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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Therese • traveled in February, 2026
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 Coast - 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 - H
Hadi • traveled in January
Great way to see most of Costa Ricas highlights in a short space of time. Self-guided, so you just have to make sure you are ready at your hotel for pickup on the transfer days. Very well organised transport, always on time and glitch free. In Monteverde the package included the most gorgeous horseback riding scenery I have ever witnessed, and the ziplining is a must do in that region. We used the first free day to also visit the Monteverde national reserve and hike the rainforest. In la fortuna, your visit is short, but included is an all day pass to the Baldi hot spring resort, which again is an extremely high quality experience. On to Tortugero, and you will have 2 guided boat toars and 2-3 walking tours of the rainforest. Lots of travelling in a short space of time, but I can't envisage any other way of seeing so much in such a short span of time, with no problems along the way.
Costa Rica Highlights Adventure 8D/7N
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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
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- From Arenal to the Caribbean Coast
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- Natural Wonders of Costa Rica - 10 days
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
Your own private guide and vehicle take you to Poas Volcano's sulfurous crater and Doka Coffee Plantation to see how beans are processed. Later, trek through Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridge Park looking for sloths and howler monkeys, then soak in Tabacon Hot Springs.
Duration 7 days Destinations San Jose, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano National Park, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Agate Travel From
- US$4,239
From Arenal to the Caribbean Coast
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The accommodations were great, beds very comfortable. We really enjoyed all the tours.”
Therese, traveled in January
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 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 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, Arenal, Monteverde, Playa Santa Teresa, Curú Wildlife Refuge Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Wonderful Holidays UK From $3,731
8% Off- US$3,432You save $298
Costa Rica & Manuel Antonio 8 Days, Self-Drive
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“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 $766
15% Off- US$651You save $115
Costa Rica Highlights Adventure 8D/7N
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I liked the 8D7N trip because I got to see a lot of the beautiful Costa Rica. Nice pace too.”
Stella, traveled in December
Eight days of wildlife encounters await with private transfers from San Jose Airport. Intimate tours through Tortuguero National Park and Arenal Volcano hikes complement your stay at Evergreen Lodge, featuring customized meals and English-speaking guides.
Duration 8 days Destinations San Jose, Guapiles, Tortuguero National Park, Tortuguero, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano National Park, Santa Elena, Monteverde Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Bamba Travel From
15% Off- US$2,233
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."