Partner Guide Costa Rica 2026 | Toucan Discovery — DMC Costa Rica
Partner Guide 2026

Costa Rica,
your next bestseller

Central America's number one nature destination, Costa Rica, boasts constant tourism growth. Offer it to your clients with a DMC that lives on-site and knows the terrain.

3.2 million Visitors/year
+12% Growth 2024-2025
12j Average stay
93% Satisfaction rate
Discover

Your DMC terrain
in Costa Rica

Toucan Discovery is a local destination management company based in Costa Rica. We design, operate, and manage the entire supply chain for your clients: accommodations, transfers, guides, activities, vehicles, and 24/7 assistance.

Our platform Dynamics allows you to build and book tours in real-time, with up-to-date availability and net rates. Your clients can even customize their trip independently directly through the Dynamics platform.

Why work with us We are not a wholesaler. We know every hotel, every guide, and every route in this guide personally. Our rates are negotiated directly with the service providers, our tours are tested in the field, and our local team provides support from start to finish. Zero intermediaries, zero unpleasant surprises.
Keel-billed toucan in the Costa Rican rainforest
📍 Local Team in Costa Rica
6%
0.031% of the world's biodiversity
30%
From the territory to protected national parks
99%
Renewable energy
Top 3
World ecotourism destination
10-14j
Optimal length of stay

What profile of clientele Who are you targeting?

4 questions to identify the Toucan Discovery product that best suits your market. You will be recommended a suitable route.

1 Your main clientele is primarily looking for...
🌋 Adventure and active experiences (trekking, rafting, diving)
🦜 Nature observation and ecotourism immersion
Family Family vacation with suitable activities
High-end, honeymoon, exclusive experiences
2 The average duration of the tours you sell...
📅 12-16 days — complete and immersive tours
📅 8-12 days — the well-balanced must-sees
📅 10-14 days - relaxed pace with free time
📅 7-10 days - focused, premium, no downtime
3 The average budget per person for your clients (excluding flights)...
💰 1,500 – 2,500 € · Comfort Range
💰 €2,000 – €3,000 · Comfort +
💰 €2,500 – €4,000 · Senior
💰 $4,000 + · Premium / Luxury
4 Your clientele's preferred travel mode...
🚗 Self-drive tour (vehicle rental + roadbook)
🚐 Private tour with driver-guide
🚌 SIB (Shared Ride) or small group
Airplane Completely tailor-made with internal flights
🌋
Adventure & Immersion Product

Your clients want intensity: Corcovado, Pacuare rafting, active volcanoes. Our «Wild Costa Rica – 14 Days» tour is perfect. Adaptable to private or SIB, comfortable margins on this range.

View the product «Wild Costa Rica — 14 Days» →
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🍃
Essential Nature Product

The classic circuit that sells itself: volcanoes, cloud forest, Pacific. Self-drive or private tour format, 10 days, ideal for a first trip. It's our best-seller for a reason.

View the product «Essential Costa Rica - 10 Days» →
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Family
Product Family

Safe beaches, animals everywhere, a relaxed pace. Our «Pura Vida Family Adventure - 12 Days» tour is designed for families with children aged 4 to 16. Fun activities, hotels with pools, integrated free time.

View the product «Pura Vida in Family — 12 days» →
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Premium Product & Honeymoon

Private hot springs, 5-star boutique hotels, exclusive dinners, internal flights. We build fully customized experiences for your premium clientele. Contact us for a personalized quote.

Request a premium quote
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Destinations

5 regions, 5 sales arguments

Each region of Costa Rica targets a different customer profile. Here's how to position them in your brochures.

Rio Celeste Waterfall, Tenorio Volcano, Costa Rica
Arenal · Tenorio · La Fortuna

The essential first trip

Picturesque volcanoes, turquoise waterfalls, hot springs: it’s the postcard-perfect destination that draws visitors. Featured in 100% of our tours. A wide range of accommodations, from 3-star to 5-star boutique hotels. Excellent tourist infrastructure.

  • Río Celeste — the bluest river in the world (strong visual argument)
  • Natural hot springs — sellable as «nature's wellness»
  • Multiple activities: ziplining, rafting, suspension bridges (easy upsell)
💡 Operational advice Plan for a minimum of 2-3 nights. Río Celeste requires half a day and pairs perfectly with Arenal. The free hot springs (Tabacón River) are an excellent «authentic local experience» argument versus hotel spas.
Caribbean beach Cahuita Costa Rica
Cahuita · Puerto Viejo · Tortuguero

The «two countries in one» map»

Integrating the Caribbean coast offers a completely different Costa Rica: Afro-Caribbean culture, coconut-based cuisine, reggae, and coral reefs. Tortuguero is a must for its wildlife (turtles, caimans). An excellent differentiator for your brochures.

  • Tortuguero — turtle nesting (July-Oct), strong seasonal argument
  • Cahuita — the country's only living reef, easy and family-friendly snorkeling
  • Puerto Viejo — Caribbean ambiance, highly sought after by 25-40 year olds
💡 Operational advice Tortuguero is accessible only by boat or plane. Plan for transfers as part of your package (from San José: shuttle + boat ~4 hours). All-inclusive lodges simplify logistics. Can be combined with the Southern Caribbean coast in 4-5 days.
Corcovado National Park Osa Peninsula Costa Rica
Osa · Corcovado · Drake

The ultimate natural premium

National Geographic called it the most biologically intense place on the planet. Osa Peninsula = the ultimate premium product. Exclusive lodges, exceptional wildlife, a feeling of being at the end of the world. Your premium clientele dreams of it.

  • Corcovado — trek with naturalist guide, tapirs, macaws (high-end sale)
  • Caño Island — Manta ray and shark diving/snorkeling
  • Eco-luxe lodges (Lapa Rios, Drake Bay Getaway) — arguments for sustainability + luxury
💡 Operational advice Corcovado requires a SINAC reservation 30 days in advance and a mandatory guide. We handle the permits for you. Access via domestic flight (Drake Bay) or boat (Sierpe). Plan for a minimum of 3 nights. Including the domestic flight in the package simplifies sales.
Sunset surfing Santa Teresa Costa Rica
Santa Teresa · Nosara · Sámara

Surfing, yoga, and beach extension

The Pacific coast is the perfect beach extension at the end of the tour. Santa Teresa for young, active people, Nosara for wellness, Sámara for families. Nicoya is also a Blue Zone—a very trendy angle for well-being and longevity.

  • Samara — Safest beach (families), combinable with Liberia (LIR)
  • Nosara — Yoga/Wellness Retreats (Premium Female Clientele, Ages 30-50)
  • Santa Teresa — surf and lifestyle (clientele aged 25-40, couples)
💡 Operational advice Two possible airports: San José (SJO) or Liberia (LIR). If the tour ends on the Northern Pacific, returning via LIR shortens the transfer by 3 hours. This is excellent for optimizing the itinerary and allowing for an extra day at the beach.
Hanging bridge cloud forest Monteverde Costa Rica
Monteverde · San Gerardo de Dota

The altitude that makes the difference

Cloud forest, resplendent quetzal, suspension bridges: Monteverde is a must. San Gerardo de Dota remains undiscovered and offers the best quetzal sighting rate in the world – a highly differentiating birding argument for English-speaking and Nordic markets.

  • Monteverde — Hanging Bridges + Night Tour (Sellable Immersive Experience)
  • San Gerardo — Quetzal (Birding + Wildlife Photography)
  • High-altitude coffee — finca tours, tasting experience (easy upsell)
💡 Operational advice The Arenal → Monteverde route is spectacular but winding (3.5 hours). The lake ferry is a fast and original option. Plan for 2 nights. Can be combined with San Gerardo de Dota for 14+ day nature/birding oriented trips.
Products

Circuits turnkey

Field-tested, logistically optimized. Each product is modular: self-drive, private, or SIB. Net receptive rates available upon request.

Essential — 10 days
Wild — 14 Days
Family - 12 days

Essential Costa Rica

10 days / 9 nights Car tour or private tour 🏨 Cat. Comfort to Superior

Our absolute best-seller. The must-sees without the rush: volcanoes, cloud forest, Pacific. 3 stops, max 3-4 hours of driving between each. Ideal format for a first trip - excellent conversion rate.

Manuel Antonio Beach and Jungle Costa Rica
Arrival San Jose
SJO Airport → Hôtel Vallée Centrale
Airport welcome, vehicle pick-up (self-drive tour) or private transfer. Overnight in the Central Valley. Hotels offered: Buena Vista del Valle (3*), Finca Rosa Blanca (4*+).
La Fortuna & Arenal Volcano
Central Valley → La Fortuna · 3h
Route to La Fortuna. Afternoon: La Fortuna Waterfall. Evening: Hot springs. Accommodations: Arenal Backpackers (eco), Tabacón (4*), Nayara (5*).
Operational: Private transfers or shared shuttle available
Arenal — Day of Activities
The Fortune
Flexible day depending on client profile: zipline, Mistico hanging bridges, Río Balsa rafting (Class II-III), floating safari. All activities can be booked through Dynamics.
Río Celeste & Monteverde
La Fortuna → Tenorio → Monteverde · 4h
AM: Hike in Tenorio Volcano National Park (Río Celeste). PM: Continue to Monteverde. Option to take the lake ferry to shorten the journey.
Monteverde — Cloud Forest
Monteverde
AM Suspension Bridges. PM Coffee Farm Visit. Evening Night Tour (upsell recommended supplement). Accommodations: Monteverde Lodge (3*+), El Establo (4*).
Route to the Pacific
Monteverde → Manuel Antonio · 3h30
Descent towards the coast. Manuel Antonio zone installation. Accommodations: Si Como No (4*), Tulemar (5*), Espadilla (3*).
Manuel Antonio National Park
Manuel Antonio
Guided tour of the park (naturalist guide included or for an additional fee). Monkeys, sloths, beaches. SINAC reservation required—handled by us.
Closed on Tuesdays. Plan ahead for circuit programming.
Pacific Extension
Manuel Antonio / Uvita
Free days or optional activities (mangrove kayaking, whale watching July-Oct, snorkeling). Ideal for offering upsells without overloading the itinerary.
Return & departure
Pacific → SJO · 3h30
Vehicle return or private transfer to the airport. Possibility to extend with a Caribbean or Corcovado extension.

Integrate this product into your catalog

Net rates for inbound travel, agency terms, and commission schedules are available upon request. Flexible product 100%.

Wild Costa Rica

14 days / 13 nights 🚗 Private or semi-private Hotel. Superior to Premium

The product for experienced travelers. Corcovado, Pacuare rafting, volcanoes, quetzal. Includes an internal flight. Higher profit margins due to premium adventure positioning.

Rio Celeste Waterfall, Tenorio Volcano, Costa Rica
Arrival San Jose
SJO Airport
Welcome and transfer. Overnight in San José or Central Valley.
Pacuare River Rafting — 2 Days
San José → Turrialba → Pacuare River
Pacuare River Descent (Top 10 Worldwide). Overnight in a jungle lodge accessible only by river. Class III-IV. Includes: guide, equipment, meals, lodge. High perceived value experience.
Arenal & Tenorio
Turrialba to La Fortuna · 3h
Volcanoes, waterfalls, hot springs, Río Celeste. Activities customizable according to client profile.
Monteverde
La Fortuna → Monteverde · 3.5 hours
Cloud forest, suspension bridges, night tour. Option: quetzal watching (if in season).
San Gerardo de Dota
Monteverde to San Gerardo · 5h
Secret valley, quetzal (Dec-Apr), local trout. Confidential mountain ambiance. 2 nights for the rhythm.
Osa Peninsula & Corcovado
Internal flight → Drake Bay
3 nights in Drake Bay. Guided Corcovado trek, Caño Island diving, Golfo Dulce mangrove kayaking. The highlight of the trip—an unforgettable experience.
Internal flight Drake Bay: Sansa Airlines, 45 min from SJO. Advance booking recommended.
Uvita — Decompression
Drake → Uvita
Beach, whale watching (if in season). Gentle transition before returning.
Return & departure
Uvita to SJO · 4h
Airport return transfer.

Request the complete product sheet

Net rates, agency conditions, HD photos for your brochures — everything is ready.

Pure Life in a Family

12 days / 11 nights Car tour or private tour Hotel Family Comfort

Optimized for families of 2 adults + 1-3 children (ages 4-16). Short driving times, safe beaches, fun activities, hotels with pools. Costa Rica is the ultimate family destination – this package proves it.

Manuel Antonio Beach Costa Rica
Arrival & Installation
SJO Airport → Central Valley
Hotel with a pool for post-flight decompression. Tested family accommodations: Adventure Inn (3*), Marriott Hacienda Belén (4*).
La Fortuna & Arenal
Central Valley → La Fortuna · 3h
Cascades, Mistico hanging bridges (stroller accessible), family hot springs. Río Peñas Blancas floating safari – kids' favorite activity (calm, safe, lazy guaranteed).
🔧 Floating safari: systematically include in family packages
Manuel Antonio
La Fortuna → Manuel Antonio · 4h30
National Park: easy trails, beaches, monkeys everywhere. Kayak mangroves. Free PM pool. Accommodations: Si Como No (4*, family-friendly), Espadilla (3*+).
Sámara — Northern Pacific
Manuel Antonio to Sámara · 4h
Safest beach in Costa Rica. Kayak Isla Chora, kids' surfing, turtle tours (seasonal). 4 nights = relaxed pace enjoyed by families.
Return & departure
Sámara → SJO · 4h (or LIR · 2h)
Return option via Liberia (LIR) if available — 2-hour drive instead of 4 hours, much appreciated with children.

Costa Rica sells very well to families

Children's rates, family discounts, tested accommodations by age group — it's all in our product sheet.

Operational

Everything you need to know

Essential logistics information for effectively selling and programming Costa Rica.

🚗

Cool vehicles

  • SUV 4x2 — Hyundai Tucson or similar, sufficient for 90% circuits
  • SUV 4x4 — Necessary only for Monteverde and Osa (trails)
  • 8-passenger minivan — Hyundai H1, ideal for small groups and families
  • 15-passenger minibus For groups, with driver
🏨

Accommodation categories

  • Eco (2-3*) Simple, clean lodges with breakfast. Ideal for backpackers.
  • Comfort (3*+) — Charming hotels, swimming pool, good location
  • Superior (4*) — Boutique hotels, spa, quality restaurant
  • Premium (4*+ / 5*) Nayara, Lapa Rios, Kura Design Villas
  • All hotels are tested and contracted by our team
Airplane

Logistics transfers

  • Airports — SJO (San José) and LIR (Liberia, Guanacaste)
  • Internal flights — Sansa Airlines, for Drake Bay and Tortuguero
  • Shuttles — Interbus, available between all major stops
  • Private transfers — Trained drivers, AC, full insurance
  • 100 km rule — 100 km = 2-3h in Costa Rica (winding roads)
📋

Terms & Warranties

  • Cancellation — Progressive policy: 100% 60 days prior, 50% 30 days prior, 0% 15 days prior
  • Modification Free until 30 days before (subject to availability)
  • Assistance 24/7 phone line in French and Spanish
  • Professional Liability Insurance Police active, certificate available upon request
  • ICT License — Receptive agency officially registered in Costa Rica

What makes the difference with us

The concrete advantages of a local DMC versus a wholesaler.

  • Directly negotiated rates with each provider — no intermediary markup
  • Plateforme Dynamics — Real-time Booking with Availability and Net Rates
  • Professional HD photos provided for free for your brochures
  • Annual educational tour offered to active partners (flight not included)
  • Quote response within 24 business hours, 7 days a week during high season
Sales arguments

What makes it sell
the Costa Rica

The angles that convert your prospects into customers. Integrate them into your brochures, product sheets, and sales pitches.

🌿

Ecotourism #1

Strong trend — all markets

30% of protected land, 99% of renewable energy, CST certification. Costa Rica IS ecotourism. A key selling point for environmentally conscious customers.

🐢

Exceptional fauna

July → October (seasonal peak)

Turtles, whales, quetzals, sloths, macaws. 61% of the world’s biodiversity. Every month offers a different spectacle—a great selling point all year round.

Beach

Two oceans

Differentiating argument

Pacific AND Caribbean in a single trip. Surfing, diving, wild beaches. Allows for offering «two atmospheres in one tour» – strong appeal.

🌋

Accessible adventure

Families + Couples + Active Seniors

Ziplining, rafting, suspension bridges, hiking — with mature and safe tourist infrastructure. Adventure without the risk. Ideal for expanding your target audience.

Gastronomy & Café

Easy Upsell

Coffee and cacao farm tours in Bribri, Caribbean rice and beans, local sodas. Culinary experiences are easy-to-sell and highly appreciated add-ons.

Dove

Security

Reassuring Argument — Families

No army since 1948, stable democracy, decent road infrastructure, well-regulated tourism. The «safest country in Central America» - an argument that removes purchasing barriers.

Prices

Price list Indicative

Public price ranges by category, excluding international flights. Net receptive rates upon request — contact us for your commission grids.

🌱
Eco Range
1200 - 1800 €
Per person · 10 days · based on 2 people
  • 2-3* Accommodation (lodges, B&B)
  • Location SUV 4x2 + insurance
  • Breakfast included
  • Detailed roadbook + assistance
  • Target: Young couples, premium backpackers
🌿
Comfort Range
1 800 – 2 800 EUR
Per person · 10-12 days · based on 2 people
  • 3*+ to 4* accommodation (boutique hotels)
  • SUV and full insurance
  • Breakfasts + a few dinners
  • 2-3 guided activities included
  • Target: couples 30-55 years old, families
Premium Range
€3,500 – €6,000
Per person · 10-14 days · based on 2 people
  • 4*+ to 5* accommodation (boutique, eco-luxe)
  • Private French-speaking chauffeur-guide
  • Half-board + selected restaurants
  • All activities and entries included
  • Target: honeymoon, affluent seniors, incentive

What your competitors are doing

  • ❌ Wholesale prices with 2-3 intermediaries
  • ❌ Accommodations never tested on site
  • ❌ No local support in case of problems
  • ❌ Copy-paste circuits without field optimization

Results: compressed margins, disappointed customers, complicated after-sales service

✅ What Toucan Discovery brings you

  • ✅ Net DMC prices without intermediaries
  • ✅ Every hotel tested and contracted by our team
  • ✅ 24/7 in-person assistance in French
  • ✅ Optimized field circuits (distances, timings, seasons)
  • ✅ Platform Dynamics: Real-time Booking for Your Customers

Result: healthy margins, delighted clients, competitive differentiation

💡 Green Season = margin +

May–June and November: Accommodation rates -30%. Your customers save money AND your profit margin increases. Nature is greener, and there are fewer tourists. An excellent selling point for «smart travel.».

💡 Two airports = more flexibility

Suggest arrival at SJO and departure from LIR (or vice versa). This avoids a circular route and frees up an extra day for activities. Your clients love it, and you sell more.

Regional Combines

Costa Rica + Panama (Bocas del Toro, 3 nights) or + Nicaragua (Granada, 2 nights). We operate all three destinations. Excellent for increasing the average basket size.

💬