Top Central Valley Audio Guides

Every guide in San José will tell you coffee paid for the National Theatre. The records tell a different story, and that is only one surprise on this self-guided walking tour of San José. There is no guide and no group. You follow the story on your phone in the Tourific app. From the fortress where Costa Rica gave up its army to the square where, so the story goes, a general ordered his own firing squad to shoot, each stop is a story told where it happened. Everything plays offline, so you can stop for gallo pinto or step into a Museum, then carry on. Ideal for a first afternoon in the capital, before you head off to the volcanoes and the coast. Over 25,000 travelers have used our self-guided tours, and the tour comes with a full refund guarantee.

Visit Poás Volcano's massive crater and stop at Starbucks' Hacienda Alsacia coffee farm for an included coffee tasting. Includes an expert guide and transport from San José. Perfect for nature and coffee lovers. Discover Costa Rica's most iconic natural wonder and world-class coffee culture in one unforgettable day. Journey from San José to Poás Volcano National Park, home to one of Earth's largest active volcanic craters at 2,708 meters above sea level. Begin your journey venturing into the mystical cloud forest, where trails lead to breathtaking viewpoints of the turquoise acidic lagoon and steaming fumaroles. Visit serene Botos Lagoon, a pristine crater lake surrounded by lush vegetation. Your expert bilingual guide shares fascinating insights about volcanic geology, coffee cultivation, and local biodiversity throughout the journey. With comfortable round-trip transportation and small group sizes, this tour perfectly balances adventure, education, and authentic Costa Rican culture.

Experience the thrill of riding an ATV along tracks in the Costa Rican rainforest during this exhilarating half-day activity from La Fortuna. Head to a private farm near Arenal Volcano National Park, and receive instruction on operating the ATV. Follow your guide on a mud-splattered ride over rugged terrain, stopping at a small village to observe local life, with a natural volcanic mud mask experience from the river included.

Explore the countryside around La Fortuna on a guided ATV adventure combining off-road trails, river crossings, and views of Arenal Volcano. With three daily departure times to choose from, it's easy to fit into your itinerary. Along the way, visit the Arenal River, enjoy scenic viewpoints, and experience local culture with traditional snacks—making this a rewarding way to discover the region beyond the usual tourist routes.

Get a taste of Costa Rica’s famed biodiversity without straying too far from the city with this all-access day pass to La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park. Prebooked entry saves you from waiting around in long ticket lines, so you have even more time to explore its attractions. Choose whether to tackle family-friendly hiking trails through the cloud forest, visit a rescued jungle cat educational program, or spend time at the site's numerous specialty wildlife exhibits.

Explore the Costa Rican capital’s rich history, landmark buildings, and modern culture on a combo bus and walking tour of San Jose. Get a great introduction to city highlights like the National Theater and Art Museum, and stop to walk through bustling markets and public plazas to feel the pulse of this modern Central American metropolis. Get an extra boost of Costa Rican culture by listening to traditional folkloric music onboard the bus.

Discover San Jose’s hidden delights with this unique evening tour of the Costa Rican capital. Get up close and personal with the nightlife in San Jose, starting with the Morazán Park where you'll learn post-colonial Costa Rican history. From there, gain an appreciation for San Jose’s historical architecture, with a walk by the Metallic Building, then on to Spain Park for a fantastic view of the Yellow House (now the Ministry of Foreign Affairs). Continue to charming Barrio Escalante, one of the oldest residential areas in San Jose.  Finish the night with a tasty traditional meal (and wine or beer) at a gourmet Costa Rican restaurant.

The Río Celeste Waterfall Experience: Costa Rican Nature and Culture at Their Finest. Discover the perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural richness on our Rio Celeste tour. Immerse yourself in the turquoise waters of the legendary Rio Celeste, a natural gem unlike any other in the world. Explore the lush rainforest, home to incredible biodiversity, and climb to the summit of the imposing Tenorio Volcano, a geological spectacle that will connect you with the Earth’s power. At our Land of Sloths, you'll have the opportunity to observe these iconic animals up close, as well as other species of Costa Rican wildlife, in their natural habitat. Complete your experience with a visit to a coffee and chocolate farm, where you'll learn about and taste two of Costa Rica's most iconic products. This tour offers you the chance to fully immerse yourself in the magic of Costa Rican nature and culture. If you need our transportation service, please contact us in advance.

In just one day, it’s possible to visit top Costa Rica attractions including Arenal Volcano, La Paz Waterfall, and Arenal Hot Springs when you book this full-day guided tour from San Jose. All-inclusive private transport smooths over otherwise tricky transportation logistics, and your guide keeps you entertained and informed as you explore. This tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, all entrance fees, plus two meals, adding up to a great value.

The Quetzales route takes us to Los Quetzales National Park to explore one of the country's most fascinating ecosystems: the cloud forest. Accompanied by a naturalist guide, we will traverse its trails interpreting the forest from a holistic perspective: its flora, birds, adaptations, ecological interactions, and the altitude and humidity conditions that shape this unique ecosystem. The experience extends to Dota and points of interest in the páramo and high-altitude forests, revealing different landscapes and ecosystems of the region. The resplendent quetzal (Pharomachrus mocinno) gives its name to our experience. We will tour territories that are part of its natural habitat, where each day offers a new opportunity to discover it in the wild. With small groups and specialized interpretation, discover the cloud forest, the páramo, and the high-altitude landscapes of Costa Rica: an experience to observe, understand, and connect with nature.

Get up close to Costa Rican wildlife on this morning safari float along a river beneath imposing Volcan Arenal. Be prepared to get wet as you’ll be in an inflatable vessel, close to the water. Look out for animals including sloths, snakes, and a variety of birds. Take a short hike to an organic farm, where you’ll collect your lunch ingredients.

The Arenal volcano is one of the most beautiful volcanos in the world with the perfect cone shape. We hike around and the closest we can get legally to the volcano where we walk on the last eruption and take pictures of the landscape. After the lava field walk we will get into the forest to try to find the wildlife of the region like monkeys, sloths, tucans, snakes, frogs, anteaters, wild pigs and much more. Your guides born and raised here know the area well enough to explain and answer your questions and you will also learn a lot about the history of the volcano and surroundings. Pura vida.

This combination adventure tour from La Fortuna gives you lots of options for enjoying Costa Rica’s wildlife with one easy booking. No need to make tough choices between activities—this tour includes whitewater rafting, a hanging bridge canopy hike, waterfall rappelling, and more, with the chance to purchase additional activities like horseback riding on the day of the tour. While you’re exploring, see wildlife like tropical birds, monkeys, and sloths.

Private experience in La Fortuna looking for a diverse of nocturnal wildlife of this area. Our local guides in love with the nature of Costa Rica will show and teach you about the species you find on the way. Come to see and learn about the nature of La Fortuna in a short and nice walk at night. The property has facilities and is close to La Fortuna town, the place is perfect for everyone nice and easy.

Enjoy a private tour to Manuel Antonio National Park from San José with a naturalist guide and professional photographer. Includes high-quality photos, drone videos, private transport, and time to relax at Espadilla Beach. Support local businesses and travel stress-free.

This tour of Arenal Volcano, the hanging bridges, La Fortuna Waterfall and the hot springs, all in about 5-7 hours. Your guide will take you to Mirador El Silencio to see the volcano, the hanging suspension bridges, and finally la Fortuna Waterfall for a walk and a swim. You’ll get to see the beautiful Costa Rican countryside and a Costa Rican lunch.

Explore the Orosi Valley and the Lankester Botanical Gardens on this guided combination half-day tour from San José. The gardens, which are located outside of Cartago, serve as a center for orchid research, including more than 800 species of orchids, bromeliads, and other plants. Following the gardens, head to the town of Orosi to view the 18th-century Iglesia de San José de Orosi and colonial churches.

Soak up views of Costa Rica’s tropical rain forest and waterfalls during a thrilling whitewater rafting adventure down the Sarapiqui River. Slip on your provided helmet and life vest, and safely navigate the river's rapids, twists, and turns with a guide. Refuel with a freshly prepared buffet-style lunch at an organic farm. Round trip transport from your hotel in La Fortuna is included.

Climbing the tallest volcano in Costa Rica need not be daunting; keep it easy with this guided tour to Irazu Volcano from San Jose. Join this guided tour to the summit of the volcano, an easy hike after the scenic drive, and take your time at the top admiring the views. This tour includes round-trip transportation from San Jose as well as all entrance fees.

Visit a fully functioning, organic farm in La Fortuna and see how crops and medicinal plants grow and how organic practices work against pests. See a Costa Rican farm in action and learn about seasonality and which plants grow when, plus how they are distributed. You’ll also enjoy a Costa Rican lunch.

Escape the city and explore a hidden local favorite rarely visited by tourists. Visit Dinoland — a Jurassic-themed park with life-sized dinosaurs and the largest dry slide in Central America — then enjoy panoramic views from Mirador Las Alas and admire the power of Río Agrio Waterfall. A private, all-inclusive adventure for families and curious travelers looking to experience Costa Rica like a local.

Get out into nature with this private half-day excursion to the Celeste River and its surroundings. Your guide will take you through the forest, where you will likely see all kinds of birds, primates, and sloths among the tropical flora. You will also have the opportunity to swim in the blue waters of the Rio Celeste during your visit.

Experience a unique cultural experience in the heart of San Jose with this night tour that combines comfort, art and entertainment. The tour begins with the transfer from your hotel to the selected Theatre in the city, where a live performance will be presented that may include plays, cultural presentations or artistic shows representative of Costa Rican identity. During the experience, visitors can enjoy the architecture, cultural atmosphere and local artistic talent, turning the night into a memorable moment full of history and expression. At the end of the function, transfer back to the hotel will take place, ensuring a comfortable and safe experience. This tour is ideal for those who want to know a different facet of Costa Rica, beyond nature, connecting with its culture and art in an authentic atmosphere.