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: Contiki.com)
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 currently available.
Costa Rica National Parks (7 days)
Aimed at travellers aged 18-35, this small-group tour will see you visit some of Costa Rica’s most famous national parks, as well as providing time to venture beyond the country’s well-trodden tourist path. With your fellow adventure-seekers, you’ll see a corner of the world teeming with wildlife, waterfalls, historical sites and plenty more. Highlights include taking a hike in Cahuita National Park, visiting a sea turtle conservancy and sloth sanctuary, exploring the Tortuguero Canals by boat, getting up close to a volcano, learning to surf off the white sand beaches of Puerto Viejo and kayaking in Punts Uva. Accommodation, transport, and several meals are included in the tour price. From $1,801 per person.
Monkeys, Jungles and Volcanoes (8 days)
(Photo: Trafalgar.com)
Ziplining through a lush canopy, trekking up the slopes of a volcano and taking a stroll around a traditional village are just some of the stand-out activities you’ll enjoy on this 8-day tour. On arrival, a local host will greet you at San Jose Airport and your first hours in the country can be spent kicking back in a pool before an evening kick-off fiesta with your fellow group to help break the ice. Over the ensuing days, it’ll be all action, with national park visits, boat trips, dinner against a backdrop of live music, and a whole lot more. And, as the name suggests, there’ll be plenty of opportunities to get up close and personal with Costa Rica’s abundant population of monkeys. The ends with an airport drop-off back in San Jose. From $3,080 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 a 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.com)
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.com)
This extensive 18-day tour sees you visit Panama City, Costa Rica and seven 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.com)
Everything from sloths, toucans, monkeys and brightly colored 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 program on this 8-day tour. The centerpiece 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 free of buildings, hotels, and restaurants, giving your mind a sense of renewed clarity. From $1,485 per person.