Top Central Valley Day Trips - page 2

Swim beneath a jungle waterfall and hike into Arenal Volcano National Park on a 7-hour, 2-in-1 combo tour that takes in the best of the region’s natural beauty and wildlife. Spot monkeys and bright tropical birds as you walk through the rainforest surrounding La Fortuna waterfall, then enjoy a leisurely Costa Rican lunch with locally grown coffee. Follow your guide along jagged lava flows and mountainside trails as you explore Arenal, learn the history of this iconic volcano, and earn stunning views of Arenal lake.

Immerse yourself in Costa Rica’s breathtaking rainforest on a full-day visit to La Paz Waterfall Gardens, one of the country’s most iconic nature parks. Walk along lush jungle trails and experience the extraordinary biodiversity of this tropical paradise. Discover the butterfly observatory, home to the stunning blue morpho, and visit wildlife exhibits where you may see pumas, monkeys, toucans, colorful tropical birds, and more native species. Stroll through the enchanting orchid, hummingbird, and frog gardens, and admire five spectacular waterfalls surrounded by dramatic cloud-forest scenery — a dream for nature lovers and photographers. Enjoy a delicious buffet-style lunch featuring Costa Rican favorites and international dishes before continuing your adventure through this magical natural sanctuary. Perfect for families, couples, and eco-travelers, this tour blends wildlife, waterfalls, and rainforest discovery into one unforgettable experience near San José.

Escape from busy San Jose for an action-packed full-day tour in the Jaco Beach region. Stop at the beach, then continue with a zipline tour and ATV tour in the rain forest nearby. You’ll also see crocodiles at the Tarcoles River, and get great views of the Pacific Ocean from the ATV and zipline course. Includes lunch, and all necessary equipment and instruction.

This tour takes you to all off the highlights in the la Fortuna area. In one well organized day go on a full day nature adventure. Our best, fully equiped bilingual guide, takes you in a comfortable vehicle to all diferent locations. Once hiking he tells you about the surrounding enviroment and uses his equipment to spot as many animals as possible.

Discover the perfect combination of adventure, culture, and relaxation on this unforgettable day tour. Travel to the summit of Irazú Volcano, Costa Rica’s highest volcano, where you’ll admire its impressive craters and, on clear days, enjoy breathtaking views of both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. Continue to Cartago, the country’s historic capital, and visit the famous Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels, Costa Rica’s most important pilgrimage site. Then journey through the scenic Orosi Valley to Hacienda Orosi Hot Springs, surrounded by lush mountains and tropical landscapes. Relax in seven natural thermal pools heated by volcanic energy, enjoy a rejuvenating volcanic mud treatment, and savor a delicious traditional Costa Rican lunch. This tour offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, history, culture, and wellness, creating an unforgettable experience in the heart of Costa Rica.

Go beyond the city of San José and discover its beautiful surroundings on this full-day tour. Start your day with a Costa Rican breakfast at a local coffee plantation, then learn about the coffee-making process on a farm tour. Afterward, head to the active Poas volcano to explore its massive crater before heading to a nature park to see an animal sanctuary and picturesque waterfalls.

Make the most of limited time and visit two Arenal Volcano area highlights—La Fortuna Waterfall and another attraction of your choosing—during a half-day excursion from La Fortuna. Opt for a rainforest hike with hanging bridges, a volcano tour on old lava flows, a safari river float, or a chocolate tour, and customize your itinerary to your preferences. Plus, lunch and hotel pickup are included for a seamless experience.

Experience the best of Arenal with this nature-filled combo: explore the iconic Mistico Hanging Bridges and enjoy a scenic horseback ride through the foothills of Arenal Volcano. Start your adventure by walking the famous trails of Mistico Park, where you’ll cross a series of hanging bridges suspended above the rainforest canopy. Keep an eye out for tropical birds, monkeys, and lush jungle views along the way. After your walk, saddle up for a relaxing horseback ride on the private trails of Pacos Horses—a local favorite known for its well-trained horses, stunning volcano views, and peaceful forest surroundings. This tour is perfect for nature lovers, families, and photographers who want to experience two of Arenal’s most beautiful landscapes in one seamless experience. - Entrance to Mistico Park included - Great for couples, families, and small groups - Ideal mix of adventure and wildlife in one day - Transportation options available

Travel along the Peñas Blancas River on this relaxed rafting tour. Along the way, spot a variety of flora and fauna such as sloths and monkeys in the surrounding forest that's located in the northern region of Costa Rica. Plus, visit a local farm where you’ll be able to learn about farming practices and enjoy a snack.

Thanks to its warm waters and lushly forested shores, the Pacuare River is widely considered one of the most beautiful rivers in Costa Rica. This white-water rafting tour from San Jose is a fun and exciting way to experience the river in just one day. Go up against class III and IV rapids along with a guide who helps you spot wildlife like blue morpho butterflies, sloths, and toucans along the way. Then, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before heading back to San Jose.

Explore Manuel Antonio National Park on this all-day tour from San Jose. On the way to the park, stop for a traditional Costa Rican breakfast. Then, once you arrive, choose to relax on the scenic beaches or hike one of the many trails throughout the tropical rainforest. Be on the lookout for monkeys, iguanas, birds, and three-toed sloths during your visit.

Spend a day out in nature on this adrenaline-pumping zipline tour. Lines range from 16 to 1,800 feet (50 to 550 meters) and are a variety of different heights so you can get the best views of the varied landscape including waterfalls, rivers, and lush vegetation. Enjoy a typical Costa Rican lunch before the return trip home. The tour is family-friendly and suitable for guests four years old and up.

Max out the adrenaline (and the fun) during this full-day adventure combining a white-water rafting trip and zipline excursion. Zoom through the rain forest canopy during a series of heart-pounding zipline rides, some on cable spans as long as 3,200 feet (980 meters). Then battle the Class II and III rapids of the Balsa River. Lunch, snacks, and rafting gear are all included.

Escape the city for a day in the wild without the stress of navigating unfamiliar roads on your own on this full-day tour from the San Jose area. Set off directly from your hotel and enjoy an action-packed day with a cruise down the Sarapiqui River, visits to various animal sanctuaries at the Black Madero private wildlife reserve, and a traditional buffet lunch. Make it easy to see Costa Rica’s famous wildlife on this inclusive tour featuring a sample of popular rainforest and river activities in and around Braulio Carrillo National Forest.

Explore the natural wonders of Costa Rica without the hassle of planning routes and logistics. This small-group tour from San José takes you into the rainforest to admire stunning waterfalls, get great views of Arenal Volcano, taste fresh local fruit, soak in a hidden thermal pool, and, finally, unwind in a hot spring resort.

Explore Irazú Volcano, the highest volcano in the area, reaching 11,000 feet (3,432 meters) above sea level, on this full-day combo tour. After visiting the volcano, descend to the city of Cartago, the former capital of Costa Rica, where you will stop at the Basilica of the Angels. Also see the Orosi Valley, known for its diversity of crops, such as coffee and sugar cane. Next, explore the ruins of one of the oldest ruined churches in Costa Rica in Cartago.

Navigate Class III-IV rapids under the guidance of an expert during this white-water rafting course down the Pacuare River from San Jose. Paddle your way through one of Costa Rica's most picturesque river gorges, looking out for native wildlife between rapid runs, on an exciting day trip ideal for thrill seekers. Hotel pickup and drop-off, equipment, and lunch are all included, so you can focus on the thrills.

Spend a day exploring Costa Rica's rich wildlife on this tour to a coffee plantation, waterfall, and volcanic lagoon from San Jose. After learning how coffee is harvested and roasted on a coffee farm tour, head to Poas Volcano National Park and La Paz Waterfall Gardens for a chance to see animals like birds, butterflies, and monkeys in their beautiful natural habitats.

Don’t let your experience of Costa Rican nature be rubbing elbows with 100 other travelers. With this small-group tour, your guide leads you into the jungle for a moderate hike, where you’ll follow bubbling streams, trek in the world of volcanoes, and get misted by waterfalls. With transportation and lunch provided, it’s a ready-made adventure into the wild.

This day trip from San Jose provides the perfect combination: Soak in the soothing waters of Baldi Hot Springs—with options for massages and spa treatments—after hiking around the Arenal Volcano area. This tour also includes lunch and dinner and a stop in Sarchi to check out the arts and crafts and one of the world’s largest ox carts.

Discover the beautiful natural attractions of Costa Rica on this all-day tour from San Jose. Fly over the rainforest canopy via a zipline course and rappel down 150 feet (50 meters) at an adventure park. Visit two waterfalls and admire the local wildlife including iguanas. Stop at a coffee plantation where you'll learn how it's cultivated and harvested. Finally, relax in thermal mineral hot springs at the base of Arenal Volcano.

Costa Rica’s capital is located inland but you don’t need a weeks-long vacation to enjoy time at the beach. This day trip to Tortuga Island makes it easy to swim and sunbathe directly from San Jose. After a pickup in the capital and transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle, spend the day on a beach featuring clear turquoise water and surrounded by rainforest. Swim, snorkel, and refuel with the provided lunch.

From San Jose, the easiest way to take a day trip to Arenal Volcano is on a guided tour. All transportation is included by private vehicle so you don't have to deal with slow public transit, and logistics such as lunch, dinner, and entrance fees are already planned and included in the ticket price. After visiting Arenal Volcano with a guide, head to Baldi Hot Springs to soak in thermal waters before returning to you San Jose hotel.

Leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind and spend the day exploring Manuel Antonio National Park on a group tour. Walk jungle trails, observe wildlife like macaws and crocodiles, and relax on the beach. This guided tour helps you avoid crowded areas and includes hotel pickup and drop-off for convenience.