Costa Rica Small Group Tours
Fancy an adventure, hiking through Arenal Volcano's green trails before ziplining through Monteverde's misty cloud forest? Costa Rica brings adventure and peace, from Manuel Antonio's animals to Santa Elena Cloud Forest's canopy paths. Soak in La Fortuna's hot springs, surf at Santa Teresa, and paddle through Tortuguero's waterways. Pura vida is ready.
10 best Costa Rica small group tours
Compiled by
MelissaCosta Rica travel expert at TourRadar
- From Arenal to the Caribbean Coast
- Costa Rica Experience
- Costa Rica: Ocean Waves & Sunsets
- Costa Rica: Hike, Bike & Raft
- Exotic Costa Rica, Self-drive
- Premium Costa Rica (8 destinations)
- Costa Rica Wildlife Tour
- Best of Costa Rica
- Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste, Self-drive
- Ultimate Escape Costa Rica, Self-drive
From Arenal to the Caribbean Coast
“Love the hot springs, views of the volcano and friendliness of the people.”
Michelle, traveled in April
With just 6 travelers max, you'll get focused attention from local guides throughout—hiking Arenal Volcano National Park trails, paddling through Barra Pacuare's waterways, and wandering Pacuare Reserve's wildlife paths. The small size makes lunches with the Rodriguez Family feel more personal and gives everyone space to tackle La Fortuna Waterfall's 500 steps at their own speed. A private mini-van handles all transfers between San José, La Fortuna, and Puerto Viejo beaches so travel stays comfortable.
Duration 8 days Destinations San Jose, La Fortuna, Pacuare River, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Alajuela Age Range Ages 6+ Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 6 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Elemento Natural Costa Rica From
- US$1,665
Costa Rica Experience
“What a beautiful country with so much to see and experience. I would definitely sign up for an Intrepid tour again!”
Emma, traveled in July
Groups of 12-15 fellow adventurers venture through Costa Rica. The intimate size enables personal homestay experiences in Santa Rosa de Pocosol, closer wildlife encounters in Monteverde Cloud Forest, and more attentive guidance from local experts. For ages 18+.
Duration 8 days Destinations San Jose, La Fortuna, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio National Park, Quepos Age Range Ages 15+ Group Size Max Group Size 14 Group Type Group Operator Intrepid Travel From $1,480
20% Off- US$1,184
Costa Rica: Ocean Waves & Sunsets
“This trip was fantastic! Would definitey recommend for anybody interested in exploring this beautiful country on a smaller budget!”
Caleb, traveled in June
Small groups averaging 12-15 travelers, primarily aged 20-35. The select size allows for personalized attention from your CEO guide, rated 4.9/5 by past guests, and enables flexible scheduling of optional activities like white water rafting and surf lessons.
Duration 8 days Destinations San Jose, La Fortuna, Playa Santa Teresa Age Range Ages 18-39 Group Size Max Group Size 18 Group Type Group Operator G Adventures From
20% Off- US$899
Costa Rica: Hike, Bike & Raft
“A very nice sampling of Costa Rica: cloud forest, volcano, Caribbean beach. Good for those looking for moderate physical activity.”
Maya, traveled in February
Maximum 12 travelers, minimum age 15, allows for personalized experiences like spotting sloths in Monteverde Cloud Forest and Caribbean cooking demonstrations in Puerto Viejo. Small numbers ensure better wildlife viewing and more attention from local guides.
Duration 8 days Destinations San Jose, Monteverde, La Fortuna, Caño Negro, Pacuare River, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca Age Range Ages 15+ Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Intrepid Travel From $1,820
20% Off- US$1,456
Exotic Costa Rica, Self-drive
“The packaged tour saved us a lot of time deciding where to travel to and where to stay.”
Gary, traveled in December
The limited group size allows natural immersion at locations like Manuel Antonio National Park. Smaller numbers ensure personal attention during activities like the Las Pailas loop trail and Rio Celeste waterfall visits.
Duration 8 days Destinations Liberia, Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park, Bijagua, Monteverde, Santa Elena, Quepos, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 20 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From
20% Off- US$1,553
Premium Costa Rica (8 destinations)
“Costa Rica is a beautiful country with unbelievable scenery and lovely people. The excursions were fun and again educational.”
Janet, traveled in June
Small groups averaging 8 travelers, accompanied by expert naturalist guides, uncover Costa Rica's hidden gems. The select size allows private access to Arenal Vida Campesina farm and personal wildlife spotting in Cano Negro Wetlands. Private transportation ensures comfort between destinations.
Duration 9 days Destinations San Jose, Poas Volcano National Park, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range Ages 15+ Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Intrepid Premium From
20% Off- US$5,245
Costa Rica Wildlife Tour
“This tour exceeded my expectations. I would recommend this tour to friends and family.”
Valerie, traveled in November
Groups of 16-24 travelers share wildlife encounters with expert guides. The setting is ideal for viewing sloths in Tortuguero National Park, quetzals in Savegre Cloud Forest, and capuchin monkeys in Manuel Antonio, plus local finca visits and chocolate tastings.
Duration 15 days Destinations San Jose, San Gerardo de Dota, Savegre, Turrialba, Pacuare River, Tortuguero National Park, Tortuguero, Guapiles, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, La FortunaSee all destinations Age Range Ages 16+ Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type Group Operator Explore! From $4,060
20% Off- US$3,240
Best of Costa Rica
“Had a great time. A great way to see Costa Rica and, in my case, travelling alone.”
Stephen, traveled in January
Duration 11 days Destinations San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, Tortuguero, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range Ages 15+ Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Intrepid Travel From
20% Off- US$4,115
Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste, Self-drive
“Great guides and we especially loved the boat ride out to Tortuguero.”
Ingrid, traveled in January
Small groups averaging 8-12 travelers share excursions in Tortuguero. The intimate size ensures personal attention during wildlife spotting in Braulio Carrillo National Park and creates authentic cultural interactions in Tamarindo beach town.
Duration 10 days Destinations San Jose, Tortuguero, Tortuguero National Park, Arenal, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde, Santa Elena, Playa Tamarindo Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 30 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From
20% Off- US$1,747
Duration 11 days Destinations Liberia, Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park, Arenal, Arenal Volcano National Park, Braulio Carillo National Park, Sarapiquí, Guapiles, Tortuguero National Park, Tortuguero, San JoseSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 4 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From
20% Off- US$2,082
Reviews of Small Group tours to Costa Rica
It was a fantastic experience! We saw some of the most beautiful places! It was so nice to just relax and be shuffled from one beautiful place to another! Bernie our tour guide is a fantastic man! He never stops smiling!
Costa Rica: Ocean Waves & Sunsets
- Costa Rica Experience
Good trip with a good guide !
- Exotic Costa Rica, Self-drive
The packaged tour saved us a lot of time deciding where to travel to and where to stay with the limited time we had. Service by Tour Radar was excellent, answering questions quickly and professionally. The lodges we stayed at were superb and driving around Costa Rica (about 600 miles) was no more difficult than driving in Vermont (I drive on plenty of dirt roads with potholes, and the paved roads in CR are good). We recommend that you book ahead national park registrations during the busier months.
What our customers ask about Costa Rica Small Group Tours
What destinations are best suited for small group tours in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica's prime locations for small group tours center on Tortuguero National Park where visitors can spot wildlife Monteverde Cloud Forest for hiking and canopy exploration Arenal Volcano for outdoor adventures and Manuel Antonio National Park which combines beach and rainforest experiences. Small eco-lodges like Pachira Lodge in Tortuguero and Hotel Belmar in Monteverde specifically welcome intimate groups. The Country Inn & Suites in San Jose provides a practical starting point before venturing to these natural areas.
How do accommodations differ on small group tours versus larger tours?
Boutique hotels and eco-lodges that host small groups offer a more personal experience than large-scale resorts. Places like Le Cameleon Hotel in Puerto Viejo and Savegre Lodge in San Gerardo de Dota typically feature 15-30 rooms creating a more intimate setting. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The small eco-lodges we stayed at in Tortuguero and Monteverde felt so much more special than big resorts - we really got to know the staff and local community."
What is the ideal small group size for exploring Costa Rica's national parks?
Groups of 8-12 travelers work best for exploring parks like Arenal and Monteverde as shown by tours such as "Costa Rica at its Best." This size lets visitors get closer to wildlife and receive more attention from nature guides. A TourRadar traveler noted "The guides were excellent and being in a smaller group meant we could spot more wildlife like sloths and monkeys in Tortuguero National Park." Properties like Evergreen Lodge in Tortuguero and Savegre Hotel in Monteverde cater well to these smaller groups.
How does transportation work with small group tours in Costa Rica?
Travel happens in 16-20 seat air-conditioned minibuses for land routes while small boats that fit 15-20 passengers serve areas like Tortuguero National Park. One operator notes: "Due to the type of vehicles we use luggage is often transported on the roof covered by tarpaulin." Smaller vehicles can reach remote spots and stop easily for wildlife viewing.
How does dining work on small group tours in Costa Rica?
Tours include daily breakfast and select meals at local restaurants or lodge dining rooms. At Savegre Hotel groups eat at Las Bromelias restaurant which serves seasonal local produce. A TourRadar review states "The small group size meant we could eat at authentic local spots rather than tourist restaurants. Our guide took us to amazing family-run places in La Fortuna where we tried traditional Costa Rican dishes."
What is the typical age range and demographic on small group tours in Costa Rica?
Tours attract travelers aged 30-70 years old with many outdoor enthusiasts. Places like Tabulia Tree Hotel in Manuel Antonio and Arenal Montechiari welcome various age groups. Tour data shows solo travelers make up 34% while couples account for 49% creating a social yet personal environment. A TourRadar traveler shared "Our small group had a great mix of ages and backgrounds which made for interesting conversations and shared experiences."