Costa Rica Tours & Trip Packages

Costa Rica Tours & Trips

287 Costa Rica trips. Tours from 130 tour companies. 899 reviews. 4.8/5 avg rating.

287 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
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Costa Rica
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5/5 Excellent
4 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Tortuguero National Park

Highlights

  • Explore Carara National Park and to see the endangered American Crocodile as well as some shore birds.
  • Drive to Cerro Lodge and Savegre Valley and visit the highest mountains of the Talamanca Mountain Range, with elevations ranging between 7200 and 11,000 feet above sea level.
  • Enjoy Birding in La Selva Biological Station which is one of the most important locations for the study of tropical ecosystems in the world.
  • Enjoy Birding the trails at Braulio Carrillo National Park
  • Visit Tortuguero National Park is the third-most visited park in Costa Rica.

Themes

Birding, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"To me Cheepers is a10 star company. I love traveling and birding with them. The birding is outstanding, the bird guides outstanding, and the birders themselves are such wonderful people to be with. I like the casual, comfortable, non-competitive approach to birding. While our guides have unfailingly worked (and intensely) to make sure everyone sees the bird, I've never felt as if I were among high intensity birders who are competing either with others or themselves. And I can't remember a single trip where anyone was unable to see the bird. The price of each trip is what really appeals to my "retired budget." I've yet to experience any kind of lodging that was substandard; every place I have been, we've stayed at good places close to where we can get to the birds we want to see. The leaders are never intrusive or over bearing, yet are constantly aware of each person and attentive to each person's needs. Birding is hard work, yes; but birding with Cheepers is so much fun. I could go on but to use a very overworked word, this company is just plain awesome. It is my company of choice for any birding trip."

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Costa Rica - Cloud Forest & Quetzals
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4.8/5 Excellent
19 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Arenal Volcano, Montenegro, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Highlights

  • Enjoy full day Fabulous bird watching in Arenal Volcano area
  • Explore Cerro de la Muerte and enjoy birding in the mountains, where you will be continued to search Sulphurwinged Parakeet, Ruddy Treerunner and Buffy Tuftedcheek and many more
  • Visit Monteverde area where you will see endemic Coppery-headed Emerald, Purple-throated Mountain-Gem, Magenta-throated Woodstar and Stripe-tailed Hummingbird.
  • You will also have an a relaxing boat ride on the Tarcoles River, a pleasant way to view the region’s birds and wildlife

Themes

Birding, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"I have traveled on 20 different Rockjumper tours to all parts of the world. Every tour I have been on has ensured that cultural sites are included whenever possible. Their guides are fantastic. They are extremely knowledgeable about the birds of the habitat including their many calls. The guides are friendly with great personalities. Most are young and brimming with enthusiasm. Booking a tour with Rockjumper is easy and they offer many discount opportunities. The office staff quickly answer your questions and work extremely hard to make each tour run smoothly. They also offer Tailormade tours which will arrange a tour for you to anyplace your heart desires."

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Costa Rica Rainforests & Landscapes
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Group Tour
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Arenal Volcano, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Tortuguero National Park

Highlights

  • Tortuguero – Ride to Tortuguero National Park by river boat; meet local children at their school (when in session); visit the Green Turtle Research Station; cruise the canals in search of wildlife.
  • Sarapiqui – Sarapiqui Explore Finca Corsicana, home of the finest biological pineapple plantation in the world.
  • Arenal – Enjoy a guided tour through the rainforest canopy along the famous Arenal Hanging Bridges.
  • Monteverde Cloud Forest – Enjoy a two-night stay in the park; take a guided walk through the Cloud Forest Reserve; visit the Sky Walk to experience the chain of suspension bridges high above the Cloud Forest.

Themes

National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

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Natural Highlights of Costa Rica
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Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Arenal Hot Springs, Arenal Volcano

Highlights

  • Search for quetzals, scarlet macaws, four kinds of monkeys, and sloths
  • Hike, explore, swim, snorkel, and relax in a tropical paradise
  • Explore jungle waterways by riverboat and raft

Themes

Birding, Hiking & Walking, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

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A Cruise: Valparaiso to Los Angeles
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Large Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Atacama Desert, Galapagos, Valparaiso

Highlights

  • Visit the tropical dry forest of Montibelli Nature Reserve
  • We’ll drive south to visit some coastal wetlands and agricultural fields full of new species
  • First opportunity to see Inca Tern, Humboldt Penguin, Guanay Cormorant, Peruvian Booby, and Peruvian Diving-Petrel
  • Chile, have a long drive to the remote Frey Jorge National Park
  • Fabulous birding around Pisco, Peru, a place mostly known for the eponymous Peruvian national drink, pisco, a grape brandy produced in the area
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Themes

Birding, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise

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Coach Tour: Natural wonders of Costa Rica
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Private Guided
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Arenal Volcano, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Montreal

Highlights

  • Explore Poas Volcano
  • Visit to Doka Estate Coffee Plantation
  • Visit Butterfly Observatory
  • Explore Arenal Volcano
  • Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge & Rio Frio Hot springs
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Themes

National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

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Costa Rica & Nicaragua
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Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Explore Panama City, the oldest Spanish settlement on the Pacific, and its famous Panama Canal zone
  • Meet members of the traditional Ella Drua Emberá Community, who share customs with you
  • In Costa Rica, savor outstanding whitewater rafting on the Pacuare River, ranked as one of the top five rivers in the world for whitewater rafting with its Class III-IV rapids
  • See the rainforest treetops during the Arenal Ecoglide canopy experience, with its 15 cables and 18 platforms, kayak Lake Arenal or hike a volcano
  • Explore Nicaragua’s Emerald Coast with coastal hikes, stellar sport fishing or beachcombing from a luxury beachfront resort

Themes

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

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Other trips you may like [sponsored]
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 most 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

"Friendly and helpful staff were happy to help with all our questions."

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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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

"I've travelled with Intrepid in Vietnam, Morocco, Nepal and Egypt and had a brilliant time every time. The experience is better than most tours as you are in a small group that goes a bit more 'off the beaten track', and you don't get taken to endless shopping opportunites (i.e. a cousin's carpet shop). They also have higher ethics than most travel companies, they contribute to local charities and they avoid animal use (donkeys etc) where possible. The tour leaders we have had have all been wonderful, knowledgable and relaxed, with good english."

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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

La Fortuna, 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

"Love love loved our trip to Madeira. Phillipe the guide was excellent; very personable, knowledgeable, passionate about his island, helpful and fun! 10 out of 10. The group was great fun too, my husband was one of only two men vs 12 / 13 woman which caused a lot of laughs (at his expense). The itinerary was full on which left little time between getting back to the hotels and going out for dinner which was poss the main downside. The hotel in Santana wasn't great but the ones in Porto Moniz and Funchal were much better. As a vegan I struggled in the North of the island but knew that might be the case, I had bread and my own peanut butter for breakfast and bread and hummus at lunch so not ideal. Thankfully Funchal has vegan restaurants and omni restaurants have vegan menus or dishes too so finally ate well. I loved all of the hikes, very varied and all not too far from hotels in the minibus. Loved the levada walks. All walks had steep drop offs so if you're scared of heights - don't do it! I'd highly recommend this trip. We had time in Funchal to do some additional activities and we chose to visit the Palace Gardens, take the downhill sledge from Monte and go on a dolphin watching catamaran trip - all fantastic!"

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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
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Themes

Family Friendly, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"Our trip was amazing. Our guide in Quito was so informative and such a nice person. The cruise was great. We did so much snorkeling and the hikes were perfect. The naturalists on board were incredible, as was the staff. The Galapagos Suites hotel is incredibly charming and we really enjoyed staying there. We left feeling like we saw everything."

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287 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:

Costa Rica Reviews & Ratings

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

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

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. ...

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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 287 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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