Private Tours in Costa Rica

Private tours in Costa Rica are suitable for tourists who need more flexibility than that offered by a normal group tour. In some cases, booking privately will provide your group with its own guide, vehicle, departure time, or itinerary, though the specific details of what is included will differ according to the operator.

When a private tour makes sense

Private tours are very useful for families, for groups made up of several generations, for couples, and for people who are short on time. They are also a good option when you would like to include a number of destinations in a single day, when you want to travel at a more leisurely pace, or when you wish to avoid having to coordinate with a large group.

With regard to wildlife and nature trips, a private guide can also allow you to stop more often, ask questions, and concentrate on the animals or landscapes which interest you the most.

Private tour vs. private guide

A private tour means you get a trip planned just for you. This includes a set route, driver, and guide. Everything is arranged ahead of time, so you just show up and enjoy the experience.

A private guide is different. You hire someone who knows the area to show you around. You set your own schedule and choose what you want to see. You may need to arrange your own transportation and tickets.

Both options give you personal attention. A private tour is more planned out, while a private guide offers more freedom. Choose the one that fits your style and needs.

Private experiences aren't all the same. In some cases the listing includes both a private guide and transportation for your group, in others the guide is given to you when you arrive at the meeting point.

Before you book, make sure you find out if transportation is included, whether the price is given per person or per group, how many travelers the vehicle can hold, and whether the itinerary is fixed or can be customized.

How to compare private tours

Go beyond the headline price and compare the duration, the pickup location, the group capacity, the entrance fees included, the meals, the transportation, the cancellation terms, and the recent traveller reviews.

Although a private tour might have a higher initial cost than joining a shared trip, the difference could be reduced for families or groups when the price is based on the vehicle or on the booking rather than on each traveler.

San José, Guanacaste, La Fortuna, Monteverde, and the Pacific coast are some of the popular destinations for private tours, but availability will depend on the location and the activity.

Prices shown on this page are starting rates supplied through Viator and may change according to date, group size, destination, vehicle type, and selected options. Confirm whether the final price applies per person or to the entire group before booking.

If you want to look at more specific choices, you can go to the destination hubs such as La Fortuna Tours, Jacó Tours, Monteverde Tours, and Guanacaste Tours, or visit the dedicated activity pages for wildlife, boating, hiking, and other activities.