Private Costa Rica Tour: Custom Itinerary with Driver-Guide

Build your own day with a driver who knows the hidden corners

A private full-day tour in Costa Rica pairs you with an English-speaking driver-guide and a vehicle for up to 10 hours or 300 km, letting you design the itinerary or follow one you've already planned. The driver waits while you explore each stop, handles all driving and parking costs, and brings a cooler of beverages. Pickup is included. Activities, entry fees and meals are your choice at checkout.

The experience

The core of this tour is flexibility. You decide what goes on the day, whether that's a list you've already made or something you want to build once you arrive. The driver picks you up at the airport (contact the operator before you exit the terminal to confirm the meeting point), then takes you to as many stops as the hours allow. Each location is your call: a national park, a hidden waterfall, a local market, a beach, a coffee plantation, a wildlife reserve. The driver stays with the vehicle while you're inside, ready to move on whenever you're done.

The vehicle is air-conditioned and insured, equipped with WiFi and a cooler stocked with ice tea, water and beer. All tolls and parking come with the booking. The driver doubles as your guide at each stop, offering insight into the landscape and culture rather than just ferrying you between sites. Groups stay at a maximum of four passengers per vehicle (or up to six or ten if you book a larger option), so the experience stays intimate and the vehicle suits the road conditions you'll encounter.

Timing works around your flight: if you land earlier than booked, wait at the airport coffee shop and the driver will adjust. Delays of more than two hours are accommodated subject to availability. After-hours pickups or drop-offs between 11 PM and 5 AM operate under special conditions based on distance. The service runs for up to 10 hours or 300 km per day. Anything beyond that is quoted separately.

What’s included

• Private vehicle and English-speaking driver-guide for the full day.
• pickup at the airport.
• air-conditioned transport with WiFi.
• cooler with beverages.
• all fuel, tolls and parking.
• as many stops as the hours allow, with the driver waiting at each site while you explore.

Options for this experience

2 options

Accommodates up to 6 passengersUp to 6 per booking · No fixed timeAccommodates up to 6 passengers: ⚠️The rate for this option covers up to 6 passengers; extra passengers can join for an additional fee⚠️ Pickup is included

Accommodates up to 10 passengersUp to 10 per booking · No fixed timeAccommodates up to 10 passengers: ⚠️The rate for this option covers up to 10 passengers; extra passengers can join for an additional fee⚠️ Pickup is included

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

GroupPrivate

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 15 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Playa Grande Shuttle & Tours

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want to build the day around what interests you most, rather than follow a fixed route. The private setup means no other passengers, no set schedule, and no pressure to move on before you're ready at each stop.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can I book this tour if I don't know what I want to see yet?

Yes. Once your booking is confirmed, the operator contacts you to build a custom itinerary together, or you can provide your own list of stops and the driver follows it. The flexibility is the point.

What happens if my flight arrives earlier or later than I booked?

Early arrivals: wait at the airport coffee shop outside the terminal and the driver will meet you there. Delays over two hours are accommodated if availability allows. Contact the operator as soon as you know.

Does the driver stay with me at each stop, or wait with the vehicle?

The driver waits with the vehicle while you explore each location, then drives you to the next stop. At each site, the driver can offer guidance and context about what you're seeing.

What's included in the price, and what do I pay extra for?

Included: the vehicle, driver, all fuel, tolls, parking, WiFi and beverages. You choose and pay separately for activities, entry fees to attractions, and meals at checkout.

How many people can fit in the vehicle?

The standard booking accommodates up to four passengers. Larger groups can book the option for up to six or ten passengers. The vehicle type adjusts based on group size and road conditions.