Simple stays with essential amenities. Typically guesthouses, hostels or hotels rated below 3 stars — clean, no-frills, and great for value-conscious travelers.
Comfortable and reliable 3-star stays. Expect private rooms, en-suite bathrooms, and solid amenities — a great balance between comfort and cost.
Upscale 4-5 star hotels and lodges. Enjoy high-end service, refined comfort, and premium locations — ideal for travelers seeking extra indulgence.
I was a little worried about the trip as I was travelling alone but this was totally unnecessary as it was a truly great group of people. This trip was everything I hoped it would be and more. From day one our brilliant guide and driver did everything possible to ensure that we got the most out of the trip.
WildlifeMarine wildlife
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
San Jose, La Fortuna, Tortuguero
San Jose, La Fortuna, Tortuguero National Park, Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve, Arenal Volcano, Piedras Blancas, Savegre, Arenal, Santa Elena, Manuel Antonio, Manuel Antonio National Park
As my first venture into group touring as a single person, this was an exceptional experience, encouraging me to want to do more.
Wildlife
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Lodge, Hotel, Villa
Age Range
12-100 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
San Jose, La Fortuna, Tortuguero
San Jose, La Fortuna, Tortuguero National Park, Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve, Sarapiqui, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Arenal Volcano, Tortuguero, Quepos
Costa Rica’s wild heart awaits on this Classic Costa Rica adventure trip—a 15-day exploration from lively San Jose to the misty Monteverde Cloud Forest and sun-kissed Pacific beaches. Perfect for those eager for easy-paced discovery, this small group tour immerses you in the country’s lush jungles, bustling farmlands, and pristine parks. Savor local hospitality with a homestay in Santa Rosa de Pocosol, where you’ll help prepare a traditional meal. Unwind in volcanic hot springs at La Fortuna, spot sloths and monkeys in Manuel Antonio National Park, and enjoy optional activities ranging from canopy walks to river rafting. The unique selling point? Authentic connection with Costa Rican culture and nature at every turn, ensuring your trip is as enriching as it is relaxed.
AdventureNational parks
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge, Home-stay
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
San Jose, Manuel Antonio Nationa
San Jose, Manuel Antonio National Park, La Fortuna, Sarapiqui, Arenal Volcano, Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve, Manuel Antonio, Tortuguero National Park, Santa Rosa De Pocosol, Rio Celeste
I thought my experience was fantastic! From meeting people from all over the world and being in similar situations but going through fun activities together. It was a great way to make new friends and learn something new about everywhere. I found the places we visited to be beautiful and having learned a bit about each town was extremely fascinating. I would highly recommend.
Wildlife
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Hostel, Resort
Age Range
18-39 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
San Jose, La Fortuna, Arenal Vol
San Jose, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano, Punta Arenas, Playa Santa Teresa
We just returned from the Costa Rica Eco-Adventure (2/1/2025-2/8/2025). This was our sixth Trafalgar trip. was a WONDERFUL tour guide. Very knowledgeable and personable. worked very hard; it was much appreciated! It was a great tour!
A couple of things we noticed on this trip, that were different than previous Trafalgar trips . . . We prepaid our gratuities (as we always do). Usually, the tour guide talks about the ability to tip the guides and drivers, and thanks those who have already paid the gratuity. This didn't happen on this trip. We hope he received our prepaid gratuity! Also, on previous trips, it was noted if you had been a previous Trafalgar traveler. This did not happen on this trip. We are proud Trafalgar trip repeaters, which makes us some of your greatest advertisers.
One suggestion we had: For our farewell dinner, we went to a restaurant where we could order off the menu. There were 42 of us. It took probably two hours to get our food. It would be better to limit the menu to a couple of appetizers, salads, main entrees and desserts, to make the evening not as long.
Thanks again for a wonderful experience. We will be back to travel with Trafalgar again!
Eco toursNational parks
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge, Resort
Age Range
5-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
San Jose, Tortuguero National Pa
San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, La Paz Waterfall, Tortuguero, Arenal Volcano, Monteverde, Liberia City
The trip was well rounded with as much (or little) action as you like and I loved all of it. The group was great and we had a lot of fun together. Our CEO was very knowledgeable and fun to be around. I would recommend it to everyone who is looking for a couple of active weeks in Costa Rica!
Trekking and HikingRafting
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge, Resort
Age Range
12-100 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
San Jose, La Fortuna, Puerto Vie
San Jose, La Fortuna, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Pacuare River, Arenal Volcano, Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve, Monteverde
Just finished my Costa Rica Trip and had the best time ever!! If you are considering it DO IT!!!
I’ve been on many many group tours and this was by far the best I have done to date! The group leader - Elmer, honestly made the trip and just went above and beyond in every possible way to ensure we were having a good time! Will definitely be booking another Intro trip soon as it was the best two weeks ever!
Hot springsWalking
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-55 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
San Jose, Esterillos, Manuel Ant
San Jose, Esterillos, Manuel Antonio National Park, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano, Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park, Playa Samara
My trip was wonderful -- I can't say enough good things about Mario and his team! I was travelling solo, and they worked with me to customize the itinerary to be exactly what I needed alongside a work trip I had right before. All of the guides and other staff members were very professional, kind, and prepared. Pickups were on time, and even mundane drives were filled with interesting information and good conversation.
Special shoutout to Alberto, who took me to Tortuguero and was so knowledgeable about wildlife (and whose keen eyes spotted some spider monkeys on the drive home, enabling us to stop and see them and some howler monkeys). A true highlight! But everyone was wonderful -- definitely recommend.
VolcanoesHot springs
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
1-90 yrs
Operated in
english, spanish
Destinations
San Jose, La Fortuna, Arenal Vol
San Jose, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano, Manuel Antonio National Park
