The Best Organized Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Costa Rica

Costa Rica

Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure to Costa Rica, but are not sure how to start planning? Don't worry, because we have analyzed an extensive selection of multi-day outdoor and nature tours based on key criteria such as price, destinations, guest ratings, service, travel style, quality, and activities. Costa Rica is a fantastic destination because of the resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. So, get ready to immerse yourself in a rich tapestry of culture, history, activities, excitement, food, and breathtaking landscapes. Below are the best holiday packages and organized tour options in Costa Rica, so let's get to it!


The Top 3 Tours:

  • 8 Days, $1970.00

  • 9 Days, $2460.00

  • 8 Days, $1720.00
Costa Rica
The Best Outdoor and Nature Tours through Costa Rica

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
  • 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: $211

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.



$1,690
on TourRadar

Organized by Expat Explore Travel 9 Days Start/End in San Jose 6 Destinations
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.

Great for:
  • Animal Lovers
  • Nature Lovers

starstarstarstarstar 5.0 rating

Age Range: 10 to 75
Maximum Group Size: 50
Price per Day: $221

This tour visits San Jose, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde, Quepos, and Manuel Antonio National Park.

  • Wildlife
  • Sightseeing
  • Beach
  • Family
  • Fully Guided

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



$1,985
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 Journaway 9 Days Start/End in San José 3 Destinations
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for outdoor and nature tours in Costa Rica.
  • 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 4.9 rating

Age Range: 99 to 99
Maximum Group Size: 15
Price per Day: $119

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

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

By Journaway



$1,074
on TourRadar

Organized by G Adventures 12 Days Start/End in San Jose 7 Destinations
  • On Sale: 25% Off
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for outdoor and nature tours in Costa Rica.
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.

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

starstarstarstarstar 4.9 rating

Age Range: 12 to 90
Maximum Group Size: 16
Price per Day: $128

This tour visits San Jose, San Isidro de El General, Manuel Antonio National Park, Piedras Blancas, Quepos, Dominical, Esquipulas, 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.



$2,049 $1,537
on TourRadar

Organized by Green World Adventures 3 Days Start/End in San Jose 5 Destinations
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • Efficient: you'll cover a variety of destinations swiftly.

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

starstarstarstarstar 4.6 rating

Age Range: 2 to 75
Maximum Group Size: 30
Price per Day: $264

This tour visits San Jose, Tortuguero, Guapiles, Tortuguero National Park, Arenal, and Puerto Viejo de Talamanca.

  • Wildlife
  • In-depth Cultural
  • Beach
  • Family
  • Safari
  • Fully Guided

By Green World Adventures
Focusing on Costa Rica, Green World Adventures is a smaller tour company providing a more personal service to customers. A large number of their tours fall within in the mid-range price category.



$791
on TourRadar

Organized by National Geographic Expeditions with G Adventures 9 Days Start/End in San Jose 6 Destinations
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.

Great for:
  • Adventure Travelers
  • Animal Lovers

starstarstarstarstar 4.8 rating

Age Range: 12 to 99
Maximum Group Size: 16
Price per Day: $289

This tour visits San Jose, Caño Negro, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, La Fortuna, Santa Elena, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio National Park, and San José.

  • Wildlife
  • Safari
  • Fully Guided

By National Geographic Expeditions with G Adventures
National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures is a large multi-national travel company which offers trips to destinations around the world. Despite being priced a bit higher, the small group sizes create a more personal and unique experience for travelers. With a focus on wildlife and nature, they ensure you'll have a fantastic experience.



$2,599
on TourRadar

Organized by Aborigen Tours 7 Days Start/End in San Jose 1 Destinations
  • On Sale: 10% Off
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for outdoor and nature tours in Costa Rica.
  • In Depth: you'll spend a longer amount of time in each place.
  • Great for Animal Lovers

starstarstarstarstar 4.4 rating

Age Range: 3 to 99
Maximum Group Size: 50
Price per Day: $77

This tour visits San Jose and Tortuga Island.

  • Wildlife
  • Family
  • Partially Guided

By Aborigen Tours
Receptivo Aborigen Tours 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.



$599 $539
on TourRadar

Organized by G Adventures 14 Days Start/End in San Jose 12 Destinations
  • On Sale: 20% Off
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for outdoor and nature tours in Costa Rica.
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • Efficient: you'll cover a variety of destinations swiftly.

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

starstarstarstarstar 4.6 rating

Age Range: 18 to 39
Maximum Group Size: 18
Price per Day: $83

This tour visits San Jose, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Manzanillo, La Fortuna, Monteverde, Arenal Volcano National Park, San Carlos, Caño Negro, Playa Santa Teresa, Montezuma, Tortuga Island, Mal Pais, and San José.

  • Wildlife
  • In-depth Cultural
  • 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.



$1,449 $1,159
on TourRadar

Organized by G Adventures 6 Days Liberia to Playa Tamarindo 3 Destinations
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for outdoor and nature tours in Costa Rica.
  • 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 5.0 rating

Age Range: 18 to 35
Maximum Group Size: 24
Price per Day: $94

  • 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.



$566
on TourRadar

Why does Costa Rica appeal to outdoor enthusiasts?

Costa Rica 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, Costa Rica offers something for everyone.

Costa Rica


How much do Outdoor Tours in Costa Rica cost?

The average daily price of Outdoor and Nature Tours in Costa Rica is $232 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 Costa Rica 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.




$232
Average Price Per Day
129
Tours Analyzed
4.5
Average Rating
31
Tour Companies
29
Average Group Size

Which Tour Companies Offer Outdoor and Nature Tours?

A number of fantastic tour companies offer outdoor and nature tours in Costa Rica. 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

G Adventures

G Adventures logo G Adventures is a large international travel company offering tours all over the world. Some of their most popular destinations include Thailand, Peru, South Africa, and Vietnam. Many of their tours are priced in the mid-range category. The company's adventures often highlight activities such as camping, island hopping, snorkelling, surfing, wine tasting, kayaking, cooking classes, water sports, jungle surfing, and canyoning.

See All Tours from G Adventures

Green World Adventures

Focusing on Costa Rica, Green World Adventures is a smaller tour company which provides a personalized level of service to customers. Some of their offerings cater to families with children. A large number of their tours fall within in the mid-range price category.

See All Tours from Green World Adventures

One Life Adventures

One Life Adventures is a smaller tour company that offers tours to 11 countries, including Japan, South Korea, Philippines, and Thailand. Budget travelers will appreciate the relative affordability of the company's offerings.

See All Tours from One Life Adventures


Outdoor Destinations in Costa Rica

Wondering where outdoor tours visit in Costa Rica? 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 Costa Rica include Tortuguero National Park, Guapiles, Alajuela, Poas Volcano National Park, and Samara.


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

If you're unsure whether to go with an organized tour or plan everything independently, think about the factors that set each experience apart.

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?

Can you save money by traveling independently instead of joining guided outdoor and nature tours? It's not a simple yes or no. Tours usually include key expenses such as lodging, transportation, meals, entry fees, guides, and activities, which you'd need to manage and pay for individually on your own trip. To figure out the difference, compare the total tour price with the cost of making your own arrangements. Depending on your choices—like opting for budget hotels or premium dining—the cost of a tour might be higher or lower. Be sure to examine the tour inclusions carefully when comparing.

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

Also, if you're departing from a specific destination, see The Best 3-Day Tours from San Jose, The Best 3-Day Tours from Alajuela, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from San Jose, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Liberia, The Best 10-Day Tours from San Jose, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Jose, The Best 2-Week Tours from San José, or The Best 2-Week Tours from Liberia for more package tour options.

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