Costa Rica Small Group Tours
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10 best Costa Rica small group tours
Compiled by
MelissaCosta Rica travel expert at TourRadar
- One Week of Bliss in Costa Rica, Small Group Tour
- Costa Rica: Forests & Wildlife Paradise, Small Group Tour
- Costa Rica: Ocean Waves & Sunsets
- Costa Rica Experience
- Journeys: Explore Costa Rica National Geographic Journeys
- Costa Rica Wildlife Tour
- Costa Rica: Hike, Bike & Raft
- Southern Costa Rica Intense BioDiversity
- Costa Rica Pure Nature 10 days
- Basic Costa Rica: Coastlines & Cloud Forests
Duration 8 days Destinations San Jose, Arenal, Monteverde, Puntarenas Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type Group Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From $2,248
10% Off- US$2,023You save $224
Duration 15 days Destinations San Jose, Tortuguero, Sarapiquí, Arenal, Monteverde, Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park, Playa Tamarindo Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type Group Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From $4,280
10% Off- US$3,852You save $428
Costa Rica: Ocean Waves & Sunsets
41 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Very efficient in seeing and experiencing a lot of the country in a little amount of time.”
Jerronaka, traveled in July
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 18 to 39 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 18 Group Type Group Operator G Adventures From $949
25% Off- US$712You save $237
Costa Rica Experience
32 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour was outstanding.”
bethany, traveled in April
Groups of 12-15 fellow adventurers venture through Costa Rica. The intimate size enables personal homestay experiences in Santa Rosa de Pocosol, closer wildlife encounters in Monteverde Cloud Forest, and more attentive guidance from local experts. For ages 18+.
Duration 9 days Destinations San Jose, Santa Rosa de Pocosol, La Fortuna, Monteverde, Quepos, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Intrepid Travel From $1,295
5% Off- US$1,230You save $65
Journeys: Explore Costa Rica National Geographic Journeys
24 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour was very well organised. Would definitely recommend.”
Fiona, traveled in April
Limited to 16 travelers, with average age of 56. Close wildlife viewing in Tortuguero's canals and Manuel Antonio National Park. Personal attention from CEO guide ensures authentic experiences like home-cooking classes and reforestation projects.
Duration 14 days Destinations San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde, Santa Elena, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range up to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type Group Operator National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures From $3,099
10% Off- US$2,789You save $309
Costa Rica Wildlife Tour
87 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“A great itinerary with an excellent guide and driver.”
Ross, traveled in June
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, Los Quetzales National Park, Turrialba, Tortuguero National Park, Arenal Volcano National Park, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range 16 to 85 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type Group Operator Explore! From
10% Off- US$3,800
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, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Intrepid Travel From $1,965
10% Off- US$1,769You save $196
Small groups facilitate personalized wildlife spotting in Corcovado National Park with dedicated naturalist guides. The limited size enables closer encounters with 367 bird species at Los Quetzales and flexible exploration of Drake Bay's biodiversity-rich trails.
Duration 10 days Destinations San Jose, Los Quetzales National Park, Agujitas de Drake, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range 11 to 65 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Elemento Natural Costa Rica From
10% Off- US$2,935
Costa Rica Pure Nature 10 days
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The wild nature experience was really good, and the staff provided efficient support and transportation.”
Shingo, traveled in December
Groups under 15 people venture through Corcovado's eight distinct habitats with naturalist guides. Close-up waterfall hikes at San Pedrillo and optimal wildlife viewing await at Drake Bay Resort.
Duration 10 days Destinations San Jose, Corcovado National Park, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde Age Range up to 95 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 15 Group Type Group Operator Destiny Travel Costa Rica From
10% Off- US$3,995
Basic Costa Rica: Coastlines & Cloud Forests
33 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was a lovely way to see and experience different parts of Costa Rica.”
Denise, 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, La Fortuna, Monteverde, Playa Santa Teresa Age Range 18 to 39 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 18 Group Type Group Operator G Adventures From $1,399
25% Off- US$1,049You save $349
Reviews of Small Group tours to Costa Rica
- Costa Rica: Ocean Waves & Sunsets
Overall the tour was great, it provide opportunity to explore costa rica in a short period of time. It would be more enjoying if private transportation was provided instead of public bus.
- Basic Costa Rica: Coastlines & Cloud Forests
I really enjoyed the trip and the experience overall. The activities were fun, the people were great, and the nature was beautiful. It will not be a trip I forget and will be recommending my friends to come to Costa Rica. My criticism though, are as followed. The accommodations varied wildly from place to place, which can be improved, but it didn't spoil the experience. I do feel that some of the Itinerary should be updated for seasons, for example, it should be emphasized that white water rafting is better done in some seasons from than others. Also, if possible, signups for activities, or a more specific list of activities should be given at the beginning of the trip, not the minute we enter a new location.
- Costa Rica Experience
I thought this trip was fantastic and was one of the best of my life. I felt we got a great overview of much of the country and a good feel for the culture and people as well as the sights. Brian was an incredible leader. The pace was perfect and we did so many great things and saw so much wildlife. The homestay was definitely a highlight and exceeded my expectations. Our group was small and diverse and friendly and awesome. I really can't say enough good things about this trip. It was my first with intrepid and I can't wait for my next one with them.
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."