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.
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We enjoyed our trip, the accommodations were great, beds very comfortable. Shuttles to and from tours were on time and drivers very courteous. The guides for the tours were excellent. We really enjoyed all the tours.
From Arenal to the Caribbean CoastThe tour is very well planned. The hotels picked were excellent and the service was great from everyone we dealt with. Noteworthy items: Costa Rican drivers are very polite and somewhat slow drivers. Driving is very easy throughout the country. We loved driving ourselves and having the freedom to go where we wanted. In tortugero the rooms don’t have AC and you can hear your neighbors. The resort is beautiful and we are glad we went, but I wish we brought electric fans. We asked to be moved to a room with no one next to us.
The Best of Costa Rica, Self-DrivePura vida, really nice experience
Costa Rica Nature Explorer 8D/7N
Our traveler's Moments
10 best Private Costa Rica tour packages
Compiled by
SteffCosta Rica travel expert at TourRadar
- Customized 9 Days Costa Rica Honeymoon Package, Daily Start and Private Guide
- Costa Rica Scenic Self-Drive Road Trip - 9 Days incl. Private Activities with Local Guides
- Customized 11-Day Costa Rica Private Guided Tour for Nature Lover
- From Arenal to the Caribbean Coast
- Costa Rica & Manuel Antonio 8 Days, Self-Drive
- The Best of Costa Rica, Self-Drive
- West Costa Rica: Between Jungle and Ocean
- Costa Rica Nature Explorer 8D/7N
- Costa Rica: Pura Vida Firsthand
- Costa Rica Birdwatching
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
Duration 9 days Destinations San Jose, Orosi, Manuel Antonio National Park, Monteverde, Arenal, Sarapiquí, La Fortuna Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Indie From
- US$2,512
This private 11-day trip runs from San José to Liberia through Costa Rica's wildlife-rich areas. Boat tours through Tortuguero Canal let you spot monkeys, toucans, and green sea turtles nesting at Tortuguero National Park. Suspension bridges at Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridge Park lead to the Arenal 1968 Trail around the country's most active volcano. After hiking, you can relax in the thermal waters at Tabacon Hot Spring. A private guide takes you through Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve to see the cloud forest ecosystem. Catamaran sailing and snorkeling off Tamarindo's beaches in Guanacaste might bring you face-to-face with dolphins and sea turtles. Your accommodations include Laguna Lodge Tortuguero and comfortable hotels throughout the trip.
Duration 11 days Destinations San Jose, Guapiles, Tortuguero, Tortuguero National Park, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano National Park, Arenal, Monteverde, Playa Tamarindo, Playa FlamingoSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Agate Travel From
- US$5,049
From Arenal to the Caribbean Coast
“We really liked the experience in the canals, in a very secluded place as an alternative to Tortuguero.”
Michael, traveled in June
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
Costa Rica & Manuel Antonio 8 Days, Self-Drive
“Everything was lovely from the hotels that were chosen to the rental car that came with GPS.”
Chelsea, traveled in August
Your Costa Rican adventure features private stays at Hotel Balmoral in San Jose and Montaña de Fuego in Arenal. Activities include Sky Tram rides, La Fortuna Waterfall hikes, and Manuel Antonio beach visits, with dedicated meet-and-greet service.
Duration 8 days Destinations San Jose, Zarcero, Arenal, Arenal Volcano National Park, La Fortuna, Manuel Antonio National Park, Jaco, Poas Volcano National Park, Irazu Volcano National Park, OrosiSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From
- US$766
The Best of Costa Rica, Self-Drive
“Everything went very smoothly. Accommodations were great, and the food was delicious.”
Kirsten, traveled in December
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, Guapiles, Tortuguero, La Fortuna, Arenal, Monteverde, Puntarenas, Tortuga Island Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From
- US$1,754
Duration 6 days Destinations San Jose, Tarcoles, Quepos, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Worldee From
- US$841
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."