Keen to be enchanted by unforgettable wildlife and natural wonders?
A tour to Costa Rica offers tropical rainforests, active volcanoes, and vibrant wildlife – a true paradise for lovers of nature and animals.
Get right up close to Costa Rica’s stunning scenery and wildlife in Tortuguero National Park, at Arenal Volcano and in Monteverde Cloud Forest, and end the tour at Playa Sámara’s beautiful beach.
Discover Costa Rica’s unique nature and exciting wildlife at Arenal Volcano and in Monteverde’s Cloud Forest. Round off the tour with relaxation at Manuel Antonio’s stunning beaches.
Enjoy Costa Rica’s unique nature and diverse wildlife in Tortuguero, at Arenal volcano, in Rincón de la Vieja and in Monteverde Cloud Forest. Discover lovely beaches in Sámara and Manuel Antonio.
Discover Costa Rica’s breathtaking scenery and wildlife on a visit to Tortuguero National Park, the Arenal Volcano and Monteverde Cloud Forest, and relax on Manuel Antonio’s beautiful beaches.
Experience the highlights of Costa Rica on this self-drive holiday to Tortuguero National Park, Arenal Volcano, Monteverde Cloud Forest and Manuel Antonio’s stunning beaches.
Look forward to unique unspoilt nature and wildlife in Costa Rica’s national parks with less visitors: Cahuita and Corcovado. Round it all off at Manuel Antonio’s wonderful beaches.
Explore Costa Rica’s magical landscapes in your own car, taking in Tortuguero National Park, the iconic Arenal volcano, Monteverde’s cloud forest and Playa Sámara’s idyllic beach.
“Costa Rica” translates as “the rich coast”, and with a coastline stretching 1,290 kilometres, along with a chain of volcanoes bordered by lush tropical rainforest running from north to south, Costa Rica truly is a paradise for lovers of wildlife and the great outdoors.
Despite its modest size – roughly comparable to Switzerland – the country boasts an incredibly rich and diverse plant and animal life, making up a remarkable 6% of the world’s total biodiversity.
You’ll have the chance to discover the unique flora and fauna in Costa Rica’s national parks, which cover over 25% of the country. Here, you can witness everything from active volcanoes and steaming crater lakes to secluded mangrove forests and sparkling waterfalls.
The people (Ticos) live by the motto “Pura Vida”, which loosely translates as “the pure life” or “the simple life”. Pura Vida is both a lifestyle and a philosophy—something you’ll experience firsthand during your time in the country.
We offer two types of tours to Costa Rica: classic tours with transfers by shuttle bus, and self-drive tours where you travel from A to B at your own pace.
All our tours in Costa Rica begin in San José, the lively capital city which is home to nearly half the country’s population. Here, you can discover shops, museums, and charming pavement cafés—perfect for enjoying Costa Rica’s wonderful Grano d’oro coffee.
There’s no doubt, though, that it’s the enchanting landscapes and exotic wildlife that attract most visitors to Costa Rica.
Below, you’ll find a selection of highlights you can look forward to on our tours in Costa Rica.
The cloud forest of Monteverde is known as the “forest in the clouds”. Thanks to its location and high humidity, moisture is ‘caught’ in the air, giving the forest its characteristic misty atmosphere.
The mist that envelops the cloud forest helps create and maintain a rich, complex ecosystem, home to over 100 species of mammals, 400 types of birds, and 2,500 different plant species – 420 of which are various species of orchid. Monteverde Cloud Forest is, quite simply, paradise for nature and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
This unique ecosystem can be discovered on an exhilarating walk across suspended hanging bridges strung between the treetops, or by embarking on an adrenaline-charged zip-line adventure through the lush rainforest.
Tortuguero National Park is a magical jungle paradise on the edge of the Caribbean Sea, beautifully adorned with mangrove forests, tropical rainforest, swamps, lagoons, rivers, and pristine beaches.
Spanning an area of 77,032 hectares and boasting a 35-kilometre coastline, this region offers remarkable biodiversity and an impressive ecosystem. Here, you have the chance to spot more than 300 species of birds, three types of monkey, tapirs, sloths, and many other fascinating creatures.
The most iconic animal in Tortuguero National Park is the sea turtle, which returns to the beaches year after year to lay its eggs in the sand. Witnessing the moment when the eggs hatch, and the tiny turtles make their very first journey to the sea, is truly unforgettable.
Corcovado National Park, situated on the Osa Peninsula in southern Costa Rica, is one of the country’s largest and most stunning national parks.
Covering an area of roughly 41,000 hectares, the national park spans a diverse landscape of rainforest, rivers, and beaches, home to a uniquely rich and varied ecosystem.
With over 8,000 species of insects, 350 species of birds, 120 different mammals, and 117 types of amphibians and reptiles, Corcovado National Park is often described as one of the most biodiverse places on Earth.
Look forward to spotting the captivating scarlet macaw, monkeys, tapirs, sloths, and, if luck is on your side, even the rare jaguars, pumas, and ocelots.
The Arenal Volcano, located in the Arenal Volcano National Park, is Costa Rica’s most celebrated and oldest volcano.
After years as Costa Rica’s most active volcano, regularly erupting with scorching lava, Arenal has been dormant since 2010. Yet, its majestic presence amid the lush landscape still makes for an awe-inspiring sight.
Beyond the imposing volcano, Arenal Volcano National Park is home to an abundance of flora and fauna. In fact, here you’ll find nearly three-quarters of Costa Rica’s 850 bird species.
At the foot of the volcano lies the charming town of La Fortuna, where you can visit the breathtaking La Fortuna Waterfall, relax in natural hot springs, and enjoy a variety of other activities such as mountain biking, kayaking, horse riding, evening safaris, and much more.
Beautifully situated on the Pacific coast in western Costa Rica, the delightful coastal gem of Manuel Antonio perfectly combines stunning beaches with unforgettable natural experiences.
Manuel Antonio is especially famous for its namesake national park, which is one of the world’s most biodiverse parks. Not only will you be amazed by its rich plant and animal life, but the park also boasts inviting beaches such as Playa Manuel Antonio, which has been named among the very best beaches in the world several times.
Even beyond the national park, you’ll discover beautiful beaches such as Playa Espadilla, which stretches for kilometres and invites you to unwind on a relaxing beach holiday. Despite its modest size, the town is also home to charming little shops and cosy restaurants serving delicious local specialities.
On the Nicoya Peninsula, you’ll find the enchanting seaside town of Sámara, nestled in a breathtaking setting along the Pacific Ocean and home to a collection of stunning beaches. One of the most renowned is Playa Sámara itself, famed for its idyllic surroundings and laid-back tropical atmosphere.
The waters here are crystal clear and the waves gentle, making Playa Sámara ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and water sports such as kayaking. When you’re not enjoying the sea, you can unwind in a colourful beach chair with a cool drink in hand, or take a leisurely stroll along the shoreline, soaking up the warmth of the sun.
In addition to blissful moments on the sand, Sámara offers a delightful town centre where you can treat yourself to a tasty meal at one of the inviting restaurants or browse for souvenirs in the quaint local shops.
We understand that planning a tour to Costa Rica can come with plenty of questions. That’s why we’ve put together some of the most frequently asked questions about Costa Rica.
Costa Rica is located in Central America, sharing its northern border with Nicaragua and its southern border with Panama.
The western side of the country faces the Pacific Ocean, while the eastern side borders the Caribbean Sea.
The official language of Costa Rica is Spanish, spoken by nearly 98% of the population.
Although Spanish is the official language, several indigenous languages are also spoken in Costa Rica, including Bribri, Cabécar, Maleku, and Guaymí.
No, if you are a UK citizen, you will most likely not need a visa for Costa Rica.
You can find more information about passports and visas on our practical information page. In addition, we recommend you keep up to date with the latest visa requirements on the website of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.
Possibly. Whether you need vaccinations depends on your travel destination in Costa Rica, the length of your trip, and which vaccinations you have previously received.
We therefore recommend that you contact a specialist doctor, your GP, or an authorised vaccination clinic to receive guidance on recommended vaccinations for Costa Rica.
Costa Rica is a year-round destination, but for many, the best time to travel is from December to April, when most of the country enjoys its dry season.
The ideal time for your holiday, however, largely depends on your personal preferences.
For example, the rainy season from May to November also has its advantages, such as lusher landscapes, fewer visitors, and unique wildlife experiences.
You can read more about the best time to visit Costa Rica here.
Yes. Costa Rica is considered one of the safest countries in Latin America and is well known for its friendly and welcoming people.
If you have any questions or need assistance during your tour, our local partners and experienced travel specialists are available 24/7, so you can always feel safe and cared for on your holiday.
In short: it depends on how much freedom and flexibility you want, as well as how confident you feel driving in a foreign country.
On a self-drive tour, you have far greater freedom to set the pace and make spontaneous stops, giving you the chance to discover Costa Rica in your own time – all within a carefully planned itinerary, with pre-booked lodges and hotels, and a wealth of exciting experiences.
On the other hand, a classic tour is the perfect choice if you’d rather leave the transport logistics to someone else. Travelling by shuttle bus, you can simply sit back, relax, soak up the scenery, and focus fully on each experience as it comes.
Read more in our guide: Self-drive or shuttle bus in Costa Rica?
Absolutely – you can easily explore Costa Rica with kids. The country is overflowing with adventures for both young explorers and seasoned travellers alike.
For example, you can discover the country’s remarkable and diverse wildlife in many family-friendly national parks, or simply unwind and enjoy peaceful days on stunning beaches.
Costa Rica is home to a wealth of breathtaking national parks, each one enchanting visitors with its unique character. With so many options, it can be a challenge to decide which ones to explore.
Some of the most popular national parks in Costa Rica include Manuel Antonio National Park and Tortuguero National Park, both of which entice travellers with beautiful beaches, lush landscapes, and remarkable wildlife.
At TourCompass, we are specialists when it comes to creating exceptional tours to Costa Rica, drawing on our many years of experience in the country.
We know exactly what’s worth seeing, and we design every tour so you can experience the absolute highlights. Along the way, you’ll be guided by passionate, local experts who know Costa Rica inside out.
If you need any assistance during your adventure, we – and our local partners – are on hand throughout your tour thanks to our 24-hour emergency hotline. So, you can set out on your journey with complete peace of mind, knowing you’re never on your own.
Magnificent natural wonders and thrilling encounters with exotic wildlife – just a taste of what awaits you on a tour to Costa Rica.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our experienced travel specialists, who are ready to help you embark on the adventure of a lifetime!
TourCompass – From tourist to traveller
You can check out the itinerary and dream yourself away in photos and videos of all our tours. You can read more about accommodation, combination options and all the practicalities – and see prices and departure dates for the next 18 months.
You are always welcome to call or write to us. We are here to answer all your questions, listen to your wishes and provide you with honest and competent advice based on our extensive travel experiences with Africa, Asia and Latin America.
You will receive a detailed quote for the tour, which you can save, print out or share with your travelling companions. If you decide to go ahead and book the tour, you can do this easily via the quote itself.
Emily loves to travel and is extremely passionate about helping others achieve their travel dreams.
We know your time is precious. That's why we strive to provide personalised, attentive service to ensure your comfort and safety throughout your tour. From the moment you book to the moment you return home, we’re here to handle every detail with the utmost care.
We offer a diverse array of destinations, each promising its own unique story, shaped by its local cultures, fascinating wildlife, and natural beauty.
We design every tour based on the extensive research and first-hand experiences of our travel specialists and experts. Each tour is crafted to showcase the best each country has to offer.
With us, you can rest assured; your journey is in safe hands. We are ATOL certified and a proud member of ABTA, maintaining rigorous standards of quality and service to ensure your complete peace of mind.
