Top Central Valley Outdoor Activities - page 7

Enjoy stunning views from Irazu Volcano National Park and Orosi Valley, plus wander through the streets of Cartago City on this popular tour that takes travelers outside for a taste of Costa Rican nature. Explore the active Irazu volcano some 3,432 meters above sea level and gain a deeper understanding of why Costa Rica's largest volcano is so impressive!

Leave the crowds behind and plunge into the wild heart of Costa Rica. This is not just a hike; it is an immersive journey through two of the most spectacular and unspoilt river canyons in the region. We will navigate emerald waters, hidden waterfalls and lush canyon walls that few travelers get to know. Get ready to get dirty and refresh your soul as we explore the untamed beauty of Rio Gata. Guided by local experts who know every stone and pool, this expedition is perfect for those looking for a real connection with nature. Are you ready to discover the turquoise secrets of the jungle?

This half day tour will walk you through nature, and over six hanging suspension bridges, where your guide will tell you all about the flora and fauna of the canopy of the forest. Look out for monkeys, sloths, snakes, birds, and all kinds of insects on this walk. The course is about 1.9mi (3km) long, so wear some comfy shoes.

Manuel Antonio National Park is one of Costa Rica's Most beautiful regions but can be difficult to reach from San Jose, As there are essentially zero public transportation options. on this full-day tour let someone else take care of the driving logistics. Highlights include stopping for breakfast and crocodile sightings, hiking with a naturalist guide who helps you identify plants and wild animals in the national park, and relaxing on the white Sands of Playa Espadilla.

Enjoy a combo tour with a nature experience and a food tasting on this two-in-one La Fortuna adventure—and leave the planning to someone else. First, embark on a rainforest walk, searching for sloths, birds, frogs, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. Then, learn about some of Costa Rica’s top food products—coffee, chocolate, and sugarcane juice—and get to taste them.

Embark on an exciting tubing adventure on the Celeste River, perfect for those looking for an unforgettable experience. Glide through the crystal-clear waters of this iconic river, surrounded by lush nature and impressive landscapes. Immerse yourself in the serenity and splendor of natural pools and volcanic clay, all while enjoying the thrill of the descent. Our tour includes a certified bilingual guide who will accompany you at all times, guaranteeing your safety and enriching the experience with his local knowledge. Plus, we'll capture every moment with GoPro cameras so you can relive this adventure over and over again. Don't miss the opportunity to combine fun, adventure and the natural beauty of the Celeste River in a single tour. Book now and create memories that will last a lifetime!

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.

Nestled within the lush landscapes of Bajos del Toro, the Canyon Waterfall is a stunning natural gem that captivates visitors with its breathtaking beauty. This hidden paradise features a series of cascading waterfalls that plunge spectacularly into crystal-clear pools, surrounded by vibrant tropical flora. Ideal for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers, the Canyon Waterfall offers opportunities for hiking, photography, and swimming in its refreshing waters. As you explore the picturesque trails, be mesmerized by the sounds of rushing water and the vibrant colors of the rainforest. Accessible from various points in the region, this eco-tourism hotspot is a must-visit for anyone seeking to experience the unspoiled beauty of Costa Rica. Make sure to add Canyon Waterfall in Bajos del Toro to your travel itinerary for an unforgettable escape into nature's wonders.

Enjoy a thrilling close encounter with Costa Rica’s wildlife on this 4-hour tour to the Mistico Hanging Bridges Park from La Fortuna, in the shadows of the Arenal Volcano. Journey to the heart of the rainforest on a 2-mile (3.2km) circuit of 15 hanging bridges and have chance to spot up to 350 species of bird, including hummingbirds, bell birds, toucans and the majestic Tucancito Esmeralda.

A hike to Bridal Veil Falls is made safe and informative when done as part of a guided tour. Your guide helps you spot wildlife as you trek through the rain forest en route to the strikingly blue falls, a vista point for Tenorio Volcano, and thermal hot springs and mud pots. An included Costa Rican fills you up at the end of the day.

At nightfall, join us to discover the delicious world of chocolate where we will learn the whole process from the seed to the delicious Chocolate bar, once the explanation is finished we will select some members of the group to grind the Cocoa to make your own chocolate bar. Once finished you will have the opportunity to taste several types of chocolate such as Dark Chocolate, Milk Chocolate and White Chocolate. Once this sweet adventure is over, we will tour our farm to enter the extraordinary nightlife where we can see some species of frogs and toads such as the Giant Toad, the big chicken eater frog, the small “Jewels of the Forest” like the Hourglass Frog and the most emblematic of Costa Rica, the Red-Eyed Frog. With luck during the tour, we can see some species of insects, mammals such as the sloth, raccoons and sometimes nocturnal birds.

When the sun sets across Arenal, discover a different side of the Costa Rican rain forest on a guided night walk through Arenal Natura Ecological Park. Explore the forested trails of this private nature reserve as darkness falls and the jungle comes alive with the activity of nocturnal animals like sloths, armadillos, night birds, and more than 20 species of frogs. Look and listen for animals that remain hidden during the day, and learn how these amazing creatures are adapted for life in the dark.

Navigate the white water and challenging rapids of the Balsa River on a rafting trip from La Fortuna that’s suitable for all experience levels. Suit up, cast off and paddle alongside your guides, then watch for the monkeys, sloths, iguanas and birds that congregate at the water’s edge. Splash your way through Class II–III rapids, enjoy lunch on the river, and take in the serenity of flat water between the waves before finishing your day with return transfer to La Fortuna.

Get out of the city and experience Costa Rica’s rich wildlife heritage with this half day private tour to the Toucan Rescue Ranch. What started out as a rescue facility for toucans has expanded to include other charismatic species such as sloths, monkeys, parrots, and owls. Learn all about them from the dedicated staff committed to their care.

Enjoy incredible views of Costa Rica’s most famous peak, Arenal Volcano, as you take part in two thrilling outdoor adventures. First, take the wheel for an exhilarating ATV ride along private farm tracks. After lunch, head into the rainforest for an adrenaline-pumping ziplining experience, including eight different ziplines, reaching up to 300 feet (90 meters) high.

Visit the Irazú Volcano National Park in just half a day with this excursion from San José. Your driver will pick you up early in the morning and take you to the volcano, where you can see the crater and learn about the history of the area from a local guide. Next, you'll head to the Los Angeles Basilica, a church and museum with a holy water source.

Head out on the Sarapiqui River in the afternoon for a thrilling ride down the Class II and Class III rapids. This activity is great for those who have other morning plans or arrive in town later in the day; most rafting trips offered have early morning starts. With a guide at the helm, you’ll be safe and comfortable and have all the instruction you need.

Test your limits on an extreme canyoning expedition in Costa Rica. On this thrilling, half-day tour from La Fortuna, journey to a remote rain forest canyon where you rappel down cliffs, leap from waterfalls, and trek through a jagged, slippery landscape. Prepare to get soaked as you splash into jungle pools and swim under cascades in an extraordinary natural playground. This is the ultimate choice for thrill seekers in La Fortuna.

Costa Rica is famous for its coffee, natural wonders, and diverse wildlife, and this full-day tour from San Jose combines all three. Learn how Costa Rican coffee is made on a guided tour of the Doka Coffee Plantation, enjoy magnificent views of the Poas Volcano crater on a scenic walk, and spot wildlife around the La Paz Waterfall, including a visit to the country’s largest butterfly observatory.

This three-in-one tour highlights the best of Costa Rica, including a river safari float and volcano hike that's sure to make for a memorable journey. Kick off the day at Penas Blancas River and take off over rushing waters on a two or three hour water safari. You'll see wildlife up close and gain a deeper understanding of Cost Rica's unique biological and environmental resources. Next, visit La Fortuna Waterfall before heading to a picturesque volcano hike. This popular tour is ideal for outdoor adventurers and travelers who prefer to be active on vacation.

Explore Arenal’s rainforest three ways on a combo tour that has something for everyone. Get a good view of exotic birds and waterfalls on the Sky Walk’s suspended bridges, then glide up a mountain reserve on the Sky Tram. From there, fly back down on a thrilling Sky Trek zipline course. In between bursts of adrenaline, enjoy fantastic views over the treetops of Arenal Volcano and Lake.

For the ultimate Arenal adventure, this tour combines the weightless speed of ziplining with a canyoning challenge among tropical waterfalls. After flying through the rainforest canopy on extra-long cables, recharge with an organic Costa Rican lunch. In the afternoon, embark on a canyoning adventure, rappelling down waterfalls, scrambling up steep canyon walls, and hiking in the river. The tour includes convenient hotel pickup and drop-off for select La Fortuna hotels.

With its cascading waterfalls and abundant wildlife, the Pacuare River is rightfully famous for its natural beauty. Paddle through the river gorge, navigating 52 Class II-IV rapids as you go, on this 12-hour trip from San Jose. Take in views of the tropical rain forest and wildlife such as sloths, parrots, and toucans as you ride the river (and your adrenaline rush) over the course of the day.

Visit two of the most popular attractions near La Fortuna with the full-day excursion to the Arenal Mistico Park and La Fortuna Waterfall. First, walk along a 2-mile (3.2 kilometers) hanging-bridges circuit up to 200 feet (60 meters) above the rainforest floor. Afterward, swim and relax at La Fortuna Waterfall before having a traditional lunch and returning to La Fortuna.