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 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
Overall, a wonderful trip! The pace is fast and the amount of things provided to do was very good. I would have liked to have spent a little more time in Guatemala and Honduras to get a feel for those countries (I can't really say that I have seen them on this trip) yet overall, it was a wonderful time with amazing people and beautiful locations.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Guest House, Home-stay, Hostel, Hotel, Resort
Age Range
12-100 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
San Jose, Antigua, Ometepe, Mont
San Jose, Antigua, Ometepe, Monteverde, La Fortuna, Copan, Suchitoto, La Libertad, Leon, Granada
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
A fantastic and memorable holiday with many highlights. Fantastic support from CEO. Very friendly supportive group. Lots of wildlife spotted. Highlights were Manuel Antonio, hiking and hot springs in Rincon de la Vieja, zip lining in Monteverde.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, 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, Playa Flamingo, La Fortuna, Monteverde, Quepos
Just finished my Costa Rica Trip and had the best time ever!! If you are considering it DO IT!!!
I’ve been on many many group tours and this was by far the best I have done to date! The group leader - Elmer, honestly made the trip and just went above and beyond in every possible way to ensure we were having a good time! Will definitely be booking another Intro trip soon as it was the best two weeks ever!
Hot springsWalking
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-55 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
San Jose, Esterillos, Manuel Ant
San Jose, Esterillos, Manuel Antonio National Park, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano, Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park, Playa Samara
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