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.
Guide Types
Create a 8-Day customized tour to Costa Rica
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Olman RomeroTravel Expert in Costa Rica, Nicaragua & Panama
Yuliana ValverdeTravel Expert in Costa Rica, Nicaragua & Panama
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
A fantastic tour of all the best sites in Costa Rica from coast, to volcanoes, to cloud forests. The tour exactly mirrored what was described in the itinerary and the itinerary delivered lots of opportunity to view not only the tremendous wildlife on offer, but also the different landscapes and eco systems.
WildlifeBird watching
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Lodge, Hotel
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
San Jose, La Fortuna, Monteverde
San Jose, La Fortuna, Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve, Arenal Volcano, Tortuguero National Park
This was the best introduction to Costa Rica and everything it has to offer travellers. A perfect blend of active and comfort, we had the option to be as adventurous (or not) as we wanted. Everything was well thought out and planned; a true "wellness" trip where we felt like we were living the best versions of ourselves. The flavours, hospitality and the good nature of the "pura vida" was with us from the moment we landed, and will be with us for a long time afterwards.
YogaChill out
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge, Eco Lodge
Age Range
12-100 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
San Jose, Rincon de la Vieja Vol
San Jose, Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park, La Fortuna, Playa Carrillo
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
Excellent trip with Gracie, I did things I never would have tried by myself such as rappelling down waterfalls and ziplining 1.5km. Saw some amazing wildlife and met some great people.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-100 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
San Jose, Manuel Antonio Nationa
San Jose, Manuel Antonio National Park, Arenal, La Fortuna, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio
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, Lodge, 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
Costa Rica’s vibrant colors and laidback spirit are the heart of the “Costa Rica Experience” tour, a nine-day adventure starting and ending in San Jose. This easy-paced active and outdoor journey is perfect for travelers eager to balance nature, culture, and relaxation.
Explore primary rainforests and cloud forests, from the Arenal region to Monteverde, with plenty of chances for wildlife spotting and guided walks. Highlights include a rustic farmstay near Santa Rosa de Pocosol, where you can lend a hand and get to know local life, along with free time to unwind in the beach town of Quepos.
All accommodations, transport, and meals are provided, enabling you to focus on the trip’s main activity—immersive outdoor adventure. The unique selling point is the hands-on cultural connection, offering authentic local experiences alongside Costa Rica’s natural wonders.
If you’re searching for a tour package that blends adventure, community, and natural beauty, this journey will reveal Costa Rica’s best-kept secrets.
Active and outdoor
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
San Jose, Manuel Antonio Nationa
San Jose, Manuel Antonio National Park, La Fortuna, Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve, Arenal Volcano, Santa Rosa De Pocosol, Monteverde, Quepos