Explore Central America through expert eyes with over 260 professionally guided tours. Local insights, historical context, and hassle-free exploration rated by more than 1,500 guided tour enthusiasts.
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
We originally looked at booking the longer Costa Rica Family Adventure as we thought the Family Escape (at 7 nights) may be too much of a whirlwind. However, we liked the fact that there were less distances to travel (as the Family Escape does not include a visit to the Caribbean coast), and that there were more activities included, plus, on enquiry, we found out that on the dates we wished to travel the families booked onto this trip had children of similar ages to our own (16 and 12). We are so pleased we went for this option! From being met at the airport by our wonderful guide, Eduardo, and driver, Cesar, to being waved off as we boarded our transfer on the last day, we enjoyed every minute of our holiday!
Costa Rica is an incredible country and this trip gives you a sense of its diverstiy - from the volcanic landscape around Arenal, to the Cloud Forest at Monteverde, and the tropical beaches of Carillo. The mix of activities is great - from the high adrenaline rafting and zip wire course at Monteverde, to fascinating nature walks and wildlife spotting. The itinery is quite pacy - there are activities most days, however, you get at least 2 nights at each hotel (apart from in San Jose) so you do get chance to unpack a little and enjoy some downtime.
The hotels all offer something different: Los Lagos at La Fortuna is set in lush tropical gardens with its own resident crocodile and butterfly and insect houses. Plus, it has its own hot springs complete with water slides which our children loved. The Country Lodge at Monteverde is a little more basic, but charming, whilst the Nammbu Beachfront Bungalows are super stylish with spacious rooms and a stunning pool area.
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort
Age Range
9-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
San Jose, La Fortuna, Monteverde
San Jose, La Fortuna, Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve, Carrillo Beach
This was my first Contiki trip & I'm not sure that any holiday will ever be the same! I had the most amazing time in Costa Rica with the best group of people. From chill beach days to zip lining over the rainforest we did such a variety of things but still had plenty of free time (in Monteverde we used our free time to go & do the highest bungee in Central America!). Our trip manager & driver were incredible & really made the trip unforgettable with crazy knowledge of the local areas & wildlife. Pura Vida!
Great all around trip. The guide (Jeff) was organized, attentive and fun to be around. Briefings each day were informative and useful. The food was excellent, camp sites were good. The rafting was very exhilarating. The equipment was in good condition and they were prepared for mishaps. We had bike chain break but they had spare bike readily available. You could push yourself as hard or as easy as you felt comfortable.
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Camping, Lodge
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
San Jose, Pacuare River, Esquipu
San Jose, Pacuare River, Esquipulas, Naranjillo, Pacific Coast
This is an absolutely incredible tour -- our guide Jason was both very informative and very helpful. He explained the history of the Arenal volcano to us, we took a short hike a small part of the way up the mountain, and then went back down to look at wildlife in the rainforest. We saw spider monkeys, which Jason said are a pretty rare sight, and then a red curacao just walked out onto the trail in front of us! It was an incredible feeling to just be seeing all these animals spontaneously on a nature hike.
Speaking of hikes, it is important to be aware that this tour is somewhat physically demanding. There are no extreme parts, just some strenuous walking over very uneven ground, but I think the tour description could do a better job of emphasizing the challenge. At the same time, the tour is extremely convenient in terms of picking you up and dropping you off at your desired location, whether a hotel, hot springs, or somewhere else. Overall, I strongly recommend the Arenal Volcano trip to anyone who is into volcanoes and wildlife and plans to visit the Arenal area.
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Great trip run by professional tour operators. Our initial apprehensions about our first overseas trip post pandemic were put to rest by the excellent arrangements including day planning and lodging starting from receiving us at the airport. We felt at ease and relaxed throughout the trip. In short, the tour operator demonstrated how a professional tour needs to be operated. I recommend all to check them out if you are planning a trip to Costa Rica !
Zip liningRafting
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
1-90 yrs
Operated in
english, spanish
Destinations
San Jose, Manuel Antonio Nationa
San Jose, Manuel Antonio National Park, Sarapiqui, Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna
Great tour, planned to perfection by Oldemar at th last minute. We travelled to La Fortuna, Monteverde and Manuel Antonio over 12 days and feel that we needed at least 3 more days. Did a host of activites, all organised by the company such a zip lining, waterfall rapelling, whitewater rafting, bird watching, night safari, coffee tours, etc. Very happy.
National parksAdventure
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge, Resort
Age Range
18-79 yrs
Operated in
english, spanish
Destinations
San Jose, Manuel Antonio Nationa
San Jose, Manuel Antonio National Park, Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve, Arenal Volcano, Manuel Antonio
