Costa Rica’s top tours deliver outstanding value and authentic experiences. Small-group excursions cut through the tourist traps, focusing on what makes this country special. The best options include intimate wildlife encounters at Caño Negro Wetlands, local coffee plantation visits, and therapeutic soaks in volcanic hot springs. Having tested dozens of tours personally, I especially appreciate those combining nature and culture – like the animal rescue center visits where you’ll learn about conservation while seeing native species up close. Beverage enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the artisanal wine, beer, and mead tastings that showcase Costa Rica’s emerging craft scene.
Let’s explore the most worthwhile Costa Rican tours worth your time and money.
Key Points
- Costa Rica offers a diverse range of tours, including wine, beer, and mead tastings, hot spring experiences, coffee plantation tours, birdwatching, and animal rescue center visits.
- Tour operators prioritize small group sizes for a more personalized and intimate experience, with maximum group sizes ranging from 12 to 18 travelers.
- Popular tour highlights include the Caño Negro Wetlands and Wildlife Refuge, where travelers can spot monkeys, birds, and iguanas in their natural habitats.
- Tour packages typically include round-trip hotel transfers, bottled water, and an authentic local lunch, though gratuities are often not included.
- While tours may not be fully wheelchair accessible, the emphasis on nature exploration suggests moderate mobility is required for most travelers to participate.
Costa Rica Central Valley Wine, Beer, and Mead Tour and Tasting
What better way to experience the unique flavors of Costa Rica’s Central Valley than with a wine, beer, and mead tasting tour? At the Costa Rica Meadery, the only commercial meadery in Central America, visitors can learn how local honey is transformed into delectable mead.
The guided tour includes a walk through the Ark Herb Farm gardens, showcasing the ingredients used in the beverages, such as berries, vanilla, cacao, and herbs.
Guests can choose between morning or afternoon tours, with a maximum group size of 15 travelers. The tasting menu features the Caribeño Sparkling Ginger Mead, with its fresh ginger aroma and spicy apple notes, and the Et Tu Brute Sparkling Honey Wine, boasting aromas of passion fruit and honey.
With a 100% traveler recommendation rate and positive reviews highlighting the beautiful gardens, informative tastings, and engaging hosts, this tour offers an intimate and immersive experience for those seeking to explore Costa Rica’s artisanal beverage scene.
Read our full review: Costa Rica Central Valley Wine, Beer, and Mead Tour and Tasting Review
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Relaxing Hotsprings and La Fortuna Waterfall Tour
This relaxing tour takes visitors to the renowned thermal hot springs nestled at the base of the iconic Arenal Volcano. Operated by Arenas Travel CR, the tour offers a maximum of 18 travelers the chance to soak in the rejuvenating waters and marvel at the scenic views of Arenal.
Priced from $150.00 per person, the tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, a bilingual guide, and entrance fees for the hot springs.
With a 100% recommendation rate and an impressive 5.0 overall rating based on 48 reviews, this tour is a must-do for anyone seeking a truly relaxing and rejuvenating experience in Costa Rica.
Pickup is provided at your hotel, and the tour departs at 7:00 am, ensuring you have ample time to fully learn about the natural beauty of the region.
Flexibility is also a key feature, as the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of the experience.
Read our full review: Relaxing Hotsprings and La Fortuna Waterfall Tour Review
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Coffee Experience and Poas Volcano Half Day Tour From San José
A combo half-day tour from San José takes visitors to explore the Doka Estate Coffee Plantation and the Poas Volcano National Park.
Travelers can learn about coffee cultivation, harvesting, and roasting, and enjoy a breakfast with a coffee tasting. The morning tour leaves the rest of the day free.
The tour includes a professional bilingual guide, transfers, breakfast, and all fees and taxes. It operates with a minimum of two passengers and has a maximum of 99 travelers.
Pickup is between 5:30 am and 6:00 am from hotels in the San José area. Moderate physical fitness is required, and infants are welcome. Guests should bring appropriate clothing and gear.
The tour is well-reviewed, with praise for the coffee education and volcano views, though some have complained about timing and pick-up logistics. Travelers can opt for a private tour to avoid delays.
The tour costs $106.00 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Read our full review: Coffee Experience and Poas Volcano Half Day Tour From San José Review
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Birdwatching Tour in Tapantí National Park
Nestled in the lush, misty forests of Tapantí National Park, the Birdwatching Tour offers visitors a chance to enjoy the park’s avian wonders.
With a 100% recommendation rate from 10 travelers, this 3-hour tour is suitable for both beginner and advanced birdwatchers. Participants can expect to spot over 400 bird species, including endemic highland species like toucanets, barbets, tanagers, and flycatchers, across diverse habitats.
The tour provides binoculars and a field guide, and a knowledgeable naturalist guide is available to assist participants. Priced at $59 per person, the tour includes transportation, park entrance fees, and the opportunity for free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.
Reviewers have praised the guides’ expertise and the personalized attention provided during the tours.
Whether you’re a seasoned birdwatcher or a newcomer to the hobby, the Birdwatching Tour in Tapantí National Park promises an unforgettable adventure in one of Costa Rica’s premier birding destinations.
Read our full review: Birdwatching Tour in Tapantí National Park Review
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Animal Rescue Center Around San Jose – Experience Tour
Situated just outside San Jose, the Animal Rescue Center offers visitors a unique opportunity to witness Costa Rican wildlife up close on a guided tour.
The one-hour experience, led by a local guide fluent in English and Spanish, allows a maximum of 15 travelers to explore the animals’ living areas and engage in a Q&A session. Guests will have the chance to see a variety of Costa Rican wildlife, though touching or hugging the animals is strictly prohibited.
The facility is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with clean restrooms and a cold water refill station available. Priced at $25 per person with a lowest price guarantee, the tour can be booked with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
With an overall rating of 4.1 based on 10 reviews, the Animal Rescue Center experience is a must-do for nature enthusiasts visiting the San Jose area.
Read our full review: Animal Rescue Center Around San Jose – Experience Tour Review
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Manuel Antonio National Park Full Day Tour From San José
Departing from San José, the Manuel Antonio National Park full-day tour offers visitors an immersive experience in one of Costa Rica’s most stunning natural wonders.
Highlights include breakfast, crocodile sightings, hiking with a naturalist guide, and relaxing on Playa Espadilla. The tour provides round-trip transport, an air-conditioned vehicle, a professional bilingual guide, and all fees and taxes.
Guests should bring recommended items like a hat, sunblock, and camera, while prepared food and plastic bottles are prohibited.
With a minimum of two passengers and a maximum of 20 travelers, the tour has received 4.6/5 stars in reviews. Guests praise the informative and friendly guides, the beautiful scenery, and the quality of the provided meals.
Those looking to explore Manuel Antonio National Park from San José will find this tour to be a convenient and enjoyable option.
Read our full review: Manuel Antonio National Park Full Day Tour From San Jose Review
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Private Tour in a 4×4 Land Rover Vehicle Through the Athens Mountains
This private tour in a 4×4 Land Rover vehicle offers an exhilarating journey through the breathtaking Athens Mountains of Costa Rica.
Departing from the Hospedaje Coffee Mountain meeting point, guests will venture into the lush, rugged terrain, enjoying private transportation and refreshments along the way.
The tour includes a souvenir bag, ensuring participants can bring home a memorable keepsake.
While the experience isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s suitable for most travelers, with infant seats available. However, it’s not recommended for pregnant individuals.
The tour is a private affair, with only your group participating, providing a personalized and intimate experience.
Booking is non-refundable, so be sure to confirm your plans before reserving your spot.
With a price starting at $30 per person, this tour presents an affordable opportunity to explore the natural wonders of the Athens Mountains in a 4×4 Land Rover.
Read our full review: Private Tour in a 4×4 Land Rover Vehicle Through the Athens Mountains Review
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Canopy / Zipline + 2hrs ATV Adventure Tour NOW Available From San Jose
For travelers seeking an exhilarating adventure during their time in Costa Rica, the Canopy / Zipline + 2hrs ATV Adventure Tour from San Jose provides an excellent opportunity.
This full-day, multi-activity tour includes 10 ziplines through the forest next to Carara National Park and an ATV adventure to a waterfall and beach for cooling off. The tour also includes a stop in Tárcoles to see crocodiles.
Transported by an air-conditioned vehicle, you will enjoy an included lunch to keep their energy levels up. While not recommended for those with physical limitations, the tour requires a moderate fitness level and is capped at 12 travelers for personalized attention.
Past guests have provided positive feedback on the exhilarating zipline and ATV experiences, though one review mentioned some issues with understanding tour operations.
Read our full review: Canopy / Zipline + 2hrs ATV Adventure Tour NOW Available From San Jose Review
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Caño Negro Eco Safari Boat Tour
The Caño Negro Eco Safari Boat Tour allows visitors to explore the Caño Negro Wetlands and Wildlife Refuge, offering a unique opportunity to witness the region’s diverse native scenery and wildlife.
Travelers will board a boat and journey along the Frio River to remote locations, where they can spot monkeys, birds, and iguanas in their natural habitats.
The tour includes round-trip hotel transfers from Arenal/La Fortuna, an authentic lunch and snacks, bottled water, and the services of a bilingual naturalist guide.
With a maximum of 15 travelers per tour, this eco-safari provides an intimate experience.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, most travelers can participate.
Though the overall rating is 4.0 based on one review, all ratings are 2-stars or lower, and no 5-star, 4-star, or 3-star ratings have been provided.
Gratuities aren’t included in the tour price.
Read our full review: Caño Negro Eco Safari Boat Tour Review
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The Sum Up
Costa Rica offers a diverse range of tours, from wine and beer tastings to nature-focused experiences. Whether you’re interested in exploring the country’s lush landscapes, learning about its rich culture, or spotting wildlife, there’s a tour to suit your interests. With options for both solo travelers and groups, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to make the most of your time in this enchanting destination.