The Best Organized Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Central America

Central America

Prepare yourself for an extraordinary journey with one of these amazing outdoor and nature tours in Central America. Our extensive research of holiday packages and organized guided tours has led us to uncover the finest journeys available, carefully analyzed from a diverse range of offerings from highly regarded travel companies. Every aspect, from pricing and guest ratings to service quality, destinations, and activities, has been taken into account. Whether you're an experienced explorer or venturing to new places for the first time, these thoughtfully selected outdoor and nature tours promise an unforgettable adventure in Central America.


The Top 3 Tours:

  • 8 Days, $1970.00

  • 9 Days, $936.15

  • 8 Days, $1720.00
Central America
The Best Outdoor and Nature Tours through Central America

Including guided tours, organized tours, holiday packages, all-inclusive vacations, and guided itineraries.

All tour prices are listed in US Dollars before taxes, and come from a base price that is reported by TourRadar. Peak season prices can vary significantly, particularly in destinations where seasonal travel fluctuates dramatically. While we do our best to evaluate all tours to maintain accuracy, always confirm the details directly with TourRadar or the tour company before booking. The information provided on this website is sourced directly from TourRadar and may change at any time.

Organized by Explore! 8 Days Start/End in San Jose 9 Destinations
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for outdoor and nature tours in Central America.
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • Efficient: you'll cover a variety of destinations swiftly.

Great for:
  • Adventure Travelers
  • Animal Lovers

starstarstarstarstar 4.4 rating

Age Range: 16 to 85
Maximum Group Size: 16
Price per Day: $181

This tour visits San Jose, Poas Volcano National Park, Arenal Volcano National Park, La Fortuna, La Guaria (La Fortuna), Monteverde, Tarcoles, Carara National Park, and Manuel Antonio National Park.

  • Wildlife
  • Safari
  • Fully Guided

By Explore!
Explore! Is a large international travel company offering trips all over the world. A large number of their tours fall within in the mid-range price category.



$1,450
on TourRadar

Organized by Journaway 9 Days Start/End in San José 4 Destinations
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for outdoor and nature tours in Central America.
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • In Depth: you'll spend a longer amount of time in each place.
  • Self Guided: drive yourself at your own pace.
  • Independence: immerse yourself in the culture with self guided travel.

Great for:
  • Animal Lovers
  • Adventure Travelers
  • Nature Lovers

starstarstarstarstar 4.8 rating

Age Range: 99 to 99
Maximum Group Size: 15
Price per Day: $65

This tour visits San José, La Fortuna, Arenal, and Playa Tamarindo.

  • Wildlife
  • Surfing
  • Sightseeing
  • Beach
  • Family
  • Self Drive
  • Self-Guided
  • Water Sports

By Journaway



$585
on TourRadar

Organized by World Expeditions 8 Days Start/End in San Jose 4 Destinations
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • In Depth: you'll spend a longer amount of time in each place.
  • Independence: immerse yourself in the culture with self guided travel.

Great for:
  • Animal Lovers
  • Adventure Travelers

starstarstarstarstar 4.6 rating

Age Range: 16 to 80
Maximum Group Size: 14
Price per Day: $215

This tour visits San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, Arenal Volcano National Park, and Monteverde.

  • Wildlife
  • Safari
  • Self-Guided
  • Partially Guided

By World Expeditions
World Expeditions is a large company with a focus on hiking tours through Nepal, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Peru. The small group sizes, often less than 14, make for a very personal experience. A large number of their tours fall within in the mid-range price category. Many of their tours take you into the local nature and offer opportunities for hiking, trekking, or wildlife spotting.



$1,720
on TourRadar

Organized by G Adventures 12 Days Start/End in San Jose 5 Destinations
  • On Sale: 10% Off
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for outdoor and nature tours in Central America.
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • In Depth: you'll spend a longer amount of time in each place.

Great for:
  • Hiking Enthusiasts
  • Adventure Travelers
  • Nature Lovers

starstarstarstarstar 4.9 rating

Age Range: 12 to 90
Maximum Group Size: 16
Price per Day: $161

This tour visits San Jose, San Isidro de El General, Piedras Blancas, Dominical, and Uvita.

  • Hiking & Trekking
  • Jungle Trekking
  • Fully Guided

By G Adventures
G Adventures is a popular travel company that specializes in small-group adventure tours worldwide. They focus on sustainable tourism, immersive cultural experiences, and off-the-beaten-path destinations.



$2,149 $1,934
on TourRadar

Organized by Destination Services Costa Rica 13 Days Start/End in San Jose 5 Destinations
  • On Sale: 10% Off
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for outdoor and nature tours in Central America.
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • In Depth: you'll spend a longer amount of time in each place.

Great for:
  • Adventure Travelers
  • Animal Lovers
  • Nature Lovers

starstarstarstarstar 4.5 rating

Age Range: 10 to 99
Maximum Group Size: 30
Price per Day: $153

This tour visits San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde, and Playa Tamarindo.

  • Coach / Bus
  • Wildlife
  • Surfing
  • Beach
  • Family
  • Partially Guided

By Destination Services Costa Rica
Destination Services Costa Rica is a smaller tour company that focuses on Costa Rica. The company appeals to travelers of all ages, with many tours focusing on families with children. Budget travelers will appreciate the relative affordability of the company's offerings.



$2,215 $1,994
on TourRadar

Organized by Intrepid Travel 15 Days Start/End in San Jose 8 Destinations
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for outdoor and nature tours in Central America.
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • In Depth: you'll spend a longer amount of time in each place.
  • Great for Animal Lovers

starstarstarstarstar 4.5 rating

Age Range: 15 to 99
Maximum Group Size: 16
Price per Day: $97

This tour visits San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, Santa Rosa de Pocosol, Tenorio Volcano National Park, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde, and Manuel Antonio National Park.

  • Wildlife
  • Sightseeing
  • Family
  • Fully Guided

By Intrepid Travel
Intrepid specializes in small-group adventure travel with a strong focus on sustainable tourism and authentic experiences. They cater to different travel styles, from budget-friendly backpacking-style tours to premium small-group adventures.



$1,462
on TourRadar

Organized by G Adventures 7 Days Start/End in San Jose 3 Destinations
  • On Sale: 30% Off
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for outdoor and nature tours in Central America.
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • In Depth: you'll spend a longer amount of time in each place.

Great for:
  • Adventure Travelers
  • Animal Lovers

starstarstarstarstar 4.8 rating

Age Range: 12 to 90
Maximum Group Size: 16
Price per Day: $140

This tour visits San Jose, Monteverde, and La Fortuna.

  • Wildlife
  • Fully Guided

By G Adventures
G Adventures is a popular travel company that specializes in small-group adventure tours worldwide. They focus on sustainable tourism, immersive cultural experiences, and off-the-beaten-path destinations.



$1,399 $979
on TourRadar

Organized by TruTravels 10 Days San Jose to Playa Santa Teresa 6 Destinations
  • On Sale: 20% Off
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for outdoor and nature tours in Central America.
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.

Great for:
  • Adventure Travelers
  • Animal Lovers
  • Nature Lovers

starstarstarstarstar 4.8 rating

Age Range: 18 to 39
Maximum Group Size: 20
Price per Day: $140

This tour visits San Jose, La Fortuna, Monteverde, Playa Santa Teresa, Montezuma, and Cabuya.

  • Wildlife
  • Beach
  • Fully Guided

By TruTravels
TruTravels is a large international travel company offering trips all over the world. Budget travelers will appreciate the relative affordability of the company's offerings.



$1,750 $1,400
on TourRadar

Organized by Destination Services Costa Rica 10 Days Start/End in San Jose 5 Destinations
  • On Sale: 15% Off
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for outdoor and nature tours in Central America.
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • In Depth: you'll spend a longer amount of time in each place.
  • Great for Animal Lovers

starstarstarstarstar 4.8 rating

Age Range: 2 to 99
Maximum Group Size: 30
Price per Day: $150

  • Wildlife
  • Family
  • Partially Guided

By Destination Services Costa Rica
Destination Services Costa Rica is a smaller tour company that focuses on Costa Rica. The company appeals to travelers of all ages, with many tours focusing on families with children. Budget travelers will appreciate the relative affordability of the company's offerings.



$1,762 $1,498
on TourRadar

Organized by Intrepid Travel 12 Days San Jose to Panama City 6 Destinations
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for outdoor and nature tours in Central America.
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • In Depth: you'll spend a longer amount of time in each place.
  • Great for Animal Lovers

starstarstarstarstar 4.5 rating

Age Range: 15 to 99
Maximum Group Size: 16
Price per Day: $141

  • Wildlife
  • Sightseeing
  • Family
  • Fully Guided

By Intrepid Travel
Intrepid specializes in small-group adventure travel with a strong focus on sustainable tourism and authentic experiences. They cater to different travel styles, from budget-friendly backpacking-style tours to premium small-group adventures.



$1,688
on TourRadar

Why does Central America appeal to outdoor enthusiasts?

Central America appeals to outdoor enthusiasts due to its diverse and beautiful landscapes, offering something for every kind of adventurer. Liberia, La Fortuna, and Santa Elena are world-renowned for hiking, with gorgeous trails and stunning natural landscapes. Also, don't miss the scuba diving in Puerto Jimenez, Jaco, and Puerto Viejo. Tamarindo, Puerto Jimenez, and Puerto Viejo are popular with beach lovers. Whether you're exploring on foot, two wheels, or just admiring the scenery, Central America offers something for everyone.

Central America


How much do Outdoor Tours in Central America cost?

The average daily price of Outdoor and Nature Tours in Central America is $207 per day. Prices can vary widely due to the included amenities, length of the trip, number of guests on the tour, and many other factors. If you want more information about prices, we have put together a complete analysis of the costs of Outdoor and Nature Tours in Central America here.


We partner with TourRadar because they offer the world's largest selection of multi-day organized tours, offering seamless travel experiences while supporting local businesses. It's the perfect way to explore new destinations with ease and confidence.




$207
Average Price Per Day
57
Tours Analyzed
4.4
Average Rating
18
Tour Companies
24
Average Group Size

Which Tour Companies Offer Outdoor and Nature Tours?

A number of fantastic tour companies offer outdoor and nature tours in Central America. These are a few of the best, because they offer the highest rated service, provide the best overall quality, and have the most five-star guest reviews to prove it.

Destination Services Costa Rica

Destination Services Costa Rica logo Destination Services Costa Rica is a smaller tour company that focuses on Costa Rica. The company appeals to travelers of all ages, with many tours focusing on families with children. Budget travelers will appreciate the relative affordability of the company's offerings. Their expertise is in wildlife viewing tours, so you can count on having a fun time.

See All Tours from Destination Services Costa Rica

Explore!

Explore! Is a large international travel company offering tours all over the world. A number of their tours visit destinations in Europe and Asia. Some of their most popular destinations include India, Italy, Vietnam, and Spain. A large number of their tours fall within in the mid-range price category. The company's adventures often highlight activities such as island hopping, wine tasting, camping, whale watching, white water rafting, and bird watching.

See All Tours from Explore!

Intrepid Travel

Intrepid Travel logo Intrepid Travel is a large international travel company offering tours all over the world. Some of their most popular destinations include Australia, Thailand, Tanzania, and Italy. Many of the tours fall into the mid-range price category. The company's adventures often highlight activities such as camping, wine tasting, snorkelling, kayaking, cooking classes, island hopping, white water rafting, surfing, horse riding, whale watching, and bird watching.

See All Tours from Intrepid Travel

Under30Experiences

Under30Experiences is a smaller tour company that focuses on Iceland. The company primarily focuses on younger travelers looking for adventures. The tours offered by Under30Experiences are usually luxurious, high-end, and provide a top-tier level of service.

See All Tours from Under30Experiences


Outdoor Destinations in Central America

Wondering where outdoor tours visit in Central America? With a variety of stops and destinations along the way, there's something for everyone.

San Jose

San José is the capital city of Costa Rica. While most people arrive and depart from this city, few actually spend significant time here. Those who do will find several great museums, a nice nightlife scene, colorful markets, and a few good day trips.

Monteverde

Santa Elena is a small town that many visitors use as a gateway to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve. In the area you'll find tons of outdoor adventure activities like canopy walks, ziplining, and horseback riding. Visitors enjoy the area's unique ecosystems and wildlife, while also soaking up laid back small town life.

La Fortuna

La Fortuna is the gateway to Arenal National Park. It is surrounded by stunning natural beauty with views of the spectacular and still active Arenal Volcano. It's also home to impressive waterfalls and many luxury spas and hot springs.

Liberia

Liberia is found in northern Costa Rica not far from the Nicoya Peninsula. The city has a deep rooted "cowboy" culture and there are museums and activities that focus on this culture. The city is often used as a jumping off point to visit nearby national parks and volcanos.

More

Other popular destinations for outdoor tours through Central America include Tortuguero National Park, San Ignacio, Turrialba, Tikal, and Poas Volcano National Park.


Outdoor and Nature Tours vs. Independent Travel: Pros and Cons

Choosing whether to join a guided tour or organize your own adventure? Be sure to think about the unique benefits of each option.

Pros
  • Some outdoor activities and adventure sports are best enjoyed in a group.
Cons
  • Local guides know the best areas and the top rated activities.


Pros
  • Many people enjoy the peacefulness of nature, which is best enjoyed independently with a few friends or family.
  • Traveling independently means you'll be able to move at your own pace and enjoy the activities that mean the most to you.
Cons
  • If transportation is limited and you don't have your own vehicle, it can be hard to get outside the major cities and towns and truly enjoy nature.


Which is cheaper?

Is traveling independently less expensive than taking guided outdoor and nature tours? The answer isn't straightforward. Guided tours often include services like hotels, transportation, meals, entry tickets, guides, and activities, all of which you would need to arrange and pay for individually if traveling on your own. To determine the cost difference, you'd need to compare the total cost of the tour package with the cost of booking everything separately. You may prefer a less expensive hotel or splurge on dining, so the cost of a tour could either save you money or cost you more. Be sure to review what's included in the tour package before making your comparison.

Also, before booking a tour, make sure you know exactly what is included as tour companies sometimes change their itineraries or included amenities to keep them updated with seasonal changes and customer interests.

More Tour Options

See also The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Central America, The Best Wildlife Tours to Central America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Central America, The Best Historical Tours in Central America, The Best 10-Day Tours in Central America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Central America, The Best 3-Day Tours in Central America, The Best 2-Week Tours in Central America, The Best 3-Week Tours in Central America, The Best 4-Week (1-Month) Tours in Central America, The Best Extended Trip Tours in Central America, One Month or Longer, The Best River Cruises in Central America, The Best Bicycle Tours in Central America, The Best Christmas & New Years Tours in Central America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Central America, The Best Adventure Tours to Central America, The Best Eco Tours in Central America, The Best Thrill-Seeking Tours in Central America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Central America, The Best Cultural Tours in Central America, The Tours for Animal Lovers in Central America, The Best Volunteering Tours in Central America, The Best Photography Tours in Central America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Central America, The Best Self Drive Tours in Central America, The Best Safaris in Central America, The Best Walking Tours in Central America, The Best Jungle Trekking Tours in Central America, The Best Tours Under $1000 in Central America, The Best Luxury Tours to Central America, The Best Budget Tours to Central America, The Best Tours for Seniors to Central America, or The Best G Adventures Tours to Central America for more tour ideas. With so many options, there's a guided tour or vacation package for every type of traveler.

Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.

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