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ToursCentral America & the CaribbeanCosta RicaCosta Rica Budget

Costa Rica Budget Small Group Tours & Trips

92 Costa Rica Budget trips. Tours from 54 tour companies. 444 reviews. 4.8/5 avg rating.

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48 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
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Small Group Tour
Costa Rica: Coast to Coast
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Costa Rica: Coast to Coast

By Globus
none
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
Despite being one of the most established names in the travel business, they continue to innovate and offer new top-notch experiences.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Arenal Volcano, Central America, Guanacaste, La Fortuna, Manuel Antonio National Park

Highlights

  • Poas: Sightseeing of Poas Volcano; tour Doka Coffee Plantation and sample a fresh cup of coffee
  • Arenal : Naturalist-led tour of the Arenal Hanging Bridges; Arenal National Park & Arenal Volcano; and Tabacón Hot Springs
  • TÁrcoles: Tropical mangrove cruise
  • Manuel antonio : Naturalist-led tour of Manuel Antonio National Park; farewell dinner
  • Active volcanoes, prolific wildlife, tranquil hot springs, active adventures, and expansive beaches—this vacation has it all! Experience Costa Rica’s must-see national parks: Poas, Arenal, and Manuel Antonio
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Themes

Cultural, 50 Plus

What travelers are saying

"We were able to see many different areas of Portugal and enjoy the local fare."

Trip dates & details
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9 days From$2,999
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Quest for Pura Vida
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Quest for Pura Vida

By AdventureSmith Explorations
none
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Explore the cloud forests of Monteverde and the Arenal Volcano
  • A personal journey to find your own Pura Vida
  • Visit Tortuguero National Park

Themes

Nature & Wildlife, Family Friendly, National Parks

What travelers are saying

"We particularly wanted to do this trip because of the abundance of wildlife we expected to encounter and selected this ship because they offered the kayaking experience. Overall, the weather was very good. Most people seemed like minded and were there for the adventurous experience. Accommodations Review They upgraded our cabin and we were very pleased with the amount of space and the amenities in the room. We appreciated the twin windows and being able to see humpbacks diving from our cabin. It was kept very clean and it was a treat to have our bed turned down with chocolates on the pillow each night. Meals Review We liked the variety and the quality of the food. There was always something new to try. The dining room staff was very professional and personable. Crew & Guides Review Solon was our Principal Trip Leader. He was incredibly professional and it seemed like he was constantly working to maximize the encounters with wildlife and scenery, taking advantage of all the weather opportunities and going to places that they don't often go. He worked very closely with the captain who was very accommodating and caring about us having a memorable voyage. Aymie and Andrew were our kayak guides. We went out to kayak 10 different times and were able to get to know both of them well. They worked hard to keep us safe and well informed. They made sure that we didn't miss out on any land excursions. We've had quite a few kayak guides over the years that we've paddled and we loved these two. Marla was the marine biologist aboard the ship. She was very enthusiastic and had a passion for marine mammals that was infectious. We loved listening to her presentations and looked forward to hearing her voice on the PA saying that there was another whale sighting. Colin, the geologist aboard the ship, was very knowledgeable and able to make difficult subjects understandable to the passengers. Itinerary Review The trip far, far, far, far, far, far exceeded our expectations. I had one "far" in the sentence when we left South Georgia Island after seeing 250,000 King Penguins at St. Andrews Point and added the second when we saw blue whales on two different days. The third "far" was added when we saw hundreds of whales for 6 hours along the iceberg, A68a. I added another "far" when we kayaked for over an hour with humpbacks all around and another "far" when minke whales were all around the kayaks the next day. The last "far" was added the day we didn't paddle since a leopard seal was all around the kayaks and then an orca came close. We had so many incredible experiences that we could never experience all of them in the same trip again. The guides told us that the close encounters that we had didn't happen very often and that we were very lucky that they all happened on our trip. The only thing that we didn't like was portions of the Drake Passage when it was a tad rough, but that experience gives us something to talk about. Transportation Review We made our transportation arrangements through another travel agency. Traveler Advice Make sure that you take sea sickness meds. Take advantage of every opportunity to see wildlife."

Trip dates & details
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9 days From$2,700
Price updated 1 year+ ago
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Wonders of Central America - 22 days
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Wonders of Central America - 22 days

By On The Go Tours
none
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Antigua, Boquete, Copan, Granada, Monteverde, Panama City

Highlights

  • Panama City - Visit the famous Panama Canal and explore Central America's most cosmopolitan and wealthy capital
  • Boquete - Explore the heart of Panama's coffee growing region
  • Sarapiqui - Visit some of the wonderful national parks in the area or the Sarapiqui River
  • Monteverde National Park - Hike through the beautiful cloud forest, shrouded in a canopy of cloud and home to a wonderful array of flora and fauna
  • Leon - Explore this charming old Colonial town
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Themes

Cultural, Nature & Wildlife, National Parks

What travelers are saying

"Completely unethical booking situation. I requested a tour, submitted my CC info to hold the tour and tried to cancel it the following day. (My daughter broke her foot thus we couldn’t go). We were told the tour was not ‘confirmed’ but they still had to reach out to their local team prior to cancelling. The charge on credit card read pending. The intermediary company, Tour Radar, assured me that On the Go Travel would drop the pending charge. After a week or so, I got a generic email saying congratulations your tour has been booked. The full charge appeared on my credit card. I am livid. I am currently working with Tour Radar to drop the charge. Regardless of how this turns out, I will never ever travel with On the Go Travel."

Trip dates & details
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22 days From$4,455
Price was last confirmed this year
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Ultimate Costa Rica - 15 days
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Ultimate Costa Rica - 15 days

By On The Go Tours
none
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Monteverde - visit the world renowned Cloud Forest Reserve which is famous for its adrenaline activities
  • Samara - relax on one of Costa Rica's most beautiful beaches in this enchanting coastal hamlet
  • Tortuguero - take a walk along the famous turtle nesting trail and spot wildlife on a cruise along the canals of this spectacular national park
  • San Jose - get acquainted with the country's capital and opt to visit the nearby Volcano Poas
  • Manuel Antonio - explore the beautiful lagoons, palm fringed beaches and lush green forests of this beautiful national park
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Themes

Cultural, Nature & Wildlife, National Parks

What travelers are saying

"Completely unethical booking situation. I requested a tour, submitted my CC info to hold the tour and tried to cancel it the following day. (My daughter broke her foot thus we couldn’t go). We were told the tour was not ‘confirmed’ but they still had to reach out to their local team prior to cancelling. The charge on credit card read pending. The intermediary company, Tour Radar, assured me that On the Go Travel would drop the pending charge. After a week or so, I got a generic email saying congratulations your tour has been booked. The full charge appeared on my credit card. I am livid. I am currently working with Tour Radar to drop the charge. Regardless of how this turns out, I will never ever travel with On the Go Travel."

Trip dates & details
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15 days From$4,295
Price updated 1 year+ ago
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Classic Costa Rica - 8 days
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Classic Costa Rica - 8 days

By On The Go Tours
none
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • El Trapiche - learn about the farming and the processing of sugar cane, coffee and chocolate on an interactive tour
  • Monteverde Cloud Forest - the option to follow the hiking trails through this beautiful biological reserve
  • Arenal Volcano National Park - enjoy amazing views of Arenal volcano, take a scenic hike and opt for a dip in the natural volcanic springs
  • Manuel Antonio National Park - discover the beautiful white sand beaches and wildlife of this wonderfully bio-diverse park, which is home to endangered capuchin monkeys, sloths and more
  • San Jose - take in the highlights of Costa Rica's capital on a guided tour

Themes

Cultural, Nature & Wildlife, National Parks

What travelers are saying

"Completely unethical booking situation. I requested a tour, submitted my CC info to hold the tour and tried to cancel it the following day. (My daughter broke her foot thus we couldn’t go). We were told the tour was not ‘confirmed’ but they still had to reach out to their local team prior to cancelling. The charge on credit card read pending. The intermediary company, Tour Radar, assured me that On the Go Travel would drop the pending charge. After a week or so, I got a generic email saying congratulations your tour has been booked. The full charge appeared on my credit card. I am livid. I am currently working with Tour Radar to drop the charge. Regardless of how this turns out, I will never ever travel with On the Go Travel."

Trip dates & details
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8 days From$2,295
Price updated 1 year+ ago
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Costa Rica: Three Jewels in Paradise
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Costa Rica: Three Jewels in Paradise

By Road Scholar
preferred
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Wheelchair Accessible
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

  • Experience Costa Rica’s incredible biodiversity at Manuel Antonio National Park, in a private cloud forest reserve and in the Pacific rainforest
  • Learn about gourmet coffee production in the Valley of the Saints, one of the world’s best places to grow coffee beans
  • Raft down the lower reaches of the Savegre River and boat and snorkel on the spectacular Pacific coast

Themes

50 Plus, Education / Learning

What travelers are saying

"I enrolled early in the French Art Voyage because of the caliber of the sites visited: no visit to the overly crowded Louvre but rather to Monet’s Giverny and Cezanne’s studio. A preliminary itinerary I just received has no mention of Giverny so I went online to be sure it was still open. It is. I checked Cezanne’s studio and found it closed for renovation. I called Road Scholar to ask why Giverny was canceled and did they mean Cezanne perhaps. A customer service rep was clueless. I spelled Giverny to her twice. She put me on hold for 15 minutes, returned and said someone would contact me. I told her to wait a minute. I had more. Was Cezanne’s studio to be canceled as well.? Five days later I get an email from Judith telling me Giverny was not officially on the itinerary, Cezanne’s studio had to be removed due to renovation and I could not see the Mona Lisa!!! I responded saying I sensed some bait and switch also reminding her I NEVER asked about the Mona Lisa. She replied telling me how to arrange Giverny for myself and reiterating that I could not see the Mona Lisa!!!! I have experienced ageism but not gaslighting like this. I am not an old fool who imagined Giverny on the itinerary. I am not an old fool insisting on a Mona Lisa that was not. Road Scholar has no business marketing to elders with staff like this."

Trip dates & details
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9 days From$1,999
Price updated 1 year+ ago
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Custom Designed Trip
Lodging level
lodgingLevelName
Physical level
N/A

Highlights

  • Fully customized trip based on preferences
  • Matched with a local specialist
  • From $200 per person per day
From$200per person per day
Design custom trip
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Costa Rica Extended
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Costa Rica Extended

By Under30Experiences
preferred
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

  • Sunset dinner at Playa Hermosa
  • Enjoy the beautiful beaches of Costa Rica
  • Explore local waterfalls and hot springs
  • Get hooked on some of the best coffee in the world
  • Uncover the mysteries of Costa Rican rainforest while hiking
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Themes

Cultural, Nature & Wildlife, 18 - 30's, Hiking & Walking, National Parks, High Adventure, Eco, Sustainable & Green Travel

What travelers are saying

"I had an amazing time on the Costa Rica starter trip. This was my first time traveling solo and U30X was a great way for me to safely see another part of the world and meet new people. Our trip leaders were Adrian and Delphine; they were very knowledgeable and fun. It felt more like we were just hanging out with our friends who happened to know a lot about the country rather than following around tour guides."

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9 days From$1,695
Price updated 1 year+ ago
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Costa Rica Adrenaline
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Costa Rica Adrenaline

By Under30Experiences
preferred
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

  • Visit Virgen de Los Ángeles Basílica Church in Cartago
  • A two day whitewater rafting adventure
  • Canyoning, rappelling, and zip lining in an action-packed day
  • Mountain bike through untouched rainforest
  • Hike to hidden waterfalls
Show more

Themes

Nature & Wildlife, 18 - 30's, National Parks, High Adventure, Eco, Sustainable & Green Travel

What travelers are saying

"I had an amazing time on the Costa Rica starter trip. This was my first time traveling solo and U30X was a great way for me to safely see another part of the world and meet new people. Our trip leaders were Adrian and Delphine; they were very knowledgeable and fun. It felt more like we were just hanging out with our friends who happened to know a lot about the country rather than following around tour guides."

Trip dates & details
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7 days From$1,595
Price updated 1 year+ ago
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48 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
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Small Group Tour

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Costa Rica Budget Reviews & Ratings

4.8/5  Excellent
444  Reviews
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Excellent
470
Great
78
Average
13
Disappointing
3
Terrible
3
A

Anonymous

Aug 2018

Provided byExodus Adventure Travels

Discover costa rica

An excellent taster of the country. Well planned with good locations Meeting the owner michael Schnitzler of esquinas lodge. Such a wonderful work, he is passinate...

Tour:  Discover Costa Rica

A

Anonymous

Aug 2018

Provided byExodus Adventure Travels

Totally superb experience.

Our Guide & tour leader-Johnny [Villalobos] made this trip the best we have experienced; with his expertise, knowledge & general manner. Superior to simi...

Tour:  Discover Costa Rica

A

Anonymous

Aug 2018

Provided byExodus Adventure Travels

Discover Costa Rica

I would highly recommend this trip. The trip is very wildlife oriented, so if that is not your main interest, it may not be for you. However, I wouldn’t say that i...

Tour:  Discover Costa Rica

A

Anonymous

Aug 2018

Provided byExodus Adventure Travels

Discover Costa Rica

This trip was one of the best holidays that my wife and I have ever taken. . Costa Rica is a beautiful country but the attention to detail provided by Exodus and t...

Tour:  Discover Costa Rica

A

Anonymous

Aug 2018

Provided byExodus Adventure Travels

Discover Costa Rica review

This was our first Exodus trip, which, to be honest I viewed with some trepidation, as I walk with crutches, and so wondered how it would be. I cannot praise Exod...

Tour:  Discover Costa Rica

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