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
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
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
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 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
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
Great experience - learned so much more about the country and the area and connected with fellow travelers from around the world. The small group tour made travel a breeze for this single mom traveling solo with her son!
Rainforest and jungle visits
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge
Age Range
6-100 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
San Jose, Monteverde Cloud Fores
San Jose, Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve, Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park, Playa Potrero
Best Seller
This product is a best seller: High ratings, knowledgeable staff, and great time guaranteed.
A fantastic trip to a wonderful country. Hotels were all excellent. Everything worked very smoothly,with everything on time. Everyone extremely friendly. Just wish we could have stayed longer
VolcanoesNational parks
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Luxury Hotel
Age Range
1-90 yrs
Operated in
english, spanish
Destinations
San Jose, Manuel Antonio Nationa
San Jose, Manuel Antonio National Park, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano, La Paz Waterfall, Arenal, Playa Potrero
