Costa Rica Guided Tours: Are They Necessary, Valuable, And/Or Worthwhile?
Curious if you need a tour guide in Costa Rica? We explore whether Costa Rica guided tours or unguided tours are better, and why.
FOR YOU, FOR FREE: 17 years' worth of firsthand Costa Rica trip planning and travel advice compiled into hundreds of articles, plus exclusive discounts. Created by a Costa Rican and a four-time published Costa Rica guidebook author. Welcome, amigos, and as we say in Costa Rica, pura vida!
Browse our Costa Rica blogs to learn everything you need to know about volcanoes in Costa Rica, including where to tour volcanoes in Costa Rica and why you should experience the activity.
Curious if you need a tour guide in Costa Rica? We explore whether Costa Rica guided tours or unguided tours are better, and why.
Watch Nikki Solano cover 10 of the most sought-after Costa Rica destinations (and standout experiences at each) on Rick Steves’ Monday Night Travel Show.
Browse our photo galleries to view free Costa Rica trail maps for national parks, reserves, waterfalls, and other areas of interest!
We detail the 30 most popular things to do in Costa Rica (with photos) and describe the attractions, beaches, cities, and towns that offer them!
Our Costa Rica guidebook, Moon Costa Rica, is full of tips, recommendations, photos, maps, and itineraries. Learn more!
We outline how to reserve and buy tickets for the Poas Volcano National Park, complete with screenshot photos that show every step!
Have some free time to spend in Alajuela Costa Rica? Our list of the top 5 things to do in Alajuela span volcanoes, waterfalls, wildlife exhibits, and more!
We’ve visited both sectors of the Arenal Volcano National Park in Costa Rica several times. Here’s everything you need to know, plus free Arenal Volcano tour discounts!
Our free La Fortuna city guide covers everything we’ve learned from living in and exploring La Fortuna Costa Rica for years.
We detail (with photos!) which destinations and beaches to pick, and things to do if you want to experience Costa Rica off the beaten path!
Looking for the best Arenal hanging bridges? We compare and contrast the Mistico Park bridges and the Arenal Sky Walk bridges.
We explain when and why you should (or shouldn’t) reserve Costa Rica tours and activities in advance, with recommendations month by month.
Want to experience Costa Rica without a guide? We outline which tours and activities do and do not allow for unguided adventures. Learn more!
Wondering which Costa Rica volcano is the best to visit? We compare Costa Rica’s top 5 volcanoes, outline ways to visit each, and answer popular volcano-related questions!
We outline what to know about hiking Cerro Chato, the lagoon, and our sweet engagement story. Plus, free discounts for Cerro Chato tours!
Plan to travel to Costa Rica with kids? We outline the best things to do and provide child and student discounts!
September 2024 edition