Has a captivating adventure in the far away jungle paradise of Costa Rica been a dream of yours? Would you like to experience exotic animals, pura vida culture, and beautiful scenic views? Are you interested in booking a tour with one of the top 10 Costa Rica Tour Companies for a safe and fun filled trip?
Many people often mistake Costa Rica and Puerto Rico as being the same place. In reality, Costa Rica is a landlocked nation and is highly regarded as one of the best tourist destinations in the world. Throughout the 5 provinces of Costa Rica, you can find charming locals and stunning volcanic mountains. You can also explore the east and the west coast! There are thousands of excursions of every kind and you have so many options when it comes to fun and exciting things to do. The time you spend in Costa Rica may even convince you to retire in paradise. No matter what you are interested in seeing, there is a great tour company that can help you achieve your dreams.
As you begin to research different tour opportunities, you will come to find out that there is a lot of research to go through and hundreds, if not thousands of tour companies offering their services. Investing in a tour on your vacation is a big decision and in many cases, a large monetary choice. You should be investing in a tour that will give you a life changing and memorable experience. Being able to safely choose a company comes with knowledge and we are here to ensure you are well informed about tours in Costa Rica.
We would hate for you to accidently pay thousands of dollars to an illegitimate or lack luster tour experience. This could ruin your tour and even tarnish your vacation and there is an easy way to avoid this. We have spent many hours combing through different tour operators in Costa Rica in order to provide you with this in-depth guide on the best options for you. Everything you need to know is found below!
Here is an unbiased list of the Top 10 most reputable Costa Rica tour operators.
| Providers | Reviews |
| Jaguar Rescue Center | Trip Advisor – 6,496 reviews |
| Go Tours Costa Rica | Trip Advisor – 4,255 reviews |
| Vista Los Suenos Adventure Park | Trip Advisor – 4,111 reviews |
| Diamante Eco Adventure Park | Trip Advisor – 4,021 reviews |
| Arenal Rafting | Trip Advisor – 3,342 reviews |
| Desafio Adventure Company | Trip Advisor – 4,675 reviews |
| Wave Expeditions | Trip Advisor – 3,051 reviews |
| Costa Rica Descents | Trip Advisor – 2,933 reviews |
| Arenal Jungle Tours | Trip Advisor – 2,927 reviews |
| Paddle 9 | Trip Advisor – 1,630 reviews |
Table update Jan 16, 2024
Jaguar Rescue Center
The Jaguar Rescue Center is an institution that provides shelter and care to abandoned, ill or orphaned animals. Through organizing public and private tours of their sanctuaries, they have risen to become one of the best tour operators in Costa Rica. In their sanctuaries, you will get an extremely rare opportunity to observe endemic animals in their natural habitat. You can even interact with animals and adopt them!
Founded by two biologists, Encar Garcia and Sandro Alviani, they established the Jaguar Rescue Center to share their deep love and admiration of animals to other people as well. You can go on a well-guided tour of the Jaguar Rescue Center and have the most memorable wildlife experience in Costa Rica.
Jaguar Rescue Center Best Costa Rica Packages
The Jaguar Rescue Center organizes private and public tours of their institution on a regular basis. You can go on their Public Tour of the JRC Sanctuary and have a unique experience with animals. For 1 and a half hour, interact with rare animals like sloths, monkeys, toucans and many more on this guided and informational tour.
They also offer a Private Tour of their sanctuary that you can book beforehand. This tour can be tailored according to your preferences and you can have an even more intimate experience with the friendly animals! You will also be guided by a professional bilingual tour guide.
Lastly, you can also choose to stay at one of their Jaguar Inn Bungalows. Experience the secluded areas of the jungle and even visit two beaches that are just a minute’s walk away!
Jaguar Rescue Center Reviews
The Jaguar Rescue Center is one of the best-reviewed Costa Rican tour companies and they have done respectable work in preserving wildlife. With 6,496 reviews on TripAdvisor, they are the very best when it comes to providing quality tours. They are also ranked as #1 of 71 Outdoor Activities in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. They were awarded the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award in 2023. A satisfied customer wrote this about them:
The tour was amazing! The guides were very knowledgeable and you could tell they really cared about the animals there… Isaac M
Read all reviews of Jaguar Rescue Center on TripAdvisor.
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Desafio Adventure Company
Desafio Adventure Company is the best tour company in Costa Rica that provides premier tours and transportations at an affordable cost. They have over 30 years of experience in adventure tourism in Costa Rica. They specialize in group and family tours and have customized their services so that tourists of all ages can enjoy their services. They also have an extremely professional set of staff that ensures you have the best time in Costa Rica. Their organization skills and detailed itineraries are remarkable and deserve recognition. Your trip to Costa Rica will become one of the highlights of your life with Desafio Adventure Company!
Desafio Adventure Company Best Costa Rica Tour Packages
From extreme adventure sports to relaxing cooking classes, Desafio caters to all your travel needs with their extensive list of tour packages.
Have a genuine Costa Rican experience as you go canyoning in the Lost Canyon. Fulfill your adventure needs as you rappel down a 200ft waterfall. You will also get a guided tour of the El Salto Swimming Hole in this package.
For the ultimate Costa Rican adventure, you can choose their Gravity Falls Waterfall Jumping Package. You will be provided high quality gear and professional guides on this thrilling adventure. End the day with an all-you-can-eat buffet!
For a more relaxing option, you can go birdwatching in the Arenal Volcano region. You will get truly immersed in the natural life as there are over 840 bird species to witness on this trip!
Desafio Adventure Company Reviews
Ensuring quality time spent with their customers, Desafio Adventure Company has risen to be a top-rated Costa Rican tour operator. With over 4,200 5-star ratings on TripAdvisor, they are ranked as #9 of 63 Boat Tours & Water Sports in La Fortuna de San Carlos. Their quality service has landed them the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award of 2023. A customer that toured with them recently wrote:
The trip was one of the best organized in Costa Rica . Thanks to our guide Crystal we not visited best location for birds watching but also learned a lot… Sightseer20787377916
Read all reviews of Desafio Adventure Company on TripAdvisor.
Go Tours Costa Rica
Go Tours Costa Rica was founded by passionate Costa Rican natives committed to conserving natural resources. They aim to craft unforgettable vacation experiences to all visitors that tour with them. Their friendly approach and fantastic services has earned them the rank of being one of the best travel agencies in Costa Rica.
The team at Go Tours is extremely helpful and wants you to experience the cultural and natural richness of their land. They emphasize personalized service and ensure utmost satisfaction for your vacation.
Go Tours Costa Rica Best Costa Rica Tour Packages
Their commitment to crafting you memorable experiences is reflected in their detailed travel and tour packages. If you are traveling with your family to Costa Rica, you can book their 5D/4N Costa Rica Best Attractions and Destinations package. You will enjoy a wonderful time touring around Manuel Antonio National Park and engage in fun activities like hiking and zip-lining.
Among their day tours, one of their best is the Arenal Volcano Mega Combo Tour. Enjoy breathtaking view of volcanoes and waterfalls, zip-line through a rainforest and relax in hot springs in this mega package.
Also, you can visit the famous Monteverde Cloudforest and Hanging Bridges. Observe exotic wildlife in the cloudforest as you hike through hanging bridges and well-preserved trails.
Go Tours Costa Rica Reviews
Go Tours Costa Rica is a highly-respected tour operator in Costa Rica whose nature and adventure tours are recommended by many tourists. They have 4,255 reviews on TripAdvisor, most of which are 5-star ratings. They are also ranked as #1 of 12 Tours & Activities in Santa Ana. A past customer of theirs wrote:
Our guide Augustine was fantastic and the tour was wonderful. Our driver also did a great job!! We loved it… Doug B
Read all reviews of Go Tours Costa Rica on TripAdvisor.
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Vista Los Suenos Adventure Park
Vista Los Suenos Adventure Park is a travel agency in Costa Rica that specializes in extreme adventure tourism. Established in 2008, they have served more than 300,000 customers to the date. Their services range from zip-lines and ATV tours to horse-back riding and hiking. They have a team of extremely skilled and trained guides that ensure your safety and comfort at all times. Covering a large area nearby Jaco, Vista Los Suenos Adventure Park is a fitting option for those that want an electrifying vacation in Costa Rica.
Vista Los Suenos Adventure Park Best Costa Rica Tour Packages
It does not matter if you are a nature-lover or an extreme adrenaline seeker; Vista Los Suenos Adventure Park has something for everybody!
If you have ever dreamed of swinging on jungle vines just like Tarzan then the Tarzan Swing package is just the thing you need! Vista Los Suenos offers this thrilling experience that lasts an hour with professional guides and safe gear.
For a sightseeing tour, you can book their Exclusive Beach Day tour from San Jose. Snorkel in the first aquatic museum in Costa Rica and see crocodiles in their natural habitat in the Tarcoles River in this package.
If you don’t feel like adventuring out, there are still other things to do! You can go on their Chocolate Experience tour where you can taste different kinds of chocolate and fruit. You’ll also be informed by a bilingual guide about the chocolate and cocoa production process.
Vista Los Suenos Adventure Park Reviews
Vista Los Suenos Adventure Park has established itself as a leading Costa Rican travel agency that appeals to thrill-seekers and nature-lovers both. Their 4,111 reviews on TripAdvisor is a testament to their great success. They are ranked as #5 of 172 Tours & Activities in Jaco and were awarded the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award in 2023. A customer satisfied with their service wrote:
Great attraction. We did the zip line and ATV adventure. Staff super friendly and knowledgeable, spoke excellent English. Very efficient operation… Travelling G
Read all reviews of Vista Los Suenos Adventure Park on TripAdvisor.
Diamante Eco Adventure Park
As the only oceanfront adventure park in Costa Rica, Diamante Eco Adventure Park is a top-rated, highest-reviewed Costa Rican tour operator. Their vision is to be the #1 tourist destination in Costa Rica by offering unique experiences that aren’t found elsewhere.
At Diamante Eco Adventure Park, they believe in values of conservation and safety. Their equipment meets international standards and all of their tours and activities are extremely safe and non-intrusive to its natural surroundings. With a team consisting of competent and professional individuals, the company wants to educate and entertain its customers through sustainable eco-tourism. Your trip to Costa Rica will become an unforgettable one with Diamante Eco Adventure Park!
Diamante Eco Adventure Park Best Costa Rica Tour Packages
As leaders of sustainable tourism, the company provides tour packages that are both fun and non-harmful to the environment. Visit their Costa Rica Wildlife Sanctuary where you will learn and interact with a large variety of animals. You will also be informed by licensed biologists about any inquiries you have on this tour.
If you are looking for a thrilling adventure, look no further than their Superman Zip Line Pass. Ride one of the longest zip lines in Costa Rica in true fashion like Superman. You will see spectacular views of the ocean and nearby forests while on the zipline.
Similarly, you can opt for their Costa Rica Cultural Experience Tour. In this package, you will visit a botanical garden that has local herbs and plants. Also see how they make chocolate, sugarcane and coffee in this culturally flavorful tour.
Diamante Eco Adventure Park Reviews
As pioneers of eco-tourism in Costa Rica, Diamante Eco Adventure Park has held its position as one of the best tour operators in Costa Rica. Over 4,000 reviews on TripAdvisor is proof of their commitment to nature conservation. They have also received the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award in 2023 and are ranked as #2 of 12 Outdoor Activities in Playa Matapalo. A customer that visited them in the past wrote:
Great place! We spent most of the day there. Loads to do. Zip lines are great! Great animals. Food was good. Staff are really nice too… Marine
Read all reviews of Diamante Eco Adventure Park on TripAdvisor.
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Arenal Rafting
As the most experienced river rafting tour operator in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, Arenal Rafting is dedicated in bringing you an action-packed adventure. Their rafting tours are safe and exciting and will definitely be the highlight of your vacation.
The team at Arenal Rafting, led by Daniel Anchia, is made up of professionals when it comes to rafting. They will ensure your utmost safety while making sure you have the best time in La Fortuna. Their affordable rates and top-tier customer service make them one of the best tour companies in Costa Rica. Embark on an electrifying adventure with Arenal Rafting to experience the magnificence of Costa Rican rivers.
Arenal Rafting Best Costa Rica Tour Packages
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced rafter, Arenal Rafting has tour packages that suit your specific needs. If you are a beginner, go on a Class III and IV rafting trip to the Rio La Balsa. You will be fully equipped with safety gear as you enjoy the thrilling rapids of the river on this 5 hour ride.
For their most challenging adventure, they offer white water rafting in Rio Sarapiqui. Experience a thrilling ride down continuous rapids with an expert guide. You will also have time left over for lunch in La Fortuna!
Arenal Rafting also offers a combo package that consists of canyoning and rafting in the Arenal Volcano region. Start on a local farm and rappel down waterfalls. Then you’ll enjoy an electrifying adventure rafting on the Rio Balsa.
Arenal Rafting Reviews
Arenal Rafting is a highly-reviewed Costa Rican travel agency that has safety as its number one priority. They have 3,342 reviews on TripAdvisor. They are also ranked as the top #1 of 256 Tours & Activities in La Fortuna de San Carlos. They received the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award in 2023 for their exceptional service. A satisfied customer wrote:
Very good experience lots of fun splashes but still felt safe. Would definitely recommend with families and younger kids. Our guide Chizo was fun and experienced… Srinivasan K
Read all reviews of Arenal Rafting on TripAdvisor.
Wave Expeditions
Wave Expeditions is a top-tier tour operator in Costa Rica when it comes to whitewater rafting and adventure tourism. The company was founded by Warner Baltodano and Vanessa Willing – both of them sharing a deep passion for the rivers of Costa Rica. The company started out as just as single raft and slowly evolved over a 14-year period to become one of the best rafting service providers in Costa Rica. The teams at Wave Expeditions, from chefs to tour guides, are incredibly efficient at their job and provide only the best services to their customers. Embark on a journey with Wave Expeditions and discover the wonders of the Costa Rican landscape.
Wave Expeditions Best Costa Rica Tour Packages
With over 200,000 satisfied customers on their list, Wave Expeditions provides only the most exciting tour packages for you to explore.
If you are feeling particularly adventurous, you can book their Rafting and Waterfall Rappelling Adventure Combo. Rappel down majestic waterfalls with professional guides and safety gear. You will also be able to go rafting on level 2 and 3 rapids in this trip.
For an incredibly unique nature tour, you can opt for the Nocturnal Nature Safari Float package. Discover the nighttime ambiance of the Costa Rican wilderness as you quietly float down the Penas Blancas River. You will see all sorts of animals and birds like the long-nosed bat, iguanas, caimans etc.
Also, go on their Rafting and ATV Combo in Arenal where you will ride quad-bikes through the plains of Arenal Volcano. Then, the tour will move on to an exciting rafting expedition in the Balsa River.
Wave Expeditions Reviews
As one of the highest-reviewed travel agencies in Costa Rica, Wave Expeditions holds up to the highest standards of care and safety. Their 3,051 reviews on TripAdvisor are symbolic of their excellent service. They are ranked as #3 of 63 Boat Tours & Water Sports in La Fortuna de San Carlos. They were also awarded the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award in 2023. A recent customer of theirs wrote:
WAVE rafting was fantastic, from resort pickup to rafting and more. These people care about a fun guest experience and are always willing to help… LetsGo800
Read all reviews of Wave Expeditions on TripAdvisor.
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Costa Rica Descents
Costa Rica Descents believes that conquering the thrilling rapids of the Costa Rican rivers is the best adventure you can have! As a local top-rated Costa Rican travel agency, they provide rafting classes as well as tours in various rivers near La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano. Through their customized excursions, they promise an immersive experience in the heart of nature.
At Costa Rica Descents, they value safety, innovation and cordiality and they treat their clients with the highest show of respect. They have a team of highly trained and educated tour guides that ensure a top-quality adventure. Under the guidance of Costa Rica Descents, you can embrace the full splendor of Costa Rica’s nature.
Costa Rica Descents Best Costa Rica Tour Packages
With Costa Rica Descents’ numerous tour packages, you are guaranteed to get the best personalized service and care. If you are on a family trip to Costa Rica, their Rafting Adventure on the Sarapiqui River is an excellent option for you to consider. You will get incredible views of the surrounding areas, experience thrilling rapids and even have time for a Costa Rican organic lunch.
They also offer a tour of an organic farm near La Fortuna. You can observe how local crops and food is grown, how pest management is done and even meet and interact with farm animals! For land adventure, consider their Rio Celeste Day Hike. In this tour, you will hike through the Tenorio Volcano National Park and see the colorful sights of waterfalls and hot springs. Since the hike isn’t physically challenging, it is available for all ages!
Costa Rica Descents Reviews
As a tour company in Costa Rica that upholds the highest travel standards, Costa Rica Descents has gathered a lot of respect and support. With over 2,900 reviews on TripAdvisor, they are ranked as #2 of 63 Boat Tours & Water Sports in La Fortuna de San Carlos. They also received the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award in 2023 for their amazing support and service. A satisfied customer said this about them:
Loved the repelling and rafting. We took our whole family, with 5 kids from 21 to 10 years old. Our guide Orlando, and others were amazing… Tyler B
Read all reviews of Costa Rica Descents on TripAdvisor.
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Arenal Jungle Tours
As leading experts in hiking tours in the Arenal Volcano area of Costa Rica, Arenal Jungle Tours is there to provide you the best nature and wildlife tours of your life. They are one of the best tour companies in Costa Rica. Their quality of service and attention to detail exceeds other tour operators by a large margin. They provide packages at an affordable rate and their professional tour guides help customers in any way they can. Experience the biodiversity of Costa Rica in true adventurous fashion with Arenal Jungle Tours at your side.
Arenal Jungle Tours Best Costa Rica Tour Packages
Arenal Jungle Tours provides a large range of tour packages that cater to beginners as well as experienced hikers.
As one of their top-selling adventures, you should not miss out on the Waterfall, Volcano and Hot River tour package. In this 9 hour tour, you will see the breathtaking sight of La Fortuna waterfall, hike through rainforests and an ecological park. See all types of tropical wildlife and end your tour with a traditional lunch.
If you want to see the famous sloths of Costa Rica, the company also provides a Sloth Watching Trail. You will be accompanied by a naturalist guide. He will take you on a hike in the Costa Rican rainforest to see sloths in their natural habitat. Arenal Jungle Tours also offers spa services.
You can also join their spa session and a deep tissue massage. Feel all your tiredness wash away from your body as expert masseurs give you an excellent body massage.
Arenal Jungle Tours Reviews
As a leading Costa Rican tour operator, Arenal Jungle Tours ensures that their customers have the best experience while touring their country. Over 2,900 reviews on TripAdvisor mark how satisfied their customers are with their services. They are ranked as #5 of 207 Outdoor Activities in La Fortuna de San Carlos. They also received the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award in 2023 for their satisfactory service. A past customer wrote:
Carlos was the best. A funny and informative tour. Got to taste so many things. Even managed to peep a sloth sighting and mating attempt. Pura vida… Patrick C
Read all reviews of Arenal Jungle Tours on TripAdvisor.
Paddle 9
Paddle 9 has been in operation since 2012 and doesn’t plan on slowing down anytime soon. As a well-respected travel agency in Costa Rica, Paddle 9 is well known as the waterfall excursion expert in Manuel Antonio. They are a full-service team of adventurers that have a knack for giving tourists an amazing experience.
This company was the first to begin offering Stand Up Paddle Boarding tours. They are pioneers in their field and offer services that are safe but will take you out of your comfort zone to ensure the perfect adventure. They are committed to providing you and your family the perfect vacation tour in Costa Rica.
Padddle 9 Best Costa Rica Tour Packages
Offering packages ranging from private tours to waterfall excursions, Paddle 9 will ensure that you have an amazing time no matter what you choose!
Go paddleboarding in the Damas Island Mangroves, one of Costa Rica’s most eco-diverse areas. In this tour, you will see the spectacular wildlife of the area while equipped with the latest equipment.
If you prefer kayaking, they also provide a kayaking tour in Manuel Antonio. You will ride their easy to use pedal kayaks and navigate the crystal ocean waters. Also get a chance to see secluded beaches that won’t be available on any other trips.
The wilderness of Costa Rica holds many wonders. Explore the Nauyaca Waterfall, one of the most impressive waterfalls in Costa Rica. You can hike to the top of this magnificent attraction or have a refreshing dive in the pool at the bottom. This tour also includes a picnic spot for lunch.
Paddle 9 Reviews
Paddle 9 has been in operation for a long time and over the years, they have garnered respect and credit for being one of the top Costa Rican tour operators in Manuel Antonio. With over 1,600 5-star ratings on TripAdvisor, they are ranked as #1 of 145 Tours & Activities in Manuel Antonio. They have received the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award in 203 for their amazing service. A satisfied customer that recently toured with them wrote:
Fun, safe, lovely guides. I’ve been taking my daughter on several of their tours with this company every year for about 7 years. It was always a great time spent… vianora v
Read all reviews of Paddle 9 on TripAdvisor.
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FAQs
Costa Rica is one of the few countries in the Americas that are completely safe for travel. Tourists of all ages and group sizes can enjoy the wonderful landscapes and natural attractions of Costa Rica without having to worry about crime.
The best time to visit Costa Rica is during the dry season when the weather is dry and the sun shines spectacularly. From the months of December to April is prime-time to visit Costa Rica and see its natural wonders.
Costa Rica ranks as #2 in the American regions according to data presented by the WEF Travel & Tourism Development Index.
The best places to visit in Costa Rica for the first time are the cities of San Jose and Limon. From there, you can travel to the Arenal Volcano region or the Monteverde Cloud forest for its breathtaking sights.
One of the major attractions in Costa Rica is its beautiful natural parks. Costa Rica is also rich in biodiversity and is considered one of the richest eco-regions on the planet. Its secluded beaches are also popular among tourists.