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.
We loved the variety of experiences. No two hotels or activities were quite the same and it was a great balance. We thought the first week was a bit better than the second week, but that's just us. Tortuguero and the nature around La Fortuna and Rio Celeste are hard to match. I'm sure birders will be very satisfied with this tour. We like doing our own thing and are pleased that we often have time to explore on our own. G Adventures, we'll be back.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge, Resort, Tent
Age Range
18-100 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
San Jose, Irazú Volcano, Puerto
San Jose, Irazú Volcano, Puerto Limón, Manuel Antonio, Tortuguero, La Fortuna, Rio Celeste
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
Craving excitement in the heart of Central America? The "Raft, Hike and Explore Costa Rica" tour is your ticket to seven days of pure adventure. This active journey is crafted for those who want more than just sightseeing: you'll whitewater raft through exhilarating rapids, trek volcanic landscapes, ride horseback along rainforest trails, and soar above the canopy on a zip-line. Each day is a chance to spot wildlife and immerse yourself in Costa Rica’s spectacular biodiversity.
Designed for young adults, spirited couples, groups of friends, and active families with teenagers, this trip balances energetic excursions with moments of relaxation, like soaking in soothing natural hot springs after a day of volcano hiking. The moderate physical activity level ensures a satisfying challenge for those who love to stay on the move.
The unique selling point? Direct encounters with Costa Rica’s wild side—few tour packages offer such a diverse range of adrenaline-pumping activities in one seamless itinerary. If you’re after an adventure trip that mixes nature, action, and authentic experiences, this Costa Rican escape is the one to beat.
RaftingTrekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Independent TourTypically a private tour undertaken by one or two travelers
Craving an adventure through Costa Rica’s most stunning landscapes? The 'Costa Rica Escape' tour is a nine-day, moderately active getaway perfect for experienced travelers and seniors ready for a bit more adventure. From the imposing Arenal Volcano to the mystical Monteverde Cloud Forest, and the sun-soaked beaches of Quepos, each stop delivers a fresh natural wonder. Experience wildlife up close in Manuel Antonio National Park and savor authentic Costa Rican culture in San José. The tour’s standout feature is its balance of exhilarating outdoor activities and serene relaxation, offering a comprehensive look at Costa Rica’s best-kept secrets and iconic highlights.
Carlos was incredible right from the very first day of the trip. None of us knew him yet, and I didn’t know
what to expect, but he immediately stood out to me as someone who was extremely professional,
organized, and thorough. Every evening, he gave me and the rest of the group all the details we
needed — the route, the roads, the timing, the breakfasts and dinners, the weather, the excursions, the
challenges, the highlights.
He told us what to wear, when to use sunscreen, what to expect from the climbs, when the rain might
come, when to prepare for heat — every little detail was covered. Because of that, I felt comfortable,
confident, and fully aware of what was coming the next day. There were no surprises, and that was
because of Carlos.
And once he finished going through all the serious information, he would sometimes throw in a little
joke. Just a quick comment or a funny line to lighten the mood. I didn’t expect that from him at the
beginning, but those moments always made me smile, and they helped me relax. It showed me that
underneath the professional guide was a warm, funny, genuinely special person.
As the days went on, I got to see how much Carlos truly loves to ride. He lives for cycling. He rides long
distances, he races all the time, and he never seems to get tired. His passion for biking isn’t something
he hides — you can feel it in everything he does. And that passion made the trip even better for me. It
made me trust him, and it made me enjoy the rides more.
I’ve been on a few guided trips before, and I can say honestly:
Carlos is the best guide I have ever had.
Professional, caring, sharp, humble, funny, and unbelievably dedicated — he made this entire trip
better for me in every way.
Carlos is truly one of a kind
Bicycle tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge, Resort
Age Range
16-79 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
San Jose, Miravalles Volcano, Ma
San Jose, Miravalles Volcano, Manuel Antonio National Park, Tortuguero National Park, Guapiles, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano National Park, Canas
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
Olman RomeroTravel Expert in Costa Rica, Nicaragua & Panama
Yuliana ValverdeTravel Expert in Costa Rica, Nicaragua & Panama
Randall Jiménez MorenoTravel Expert in Costa Rica
