Nature & wildlife
Caribbean canals and rainforest
Boat rides through the Tortuguero canals with a naturalist guide who reads the rainforest for you. In season, sea turtle nesting changes the plan.
- Approx. duration:
- 2 to 3 days
- For:
- Travelers
For travelers
Custom trips to Costa Rica, built around your pace
There are a thousand ways to put together a trip to Costa Rica, and plenty of generic itineraries end up looking the same. At El Guía CR we start from different questions: what do you want to experience, who is traveling with you, and what pace and budget do you have in mind?
From there we design an itinerary around you and coordinate it with you: La Fortuna tours, farm stays, transport between destinations, and the travel times that are easy to underestimate when you plan alone.
What we design for your trip
An itinerary with judgment
How many days in each place, in what order, and how much room to rest. We adapt to your pace, not the other way around.
Tours and activities that fit
Tours in La Fortuna and elsewhere, mixing well-known places with lesser-known ones that are worth the detour.
Transport and transfers
Realistic travel times between destinations and transport options that make sense for your group and budget.
One point of contact
One person who knows your plan and adjusts it if something changes, before and during the trip.
How we work
We understand
You tell us your dates, group, pace and what you would like to experience, through a short form and a conversation.
We design
We put together an itinerary proposal with places, activities and timing, and refine it with you.
We coordinate
We coordinate partners, transport and bookings, and stay available while you travel.
Ideas for your trip
These are starting points. We combine them, change them or drop them depending on what you are after.
Nature & wildlife
A rainforest day at Río Celeste
Trail, waterfall and the springs of the turquoise river, timed to avoid the busiest hours. A good fit if you want to see the country without rushing.
- Approx. duration:
- 1 day
- For:
- Locals · Travelers
Adventure
River, farm and volcano in La Fortuna
A day that mixes river activity, a visit to a local farm and time to unwind in front of Arenal. It adapts to the energy level of the group.
- Approx. duration:
- 1 day
- For:
- Travelers · Companies
Coffee, cacao & farms
From plant to cup: coffee and cacao
A morning on a farm with the grower: how it is cultivated, processed and prepared, with a tasting built into the plan we design.
- Approx. duration:
- Half a day
- For:
- Locals · Travelers
Food & cooking
Cooking with a host family
Market, stove and a shared table with a local family. A way to understand Costa Rican food from the people who cook it every day.
- Approx. duration:
- Half a day
- For:
- Travelers · Education
Culture & communities
Afro-Caribbean culture in the South Caribbean
Food, cacao and conversations with people from the community to learn about the history and everyday life of the South Caribbean.
- Approx. duration:
- 2 days
- For:
- Education · Travelers
Frequently asked questions
Is it a private trip or a group tour?
We design the trip for your own group: a couple, a family or friends. If you like the idea of sharing an activity with other travelers, tell us and we will look at the options.
Can I ask for just one part, like La Fortuna tours or transport?
Yes. You can ask for the whole trip or only the part you find hard to organize. Tell us what you already have sorted and we will focus on the rest.
How far ahead should I get in touch?
The earlier the better, especially in high season or with fixed dates. Even so, if your trip is close, write to us and we will tell you what is possible.
How much does a custom trip cost?
It depends on the group, the dates and what the plan includes. After talking with you we send a proposal with the details so you can decide with a clear picture.
Tell us how you picture your trip.
You do not need to have it all figured out. A few answers are enough to start building a proposal.