Costa Rica High Adventure Tours & Trip Packages

Costa Rica High Adventure Tours & Trips

301 Costa Rica trips. Tours from 130 tour companies. 881 reviews. 4.8/5 avg rating.

63 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
High Adventure
Costa Rica Experience
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

La Fortuna, Manuel Antonio National Park, Monteverde

Highlights

  • Try to spot the elusive resplendent quetzal when you’re exploring Monteverde’s steamy cloud forests. Better yet, why not consider a jungle zip-line to get high in the sky for the best views?
  • Spend time wandering through the Mercado Municipal de Artesanias artisan stalls in San Jose – Costa Rica’s cultural heart. With plenty of time to stop for a refresco (smoothie), this is a good opportunity to people-watch.
  • Lend a hand at a farmstay outside of Santa Rosa de Pocosol and learn some home-cooked recipes and techniques from the locals on a visit to the Juanilama agricultural community.
  • Marvel at the size and stature of the Arenal Volcano on the horizon, maybe taking a soak and relaxing in La Fortuna’s lava-heated thermal springs.
  • With plenty of time to chill out at your own pace, Quepos’ surf vibe is ideal for catching some waves, lazing on the white-sand beaches or hiking the lush trails of Manuel Antonio with your travel pals.

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety +

More
Premium Costa Rica in Depth
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy

Visits

Caribbean, Guanacaste

Highlights

  • Learn about the culture of Costa Rica with Premium exclusive experiences: spend time with a local family and learn how to create traditional dishes in their kitchen, and visit Matambu, the only indigenous territory of the Chorotegan people, to learn ancient pottery techniques passed down for generations.
  • Experience the magnificent landscapes Costa Rica from all angles with a gentle hike in Arenal Volcano National Park, a cruise on the Tortuguero canals, and a treetop walkways experience in the Monteverde Cloud Forest.
  • Enjoy two nights at your Feature Stay – a stunning and sustainable jungle hotel next to the electric-blue Rio Celeste River. Settle into your cosy casita (bungalow), an exclusive retreat just for you, and surround yourself with the sounds of nature.
  • End your trip with a free day at the beach, capped off with a sunset sailing cruise and a farewell dinner – the perfect way to reflect on your journey across Costa Rica.
  • Costa Rica is a nature lover’s dream. Keep your eyes out for green turtles, sloths, monkeys, coatis, anteaters, tropical birds, and more as you cross the width of Costa Rica, experiencing a variety of different habitats and environments.
Show more

Themes

High Adventure

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety +

More
Extreme Costa Rica 2023
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
5/5 Excellent
14 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Arenal Volcano, Monteverde, San José, Tortuguero National Park

Highlights

  • Tortuguero National Park
  • Pacuare River
  • Arenal Volcano

Themes

High Adventure, Nature & Wildlife, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing, Photography, Scuba Diving

What travelers are saying

"The brilliant excursions! Dear Richele! I am writing you with gratitude for organizing the brilliant excursions for our group of 16 people! They came back from Brazil very happy and really satisfied! So, many-many thanks to you and your wonderful team! Looking forward to our next cooperation) Kind Regards, Anna Zboranska Exotic Department TRAVEL PROFESSIONAL GROUP"

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety

More
Bike, Raft and Beach - Caribbean Tour (5 Days)
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Vacation / Holiday Package
Why we love them
They offer something for every kind of traveler and their excellent customer service is available throughout the whole process.
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

  • Some of the best mountain biking opportunities offered by this land of diversity
  • Bike Orosi to Turrialba
  • White Water Rafting at Pacuare River
  • Puerto Viejo Beach
  • Explore active volcanoes, coffee plantations, tropical rivers and lowland rainforests

Themes

High Adventure, Hiking & Walking, Local Immersion & Homestays, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing, Trekking & Expeditions

What travelers are saying

"We completed the three day tour with the glacier hike today! It was awesome and the sub vendor, Troll Expeditions, is definitely worthy of staying on the vendor list. 3 Day Blue Ice Cave + Golden Circle + Northern Lights"

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Arenal Volcano & Jaco Beach All Inclusive
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Vacation / Holiday Package
Why we love them
They offer something for every kind of traveler and their excellent customer service is available throughout the whole process.
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

  • Visit rainforests and beaches to get a taste of the best of Costa Rica
  • Try everything from ziplining to hot springs to crocodile safaris
  • Enjoy incredible views of Arenal Volcano, Jaco Beach and more

Themes

High Adventure, Hiking & Walking, Local Immersion & Homestays, Relaxing Retreats, Trekking & Expeditions

What travelers are saying

"We completed the three day tour with the glacier hike today! It was awesome and the sub vendor, Troll Expeditions, is definitely worthy of staying on the vendor list. 3 Day Blue Ice Cave + Golden Circle + Northern Lights"

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Flavors of Costa Rica
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.9/5 Excellent
51 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Manuel Antonio National Park, Pacific Ocean, San José, Tortuguero National Park

Highlights

  • Marvel at picture perfect Arenal Volcano and refreshen your sprit in the many thermal hot-springs
  • Slow down a little and relax on the white sand beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park
  • Cruise the Tortuguero Canals looking for wildlife from your jungle lodge and visit the local community for some fun
  • Zipline high above the lush cloud forests of Monteverde
  • Smell the sweet aroma of Costa Rican coffee at Don Juan
Show more

Themes

50 plus, Birding, Cultural, Education / Learning, High Adventure, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"We loved this trip. Our guide was excellent. We really enjoyed all the included highlights. Our favorite was Biltmore Estate. It is a must!"

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More

Unlock Community Benefits

Travel better together

  • Save favorite trips and itineraries
  • Get insider insights
  • Receive personalized recommendations
  • ... and much more
Join community
Costa Rica Adventure Family Holiday
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
With a huge range of trip styles and themes, they cater to basically every type of traveler out there- even those with super specific interests.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Arenal Volcano, Caribbean, La Paz

Highlights

  • Discover abundant wildlife–monkeys, sloths, birds and frogs are easy to spot
  • Visit the beach and waterways of Tortuguero, an important nesting site for green turtles
  • Meet the residents of the Sloth Sanctuary
  • Discover the beaches of both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts
  • Enjoy comfortable accommodation throughout, most with swimming pools
Show more

Themes

Cultural, Family Friendly, High Adventure, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing

What travelers are saying

"Discover Costa Rica is a great itinerary, covering varied habitats around the country and staying 2 nights each at 6 centres. Their birdwatching specials are led by local experts who really know their stuff."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety +

Generous cancellation

More
Costa Rica & Panama Discovery
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Boquete, Caribbean, Central America, Colon, Panama City

Highlights

  • Put your chef’s hat on and help prepare a traditional Caribbean dinner with a local family in their home in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca.
  • Swim in clear ocean waters, stop in at shacks serving cold cerveza and kick back on sandy shores covered in starfish in the Bocas del Toro, where you spend three nights on Isla Colon.
  • Head to the coffee plantations, waterfalls and caldera hot springs of Boquete – a highland town so beautiful you’ll hardly miss the beach at all!
  • Go on a jungle walk at night with your expert trip leader in the rainforest district of Sarapiqui – look out for various snakes, sloths, and frogs.
  • Get to know Panama City during a guided stroll along the Cinta Costera, right to the city’s salty belly – the Mercado de Mariscos (seafood market).
Show more

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety +

More
Travelstride Gift Card
One card, thousands of extraordinary trips
Gifts Card

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Design custom trip
63 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
High Adventure
...

1

2

3

4

...

Costa Rica Reviews & Ratings

4.8/5  Excellent
881  Reviews
See all Costa Rica tour reviews
Excellent
552
Great
88
Average
14
Disappointing
4
Terrible
4
A

Anonymous

Aug 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Coastal secrets of Costa Rica

I had booked this trip to celebrate "big birthdays" for both me and my daughter, so my expectations were high and this fantastic holiday exceeded my expectations. ...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

A wonderful trip

Thoroughly enjoyed this holiday. We saw so much wildlife from sloths and monkeys and even an anteater to scarlet macaws and toucans, as well as the elusive quetzal...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

A tropical paradise.

Overall we had such an amazing trip. Our tour guide was fantastic and one of a kind. He really knew his stuff and went the extra mile above and beyond for the grou...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Wonderful holiday!

I would recommend this well organised holiday to anyone who wants to explore the diverse landscapes of Costa Rica, as well as see a wide range of wildlife - sloths...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

I really wanted to see a Tapir!

Our third visit to Costa Rica was everything we expected and more (sadly we didn't see a tapir - but that was the only disappointment!). The trip is full on - if y...

Write a Review

Costa Rica Tour Selection Trips

  • Allow at least seven to ten days for a tour that will hit many of the highlights.
  • Costa Rica caters to a wide variety of travelers, including couples, singles, and families. Whether you’re looking for hard or soft adventure, Stride can help you find the best Costa Rica tours.
  • If you have a special interest -- birding or fishing, for instance -- look for tours that emphasize those activities; you’ll be able to find them.
  • Don’t be put off by reports of civil strife elsewhere in Central America; Costa Rica has been safe and peaceful for decades.
  • The dry season runs from December to April or May in San Jose (the capital) and the Pacific Coast and from January to April along the Caribbean.
  • Some parts of the country can get rain year-round, and temperature is swayed more by altitude than season, so pack an umbrella and visit any time of year.

Additional details

Tours to Costa Rica usually focus on a combination of eco travel, wildlife, and adventure. You will usually find a tour that weighs one or two of these themes above the other.

If it’s your first visit to Costa Rica, try to find a tour that hits upon what Costa Rica is most known for. These include Arenal Volcano and Monteverde Cloud Forest. Both attractions are extremely popular and are normally included in Costa Rica tour itineraries.

bridge-in-monteverde

Outdoors and Active Costa Rica Tours

Most Costa Rica tours don’t have a heavy emphasis on cultural or historical sight seeing. Simply because the wildlife and outdoor tour activities are enough to occupy the days!

Wildlife lovers will want for nothing in Costa Rica, and most itineraries do focus heavily on the diverse wildlife found in Costa Rica’s rainforests and cloud forests. Some may not include Tortuguero National Park - and if you don’t want to miss observing sea turtles nesting or hatching be sure to find a tour that includes this park!

Some of the most famous animals you can see relatively easily in Costa Rica include the red-eyed tree frog, crocodiles, howler monkeys, spider monkeys, tapirs, basilisk lizards, coatimundis (the Costa Rican version of a raccoon!), and two kinds of sloth. A night safari might allow you to see some of the rarer or more elusive animals in the country, such as jaguars, kinkajous, tarantulas, and ocelots. Don't forget to look up - night is the best time to see snakes as they stalk for sleeping birds in the trees above. 

If you decide to go snorkeling or scuba diving, you may run into bottlenose dolphins (or go see them on a dolphin swim!), green sea turtles and leatherbacks, sharks, and all kinds of tropical fish. Whale watching is  also a great way to see orcas and humpback, blue, beaked, and pilot whales. 

If you are interested in going on a birdwatching trip, there are also tons of beautiful and exotic birds. There are green and scarlet macaws,  toucans, dozens of species of hummingbirds, and all kinds of birds of paradise -- including the rare national bird of Costa Rica, the Resplendent Quetzal. 

costa-rican-volcano

Weather in Costa Rica

It gets quite wet and humid in Costa Rica, and the country is prone to hurricane conditions. Tour activities may change depending on the time of year, but generally you can expect to be walking through the rainforest in every sense of the word.

Most tours in Costa Rica will provide wet weather gear, though it is a good idea to pack light weight waterproof clothing for the majority of your tour. Long sleeves and pants can go a long way toward insect protection as well.

Eco Lodge Accommodation on Costa Rica Tours

Costa Rica has a long history as a leader in eco travel, and a majority of trips to Costa Rica have an eco, sustainable, and green travel theme. These will often feature a stay at an eco lodge, or even a treehouse! These can vary from luxury accommodations to comfortable-but-basic.

Don’t expect terribly reliable internet and electricity - particularly in keeping with the eco lodge approach! These establishments are designed to be as eco conscious as possible, and your tour will reveal new ways you can help contribute and be a responsible traveler.

Always Find the Best

On Travelstride you can find 301 trips to Costa Rica and more than 20,000 trips worldwide ranging from budget to luxury and private guided to group tours and everything in between. Only on Stride can you find and compare expert-planned trips from 1,000+ tour operators, cruise lines and local experts. Read traveler and professional reviews so you can confidently find your perfect trip.

Top Tour Companies on Travelstride:
All 1,600+ companies >
Sign in to reveal savings up to $700 per person!