Top Central Valley Outdoor Activities

Though renowned for its wildlife, spotting the Arenal and La Fortuna area's favorite animal residents can be notoriously tricky. Tour a number of locations where wildlife sightings are all but guaranteed on this Arenal wildlife tour—expect to see sloths, toucans, dart frogs, and more with the help of your guide. Tour includes use of spotting scope and hotel pickup and drop-off.

We are the only company that offers an authentic night hike inside the Rainforest, at the base of the majestic Arenal Volcano. In addition, we are the only local company certified as Family & Kids Friendly, ideal for family enjoyment and suitable for all ages. This experience takes place in a 100% natural environment, it is not a controlled environment. The animals live in complete freedom, so each walk is different and sightings may vary every night. Accompanied by an expert naturalist guide, we will explore the trails of Mirador El Silencio. During the tour we will look for frogs such as the hourglass, Blue Jeans and the iconic red-eyed frog. It is also possible to observe exotic insects, reptiles and snakes. With any luck, we can find mammals like sloths, possums or anteaters. To enjoy this experience safely, it is essential to use closed shoe.

Take a walk through the rainforest canopy on a tour of the hanging bridges surrounding Arenal Volcano. Many species of Costa Rican wildlife like monkeys, sloths, and frogs live up in the trees, so these suspended walkways give you a bird’s-eye perspective of Arenal’s amazing ecosystem. The mostly flat aerial hike is gentle enough for most ages and abilities, so the whole family can experience the wonder of the rainforest.

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.

Rafting the Sarapiqui River isn’t just a fun way to get an adrenaline fix; it’s also a chance to see spider monkeys, sloths, toucans, and other wildlife. As you hit a series of class III and IV rapids on a raft, your guide shares information about the river’s important history and rich wildlife. This all-inclusive tour provides hotel pickup, transportation, snacks, drinks, and lunch, so you can avoid logistical planning.

Take a short guided walk in the rain forest to look for sloths and experience Costa Rica’s diverse wildlife up close. Look for two- and three-toed sloths, a variety of birds, and other wildlife with the insights of a local guide who has a keen eye for spotting wildlife.

The lush rainforest and white-sand beaches of Isla Tortuga are part of the Islas Negritos Biological Reserve, and are located along the eastern coast of the Nicoya Peninsula. With this tour, you'll set sail aboard a large cruise ship, admire views of Isla San Lucas and Isla Tortuga from the water, and enjoy time on the island to swim, snorkel, or relax on the beach.

Explore three levels of lush Costa Rican rainforest from the floor to the canopy on an Aerial Tram tour of Braulio Carrillo National Park. Learn about local flora and fauna as you walk along nature trails, explore specialty gardens, and glide over treetops in an aerial tram for unrivaled views of the natural landscapes.

Enjoy a thrilling yet gentle day of white-water rafting down class II and III rapids on the Balsa River. This active adventure includes transfers from La Fortuna, equipment, instruction, a safety briefing, and ends with a delicious lunch in a local restaurant. Feel the thrill as you bounce and glide 6 miles (10 kilometers) down the river flanked by lush the jungle filled with monkeys, tropical birds, and sloths.

Soar through the lush jungles of Costa Rica as you embark on a thrilling zipline adventure near the Arenal Volcano. Head to the adventure park and gear up to fly over canyons, above waterfalls, and through the forest over a series of ziplines. While you're in the air, take in the views of your surroundings including the volcano, waterfalls, and even downtown La Fortuna.

Safely immerse yourself in Costa Rican nature and wildlife on a 7-hour tour to La Paz Waterfall Gardens. Leave the busy streets of San Jose behind in comfortable air-conditioned transportation from your hotel. Discover more than 100 species at the sanctuary, including titi monkeys, 2-toed sloths, pumas, and toucans. You can even feed hummingbirds by hand. Have your camera ready for the cloud forest, waterfalls, and aviary.

We have 4 descents, 2 canopy lines, 3 jumps to natural pools, lockers, showers and trails. We maintain the protocols required by the Ministry of Health

Experience an unrivalled experience on ANURA, the eco-friendly night tour that stands out in La Fortuna. For 2 hours, it runs through 9 lagoons and a majestic lake on a specially restored trail, where the abundant local fauna is displayed in all its glory. Our professional guides will take you to discover alligators, a wide variety of frogs, reptiles, amphibians, birds and insects, in an environment that has been transformed by a firm commitment to ecological restoration. Unlike other tours in the area, ANURA combines safety, education and sustainability, offering a unique experience that connects you deeply with nature. Book now and find out why ANURA is the favorite choice for wildlife lovers! You can also learn more about our commitment at: https://anuracostarica.com/our-commitment/

Zipline through Costa Rican rainforest on a canopy tour that goes over the spectacular La Fortuna Waterfall—an exciting opportunity not offered on similar excursions. Between cables, take in views of Arenal Volcano and Cerro Chato and talk to your guides about the La Fortuna area. No experience is needed and almost anyone who is interested in Costa Rica’s biodiversity will enjoy this immersive adventure.

Follow underground trails into a series of remarkable grottoes and chambers on this Venado Caves tour from La Fortuna. Gear up and follow your flashlight along an ancient seabed as you explore the caves with your guide, checking out formations and bristling stalactites and stalagmites. Visit a bat colony that thrives in the cool, dark cave system, then return to the surface to enjoy a snack of tropical fruits.

Immerse yourself in an unparalleled adventure by booking our thrilling canyoning and waterfall rappelling, in the enchanting setting of Pocosol Forest. Situated near the renowned Children's Eternal Rainforest and nestled within the majestic Peñas Blancas River Canyon, this activity will offer you the chance to conquer four waterfalls in a dreamlike natural environment. What makes this activity so unique and intriguing? Not only will you face the challenge of descending down crystal-clear cascades, but you will also experience an authentic encounter with the biodiversity that surrounds these aquatic wonders. Our expert guides will provide you with precise instructions for safe rappelling, and they will also share their deep knowledge of the local ecology and the importance of preserving these ecosystems. From the roar of the water to the lush vegetation enveloping you, every moment on this activity is an opportunity to connect with nature in its purest form.

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.

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.

Take advantage of some of northern Costa Rica’s best white-water rafting on this full-day, guided tour with traditional lunch included. Paddle through the rainforest and over the rapids of the Balsa River stopping along to swim and rest in nature. After your adventure is done enjoy a Costa Rican style lunch at a local restaurant.

Discover the sounds and sights of the rainforest after dark on a night hike. Follow your guide along an easy trail and watch out for bats, nocturnal birds, and mammals rustling in the treetops and on the forest floor. Search for red-eyed tree frogs and glass frogs, among other species. Then enjoy a traditional dinner prepared on a wood-burning stove before returning to your hotel in La Fortuna.

More than just a white-water rafting tour, this trip from La Fortuna also includes a hike on an organic farm, a look at coffee and chocolate production, and a chance to see wildlife like sloths and iguanas in their natural habitat. Between activities, navigate tumbling class II to III white-water rapids along with a guide.

Observe Costa Rica's bountiful wildlife from the hanging bridges of Mistico Park in Arenal. Trek along ground-level forest trails and suspended walkways in this private, family-owned nature reserve that’s home to a vast array of birdlife, monkeys, reptiles, and tropical plants. Learn about the area’s rich biodiversity from a naturalist guide as you explore different levels of the rainforest, from floor to canopy, and enjoy commanding views of Arenal Volcano.

Our night walk invites you to explore an authentic rainforest just outside the charming town of La Fortuna. Perfect for families with young children, this tour is ideal for those seeking a safe yet thrilling adventure. With well-maintained and accessible trails, this experience is suitable for anyone without mobility restrictions and offers a rare chance to immerse yourself in the vibrant nocturnal life of the tropical rainforest. Expert Guides and Small Groups for a Personalized Experience Enjoy the tranquility and personalized attention of our certified, professional guides, leading groups of up to 8 participants (exceptions can be made upon request). Our passionate guides ensure that each tour is both educational and unforgettable.