Costa Rica Only ground transport Tours & Trip Packages

Costa Rica Only ground transport Tours & Trips

295 Costa Rica trips. Tours from 130 tour companies. 842 reviews. 4.8/5 avg rating.

132 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
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Only ground transport
High Adventure in Costa Rica
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5/5 Excellent
1 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Thrill to the non-stop adrenaline of Class III and Class IV rapids down the Pacuare River, under the close tutelage of expert rafters.
  • Discover the pristine wilderness, crystalline waterfalls, and virgin waterways of Costa Rica’s tropical rainforests while learning the art of canyoning.
  • Bike along and sleep on the sides of the active Turrialba Volcano, reveling in a lush and stunning landscape that provides panoramic vistas.

Themes

High Adventure, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"Love John and the Trip to Nepal he took our group on. Wouldn't travel with anyone else!!!!"

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Wild Costa 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

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."

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Costa Rica Off The Beaten Path
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5/5 Excellent
7 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Wheelchair Accessible
Trip pace
Full schedule

Themes

National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise

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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Costa Rica Rafting Adventure
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5/5 Excellent
7 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Wheelchair Accessible
Trip pace
Full schedule

Themes

Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing, Small Ship Cruise

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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Caribbean Dream 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

Visits

Bocas Del Toro

Highlights

  • Discover Bocas Del Toro is one of the hundreds of islands scattered amongst Panama’s Caribbean Coast
  • Enjoy one hell of a wild party night at one of the many Oceanside dance clubs to start your adventure
  • Explore Puerto Viejo is a surfing community known for the biggest and strongest wave - the Salsa Brava
  • Visit Jaguar Animal Rescue Centre
  • Enjoy optional activities like Waterfall Hike, Snorkelling, Parasailing, Deep Sea Fishing, Rafting, and Sloth Sanctuary

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."

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Costa Rica Wildlife
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5/5 Excellent
10 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Arenal Volcano, Tortuguero National Park

Highlights

  • Boat in pristine rainforest, hike in cloud forest, and walk hanging bridges through a treetop canopy alive with birdlife
  • Journey to the Monteverde Cloud Forest, Arenal Volcano, and Tortuguero National Park
  • Our fantastic naturalist guide shares in-depth knowledge of Costa Rica’s ecosystems

Themes

High Adventure, Hiking & Walking, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"I have taken 13 trips with WT, most recently a marvelous adventure in Viet Nam and Cambodia. Always difficult to name a favorite since their trips offer such a great mix of culture, history and scenic wonders. Each trip is unique but all trips share their great attention to detail, incredible trip leaders and a single, professional point of contact. Our Viet Nam trip no exception, the opportunities for exposure to the history, and culture (and incredible cuisine) was outstanding! Looking forward to my 14th!"

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Costa Rica And Nicaragua Combination Tour
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5/5 Excellent
18 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Arenal Volcano, Granada, Guanacaste, Lake Nicaragua, San Juan Islands

Highlights

  • Visit Arenal volcano known for being one of the most remarkable natural wonders in Costa Rica
  • Enjoy beautiful sceneries such as the town of Cañas
  • Enjoy the adventure of a river-rafting trip on the Balsa River
  • Visit to the Rincon De La Vieja region in Guanacaste where a full day of adventure awaits you
  • Discover colonial city of Granada
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Themes

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!"

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Costa Rica Photography Holiday
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5/5 Excellent
7 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

San José

Highlights

  • Our Sky Walk tour includes over 2.5 kilometers of trails, and 6 suspended bridges across deep canyons at the level of the treetops – the perfect place to see the cloud forest in action.
  • A true eco-Disneyland, where adrenaline sports meets garden of Eden. From sleeping sloths to zipliners to miniature orchids only a few millimeters across, this one truly fascinating place to explore.
  • Costa Rica has over 200 identifiable volcanic formations dating back 65 years, today only a handful show activity, and we’ll be on hand from a safe distance to photograph green-blue lakes and any night-time eruptions.
  • Almost on the border of Panama, this stunning Caribbean beach hangout is far from the west coast tourist crowds, offering one of the last remaining authentic ramshackle locations on this coast. Incredible.

Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Photography

What travelers are saying

"I had a fantastic time in Cuba last month with CE, my first group holiday of any kind & i was nervous but need not have worried! hotels, guide, tutor & locations all excellent plus the company of a lovely bunch of fellow travellers made it a very enjoyable memorable trip! thank you, Jo"

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Costa Rica's Coastal Secrets
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4.8/5 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

Caribbean

Highlights

  • Spend three nights in Drake Bay, the remote gateway to some of the premier wildlife destinations in Costa Rica
  • Explore Corcovado National Park, one of the biologically rich areas on the planet
  • Discover the wildlife and waterways of Tortuguero, an important nesting site for green turtles
  • Enjoy unrivalled wildlife viewing, including monkeys, sloths, dolphins and whales (in season)
  • Visit both the Caribbean and Pacific coastlines

Themes

50 plus, Birding, 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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Health Safety +

Generous cancellation

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Costa Rica Volcano Adventure 4D/3N
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By Bamba
preferred
4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

La Fortuna, San José

Highlights

  • Soak in the Baldi natural hot springs Explore the charming village of La Fortuna Hike to the lava flows of Arenal Volcano

What travelers are saying

"We had an amazing experience in South Korea thanks to Bamba. The itinerary was well-planned, the transportation was comfortable, and the tours were unforgettable. We would definitely book with them again!"

Trip dates & details
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Generous cancellation

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Costa Rica Experience
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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
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

La Fortuna, Manuel Antonio National Park, Monteverde

Highlights

  • Try to spot the elusive resplendent quetzal when you’re exploring Monteverde’s steamy cloud forests. Better yet, why not consider a jungle zip-line to get high in the sky for the best views?
  • Spend time wandering through the Mercado Municipal de Artesanias artisan stalls in San Jose – Costa Rica’s cultural heart. With plenty of time to stop for a refresco (smoothie), this is a good opportunity to people-watch.
  • Lend a hand at a farmstay outside of Santa Rosa de Pocosol and learn some home-cooked recipes and techniques from the locals on a visit to the Juanilama agricultural community.
  • Marvel at the size and stature of the Arenal Volcano on the horizon, maybe taking a soak and relaxing in La Fortuna’s lava-heated thermal springs.
  • With plenty of time to chill out at your own pace, Quepos’ surf vibe is ideal for catching some waves, lazing on the white-sand beaches or hiking the lush trails of Manuel Antonio with your travel pals.

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

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."

Trip dates & details
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Highlights of Costa Rica
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4.5/5 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
Moderate

Visits

Manuel Antonio National Park, Monteverde, Pacific Coast

Highlights

  • Discover Costa Rica's incredible nature and wildlife
  • 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

"Excellent trip with a great leader and itinerary."

Trip dates & details
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Costa Rica: See & Experience it ALL in 11 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours
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By Charlie The Traveler
Local Expert
Verified by Travelstride as locally operated and in the top of their field for customer reviews, local knowledge, and safety.
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Why we love them
Travelers report that traveling with CharlieTheTraveler is a life-changing experience, in the best possible way.
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Arenal Volcano, Arenal Volcano National Park, Balsa River Tamarindo, Braulio Carillo National Park, La Fortuna, Manuel Antonio National Park, Monteverde, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Playa Flamingo, Playa Tamarindo, Poas Volcano National Park, San José, Tenorio Volcano National Park

Highlights

  • Canyoning in the “Lost Canyon”
  • Zip-Lining with Tropical Plants & Exotic Animals Below You
  • Sunset Catamaran Cruise with Appetizers & an Open Bar
  • Guided Walking Tour Along Hanging Bridges Deep in the Jungle
  • Hiking Around Massive Volcanoes
Show more

Themes

Family Friendly, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"Thank you guys for setting up this trip. We spent 7 days in Palawan and Coron island and enjoyed every day. The remote coordinator worked very well for us through Whatsup, and the daily itineraries were exactly what we expected. Not too much and not too short. We recommend this tour for every one who wants to explore these locations"

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Only ground transport
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Costa Rica Reviews & Ratings

4.8/5  Excellent
842  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.

Always Find the Best

On Travelstride you can find 295 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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