Costa Rica Holidays

Our Costa Rica adventures are crafted to help you see more, do more, and experience the country like a local. Here’s why travellers choose Exodus: 

Best Local Guides: Our passionate tour leaders share insider knowledge about Costa Rica’s wildlife, rainforests, and culture, turning every hike and boat trip into a learning experience.  

Award-winning adventures: We are incredibly proud to be named a Which? Recommended Escorted Tour Provider and a Conde Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Award Winner.  

Small Groups: Solo travellers, couples, and friends make up our welcoming groups, with an average group size of 10-12.  

Immersive Itineraries: Discover iconic highlights like Arenal and Tortuguero, spot sloths, toucans, and monkeys on guided nature walks and try activities like zip lining or white-water rafting.  

Sustainability: We support local communities and stay in locally owned accommodation where possible. 

Stress-Free Logistics: Accommodation, transport, transfers, and many activities are all arranged so you can focus on the adventure and not the admin.  

An Exodus Travels tour to Costa Rica is a fully guided adventure package. Typically this will include: 

Accommodation: Comfortable locally owned hotels, lodges, and eco-lodges. 

Transport: Private transportation throughout, plus airport transfers (normally at set times). 

Expert Tour Leader: A knowledgeable local guide to coordinate logistics and share insight. 

Meals: Most breakfasts, plus selected lunches and dinners depending on the itinerary. 

Activities: Guided hikes, wildlife watching, and cultural visits as listed in your Trip Notes. 

Support: 24/7 on-the-ground assistance from the Exodus team. 

Optional activities such as zip-lining, rafting, or night walks can be added to tailor your adventure. 

Costa Rica’s tropical climate makes it a year-round destination, but the best time to go depends on the experiences you are looking for: 

Dry Season (December to April): This is widely regarded as the best time for visitors. During these months, you’ll encounter sunny days, warm temperatures, and minimal rainfall, making it ideal for exploring national parks, lounging on beaches, and indulging in outdoor activities.  

Green Season (May to November): Unveils lush landscapes and fewer crowds. Despite daily afternoon rain showers, the rainforests come alive with vibrant foliage, and waterfalls cascade at their fullest. This period is particularly appealing to wildlife enthusiasts, as many animals are more active. Between July and October it is a good time to see green turtles nesting at Tortuguero National Park. 

Regardless of the season you choose, our expertly designed small group tours ensure you make the most of your experience, whether you’re craving sunny adventures or rainforest escapades. 

Costa Rica is generally considered a safe destination to travel in. The country has a stable political environment and a strong commitment to tourism. According to the United Nations it is one of the most well-developed nations in Latin America, and its approach to conservation is widely regarded as a global success story.  

However, like any destination, it’s essential to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings. During the trip your guide provides safety tips for activities, free time, and local etiquette, helping you feel confident throughout.  

If you have specific safety concerns before you book, our team of experts will be happy to discuss them. 

Our tours are designed to be accessible for most active travellers, but we assign an Activity Level to every trip to help you choose your perfect adventure based on your ability and preferences.  

• In Costa Rica most trips are rated between Easy and Moderate. Activities include guided hikes in national parks, boat trips, and nature walks that most travellers with a reasonable level of fitness can enjoy. 

• Many itineraries cover multiple regions so expect some overland travel between destinations. 

• If you prefer to opt out of an activity, your Tour Leader can suggest alternatives. 

• Our Costa Rica cycling holidays are best suited to confident cyclists with good fitness and experience of longer rides. 

If you’re unsure which trip matches your fitness level, speak to our team of experts who can help you choose the right itinerary. 

Solo travel doesn’t have to feel daunting. With Exodus, you’ll join a small group, led by an experienced tour leader who prioritises safety, giving you the confidence to travel further and explore deeper. Our itineraries include a mix of group activities and free time, and with everything pre-arranged all you need to do is turn up and enjoy the adventure.  

Costa Rica is renowned for its warm hospitality and locals often go out of their way to make visitors feel welcome. The ‘Pura Vida’ lifestyle, emphasizing a laid-back and positive approach to life, is deeply ingrained in Costa Rican culture.  

Blessed with some of the most biodiverse landscapes on earth, Coast Rica plays host to a vast array of wildlife and indigenous species of flora and fauna. On an Exodus small-group tour, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to spot incredible wildlife. As you hike among lush rainforests, keep your eyes peeled for colourful toucans, scarlet macaws, howler monkeys and sloths. You’ll also encounter smaller species like frogs and Blue morpho butterflies, which add to the vibrant kaleidoscope of nature. Venture into mangroves or along coastal trails to discover sea turtles, caiman and crocodiles.  

Your expert Tour Leader and local guides will help you spot these creatures on guided nature walks making every day a chance for a new wildlife encounter. 

Costa Rica offers a range of adventurous activities that you can try. Zip line over the rainforest, have a go at white-water rafting, try canyoning down a waterfall or sink in natural thermal pools. Let us know your interests and the types of places you’d like to explore, whether that’s beaches and mountains or rainforests and volcanoes, and we’ll guide you to the itinerary most suited to you.  

Costa Rica is famous for its incredible national parks, gorgeous coastlines, lush rainforests, and sandy beaches.. The country is a haven for nature lovers, offering a stunning array of flora and fauna. From the vibrant wildlife of its national parks to the captivating beauty of its beaches and volcanoes, Costa Rica is celebrated for its commitment to conservation and its status as a global hotspot for biodiversity. In addition to its natural wonders, Costa Rica is well known for its stunning beaches on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. The country also offers a diverse range of outdoor activities, from surfing in the Pacific to white-water rafting and zip lining, providing a playground for adventure seekers. 

Most travellers find that eight to 15 days is the ideal amount of time to explore Costa Rica. Exodus small-group tours are designed to make the most of your stay: 

• 8-9 days: Perfect for first-time visitors who want to experience Costa Rica’s highlights, such as Arenal Volcano, Tortuguero National Park, and Monteverde cloud forest. Enjoy some guided wildlife walks and have some free time to relax. 

• 10–15 days: Ideal if you want to include more national parks and visit both the Pacific and Caribbean coastlines.  

All of our Costa Rica itineraries include a mix of guided excursions and free time, so you can explore at your own pace or add optional activities. 

Exodus small-group tours in Costa Rica typically run with four to 16 travellers, with an average group size of around 10–12 people. Smaller groups mean a more personal experience and allow us to travel comfortably on private transport. You’ll always be accompanied by a Tour Leader, plus any other support staff needed for your adventure. 

An Exodus escorted tour in Costa Rica is the perfect way to experience the country’s wildlife, landscapes, and adventure activities with expert support and stress-free logistics. Here’s what you can expect:  

Landscapes and wildlife: Home to some of the most diverse landscapes and weird and wonderful animals on the planet, Costa Rica is a world-class wildlife destination. On our Costa Rica tours, explore misty cloud forests, walk along stunning coastal trails and come face-to-face with fascinating creatures, such as sloths, howler monkeys and the iconic green turtle.  

Best local guides: All tours are accompanied by an expert tour leader who handles logistics and shares insider knowledge, making sure every day runs smoothly. Try adventures like zip-lining, white-water rafting and hikes across volcanic landscapes.  

Small groups: We only travel in small groups and mostly stay in small hotels or lodges to help protect the land and wildlife.  

Whether you want to cycle through coffee plantations, hike in the rainforest, or soak up the tropical atmosphere, an Exodus tour ensures you experience the best of Costa Rica.  

Home to simmering volcanoes, exotic beaches, and dense rainforests, Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. It covers only 0.03% of the Earth’s surface, yet is home to around 5% of its total flora and fauna. 

From biodiverse jungles and dramatic volcanoes to tropical coastlines, our Costa Rica holidays aim to guide you through all the best places. Wildlife lovers should visit Monteverde Cloud Forest to see incredible species of birds; Tortuguero for its green, hawksbill, and leatherback turtles; and Tamarindo for its gorgeous beaches on the Pacific coast. 

Arenal Volcano National Park and La Fortuna are also well worth visiting. There, you can witness the imposing volcano, hot springs, and wildlife such as jaguars, tree frogs, and white-faced capuchin monkeys.  

Our Costa Rica holidays not only introduce you to the diverse landscape’s colourful wildlife and extraordinary national parks, but you’ll also be immersed in local culture and experience adrenaline-fuelled activities too. Zip lining, hiking, boating – there’s so much to get involved in.

Costa Rican cuisine uses fresh, vibrant ingredients largely made up of fruits and vegetables, simple meats, stews, and soups. On an Exodus small-group tour, you’ll enjoy a mix of included group meals and the freedom to try restaurants during your free evenings. 

We recommend trying these: 

Gallo pinto: A breakfast dish consisting of rice and black beans  
Casado: A combination of salad, beans, rice, fried plantains, and meat  
Olla de carne: A stew with carrots, taro root, plantains, corn, cassava, and cuts of beef 
Fresh Fruit: Pineapple, mango, papaya, and bananas are available everywhere  

Accommodation on Exodus small-group tours in Costa Rica is carefully chosen to enhance your adventure and support local communities as much as possible. Stay close to nature in a charming eco-lodge tucked in the rainforest, perfect for early-morning birdwatching. We also use comfortable hotels and lodges with lush gardens and pools, perfect for relaxing after a day of adventure. We try to choose small, locally owned properties where possible that offer warm hospitality and a genuine Costa Rican experience. 

If you’d prefer a little bit of extra comfort, opt for one of our Premium Adventures, in which we end most nights in stylish accommodation.  

Both coasts of Costa Rica offer incredible attractions, and which one you should visit depends on your preferences and interests. 

On the Pacific coast, you’ll find vibrant beach towns, diverse marine life, and a variety of water activities such as surfing and snorkeling. The Pacific side is also home to Manuel Antonio National Park, renowned for its biodiversity and wildlife encounters. This coast is the drier of the two, making it more suitable for sun seekers. 

The Caribbean coast is less developed, and offers a more laid-back atmosphere. It is known for lush rainforests, wildlife, and the opportunity to witness sea turtles nesting in Tortuguero National Park. The Afro-Caribbean culture adds to the experience. 

Can’t decide? Many of our tours visit both coasts, offering a perfect taste of everything Costa Rica has to offer. 

While the primary language in Costa Rica is Spanish, many locals speak English, especially in areas that are popular with international guests. In less touristy areas proficiency in English varies. It is always helpful to know some basic Spanish phrases for interactions with local people. Learn a few basics before you go or ask you tour leader for some tips. 

We love to introduce families to the natural wonders of Costa Rica, so much so that we have tours specifically designed for families with a love of wildlife and outdoor adventures. On our Costa Rica Adventure Family Holiday, immerse yourself in diverse scenery and wildlife experiences as we take you on unforgettable adventures that bring you closer to this incredible country. Imagine sailing along the Tortuguero waterways to go in search of exotic birds and monkeys, feel the adrenaline pumping as you fly through the rainforest on a zip wire or take a dip in the thermal springs at Arenal Volcano National Park.