From its Caribbean and Pacific coastlines to the inland capital of San Jose, rugged, rainforested Costa Rica is one of the world’s most captivating destinations.
(Photo: Destination Services / Courtesy Bookmundi)
Renowned for its idyllic beaches, imposing volcanoes, and incredible biodiversity, the Central American nation attracts huge numbers of visitors every year. Many of them come to explore the country’s vast swathe of protected jungle, teeming with wildlife including spider monkeys and quetzal birds. One of the most popular ways to do so is on an organised tour, and here are 7 of the best available for 2022/23.
Tropical Costa Rica 5 Days, Short Break Tour (5 days)
This action-packed, 5-day outdoor adventure starts and ends in the vibrant national capital of San Jose and is ideal for those who want a taste of Costa Rica but are limited on time. As part of a small group and in the company of an expert guide, you’ll explore dense jungles, the Arenal dramatic volcano and embark on world-class wildlife spotting. There’ll also be a chance to bathe in hot springs in this nature lover’s paradise. The tour price includes all accommodation, transport, and meals. From $762 per person.
Arenal Volcano & Monteverde Cloud Forest Tour (5 days)
(Photo: Green World Adventures / Courtesy Bookmundi)
Combining an exploration of the Arenal region and its 7,000-year-old volcano with an immersive trip through the mysterious Monteverde Cloud Forest, this 5-day tour is another popular whistle-stop tour. Featuring scenic nature walks, wildlife spotting and a trip to natural hot springs, you’ll be amazed at the abundance of flora and fauna on offer. The journey to the cloud forest is special too, taking place on a Jeep-Boat-Jeep ride through thick, low-hanging cloud. From $730 per person.
Costa Rica Family Experience Tour (9 days)
Costa Rica is a fabulous destination for a family vacation and this 9-day tour is tailored to be fun, educational and inspiring for kids. Over a week-and-half, you and your little ones will spend the days and nights studying the biology and ecology of the beautiful Manuel Antonio National Park in a way that isn’t possible by reading a textbook. You’ll learn about the flora and fauna that inhabit the cloud forest and there’ll also be the chance to enjoy adventure activities including rappelling, rafting, kayaking, paddle-boarding, horseback-riding, and even surfing. From $1,292 per person.
Eco Adventure Trip in Costa Rica Tour (9 days)
(Photo: Green World Adventures / Courtesy Bookmundi)
There’s no more eco-friendly form of travel than outdoor adventure and this 9-day tour takes place exclusively in the open air. During the tour, you’ll visit some of the most popular spots in the country while participating in a number of outdoor sports and adventure activities. You’ll raft down the Pacuare River, ride horses through a cloud forest in Monteverde, travel from treetop to treetop while zip-lining in Santa Elena, and plenty more. Respite will be provided by Costa Rica’s abundance of pristine white sand beaches. From $1,427 per person.
Panama & Costa Rica Tour (18 days)
(Photo: Adventures Abroad / Courtesy Tourradar)
This extensive 18-day tour sees you visit Panama City, Costa Rica and 7 other destinations across Latin America. Highlights include a ferry ride through the famous Panama Canal, a visit to the Soberania National Park, a look around Amerindian villages, a hike through the Chiriqui Highlands with its array of flora and fauna, a stop-off in the tropical paradise of Bocas del Toro, an amble through the lush jungles of Costa Rica that come alive with the chattering of monkeys, a canopy walk above Monteverde Cloud Forest, and a chance to relax in the bubbling hot springs near the magnificent Arenal Volcano. From $4,995 per person.
Costa Rica Wildlife Tour (15 days)
(Photo: Explore! / Courtesy Gadventures)
Everything from sloths, toucans, monkeys and brightly coloured frogs make regular appearances for Costa Rica’s conveyor belt of eager tourists. Starting and ending in San Jose, this tour gives you the best chance to see as many exotic creatures as possible over 15 days. During the course of the trip, you’ll see how and why the country contains 5% of the world’s biodiversity as you navigate thick forests and jungle waterways teeming with life. You’ll also have the chance to try your hand at white water rafting, flying through the canopy on a zip wire, or simply kicking back on a white-sand beach. From $2,773 per person.
Wellness Costa Rica Tour (8 days)
Combine a trip to Costa Rica with a full wellness programme on this 8-day tour. The centrepiece attraction is the outdoor utopia of La Fortuna, a small town northwest of the capital, San José. Here you’ll be treated to a world of wellness, with yoga sessions overlooking the Arenal Volcano, hiking, free time for meditation, and a rejuvenating trip to thermal hot springs. You’ll then continue on to remote Rincón de la Vieja for more yoga and a therapeutic mud bath before a final stop in Playa Carrillo — home to a beach devoid of buildings, hotels, and restaurants that will give your mind a sense of renewed clarity. From $1,485 per person.