing, this is the place. Total value for money. Above all it's the passion of the staff that makes them better than most places around Bangalore."

Trip dates & details
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Coasting Costa Overview
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4.8/5 Excellent
12 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Explore Tamarindo, It is a unique beach town with lots of surf
  • Enjoy watching the sunset with the whole group
  • Enjoy the activities like Zip Lining, Abseiling, Horse Back Riding, Rock Climbing, Mud Spa, Hot Springs and Rafting
  • Enjoy the beautiful white sandy beaches
  • Discover Santa Teresa

Themes

High Adventure, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"I was very excited to support a Canadian company, but unfortunately, this trip was anything but blissful. The tour guide was unprofessional, incompetent, and inappropriate. He was reported in the middle of the trip because of how vulgar he was being with the girls on the tour. Guided tours are supposed to be a haven for young, solo travelers and, unfortunately, this tour was the nightmarish opposite. If you plan on booking a trip with this company, please dig into who your guide will be, how many trips they have done, and what kind of reviews they have had. Additionally, the accommodations, activities, and transportation included in this trip cost a sliver of what I paid. I completely understand the additional cost of paying the full-time guides, and the price of convenience that comes from a trip being planned for you, but unfortunately, I did not get my money’s worth with LBW. Following my friends and my dissatisfaction with the tour and the inappropriate guide, LBW’s customer support team was unfortunately slow to respond, disorganized, and inconsistent with their suggested solutions. Please, save your money, and book with another company."

Trip dates & details
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Eco-Adventure in Costa Rica (Multi-Sport Trip)
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5/5 Excellent
3 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Arenal Hot Springs, Arenal Volcano, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, San José

Highlights

  • Visit Monteverde
  • Enjoy the significant views of the towering
  • Enjoy the sandy beach with majestic waves that make it a hot spot
  • Awesome experience while kayaking and snorkelling in the ocean near Chora Island
  • Explore San José

Themes

Cultural, Eco, Sustainable & Green Travel, High Adventure, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"I just got back from my 6 day eco tour of Costa Rica and it was absolutely fantastic. The way the trip was planned out was perfect and everyone we came in contact with was so kind, helpful and accommodating. The hotels that were selected for my stay weren’t your typical tourist trap hotels. I felt that I got to experience the uniqueness of each location and enjoy the flora and fauna. All of the activities planned were top notch and this trip was an extreme value for all that was included. I highly recommend this trip to anyone who is looking to experience some of the diversity of what Costa Rica has to offer! Pura vida!"

Trip dates & details
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Costa. Pura. Vida. Rica!
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5/5 Excellent
7 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Wheelchair Accessible
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Themes

Cultural, Cycling & Biking

What travelers are saying

"They are just great!!! They have a no-nonsense ambience. The Dormitory is adequate, very clean and comfortable. The food was very tasty, homely and had a good variety. The activities catered to our satisfaction. They are provided with lots of patience. Every staff member is so friendly and they ensure that you enjoy the outing. We were a family with people from all are groups. They took care of every individual needs. Our aged mother was made very comfortable, and they arranged a chair for her at every activity area. We spent almost two days and one night. And we enjoyed every moment. If one is looking for a good outing, this is the place. Total value for money. Above all it's the passion of the staff that makes them better than most places around Bangalore."

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Costa Rica | Preserving Paradise
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
5/5 Excellent
3 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Manuel Antonio National Park

Highlights

  • Compare some of Costa Rica’s most biologically diverse national parks and reserves, including Manuel Antonio National Park, Carara Biological Reserve, and Selva Verde private reserve.
  • Learn about the unique management practices at Juan Castro Blanco National Park, where local residents play an active role.
  • Discuss real-world scientific dilemmas, spanning hydroelectric dam impacts to the effects of climate change in tropical systems and biodiversity management.
  • Witness the intersection of indigenous traditions and modern livelihoods during a hands-on experience at a chocolate farm.
  • Go horseback riding along the Savegre River and discuss rainforest conservation and the history of settlement in this region.

Themes

Hiking & Walking, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"I have used Holbrook Travel multiple times for family private trips. They are wonderful. They are also responsible for the planning of several Road Scholar Trips, both intergenerational and adult, that I have attended. These trips are well planned and have great guides. I highly recommend them."

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Costa Rica Multi-Sport
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5/5 Excellent
7 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Wheelchair Accessible
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Themes

Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing

What travelers are saying

"They are just great!!! They have a no-nonsense ambience. The Dormitory is adequate, very clean and comfortable. The food was very tasty, homely and had a good variety. The activities catered to our satisfaction. They are provided with lots of patience. Every staff member is so friendly and they ensure that you enjoy the outing. We were a family with people from all are groups. They took care of every individual needs. Our aged mother was made very comfortable, and they arranged a chair for her at every activity area. We spent almost two days and one night. And we enjoyed every moment. If one is looking for a good outing, this is the place. Total value for money. Above all it's the passion of the staff that makes them better than most places around Bangalore."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
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129 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
Only ground transport

Costa Rica Reviews & Ratings

4.8/5  Excellent
856  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

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

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 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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On Travelstride you can find 294 trips to Costa Rica and more than 20,000 trips worldwide ranging from budget to luxury and private guided to group tours and everything in between. Only on Stride can you find and compare expert-planned trips from 1,000+ tour operators, cruise lines and local experts. Read traveler and professional reviews so you can confidently find your perfect trip.

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