13 Best Guided Group Tours to Explore Costa Rica (Prices and Itineraries)

13 excellent and different guided tours around Costa Rica. Tours with a variety of prices, days, destinations, themes, age, level of luxury, and adventure.

Costa Rica is a tropical paradise that captivates the hearts of travelers with its impressive biodiversity, stunning landscapes and rich culture. Located in Central America, Costa Rica is a popular tourist destination known for its lush rainforests, white sand beaches, and myriad outdoor activities.

The country is home to an incredible array of national parks and nature reserves, where visitors can explore the dense jungle, observe an abundance of wildlife and admire majestic waterfalls. Manuel Antonio National Park is one of Costa Rica’s jewels, offering a unique combination of sandy beaches and rainforest.

For wildlife enthusiasts, the country is a paradise. It is possible to see sloths, monkeys, toucans and a great diversity of bird species in their natural environment. Costa Rica is also famous for its sea turtles, which nest on its beaches during certain times of the year.

 

 

In addition, the country offers several exciting activities, such as surfing, rafting, zip lining and diving. The crystal clear waters of the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea are perfect for water sports and diving, with colorful coral reefs and rich marine life.

Costa Rican culture is warm and welcoming, and travelers have the opportunity to try delicious local cuisine, which includes dishes such as “gallo pinto” (mixed rice and beans) and “casado” (a typical dish with rice, beans, meat , salad and ripe).

In short, Costa Rica is a unique tourist destination that combines adventure, exuberant nature and a rich cultural heritage, making it a must-see place for anyone looking for an unforgettable experience in a stunning tropical environment.

 

 

Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Costa Rica

Before we delve into the main topic of this article, it is relevant to highlight some of the most sought-after tourist destinations in Costa Rica to assist travelers in finding tours, itineraries, and excursions that match their preferences.

As mentioned earlier, Costa Rica is a fascinating country. Below, we present a list of the top 10 attractions and tourist cities that deserve to be visited in Costa Rica:

1. Manuel Antonio National Park: A national park that combines white sand beaches with dense tropical forest, offering opportunities for wildlife observation and beach relaxation.
2. Arenal Volcano: An active volcano that attracts visitors with its trails, hot springs, and spectacular views.
3. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve: A cloud forest that houses rich biodiversity, hiking trails, and bird-watching opportunities.
4. Corcovado National Park: One of the most remote and untouched parks in the country, known for its wildlife diversity and challenging trails.
5. Nicoya Peninsula: A coastal region with stunning beaches, ideal for surfing and beach relaxation.
6. Tortuguero National Park: Known for being an important nesting site for sea turtles, this park offers boat tours through natural canals.
7. Puerto Viejo de Talamanca: A laid-back beach village on the Caribbean, famous for its black sand beaches and relaxed atmosphere.
8. Rincón de la Vieja National Park: A volcanic park with trails, hot springs, and volcanic mud, offering a unique experience.
9. La Selva Biological Reserve: A research reserve in the rainforest that allows visitors to explore lush vegetation and observe wildlife.
10. San José: The capital of Costa Rica, where you can explore museums, theaters, local markets, and enjoy Costa Rican culture and cuisine.

 

Is it better to travel independently or in group tours in Costa Rica?

Regardless of your choice to explore Costa Rica, whether independently or through a group tour, both options have their pros and cons.

Opting for independent travel, for example, provides more room to plan your own itinerary and select activities according to your preferences. This gives you the freedom to determine when and how you want to carry out activities, allowing you to explore Costa Rica at your own pace. Moreover, this alternative tends to be more economical since you have control over expenses, adjusting them to your choices.

However, independent travel requires detailed planning, including researching accommodations, transportation, and activities. You should be prepared to face occasional challenges, such as language barriers, and take additional precautions regarding safety, especially in more remote areas.

 

 

On the other hand, a group tour with a guide offers the company of other travelers and the chance to meet people with similar interests. Additionally, traveling in a group can provide a sense of security, especially when accompanied by an experienced guide familiar with Costa Rica.

However, this alternative may somewhat limit your freedom to explore Costa Rica independently, as you will follow a pre-defined itinerary and schedules set by the group. And some travel apps can help you with this mission.

In summary, the choice between traveling independently or in a group in Costa Rica depends on your personal preferences. Consider your interests, time availability, budget, and comfort level when making your decision.

 

Pros of traveling on a group tour	Pros of traveling on your own
Company and opportunity to meet people with similar interests	Flexibility to create your own itinerary and choose activities
Peaceful and fun group experience	Autonomy to follow your own schedule
More safety when riding in a group, especially with an experienced local guide	Freedom to explore Iceland without having to stick to a schedule
Less need for planning and research as the tour already provides accommodation, transport and activities	Potential savings, since depending on the choices it can be cheaper
Possibility of access to places or activities that may be difficult or impossible to reach alone	Greater challenge and opportunity to learn and grow with the experience of planning and conducting your own trip

 

 

13 Best Tours and Itineraries to Explore Costa Rica

Best Costa Rica Tours and Itineraries for Guided Small Group Adventures

 

   1. G Adventures – Costa Rica Quest (9 Days)

This exciting Costa Rica highlights tour is ideal for the time-poor adventurer who wants to explore the region’s diversity. Get your adrenaline pumping, follow a trail to the base of a waterfall, explore Manuel Antonio National Park or relax on a beach. Your guide will help you discover the isolated places that only the locals know about.

 

 

   2. G Adventures – Costa Rica Adventure (16 Days)

If you’re looking to experience Costa Rica’s world-class highlights but want to keep the adventure spiced up with a sampling of hidden treasures, this exciting journey is the top choice.

Despite its small size, Costa Rica is one of the most biologically diverse countries in the world, offering volcanoes, wildlife, rainforests and beaches to explore. This adventure provides a great balance between guided excursions and free time. The activity options are diverse.

 

 

   3. Intrepid – Classic Costa Rica (15 Days)

This 15-day journey, which begins and ends in lively San Jose, will offer a comprehensive experience through the jungles, farmlands, beaches and cities of this pure Central American locale.

Stay with a local family in Santa Rosa de Pocosol and get your hands dirty on a sustainable farm. Relax in hot springs heated by an active volcano in La Fortuna.

Spot three-toed sloths in the bushes of Manuel Antonio National Park, then relax under the swaying palm trees on nearby beaches.

 4. Intrepid – Costa Rica Experience (9 Days) 

Explore a region of natural diversity, cultural riches and laid-back atmosphere on a nine-day trip through the Costa Rican jungle.

Thanks to a long tradition of preserving its natural resources, much of the country’s primary rainforest still remains intact, providing endless opportunities for nature-based adventures, and the beaches on both coasts are nothing short of picturesque.

Relax in the rustic beach town of Quepos, explore the humid cloud forests of Monteverde, and get to know the locals with a stay at a rural hacienda near Santa Rosa de Pocosol. Explore the depths of this colorful and vibrant country, with plenty of time to customize this trip to your preferences.

 

Best Costa Rica Tours and Itineraries for Young Singles Groups (Ages 18-35)

 

   5. Contiki – Viva Costa Rica (9 Days) 

From coastal towns to dense rainforests, you’ll snorkel, scuba dive, zipline and surf your way through Central America’s hottest travel region. Eight nights of vibrant coral reefs, stunning wildlife, dramatic volcanoes and revitalizing Costa Rican hot springs await.

 

 

   6. Contiki – Costa Rica National Parks (7 Days)

Starting in the glorious capital, you embark on an adventure filled with wildlife, stunning waterfalls, breathtaking historic sites and more.

In just one week, you’ll alternate between road trips and sailing through the Caribbean Sea, see sloths and sea turtles up close, hike through some of the country’s most stunning protected areas, and even learn to surf on white-sand beaches.

 

Best Costa Rica Luxury and Comfort Tours and Itineraries for Small Groups with Guides

 

   7. Trafalgar – Costa Rica Eco Adventure (8 Days)

Glide along tree-lined waterways and relax in thermal pools, taste chocolate made from the world’s finest cocoa, and take a trip back in time with a local in Monteverde’s Old Town.

 

 

   8. Trafalgar – Monkeys, jungles and volcanoes (8 Days) 

The whole family will be enchanted on this tour of Costa Rica, with endless days spent gliding through a lush canopy, navigating the canals of Tortuguero under the watchful eyes of colorful toucans and hiking the slopes of a volcano in this exciting family adventure at Pura Vida’s playground.

 

 

Best tours to Costa Rica from Tourradar (best site to search and compare tours in Costa Rica of different durations, styles, prices, and operators)

 

   9. Tourradar – Costa Rica Escape (10 Days)

Start and end in San Jose! With the tour you will have a 10-day package that will take you through San Jose, Costa Rica, and 6 other destinations in the country. The tour includes hotel accommodation, as well as an expert guide, meals, transportation and more.

 

 

   10. Tourradar – Natural Highlights of Costa Rica (8 Days) 

Start and end in San Jose! With the cultural tour you will have an 8-day package that will take you to San Jose and 4 other destinations in Costa Rica. The package includes hotel accommodation, as well as an expert guide, meals and transport.

 

 

   11. Tourradar – Mountain & Beaches in Costa Rica (7 Days)

Start and end in Liberia! With the cultural tour you will have a 7-day package that will take you through Liberia, Costa Rica, and 2 other destinations in the country. Includes hotel accommodation, plus an expert guide, meals, transportation and more.

 

 

   12. Tourradar – The Best of Costa Rica (13 Days)

Start and end in San Jose! With the tour you will have a 13-day package that will take you to San Jose and 5 other destinations in Costa Rica. The tour includes hotel accommodation, an expert guide, meals, transportation and more.

 

 

   13. Tourradar – Costa Rica Family Vacation (6 Days) 

Start and end in San Jose! With the tour you will have a 6-day package that will take you to San Jose, Costa Rica, and 2 other destinations. It includes hotel accommodation, plus an expert guide, meals, transportation and more.

 

 

Concluding…

Costa Rica reveals itself as an extraordinary destination for those who long to experience cultural, historical and adventure.

With a remarkable diversity of tour and excursion options available, it is imperative that you carry out careful research when choosing the company that will best meet your needs and expectations. It is essential that you examine reviews from other travelers and details regarding accommodation provided. This is crucial to ensuring a smooth and safe journey.

However, whichever company you choose, there is one unshakable certainty: a visit to Costa Rica will be a truly unique experience in a lifetime! So, get ready to embark on a memorable journey through this remarkable country!