Planning a trip to Costa Rica can be exciting but also overwhelming. Booking a tour with a trusted company can make your trip easier and more enjoyable. Local guides know the best spots for wildlife watching, hidden trails, and unique cultural experiences.
To help you find the right option, we’ve researched and made a list of the best Costa Rica tour companies. These companies stand out for their excellent reviews, knowledgeable guides, and commitment to providing unforgettable travel experiences.
Out Picks of the best Costa Rica tour companies:
- Surcos Tours
- Rain Forest Explorers
- Don Juan Tours
- San Jose Urban Tours
- Jaco Culture Tours
- Pacific Expeditions CR
- Pure Trek Canyoning
Surcos Tours
Surcos Tours is a Costa Rica-based tour company specializing in nature and adventure tours. They provide visitors with well-organized experiences to explore the country’s rich biodiversity. The company helps with travel logistics, including private transportation from San Jose to Puerto Jimenez and flight bookings with Costa Rica Green Airways. Surcos Tours is known for its professional service and personalized attention, making it a trusted choice for adventure travelers in Costa Rica.
Rating: 5.0/5 on TripAdvisor
Popular Tours: Corcovado Wildlife Tours, Chocolate Tours, Sloth Tours, Dolphins & Snorkeling Tours, Snorkeling Tours
Specialization: Eco Tours, Sightseeing Tours
Destinations Covered: Corcovado National Park, Puerto Jimenez, Golfito, Coto Brus
Tour Duration Options: Offers day trips, multi-day excursions
Customer Feedback Analysis Summary:
Customers appreciate Surcos Tours for its well-organized tours and professional, knowledgeable guides who help them spot wildlife in Costa Rica. Travelers value the company’s smooth booking process and clear communication, making trip planning easy. Many reviews highlight personalized attention and flexibility, with guides adjusting to travelers’ interests and energy levels. Visitors also praise Surcos Tours for its commitment to conservation and supporting the local community through employment opportunities.
Top Choice: Why We Think You Should Choose Surcos Tours
- Local Expertise: Surcos Tours is run by knowledgeable local guides who know Corcovado National Park and the surrounding areas inside out.
- Personalized Attention: Whether you’re a solo traveler, a family, or part of a group, Surcos Tours tailors experiences to match your interests and energy levels.
- Sustainability Commitment: The company focuses on eco-friendly tourism, ensuring minimal environmental impact while promoting conservation.
- Seamless Logistics: Surcos Tours assists with transportation, accommodations, and itinerary planning, making it easy for travelers to enjoy their trip without stress.
- High Ratings & Reviews: With a 5-star rating on TripAdvisor, previous guests consistently praise the company’s outstanding service and wildlife experiences.
Rain Forest Explorers
Rainforest Explorers offers guided tours in Costa Rica, focusing on nature, wildlife, and adventure. They provide experiences like hiking, rafting, and wildlife spotting in Arenal. Their tours are led by expert guides who share knowledge about the rainforest and its ecosystems. The goal of the company is to create memorable and safe experiences for travelers of all ages.
Rating: 5.0/5 on TripAdvisor
Popular Tours: Arenal Volcano Hike, La Fortuna Waterfall Tour, Hanging Bridges Walk, Sloth & Wildlife Tour, Chocolate & Coffee Tour
Specialization: Nature & Wildlife Tours, Day Trips
Destinations Covered: Arenal Region
Tour Duration Options: Offers half-day or full-day tours
Customer Feedback Analysis Summary:
Travelers appreciate Rain Forest Explorers for its knowledgeable and friendly guides who help them spot wildlife and learn about Costa Rica’s nature. Many visitors mention the smooth organization and clear communication, making the tours easy to enjoy. The company provides high-quality experiences with well-planned activities, comfortable transportation, and delicious meals. Customers also value the personal touch and family-run approach, which creates a welcoming and enjoyable experience.
Don Juan Tours
Don Juan Tours offers immersive coffee, chocolate, and sugarcane tours in Costa Rica. Visitors can learn about the entire production process, from planting to harvesting and processing, while tasting fresh coffee and chocolate. The tours are interactive and suitable for families, couples, and solo travelers. Don Juan Tours provides an educational and fun way to explore Costa Rica’s rich agricultural traditions.
Rating: 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor
Popular Tours: Don Juan Coffee Tour, Chocolate Tour, Night Wildlife Tour, Sugar Cane Experience, Monteverde Cloud Forest Walk
Specialization: Coffee & Tea Tours, Sightseeing Tours
Destinations Covered: Monteverde, Arenal
Tour Duration Options: Offers 2–3-hour tours
Customer Feedback Analysis Summary:
Travelers love Don Juan Tours for its engaging guides, which make learning about coffee, chocolate, and sugar cane fun and interactive. Many visitors appreciate the hands-on experiences, such as grinding cacao and tasting fresh sugar cane juice. The well-organized tour provides a smooth and enjoyable experience for all ages. Guests also enjoy the high-quality products in the gift shop, including fresh coffee and chocolate to take home.
San Jose Urban Tours
San José Urban Tours offers guided walking tours to explore Costa Rica’s capital’s culture, history, and daily life. Visitors can discover local markets, street art, and hidden gems while learning about the city’s past and present. The tours are led by friendly guides who share interesting stories and local insights. Perfect for travelers who want an authentic experience, San José Urban Tours helps visitors see the city from a local perspective.
Rating: 5.0/5 on TripAdvisor
Popular Tours: San Jose By Night Tour, Bites & Sights Walking Food Tour, National Museum & Food Tour, Family Cooking Class, Private Bites & Sights Tour.
Destinations Covered: San Jose
Tour Duration Options: Offers 3-5-hour tours
Customer Feedback Analysis Summary:
According to the travelers, San José Urban Tours offers tours with friendly guides who provide insightful information about the city’s history, culture, and food. The tours take visitors to hidden parts and local markets, offering a unique experience that wouldn’t be easily found on their own. Guests appreciate the opportunity to taste authentic Costa Rican food, including fresh tropical fruits and local specialties. Many also highlight the engaging and well-organized tour structure, making it a fun and informative way to explore San Jose.
Jaco Culture Tours
Jaco Culture Tours offers guided experiences that showcase the local culture, nature, and history of Jaco, Costa Rica. Their tours include visits to traditional communities, wildlife spotting, and hands-on activities like pottery and cooking. Travelers can connect with local traditions while exploring the beautiful landscapes of the area. With expert guides, the tours provide an authentic and educational experience for visitors looking to go beyond the beach.
Rating: 5.0/5 on TripAdvisor
Popular Tours: City Bike Tour, Street Art & Graffiti Tour, Traditional Food Tour
Specialization: City Tours, Cultural Tours, Bike Tours
Destinations Covered: Jacó
Tour Duration Options: Offers half-day tours
Customer Feedback Analysis Summary:
Visitors appreciate Jaco Culture Tours for its engaging and informative experiences that showcase the town’s history, food, and art. The guides are friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to share local insights, making the tours both fun and educational. Travelers enjoy tasting authentic Costa Rican cuisine and discovering hidden gems they wouldn’t have found on their own. The well-organized tours provide a great introduction to Jaco, with guides offering helpful recommendations for further exploration.
Pacific Expeditions CR
Pacific Expeditions offers nature and adventure tours in Uvita, Costa Rica, focusing on marine and wildlife experiences. Their tours include whale and dolphin watching, snorkeling at Caño Island and Marino Ballena, sport fishing, and exploring Corcovado National Park. They also provide mangrove tours and other eco-friendly adventures, guided by knowledgeable locals. With a commitment to sustainability, Pacific Expeditions helps visitors connect with the diverse ecosystems of the Osa Peninsula.
Rating: 5.0/5 on TripAdvisor
Popular Tours: Whale Watching Tour, Corcovado National Park Tour, Snorkeling at Caño Island, Sport Fishing Expedition, Mangrove Wildlife Tour
Specialization: Scuba & Snorkelling, Fishing Charters & Tours, Dolphin & Whale Watching
Destinations Covered: Caño Island, Corcovado National Park, Marino Ballena National Park, and Sierpe River
Tour Duration Options: Offers half-day and full-day tours.
Customer Feedback Analysis Summary:
Customers love Pacific Expeditions CR for its well-organized tours and professional, knowledgeable guides who make the experience enjoyable and informative. Travelers appreciate the chance to see incredible wildlife, including whales, dolphins, turtles, and even pumas, in their natural habitat. The staff goes above and beyond to ensure safety and comfort, providing helpful guidance and quality equipment. Many guests also mention the beautiful boat rides, delicious meals, and the opportunity to explore unique locations.
Pure Trek Canyoning
Pure Trek Canyoning offers thrilling waterfall rappelling and canyoning adventures in La Fortuna, Costa Rica. Since 2001, they have provided safe and exciting experiences for visitors of all ages, led by certified guides. Their tours take adventurers through stunning rainforest landscapes, featuring multiple rappels, scenic river areas, and optional jumps. They also offer combo packages and customized vacation itineraries for those looking to explore more of Costa Rica.
Rating: 5.0/5 on TripAdvisor
Popular Tours: Canyoning & Waterfall Rappelling, Canyoning & Hot Springs Combo, Gravity Falls Waterfall Jumping, Pure Trek & White Water Rafting
Specialization: Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks, Hiking & Camping Tours
Destinations Covered: La Fortuna
Tour Duration Options: Offers half-day tours
Customer Feedback Analysis Summary:
Travelers choose Pure Trek Canyoning for its exciting and well-organized waterfall rappelling adventures. The guides are friendly, professional, and make sure everyone feels safe and comfortable. Many travelers mention the stunning views and the thrill of activities like the “Monkey Drop.” Guests also appreciate the quality equipment, clear instructions, and the chance to see wildlife while enjoying an unforgettable adventure.
Our Methodology for Choosing the Best Costa Rica Tour Companies
To ensure we recommend only the best tour companies in Costa Rica, we followed a thorough research process based on the following criteria:
- Company Ratings
We only included tour companies with a 4.5 or higher rating on TripAdvisor. A high rating means that most travelers had great experiences and would recommend the company.
- Customer Reviews
We looked for companies with positive feedback about tour quality, guide expertise, and overall experience. Good reviews from past travelers show that a company consistently delivers enjoyable and well-run tours.
- Tour Quality & Organization
We considered how well-organized the tours are, including logistics, itineraries, and overall experience. A good tour company ensures smooth transportation, clear schedules, and a great experience for travelers.
- Expertise of Guides
We prirotized ompanies with knowledgeable, friendly, and experienced guides. A great guide makes the tour more engaging by sharing interesting facts, spotting wildlife, and answering questions.
- Range of Tour Options
We selected companies that offer diverse experiences, including adventure, nature, wildlife, and cultural tours.
- Destinations Covered
We included companies that offer tours to Costa Rica’s famous attractions as well as unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences. This gives travelers a mix of spots for a more complete and memorable trip.
How to Prepare for a Tour in Costa Rica
Going on a tour in Costa Rica is exciting, but a little preparation can make your experience even better. Here are some simple tips to help you get ready:
1. Wear the Right Clothes
Costa Rica’s weather can be hot, humid, or rainy, depending on where you’re going. Light, breathable clothes work best for most tours, but if you’re heading into the rainforest, long sleeves and pants can help protect against bugs. A rain jacket is always a good idea, especially in the rainy season.
2. Bring the Right Shoes
Comfortable shoes are a must. If you’re hiking, wear sturdy hiking boots or sneakers with good grip. For city tours, lightweight walking shoes or sandals will be fine.
3. Pack Essentials
- Water bottle – Stay hydrated, especially in the heat.
- Sunscreen – The sun is strong, even on cloudy days.
- Bug spray – Helps keep mosquitoes and other insects away.
- Hat and sunglasses – For extra sun protection.
- Small backpack – Easy to carry your things.
4. Check the Weather
Costa Rica has a dry season (December–April) and a rainy season (May–November). If you’re visiting during the rainy months, expect sudden downpours. Some tours may be affected by weather, so check in advance.
5. Prepare for Wildlife Watching
If you’re going on a wildlife tour, bring binoculars and a camera. Wear neutral-colored clothes to blend in with nature and avoid strong perfumes, which can scare animals away.
6. Book in Advance
Popular tours, like Corcovado National Park hikes and whale watching, fill up fast. Booking early ensures you get a spot.
7. Bring Some Cash
Many tour companies accept cards, but in small towns or remote areas, cash is useful for tips, snacks, or entrance fees.
FAQs
Should I use a tour company in Costa Rica?
Using a tour company in Costa Rica is recommended if you want a smooth and well-organized experience, expert guides, and well-organized itineraries. It is especially useful for visiting remote areas like Corcovado National Park or for adventure activities such as rafting and wildlife tours. However, if you prefer flexibility and are comfortable planning on your own, renting a car and exploring independently is also an option.
What is the best time to travel to Costa Rica?
The best time to visit Costa Rica is during the dry season, from December to April, when there is little rain and plenty of sunshine. However, the green season (May to November) offers lush landscapes, fewer crowds, and lower prices, though there may be heavy rainfall, especially in September and October.
How many days in Costa Rica is enough?
A 7 to 10-day trip is ideal to explore Costa Rica’s diverse regions, including beaches, rainforests, and volcanoes. A 5-day trip can work for one or two destinations, while 2 weeks allows for a more relaxed and in-depth experience.
How much money should you take to Costa Rica?
For a budget traveler, plan for $50-$100 per day. Mid-range travelers should budget $100-$200 per day, while luxury travelers can spend $250 or more per day. Costs depend on activities, accommodations, and dining preferences. It’s best to carry a mix of cash (USD and Costa Rican colones) and credit cards for convenience.