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
- Costa Rica: Ocean Waves & Sunsets
- 9 Days Unique Costa Rican Adventure
- From Arenal to the Caribbean Coast
- Best of Costa Rica
- Costa Rica Wildlife Tour
- Costa Rica Highlights, 10 days
- Exotic Costa Rica, Self-drive
- Basic Costa Rica: Coastlines & Cloud Forests
- Costa Rica: Hike, Bike & Raft
- Best of Costa Rica 9 Days Tour
Costa Rica: Ocean Waves & Sunsets
43 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The best guide ever!”
Spyridoula, traveled in September
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 $899
10% Off- US$809You save $90
Small groups ensure personalized wildlife viewing at Curu Refuge and Monteverde's night tours. Private transfers provide comfortable travel between San Jose, Monteverde cloud forest, and Playa Santa Teresa's secluded beaches.
Duration 9 days Destinations San Jose, Arenal, Monteverde, Playa Santa Teresa, Curú Wildlife Refuge Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Wonderful Holidays UK From $3,762
8% Off- US$3,461You save $301
From Arenal to the Caribbean Coast
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“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
8% Off- US$1,665
Best of Costa Rica
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I had a fantastic trip. Bryan worked so hard to make sure everyone had the best trip possible.”
Rebecca, traveled in March
An intimate gathering of 12 travelers maximum, guided by local experts through Costa Rica's biodiversity. The select group size ensures individual attention during Terraba indigenous community visits and private access to organic coffee farms in Los Santos region.
Duration 10 days Destinations San Jose, La Fortuna, Caño Negro, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio National Park, San Gerardo de Dota, Los Quetzales National Park Age Range Ages 15+ Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Intrepid Travel From $3,660
20% Off- US$2,928You save $732
Costa Rica Wildlife Tour
90 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Communication of facts on wildlife, socio-economic, history, geography, politics and culture were excellent.”
Bill, traveled in January
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 $3,910
7% Off- US$3,630You save $280
Costa Rica Highlights, 10 days
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Extremely organized and very well planned tour! Highly recommend this tour!”
Hana, traveled in February
The 4-hour Arenal Volcano hike and Monteverde Cloud Forest trek are led by expert English-speaking naturalist guides. Premium accommodation at Turtle Beach Lodge provides private downtime between shared activities.
Duration 10 days Destinations San Jose, Tortuguero, Guapiles, Arenal, Arenal Volcano National Park, La Fortuna, Monteverde, Santa Elena, Playa Tamarindo Age Range Ages 10+ Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 15 Group Type Group Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From $3,359
15% Off- US$2,855You save $504
Exotic Costa Rica, Self-drive
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“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 $1,553
15% Off- US$1,320You save $233
Basic Costa Rica: Coastlines & Cloud Forests
33 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Fantastic itinerary and optional activities. I really enjoyed the tour.”
Nitasha, traveled in June
A select group led by a Chief Experience Officer (CEO) averages 14 travelers aged 20-35. The intimate size enables unique activities like the Coope San Juan homestay dinner and personal coffee tastings at Life Monteverde cooperative in Costa Rica's mountains.
Duration 14 days Destinations San Jose, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Manzanillo, San Carlos, La Fortuna, Caño Negro, Monteverde, Playa Santa Teresa, Montezuma, Tortuga IslandSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-39 Group Size Max Group Size 18 Group Type Group Operator G Adventures From $1,349
25% Off- US$1,012You save $337
Costa Rica: Hike, Bike & Raft
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“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 $1,770
30% Off- US$1,239You save $531
Your group caps at 12 travelers, so wildlife watching at Arenal Volcano National Park feels more intimate and you'll access Tortuguero's narrower jungle channels that bigger boats can't reach. The smaller numbers mean snorkeling sessions at Cahuita's coral reefs stay flexible and hikes through Puerto Viejo's coastal trails allow closer interaction with your guide throughout.
Duration 9 days Destinations San Jose, Arenal Volcano National Park, Tortuguero National Park, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Cahuita Age Range Ages 12+ Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator GUIDEcuador Travel From $3,410
5% Off- US$3,240You save $171
Reviews of Small Group tours to Costa Rica
- Costa Rica: Ocean Waves & Sunsets
Amazing tour. Very efficient in seeing and experiencing lot of the country in a little amount of time.
- Costa Rica Wildlife Tour
One hotel, my room flooded during the night and I could raise no-one on site and internal doors were locked to prevent access. I felt this was particularly dangerous. It was hours before someone helped and got me another room.
- Basic Costa Rica: Coastlines & Cloud Forests
We had a group of 14 people. Ages ranged from 21 to 36 with most being mid 20s. Everyone was friendly and easy to get on with. Most of us were from the UK but there was also 4 Swiss and 1 German. The tour had a great range of activities from the relaxing: laying on the beach, nature walks to the more exhilarating: White water rafting and zip-lining. You need to bear in mind that all activities and almost all meals are an extra cost so that needs to be factored in when budgeting. Daniel our CEO was excellent, he had great knowledge of the area, was very passionate about the country and was great fun. All travel and accommodation arrangements ran very smoothly. The accommodation is of basic standard as advertised. Most places were absolutely fine but I found Kayas place in Puerto Viejo to be unsatisfactory. It simply was not clean or at all comfortable. Was only sharing with one other person apart from at the hostel in Selina where I was in a dorm room. The country itself was beautiful and had a lot to offer in terms of the activities, nature and scenery. Would recommend the tour.
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."