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.
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
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
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. Walking in the rainforest and cloudforest and sailing in the mangrove swamps was magical and thanks to the sharp eyes of our guide we saw at very close range howler and capuchin monkeys, two and three fingered sloths, poison dart frogs, blue jean frogs, transparent frogs, crocodiles, caiman, lizards, basilisks, snakes (the yellow eyelash viper was stunningly beautiful seen through our guide's telescope), green turtles, humpback whales, dolphins, hummingbirds, anteater, racoons, coatis, scarlet macaws, parakeets, heron, egrets and lots more. It was a safari! We experienced the diversity of the ecology and cultures of Costa Rica while avoiding the touristy areas. The eco-lodges varied from good to excellent and all had air conditioning to ensure a good night's sleep. The food was excellent and special diets were well catered for. We were warmly welcomed wherever we went. There was quite a lot of travelling in our air conditioned minibus but the journey was made more interesting by the guide's stories about the local area and frequent stops to sample local fruit at the side of the road , eating in family run restaurants where you could watch the birdlife at the same time, or stopping to see archaeological remains such as the stonospheres. If you want to experience the great outdoors in the tropics and fall exhausted but happy into a comfy bed at the end of every day, this is the holiday for you.
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
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 a great introduction to the Mayan and modern culture in both Belize and Guatemala. We were very happy to be able to experience the width of Belize, from coast to inland, and have a little sample of Guatemala. A perfect combination of history, culture, activities, and recreation.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
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
A new trip that exceeded expectations. Early starts for birds and sunrises and fascinating insights ( and climbs!) into Mayan culture, finishing with Caribbean laid back vibe and a day swimming with nurse sharks and rays!
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, Lodge, Resort
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Belize City, Hol Chan Marine Res
Belize City, Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Caye Caulker, San Ignacio, Guatemala City, Tikal
29 Trips in Central America during April 2027 with 348 Reviews
