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
It was absolutely perfect! Literally one of the most fun trips I’ve been on, the format was so perfect having Jose as a guide to take us around, it helped me feel safe and it was so great doing it with someone who knew the area and the history. The trip was a perfect blend of adventure and relaxing. I’m so happy with everything we did, the trip was exactly as described and even better!
Rainforest and jungle visits
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Home-stay
Age Range
18-40 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
San Jose, Punta Arenas, Playa Sa
San Jose, Punta Arenas, Playa Santa Teresa, La Fortuna, Monteverde
This is a new option for prospective visitors to Costa Rica and one I would unreservedly recommend. The anticipated daily downpours didn't materialise [ though, of course there was some rain ], and we spent most of the trip observing fantastic wildlife in dense jungle or warm, blue seas under blue skies. The hotels were all comfortable and well located and the mix between activity and leisure was well planned.
Marine wildlifeWildlife
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge, Villa, Resort
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
San Jose, Tortuguero National Pa
San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, Osa Peninsula, Cahuita National Park, Caño Island, Corcovado National Park, Turrialba, Savegre Cloud Forest
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
Our guide was so knowledgeable about the flora and fauna as well as the history and current conditions of Costa Rica and surrounding countries. Learning is so much a part of what we want to experience while traveling. This was an excellent opportunity. A bonus is how absolutely gorgeous Costa Rica is.
Rainforest and jungle visits
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Lodge, Resort, Hotel
Age Range
1-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
San Jose, Playa Herradura, Tortu
San Jose, Playa Herradura, Tortuguero National Park, San Carlos, Arenal
We did a little of everything trip was not rushed and the tour guide was excellent. We visited ruins and had a great interpedation we swam in the river at the waterfalls had a boat trip with lots of birds. The cooking school was fun and educational and snorkelling and visiting the island was amazing. Tour group was the right size.
Active and outdoor
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
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
Looking to get beneath the surface of Central America? The 12-day 'Costa Rica & Panama Discovery' tour introduces you to the vibrant rhythms and hidden gems of Costa Rica and Panama, beginning in San Jose and winding down in Panama City. With a mix of included activities and free time, you’ll visit the indigenous Ngabe-Bugle community on Isla Popa, learn Caribbean cooking, spot wildlife on jungle walks, and even get a close-up look at the Panama Canal’s engineering marvels. Perfect for explorers drawn to culture and history, this tour package stands out for its access to off-the-beaten-path communities, offering authentic experiences rarely found on standard itineraries. All accommodation, meals, and transport are included, ensuring a smooth and engaging cultural sightseeing journey.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Panama City, San Jose, Puerto Vi
Panama City, San Jose, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Chitre, Isla Colon, Bocas Del Toro, Boquete
I had not been on holiday for over a decade before I embarked on this trip, so suffice to say I had high expectations! Costa Rica had been on my list ever since a colleague visited the country two years ago, and it was well worth the wait. We were fortunate enough to only have eight travellers, which meant that our guide, Jonathan, had ample time to answer all of our questions.
If you are looking for a holiday which will give you eight hours of sleep a night then this trip is not for you. We were up for breakfast before 8am every day and despite there being several optional extra activities listed on the trip notes, we didn't have time to do any of them as we were constantly on the go! I felt as though I was away for six months or more, and I enjoyed moving to a new area of the country every few days. Each hotel we stayed at had a different style suited to the area of the country we were in - rainforest lodge, spa resort, mountain hotel, ranch, beach hotel. The food was wonderful - all breakfasts are included and on the days when our lunch and/or dinner weren't included, we never felt hungry.
Adventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge, Resort
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
San Jose, Rincon de la Vieja Vol
San Jose, Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park, Playa Carrillo, Tortuguero National Park, Sarapiqui, La Fortuna, Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve
A wonderful voyage of discovery which takes you to each region of Costa Rica ...all made up of unique climate zones with varying birdlife and wildlife. I would hardly identify myself as someone who usually goes out searching for birdlife or wildlife, but this trip captivates you to get involved and go searching ...often early in the morning or in the evening. Costa Rica is incredibly lush with a small population and a government appearing to work hard on sustainability and protection of the environment. There were a lot of roadworks in evidence! All the accommodation was excellent and all the Lodges, each one different, were a delight. They allowed you the luxury of sitting on your own veranda allowing the birdlife and wildlife to 'come to you' as you were in their environment. Our trip spent its last night miles outside of San Jose centre which, although the hotel was lovely, was a disappointment for me as I'd wanted to spend the free afternoon exploring the vibrant downtown area with its parks, local shops, lovely buildings, museums etc but this wasn't feasible from Santa Ana. I've mentioned this to Exodus. We had a few downpours...mainly late afternoons, but only were out on a trip during one downpour and the Lodge provided everyone with huge ponchos...the rain didn't spoil the delight of the boat trip. Suggest a waterproof jacket, strong trainers or walking shoes and a camera with a good zoom lens should be priorities for packing!
WildlifeBird watching
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, Manuel Antonio, Marino
San Jose, Manuel Antonio, Marino Ballena National Park, Savegre Cloud Forest, Savegre River, Tortuguero National Park, La Fortuna, Monteverde, Santa Elena