Private Tours & Trips in Costa Rica
Could you imagine private Costa Rican guides adjusting literally everything - more Monteverde cloud forest time, extra Tamarindo beach afternoons, whatever works? Routes mix the famous stuff with Rio Celeste's blue waters, Curu Wildlife Refuge's quiet paths. Costa Rica runs from Caribbean coast over to Pacific with volcanic peaks and cloud forests sitting between - private tours handle this geography at your actual pace.
Excellent
- Choose from 100+ Costa Rica tours
- 200+ verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
- 24/7 customer support
- K
Kirsten • traveled in January
Our family of 4 with kids (ages 15 and 10) from the USA really enjoyed this trip! We like to see a lot of different things on our trips rather than just lounging. This trip definitely does that. Everything went very smoothly. Accommodations were great, and the food was delicious. All driver pick ups were on time, clean, and courteous. A few improvements or things for other travelers to ask about: I would have liked to get the final, detailed itinerary sooner. The web site indicated we would get it 2-3 weeks before the trip, but I received it less than 2 days before. I was trying to pre-book a couple of excursions in La Fortuna and Monteverde, and it would have been nice to have the confirmed dates and accommodations sooner. Also, I forgot to mention during booking - and no one asked - that we would want vegetarian meals. Most meals included in the package were buffet style, so that was fine. But on the day trip to Isla Tortuga, there wasn’t much for us to eat. We also did not know that the snorkeling at Isla Tortuga was an “add-on” part of the trip. Snorkeling near the main beach isn’t good, so don’t bother bringing snorkel gear if you don’t book the extra excursion. At the end of the trip we stayed in downtown San Jose, so we were the first to be picked up for Isla Tortuga at 5:20am (that’s rough with kids!), but then stopped to pick up people at many other hotels along the way - so we did not even leave the city until about 6:45am. I wondered if there would have been a different hotel to stay in for the end of the trip that would have been closer to west side of the city (later pick up!), but also not too far from the airport for the departure day.
The Best of Costa Rica, Self-Drive - G
Georgia • traveled in July
Our trip was great! We loved the volcanos area so much that we are planning a return visit.
Costa Rica & Manuel Antonio 7 Days, Self-Drive - N
Natia • traveled in December, 2024
Trip was well organized from the day first to last day. All drivers and tour guides arrived on time and were very professional and polite. I travelled alone and felt extremely safe. Country is stunningly beautiful. I enjoyed exploring nature and saw a lot of wildlife. I would recommend this tour anyone who enjoys nature and looking for some peace and quiet time. Thank you for this great adventure.
Costa Rica Express - 7 days
Our traveler's Moments
Fantasy on Beaches and Volcanoes, Self-Drive
MarcGHGeorgia
Costa Rica & Manuel Antonio 7 Days, Self-Drive
MCMichelle
From Arenal to the Caribbean Coast
Costa Rica Highlights Adventure 8D/7NYvonne
Raft, Hike and Explore Costa RicaCarlie
Eco-adventure in Costa RicaSheena
KLKatie
Our Costa Rican Highlights
CSClaudine
The Best of Costa Rica (Activities included and Superior hotels)
ACASHLEY
Costa Rica Wildlife Exploration
10 best Private Costa Rica tour packages
Compiled by
SteffCosta Rica travel expert at TourRadar
- Tailor-Made Best 9 Days Private Costa Rica Tour to Find Glass Butterfly, Daily Starts
- Customized 9 Days Costa Rica Honeymoon Package, Daily Start and Private Guide
- The Best of Costa Rica, Self-Drive
- Costa Rica & Manuel Antonio 7 Days, Self-Drive
- Costa Rica Express - 7 days
- 9 Days Unique Costa Rican Adventure
- From Arenal to the Caribbean Coast
- Costa Rica Highlights Adventure 8D/7N
- Full Costa Rica Explorer 14D/13N
- Natural Wonders of Costa Rica - 10 days
Your private guide leads from San Jose to Arenal Volcano. Wander Monteverde Cloud Forest and Manuel Antonio National Park, while luxuriating at Tabacon Thermal Resort with flexible scheduling.
Duration 9 days Destinations San Jose, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Agate Travel From
- US$5,429
Duration 9 days Destinations San Jose, Tortuguero, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano National Park, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Agate Travel From
- US$4,459
The Best of Costa Rica, Self-Drive
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was Awesome Tour and tourradar support was available at any point of time with quick response.”
Deepak, traveled in January
Private transfers from San Jose Airport lead to comfortable stays at Turtle Beach Lodge and Casa Luna Hotel. Intimate wildlife viewing in Tortuguero combines with self-paced Arenal exploration and tailored Monteverde activities.
Duration 10 days Destinations San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde, Tortuga Island Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From
- US$1,721
Costa Rica & Manuel Antonio 7 Days, Self-Drive
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Costa Rica is a beautiful country. We had a great time!”
Paula, traveled in January
A 7-day private escape features accommodations at Park Inn San Jose and Los Lagos Arenal. The trip includes visits to Zarcero village, Arenal hot springs, and Villa Vanilla Spice Plantation, with a Daihatsu Bego rental offering unlimited mileage.
Duration 7 days Destinations San Jose, Arenal Volcano National Park, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From
- US$713
Costa Rica Express - 7 days
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Country is stunningly beautiful. I enjoyed exploring nature and saw a lot of wildlife.”
Natia, traveled in November
Private airport transfers launch your wildlife adventure. Guided excursions wind through Tortuguero's canals, Arenal Volcano National Park's lava trails, and Manuel Antonio's coastal jungle, with nights in select 4-star accommodations.
Duration 7 days Destinations San Jose, Tortuguero, Tortuguero National Park, Guapiles, La Fortuna, Arenal, Arenal Volcano National Park, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator On The Go Tours From
- US$2,455
Private transfers connect your Costa Rican destinations. Wildlife viewing at Curu Refuge and cultural immersion at San Jose's Central Market come alive with expert guides. Paradise Hot Springs and Monteverde's night tours offer intimate moments.
Duration 9 days Destinations San Jose, Monteverde, Playa Santa Teresa Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Wonderful Holidays UK From
- US$3,281
From Arenal to the Caribbean Coast
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Love the hot springs, views of the volcano and friendliness of the people.”
Michelle, traveled in April
Travel through Costa Rica's top regions on this private tour, starting with natural hot springs right below Arenal Volcano and then heading to Barra Pacuare's quiet canals—a less-crowded option than Tortuguero. Walk down 500 steps to La Fortuna Waterfall.
Duration 8 days Destinations San Jose, La Fortuna, Pacuare River, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Alajuela Age Range Ages 6+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Elemento Natural Costa Rica From
- US$1,665
What our customers ask about Private Tours & Trips in Costa Rica
When is the best time to take a Private tour in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica's prime touring seasons differ across regions. The Pacific coast areas of Manuel Antonio and Tamarindo see the best weather from December to April. On the Caribbean coast near Tortuguero visitors find favorable conditions in February, March September and October. Clear morning views of Arenal Volcano are most reliable from December to April. A TourRadar traveler noted: "We went in February and had perfect weather for both rainforest exploration and beach time plus our private guide could adjust the schedule around occasional afternoon showers."
What's the typical cost range for a Private tour in Costa Rica?
Daily rates for private Costa Rica tours run between $150-300 depending on your choices. A 10-day tour visiting Tortuguero Arenal and Manuel Antonio averages $2776 per person. This price point includes stays at premium properties like Evergreen Lodge in Tortuguero private vehicles dedicated guides most meals and exclusive activities. One TourRadar traveler shared: "While pricier than group tours the flexibility and personalized attention of our Private tour was worth every penny."
How much wildlife can I expect to see on a Private Costa Rica tour?
The wildlife viewing possibilities are extensive with dedicated guide attention. Tortuguero National Park offers chances to see green sea turtles from July through October along with howler monkeys and hundreds of bird species. Private guides lead specialized quetzal spotting in Monteverde while Corcovado National Park houses 140 different mammals including jaguars and tapirs. A TourRadar traveler mentioned: "Having a private guide in Manuel Antonio meant we could spend extra time tracking sloths and monkeys spotting way more wildlife than we expected."
What kind of accommodations can I expect on a Private tour in Costa Rica?
Accommodations focus on upscale properties tailored to each location. Options range from Casa Luna Hotel & Spa with volcano views in La Fortuna to the beachfront Tamarindo Diria Resort. Nature-focused stays like Evergreen Lodge in Tortuguero provide private bungalows set in rainforest surroundings. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The private accommodations were carefully selected each offering unique experiences from rainforest immersion to beachfront luxury."
How flexible are the itineraries on Private Costa Rica tours?
Daily schedules remain adaptable while covering key destinations like Arenal Volcano and Manuel Antonio National Park. Visitors can modify activity timing pace and specific experiences based on their interests. This might mean extended wildlife viewing in Tortuguero or adding an impromptu sailing excursion in Tamarindo. One TourRadar traveler commented: "Our guide was incredibly accommodating adjusting our schedule when we wanted to spend more time at certain locations or add spontaneous stops."
What's included in the meal plan for Private Costa Rica tours?
Standard meal plans cover daily breakfast at select hotels like Hotel Presidente in San José with additional lunches and dinners at quality restaurants. Lodges such as those in Tortuguero typically provide all meals featuring local ingredients. The private format allows easy accommodation of dietary needs when arranged in advance. One TourRadar traveler mentioned: "The private dining experiences were exceptional from gourmet rainforest lodges to intimate beachfront restaurants."