Costa Rica · Americas

Custom tours to Costa Rica

Pura vida: rainforest, volcanoes, two coasts.

From 2,400/person·Best: December–April (dry season)
Photo by Gotta Be Worth It on Pexels

What is a custom tour to Costa Rica?

A custom tour to Costa Rica is a private, fully personalized itinerary built around your dates, interests, and budget. Instead of following a fixed group schedule, you work with a local expert to choose experiences like Arenal volcano and hot springs, Tortuguero turtle nesting (season), and Coffee plantation with a farmer. Travelers typically spend 7–10 days in Costa Rica, visiting in December–April (dry season), with custom tours starting from around €2,400 per person.

A custom tour to Costa Rica is not the same trip as a package. It's designed around you — your pace, your interests, your dates — with a local partner who lives there and knows which streets are worth the walk and which are worth skipping. A custom Costa Rica tour links Arenal's volcano hot springs with Monteverde cloud forest, a Nicoya beach stretch with a sea-turtle nesting night, and a private sloth refuge visit you couldn't book online.

Costa Rica sits in Costa Rica in Americas, and rewards travelers who go beyond the highlights. Our custom itineraries start with the icons — Arenal volcano and hot springs and Monteverde cloud forest canopy walk — then pivot to the kind of local moments that make a trip memorable: a morning with a private guide, a quiet hour at Manuel Antonio beach before the crowds arrive, and an evening chosen just for you.

Plan for December–April (dry season) as the best window to visit. A one-week custom trip starts from €2,400 per person, including private guides, curated hotels, and flexible transport — peak weeks cost more, shoulder months less. Costa Rica sits in the comfortable mid-range of our destinations for price.

When is the best time to visit Costa Rica?

Our recommended months are December–April (dry season). Here's a month-by-month view with planning notes.

Jan
Low season — best availability and value.
Feb
Low season; quiet and often cheaper.
Mar
Shoulder; weather improves.
Apr
Recommended
Shoulder; ideal weather begins.
May
High shoulder; book early.
Jun
Peak; great weather, higher prices.
Jul
Peak; crowded but vibrant.
Aug
Peak; holiday month in much of Europe.
Sep
High shoulder; our favorite month.
Oct
Shoulder; lovely light and smaller crowds.
Nov
Low shoulder; quiet and atmospheric.
Dec
Recommended
Low season except Christmas and NYE.

Top experiences in Costa Rica

Hand-picked moments from our local operators. Every custom tour includes a selection of these, or something better if we find it.

Experience 1
Arenal volcano and hot springs
A curated experience at the heart of why travelers choose Costa Rica. Tailored to your interests, led by a local expert.
Experience 2
Monteverde cloud forest canopy walk
Led by a guide who knows the trails in every season. Rated for your fitness, with a surprise stop or two along the way.
Experience 3
Tortuguero turtle nesting (season)
A curated experience at the heart of why travelers choose Costa Rica. Tailored to your interests, led by a local expert.
Experience 4
Manuel Antonio beach and wildlife
A private vehicle and an expert naturalist — not a mini-bus convoy. You set the pace of the sightings.
Experience 5
Coffee plantation with a farmer
A curated experience at the heart of why travelers choose Costa Rica. Tailored to your interests, led by a local expert.
Experience 6
Nicoya Peninsula surf afternoon
A curated experience at the heart of why travelers choose Costa Rica. Tailored to your interests, led by a local expert.

Sample itineraries

Two starting points — your real itinerary is custom. We build from here.

7-day classic

  1. 1
    Arrive in Costa Rica
    Airport meet-and-greet, check-in, and a relaxed orientation walk in the evening. Welcome dinner at a local favourite.
  2. 2
    Arenal volcano and hot springs
    Morning focus: Arenal volcano and hot springs. Afternoon free — we'll suggest the best coffee spots, bookshops, or a spa slot nearby.
  3. 3
    Monteverde cloud forest canopy walk
    A half-day on Monteverde cloud forest canopy walk, with a long lunch stop built in and the rest of the afternoon yours.
  4. 4
    Tortuguero turtle nesting (season)
    Full-day experience: Tortuguero turtle nesting (season). Evening at leisure — or we can arrange an off-menu dinner.
  5. 5
    Manuel Antonio beach and wildlife
    Manuel Antonio beach and wildlife — often the highlight day for most travelers. Private guide and transport throughout.
  6. 6
    Coffee plantation with a farmer
    Coffee plantation with a farmer, with an optional food- or culture-focused evening to round things off.
  7. 7
    Departure
    Late check-out, farewell breakfast, and a private transfer to the airport.

14-day deep dive

  1. 1
    Arrive in Costa Rica
    Private airport transfer, check-in, welcome dinner at a curated restaurant.
  2. 2
    Arenal volcano and hot springs
    Half-day on Arenal volcano and hot springs. Afternoon free to settle in.
  3. 3
    Monteverde cloud forest canopy walk
    Full day: Monteverde cloud forest canopy walk, with a long lunch in a neighbourhood you'd never have found alone.
  4. 4
    Local pace day
    A slower day — coffee, markets, a cooking class, or a spa afternoon. Your call.
  5. 5
    Tortuguero turtle nesting (season)
    Tortuguero turtle nesting (season), with time built in for photos and a leisurely stop.
  6. 6
    Half-day leisure
    Sleep in, breakfast slowly, and pick one short activity in the afternoon.
  7. 7
    Manuel Antonio beach and wildlife
    A full day centred on Manuel Antonio beach and wildlife.
  8. 8
    Regional extension — travel day
    Transfer to a nearby area chosen for your interests (coast, countryside, or another city).
  9. 9
    Regional extension — highlight
    The signature experience of your extension, with a local guide.
  10. 10
    Regional extension — free
    An open day in the extension — beach, hike, market, or just rest.
  11. 11
    Return to base
    Travel back to Costa Rica. Afternoon free.
  12. 12
    Coffee plantation with a farmer
    Coffee plantation with a farmer — saved for later in the trip, now that you know the city.
  13. 13
    Nicoya Peninsula surf afternoon
    Nicoya Peninsula surf afternoon on your last full day, with a farewell dinner to match.
  14. 14
    Departure
    Private transfer to the airport. We stay in touch after you return.

Practical information

Visa
90 days visa-free for most travelers
Currency
Costa Rican colón (CRC); USD accepted
Language
Spanish, English
Timezone
CST (UTC-6)

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Costa Rica?+

The best time to visit Costa Rica is December–April (dry season). These months offer the best balance of weather, availability, and pricing. Peak holiday weeks cost more and get crowded; shoulder months are often our favorite.

How many days do I need in Costa Rica?+

Most travelers spend 5–8 days in Costa Rica as a single destination, or 10–14 days when combining with nearby regions. A custom tour lets you stretch or compress based on what you want to see.

Do I need a visa to visit Costa Rica?+

90 days visa-free for most travelers. Requirements change — always check with the local consulate or your country's travel advisory before booking flights.

How much does a custom tour to Costa Rica cost?+

Mid-range custom tours to Costa Rica start from around €2,400 per person for a 7-day trip including accommodation, private guides, and transport. Luxury and adventure packages scale from there.

What should I pack for Costa Rica?+

Packing depends on season and activities, but always include comfortable walking shoes, layered clothing for temperature shifts, a universal adapter, and respectful clothing for religious sites. Your custom itinerary comes with a tailored packing list.

People also ask

  • Is Costa Rica safe for tourists?
  • What is the currency in Costa Rica?
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  • What is the local language in Costa Rica?
  • What are the top things to do in Costa Rica?
  • How do I get around in Costa Rica?
  • What is the time difference with Costa Rica?
  • Can I combine Costa Rica with another destination?

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