About this trip
Costa Rica packs an unusual amount of wildlife into a small country, and this 15-day trip is built around seeing it properly rather than rushing past it. Expect sloths, howler monkeys, toucans and nesting turtles, spotted with the help of guides who know where to look.
The route takes in both coasts, Caribbean and Pacific, so you get a real sense of how different the two sides of the country feel. It is fully guided throughout, with a moderate pace that leaves room to actually take things in.
This suits a small group setting with private rooms, so you get your own space at the end of each day rather than sharing a dorm.
What you'll do
- Spot sloths and howler monkeys in the rainforest
- Watch for nesting green turtles on the coast
- Visit both the Caribbean and Pacific coastlines
- Guided wildlife spotting with local leaders throughout
- Moderate pace, guided the whole way, good for a first trip to Costa Rica
- Private rooms throughout rather than shared dorms
- Runs over Christmas and New Year, worth checking dates if you have plans either side
Worth it if you're keen on wildlife and guides who genuinely know their stuff. Think twice if you're tall, dislike early starts, or need constant activity when not hiking.
- Guides consistently exceptional—knowledgeable on wildlife, history, geology; go beyond brief to arrange early outings.
- Minibus cramped; seats too close for tall people, wheel wells block legroom on long transit days.
- Large group formations early on dilute experience; some locations hit by heavy tourism crowds and poor lighting.
- Rain common at Arenal and Monteverde; downtime between activities offers limited options beyond walking familiar areas.
Distilled from real traveller reviews on TourRadar — we don't edit out the bad bits.
The same-vibe trips, side by side — price, value per day, and how each is moving. Only we can lay two operators' trips out honestly.
Sorted by fit — never by who paid. Price moves and fill fill in from our own tracking as it builds.
Departing in Jul is cheapest — from £2,850, about 21% below the priciest month (Dec).
Getting there
Opens Trip.com, pre-filled — one-way so you can book your return whenever. Prices & booking shown there.
Where to stay
A night before your tour in San Jose · 24 Jul – 25 Jul
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