The Best Costa Rica Tours (for Every Budget!)

If you’re a seasoned traveler, you might shy away from tours and opt to visit places on your own instead. I get it: I also enjoy the freedom to go where I want, when I want, in order to avoid crowds.

However, there are benefits of booking tours, especially if it’s your first time in a new place. One of them is having a guide who can answer your questions and provide meaningful context to what you’re seeing. Another big perk is that hopping on a tour can potentially save you money, as many of them include meals and transportation.

I thoroughly enjoyed the tours I went on in Costa Rica. Especially considering the spectacular biodiversity there, it’s super helpful to have an expert with you who can point out different plants and animals that you might otherwise miss.

I’ve put together a list of the best Costa Rica tours, including free and budget ones, and luxury and multiday excursions. Some stellar options await you:

Budget Tours

1. San José Bites and Sights Walking Tour

I did this tour on my first day in Costa Rica, and it totally set the scene for the entire month I spent exploring the country. I learned about different varieties of fruits, got a full rundown on specific customs and other cultural norms, and enjoyed some of the best food that San José has to offer. My guide was an expert in all things San José, from its history and architecture to the best places to eat and how to get the most out of the city. You can read all about my experience here to get a better idea of what you can expect from the tour.

• Where: Downtown San José
• Duration: 3 hours
• What’s included: Local guide, fruit & vegetable samples, coffee, and other small bites
• Price: $38 and worth every penny! Book here.

2. Jungle Night Tour

There are few experiences that are quite like walking through a pitch-black jungle at night. I did this Manuel Antonio jungle night tour on my first night there, and I couldn’t believe how fascinating it was. The sensation of hearing the nonstop rhythmic sounds at night felt surreal. My guide had a keen eye for insects, spiders, frogs, reptiles, and other critters, pointing them out for us as we hiked. There were so many animals that I had never seen before; I had to do a double-take to really take in their beauty.

Not only was the hike itself a great experience, but the tour included dinner and transportation, making it a stellar budget option. You can read more about my experience on this tour here.

• Where: Rainmaker…