Top Central Valley How to Get Around - page 3

Enjoy an action-packed adventure in the shadows of the iconic Arenal Volcano with this great-value 2-in-1 combo tour. First, take to the treetops for a thrilling bird’s eye view of the rain forest as you walk the Arenal Hanging Bridges, then get your camera ready for a visit to the beautiful La Fortuna Waterfall. After cooling off with a swim beneath the falls, tuck into a typical Costa Rican lunch (included) before heading back to the city.

Get the inside scoop on a pair of Costa Rica's most famous exports on a combo tour of the Doka Estate coffee plantation. Learn how coffee beans are grown, harvested, and roasted to perfection, and then follow the sticky-sweet journey of sugar cane at a working sugar mill. Finish the flavorful visit with a tour of the estate’s inedible natural treasures, including hundreds of miniature bonsai trees, colorful orchids, and butterflies.

Though Costa Rica may be more famous for its natural attractions, its capital city of San Jose is not to be overlooked. Head out from downtown San Jose on a double-decker sightseeing bus to discover the city’s important historical landmarks, learn about the history and culture of Costa Rica, and find the best panoramic views of the city.

The Arenal 1968 Trail Park affords spectacular views of Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal with a choice of two scenic hikes. With this admission ticket, make your own way to the park and set out on a self-guided trek, following the marked trails along ancient lava flows and through lush rainforest to reach the viewpoints.

Chocolate lovers flock to this incredible tour from La Fortuna that includes the sweetest rainforest experience and unearths the hidden secretes of local chocolate production. Visit a farm where cocoa is grown, processed and produced. This hands-on experience lets travelers eat as much chocolate as they want while learning about history, culture and traditions of this popular Costa Rican sweet.

Monteverde is a Mecca for nature lovers, and this full-day trip won’t disappoint. On the way there, stop at the largest fruit stand in the country and sample a variety of tropical fruits. Once at the destination, ride the Sky Tram over the cloud forest canopy, then proceed on a guided hike along trails and hanging bridges suspended among the treetops.

Start the adventure by immersing yourself in the tropical rainforest with an exciting hike through the Mistico Hanging Bridges. This 3.2-kilometer trail will take you above the forest canopy, offering a unique perspective of the lush flora and fauna, with breathtaking panoramic views of the mighty Arenal Volcano (weather permitting). Our expert guides will share fascinating insights about the region’s biodiversity, helping you spot exotic birds, playful monkeys, coatis, and a variety of plant species. After this exhilarating experience, enjoy a delicious Costa Rican lunch, with traditional dishes made from fresh local ingredients. Fuel up for the next part of the adventure. To end the day, visit the iconic La Fortuna Waterfall. Get ready to descend a scenic trail with 500 steps surrounded by lush greenery to reach the base of this spectacular cascade. Here, you can take a refreshing swim (weather permitting) in its crystal-clear waters and feel the power of nature up close.

If you’re short on time in Costa Rica but want to see the country’s famous biodiversity beyond the concrete capital, this day trip to the Tortuguero National Park is ideal. Travel through the canals and lagoons on a boat and look out for toucans, crocodiles, sloths, iguanas, and much more. The highlight, though, is seeing the sea turtle nesting sites on the beaches, which give the park its name.

Lace up your hiking boots for this full-day immersion in the wild beauty of Tenorio Volcano National Park. Look for wildlife on the drive from La Fortuna, and feel like a jungle explorer on the trek to Rio Celeste, known for its mystical aquamarine waters. Take a dip in warm volcanic river pools, admire a cascading waterfall, and reward your efforts with a typical Costa Rican lunch.

Experience the best of La Fortuna on a full-day combo tour that blends nature, adventure, and relaxation—the perfect way to check plenty off in one go. Begin with a visit to the stunning La Fortuna Waterfall. Journey down a 500-step jungle trail for a refreshing swim in the fall's crystal-clear pool (weather permitting). Continue to Arenal Volcano for a guided hike through lush trails in the Ecological Park, and gain insight into the region’s unique geology. Finally, tuck into a typical Costa Rican lunch and unwind in the soothing waters of El Choyin hot springs. This all-in-one tour promises incredible landscapes, local flavors, and natural wonders.

Spend a day exploring nature and learning about coffee production with this group tour from San Jose, which includes breakfast, lunch, and hotel transfers. You'll start at the Doka Coffee Estate, where you'll learn about the lifecycle of coffee, from bean to cup. You'll then visit Poas Volcano National Park for some hiking, wrapping your tour up with a stop to observe flora and fauna at La Paz Waterfall Gardens.

Immerse yourself in Costa Rica's lush landscapes on a relaxing river float in the La Fortuna region. Join a small group and gently paddle down the Peñas Blancas River and keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife like monkeys, sloths, iguanas, and crocodiles. Hotel pickup is included for added convenience.

Take the stress out of eating and drinking at night in a new city with this fun-filled dinner and nightlife experience. Explore markets, check out neighborhoods you might otherwise miss, and indulge in a delicious three-course gourmet dinner with wine pairings. Learn about local food and culture from your guide throughout the evening.

RSVP to the biggest party in Monteverde with this nocturnal tour of the area's famed wildlife by moonlight, when nearly 80 percent of Monteverde's mammalian residents come out to play. Join a guide who will help you spot animals such as two-toed sloths, reptiles, and more as they come out after dark.

Experience the natural beauty of Costa Rica, and get an up-close look at some of the nation's most colorful birds. Enjoy scenic transfer to Caño Negro from La Fortuna, where you cruise by boat into the Rio Frio. Search for native birds, mammals, and flora before heading back to land for an authentic lunch.

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.

Home to over 100 species of animals, five waterfalls, and a cloud forest the Wildlife Refuge La Paz Waterfall Gardens is bursting with biodiversity. Visit, explore, learn, and even hike among the sloths, monkeys, tropical birds, pumas, ocelots, and more who call Costa Rica’s most visited private ecological reserve home. Take in the incredible plant life like wild orchids on this full-day tour from San Jose with lunch included.

Embark on a full-day adventure to discover Costa Rica's natural wonders–Rio Celeste, Llanos de Cortes waterfalls, and a sloth sanctuary. Begin by swimming and relaxing at the Llanos de Cortes Waterfall in Bagaces, then hike through Tenorio Volcano National Park to witness the mesmerizing Rio Celeste Waterfall. Conclude your immersive experience with a visit to an organic farm and sloth and frog sanctuary, observing diverse wildlife and tropical flora.

Located in Mistico Park, Arenal Hanging Bridges is known as one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful environmental projects—a combination of trails and bridges through the rain forest near Arenal Volcano. On this tour you can travel through the park and across elevated bridges, see views of the volcano, and enjoy close-up encounters with native flora and fauna. Your guide, a wildlife specialist, provides helpful narrative along the way.

Combine three adventurous activities in a single tour: a hike to Arental Volcano, visit to the Hanging Bridges, and exploration of La Fortuna Waterfall. This full-day tour from La Fortuna, perfect for nature lovers, includes hiking and swimming amidst Costa Rica's beautiful natural scenery. Hotel pickup and drop-off included.

Get off the beaten path on this all-terrain vehicle (ATV) tour through private land near the Arenal Volcano. Meet your guide at the La Pradera Del Arenal Hotel and learn the basics of safely operating your vehicle. Then, head to a private farm for a short break and begin the adventure: Riding to the Arenal River through the town of La Guaria.

Appease your appetite for adventure during an exhilarating 3-hour rafting session on the Sarapiqui River from Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui . With an experienced guide, conquer the Class II and III rapids on the river’s most intense section and feel your adrenaline levels surge. During calmer periods, marvel at the abundance of exotic wildlife on the banks of the Sarapiqui River and listen to fascinating commentary from your guide.

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 best of the Arenal National Park on an afternoon tour of the volcano and hot springs. Hike to the lava fields without the risk of getting lost as your guide will be by your side. Then, cool off with a swim in the lagoon, followed by a relaxing soak in natural hot springs on the river. Includes handy return hotel transfers from La Fortuna.