I am planning to travel in January with my husband and need some suggestions on companies that offer guided tours. We're in our mid fifties and like adventure but I really don't have time to plan a trip on my own. I'd like to visit two or three places and spend about ten days

There's lots of local Costa Rican and boutique agencies that will design a custom tour for you, or you can buy one that's already packaged.

Of the big packagers offering guided soft-adventure tours, I've always thought Overseas Adventure Travel did a good job, and presented great value.

For high-end, Costa Rica Expeditions is very good and conscientious, but they are not cheap.

You could contact Horizontes Nature Tours www.horizontes.com They are a local agency whom I've worked with several times in the past for designing itineraries for group tours, but they also do individual itineraries. I like the fact that Horizontes is very involved in community projects in the Central Valley region.

We met a bunch of people who were on a Road Scholars tour. They seemed like they were having a great time. Most looked 50 plus. We've used Costa Rica Expeditions and thought they were great, but agree they aren't cheap.

For a less expensive but still very good tour group look into Caravan Tours.

What part of Costa Rica are you going to be in .?

My quick list of favs.

Horizontes – http://www.horizontes.com/eng/ - Very green company, offers packages, involved with community programs, good company & good folks
Crreferals – http://www.crreferrals.com/ - Good for custom planning, has packages, involved with animal rescue, good company & good folks
Actuar - http://www.actuarcostarica.com/app/cms/www/index.php Off the beaten path rural tourism, involved with community programs, good company, good folks.
Caravan – http://www.caravan.com/ - Best for larger group tours up to 30. Excellent reputation and well respected. Awesome at what they do.
Costa Rica Expeditions – http://www.costaricaexpeditions.com/wl3/index.php - High end trip planner, owns some of there own lodges, has won many awards, great reviews in the forum.