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, Dominical, Quepos, Uvita, and Esquipulas.

  • 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 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 4.5 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 Destination Services Costa Rica 13 Days San Jose to Heredia 8 Destinations
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for outdoor and nature tours in Costa Rica.

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

starstarstarstarstar 4.5 rating

Age Range: 10 to 99
Maximum Group Size: 30
Price per Day: $170

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

  • 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
on TourRadar

Organized by Destination Services Costa Rica 7 Days San Jose to Alajuela 10 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.
  • Efficient: you'll cover a variety of destinations swiftly.
  • Self Guided: drive yourself at your own pace.
  • Independence: immerse yourself in the culture with self guided travel.
  • Great for Animal Lovers

starstarstarstarstar 5.0 rating

Age Range: 2 to 99
Maximum Group Size: 30
Price per Day: $102

This tour visits Zarcero, San Jose, Arenal Volcano National Park, La Fortuna, Manuel Antonio National Park, Arenal, Poas Volcano National Park, Irazu Volcano National Park, Orosi, and Alajuela.

  • Wildlife
  • Family
  • Self Drive
  • Self-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.



$713
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: $105

  • 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.



$629
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 $233 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.




$233
Average Price Per Day
116
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

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

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!

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 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 Cahuita.


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

If you're torn between arranging your own trip and booking a guided tour, take a moment to weigh the differences between the two approaches.

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 independent travel less expensive than booking guided outdoor and nature tours? The answer varies. Organized tours package essential services like accommodations, transport, meals, entrance fees, and activities into a single price, while independent travel involves booking each aspect separately. To assess which is more economical, compare the tour price with what you'd spend arranging everything yourself. If you prioritize budget options or premium experiences, the cost comparison could swing either way. Always review the details of what's included in the tour package to decide.

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.

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.

Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.