Expert travel storyteller Jordan Adkins, founder of InspiredByMaps.com, brings a decade of adventures across 101 countries and 450+ UNESCO sites into rich, off-the-beaten-path narratives, melding ecological expertise with genuine, seasoned travel insights. His full bio can be found here.
Costa Rica is a dream. The magical rainforests of Costa Rica enchant those looking to retreat to a tropical paradise where they can completely immerse themselves in the sounds and sights of nature. Known for its peace, phenomenal wildlife, and perfect weather, Costa Rica is a bucket-list destination for everyone.
Home to some of the most well-preserved rainforests in the world, Costa Rica is also home to some of the top adventures and can be considered the adventure capital of Central America. Spot some unique and diverse species as well as enjoy the eco atmosphere while traveling and learning about the country of Costa Rica.
This paradise nation is also home to some of the best yoga and wellness retreats and relaxing spas so if you aren’t looking for a thrilling adventure, you can take up the relaxing side of the country.
Considered a nation of peace, Costa Rica is the only central American country with no standing military. As the world was still dealing with the aftermath of World War Two, Costa Rica decided to go a different route and seize all military operations entirely on Dec 1st, 1948.
This effort was made by president Jose Figueres Ferrer who won the election despite the civil war in the country at that time. With that being said, Costa Rica is also very safe for tourists and one of the safest countries in Central America. However, it is always good to take precautions even in safer countries as the crime happens everywhere!
Costa Rica is a unique country and (somewhat) one off the beaten path. More often than not, the countries off the beaten path are the best ones. Having access or having the ability to plan and book all the excursions you want will be difficult because of this. It can also be tough trying to narrow down exactly what you want to do.
That’s why it’s always recommended to take an organized or even a group tour. This helps gives you an idea of not only the cost of things in the country but gives you an idea of what the best things to do and see are and provides you with a knowledgeable and more often than not, a local guide that will be there to help you get around and take you to some of the best places to see in the country.
So, much as we have done for the best Philippines tours, the best New Zealand tours, or the best Sri Lanka tours, here we are going to be talking about one of the best Costa Rica tours (and their operators), so you can be inspired – and then choose with confidence.
Let’s take a look at some of the best places to tour in Costa Rica, many of which you may be familiar with already if you have already been inspired by movies set in Costa Rica.
San Jose, Costa Rica
Known as the capital of Costa Rica, San Jose is the nation’s largest city with a population of 339,581. Located roughly 3,800 feet above sea level, in Valle Central, the city was known as a Tobacco hub during the Spanish Colonial era. Settled in 1736, the city was originally named Villa Nueva.
In 1823 the city of Villa Nueva became the capital of Costa Rica shortly after the Spanish decided to move the capital from Cartago. In the 1840s the city began to produce large amounts of coffee and officially became the main source of income for the country throughout the 19th century. With this in mind, San Jose is home to many coffee plantations that are open to exploring.
Take a tour to learn about the production of coffee or learn about the surrounding rainforest and how the locals are striving to protect it. Now although Costa Rica as a whole is known for its rainforests, it doesn’t hurt to explore the capital. Take the time to learn about the cultures and traditions of the Costa Rican people and indulge in the traditions of the country.
La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Located in the northern highlands of Costa Rica, in the center of two of the biggest cities within the country, La Fortuna is a very popular tourist destination for nature lovers and those bound for an eco-adventure. You’ll see some of the biggest churches within the country as well as many national parks, stunning chic restaurants, many hotels, and the infamous, Lake Arenal and the Arenal Volcano.
It doesn’t matter where you are in Arenal, you’ll see the stunning view of the volcano everywhere you go. La Fortuna was originally named El Borio when it was originally settled as a town in the 1950s. The volcano erupted in 1968 destroying the local villages surrounding the volcano including El Borio. The city was renamed La Fortuna just shortly after the eruption.
This destination is a base for many tour operators and a perfect place to tour while you’re in Costa Rica. La Fortuna is especially good for nature lovers looking to retreat to their favorite place on the planet, nature!
Nonetheless, Costa Rica is a perfect place to tour and with so many options available it can feel impossible to plan the perfect tour or plan all the excursions you want to see and do within the country. That’s why it’s always best to take a multiday organized tour! Organized by some of the best and guided by expert guides, you can sit back and relax without having to plan and perfect your itinerary.
It’s also important to note that as most organized tours include accommodations, meals, and transportation, are included in the cost of most tours so you don’t have to worry much about planning either of those very important aspects of the trip either. So take a deep breath and let’s look at the best tours within Costa Rica.
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Costa Rica Quest
G Adventures
Most are drawn to Costa Rica for its exceptional nature and peaceful feel. it s your time to relax in the jungles of costa Rica. Enjoy the sounds of the birds and the array of beautiful plants and flowers around you as you retreat in nature and relieve any stress that may be bothering you. This tour is ideal for an adventure traveler looking to explore the untouched jungles of Costa Rica.
You’ll get the once-in-a-lifetime chance to hike to the bottom of a waterfall, visit Manuel Antonio national park, or relax and take in the relaxing ocean breeze as you take in the sights and sounds of the many tropical beaches of Costa Rica.
With this tour, you’ll start and end your journey in the capital, San Jose with a chance to visit a total of five Costa Rican cities over nine days! You can also count on your food, transportation, lodging, and an expert guide as being included in the tour. Here is a look at what you would be doing over nine days in the paradise country of Costa Rica.
Day One: Arrival in San Jose.
Day Two: Drive to Sarapiquí, Continue to the Arenal region, and take advantage of a free afternoon
Day Three: Free day in La Fortuna.
Day Four: Travel by van and boat through the cloud forest and Travel across Lake Arenal into the mountains and onto Monteverde Cloud Forest.
Day Five: Free day in Monteverde
Day Six: Travel to Quepos and Travel to the Pacific Coast. Enjoy Quepos or opt to visit Manuel Antonio National Park.
Day Seven: Enjoy an included entrance into Manuel Antonio National Park and Opt to sail or swim in the Pacific. Or choose to kayak through mangroves and relax on the beach.
Day Eight: Free day. Opt to relax at the beach or the resort.
Day Nine: Departure from San Jose.
Enjoy the beauty of Costa Rica on this 9-day trip to some of the top sites and best cities within Costa Rica. You’ll get the perfect combination of culture and city life in addition to exploring Costa Rica’s abundant nature and unique wildlife.
Rated 4.4 out of five stars, this tour is operated by G-Adventures. G-adventures is a parent company to national geographic and is one of the best tour companies in the world. Focused on giving travelers a truly authentic option, this is the perfect tour to begin to learn about the country of Costa Rica and explore some of the best sites in the country.
Costa Rica Adventure
TruTravels
Costa Rica, a paradise just full of lush green rainforests, deep jungles, and untouched natural ecosystems. A place with a variety of hot springs, unique wildlife, and volcanic activity. Costa Rica is considered one of the world’s adventure capitals for a wild variety of things to do and its wide variety of wildlife and landscapes that you can only see here.
You’ll get the opportunity to visit the Coope San Juan village life, take a night safari in Monteverde, see the volcanic springs of La Fortuna, or relax and take a yoga class in Santa Teresa. You’ll start your journey in San Jose and you will end in Santa Teresa.
Spend 10 days touring Costa Rica to the fullest with a chance to see a total of six different Costa Rican cities. You can also travel with ease knowing transportation, food, lodging, a knowledgeable guide, and much more are completely included in the cost of the tour. Let’s look into your day-to-day itinerary for your Costa Rican adventure.
Day One: Arrival Day!
Day Two: travel to Coope San Juan and spend the day in a local village.
Day Three: visit La Fortuna!
Day Four: free day
Day Five: travel to Monteverde and Night Safari
Day Six: zipline in Cloud Forest.
Day Seven: Visit the beach town of Santa Teresa.
Day Eight: Beach day and Yoga class
Day Nine: Waterfalls & Cabuya Island
Day Ten: Departure at any time.
Enjoy the stunning beauty and landscapes within Costa Rica on this 10-day tour around the country. You’ll get to see the top tourist sites in Costa Rica as well as a few hidden gems along the way.
Offered by the platinum tour operator of TruTravels, this tour operator is one of the best in the world. With some of the best tours paired with local well-educated guides, you’re bound to have an unforgettable adventure.
Costa Rica Adventure (7 Days)
Costsaver
Enjoy Costa Rica to the fullest and simply take in all the nature with this 7-day Costa Rican adventure. Take a trip into the heart of the Costa Rican jungle where you’ll explore mud baths, wildlife-rich rainforests, active volcanos, and turtle nesting areas as well as a trip to the rainforest canopy skywalk.
Learn about the culture of the country by starting and ending your tour in San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica. this seven-day package includes a visit to 4 cities within costa with a knowledgeable guide, transportation, meals, and more being included in the tour. Let’s look at the itinerary and see exactly what this tour entails.
Day One: Arrive San José
Day Two: travel little town of Sarchí, the Tilaran Mountain range, and the misty Cloud Forest.
Day Three: Monteverde sightseeing and free time
Day Four: Enjoy the ride this morning as you travel past cattle ranches and coffee plantations on your way to Arenal Volcano National Park.
Day Five: walk through lava fields, observe leftover lava rocks and boulders, and walk through forest land for wonderful views of both the volcano and Arenal Lake,
Day Six: Arenal sightseeing and free time
Day Seven: Departure from San Jose
On this seven-day tour, you’ll get the opportunity to see some of the top sites in Costa Rica while enjoying and learning about the culture/traditions to the fullest. You’ll fall in love with Costa Rica after this tour as the areas covered such as the Arenal Volcano and the cloud forest are bucket list destinations that will truly change your view on true beauty.
Offered by the Gold standard tour operator of cost-saver, this operator has some of the highest ratings and is the best option for budget travelers. Built on the concept of affordability this tour operator offers authentic and culturally immersive tours for a good price.
Costsaver strives to rebrand travel as more affordable and something that is accessible to almost everyone. With an overall rating of 3.7 out of five stars, you can count on a great tour with a great operator.
Natural Wonders of Costa Rica with Manuel Antonio
Globus
Take a journey to the central American rainforest country of Costa Rica. Explore some unique wildlife, and landscapes as well as some of the best cultures and some intense Spanish Roots. Costa Rica is the perfect getaway for those adventurous travelers looking for something different and exotic.
On this Natural Wonders tour of Costa Rica, you will see some of the lava trails, Cloud Forest, sky-high suspension bridges, boat cruises, nature walks, natural hot springs, and much more. Starting and ending in the capital of the country, San Jose, you’ll travel around to 6 different Costa Rican cities over 11 days.
This in-depth adventure tour includes almost everything including accommodations, a knowledgeable guide, transportation, and much more. Now that you have the basics of this tour, here’s a look at everything you would be doing over 11 days in the beautiful country of Costa Rica!
Day One: Arrive in San José, Costa Rica
Day Two: San José–Tortuguero National Park
Day Three: Tortuguero National Park Tour & Canal Cruise
Day Four: Tortuguero–Sarapiqui–Arenal
Day Five: Arenal. Excursion to La Fortuna & Arenal Volcano National Park
Day Six: Arenal–Monteverde (Cloud Forest)
Day Seven: Monteverde
Day Eight: Monteverde–Quepos–Manuel Antonio National Park Area
Day Nine: Manuel Antonio National Park Area
Day Ten: Manuel Antonio National Park Area (Free Day)
Day Eleven: Manuel Antonio National Park Area – Departure at Any Time.
This Costa Rican adventure is just absolutely bananas! With stops at active volcanos, exotic fruit plantations, and many meet & greet photo ops with the animals, adventurers and travelers alike are drawn to the natural world of Costa Rica and everything it has to offer.
Offered by Globus tours, a world-renowned tour operator dedicated to giving tourists the best experiences available with some of the best local guides. So you can be sure you’re going to have a great time. So with that being said, We can confidently recommend this tour for its exceptional look into Costa Rica wildlife and its unique once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Eco-adventure in Costa Rica
Green World Adventures
Are you ready for an eco-adventure into the jungles of Costa Rica? It’s time to enjoy this multisport tour or eco-adventure! You’ll get the opportunity to go whitewater rafting, visit cloud forests, and explore the capital of the country, San Jose. start and end your journey in San Jose with this nine-day tour around the country of Costa Rica!
Get a chance to see four Costa Rican cities and you can count on an expert guide, accommodations, meals, transportation, and much more! Here’s a look at what you would be doing throughout your nine-day Costa Rican adventure.
Day One: Arrival to San Jose, Costa Rica.
Day Two: White Water Rafting at Pacuare River. Transportation to Arenal
Day Three: Canyoning, Nature Walk, And Hot Springs.
Day Four: Transfer Arenal Volcano to Monteverde. Horseback riding in the cloud forest.
Day Five: Zip Line Tour in Monteverde.
Day Six: Transfer Monteverde to Samara Beach.
Day Seven: Samara beach: Choose the activity
Day Eight: Transfer Samara Beach to San Jose.
Day Nine: Departure Costa Rica.
On this 9-day adventure through the country of Costa Rica, you’ll get a chance to see some of the best local cities as well as some of the best natural wonders of the country. The breathtaking landscapes and precious wildlife are waiting for you and can’t wait to journey into the beautiful country of Costa Rica.
Operated by Green World Adventures, a platinum tour operator gives not only affordable travel to everyone but this company works to make each adventure as eco-friendly as possible. Green World Adventures is a local Costa Rican tour company that strives to give tourists the best experience possible.
Hence the excellent reviews reflect this. With an overall rating of 4.6 out of five stars, this operator is one of the best-rated tour operators in Costa Rica and is one you should consider as you plan your Costa Rican adventure.
Mystic Waterfalls & Forests Of Costa Rica
Destination Services Costa Rica
Surround yourself with the beauty of the rainforest and discover Costa Rica to the fullest with trips to the cloud forest, amazing rainforests, breathtaking waterfalls, mountains, and more. Experience the tropical paradise of Costa Rica and discover some of the hidden treasures of the country in combination with some of the top experiences and attractions like cloud forest and exploring the capital which is San Jose.
With this tour, you will start your journey in Liberia and ends in San Jose. You’ll also experience six different cities across the country of Costa Rica over 8 days. This tour includes hotel accommodations, meals, transportation, an expert guide, and much more. Here’s a good look at what you would be doing over 8 days and how your itinerary would play out.
Day One: Liberia – Rincon De La Vieja
Day Two: Horseback riding and two of Rincon de la Viejas’s magnificent waterfalls, Chorreras Waterfalls and Victoria Waterfall
Day Three: Visit Cloud Forest and Monteverde
Day Four: El Tigre Falls, observe the volcanoes: Arenal, Rincon de la Vieja, Tenorio and Miravalles
Day Five: La Fortuna de San Carlos and Arenal.
Day Six: Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna Waterfall.
Day Seven: 4×4 ride on a mountain road to a ranch house. descend into the canyon where you’ll see a National Rainforest Park.
Day Eight: Departure to San Jose.
On this eight-day tour through the jungles of the Costa Rican rainforest, you’ll discover a wide variety of unique animals and plant species as you experience all of Costa Rica’s natural beauty to the fullest.
Offered by Destination Services Costa Rica a well-known and popular local company. Driven to give tourists the best experience when traveling in Costa Rica, this tour operator is rated four out of five stars and is also a platinum operator.
After looking at some of the best tour operators in Costa Rica, it can make things exciting. Costa Rica is absolutely one of the best countries to visit in terms of experiencing unique wildlife and rainforests. You will be able to connect with nature in almost every aspect as you step foot in Costa Rica.
You may even love the country so much, you won’t want to leave. Rest assured, you will enjoy the tropical paradise of Costa Rica and everything it has to offer. embrace the laid-back, Pura Vida lifestyle of Costa Rica. Visit costa rica – Pura Vida.
If none of these tours work for you in Costa Rica, please do not worry. There is a wide variety of tour options in the country, and we are confident that there will be something that fits your needs and interests.
Take a look at all the group tours in Costa Rica now, which you can sort by private or group, maximum sizing, budget, dates and much (much more). The team at TourRadar is also always more than happy to answer any questions, provide further information or assist in any way in finding the perfect tour for you.
