Top Central Valley Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises - page 3

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.

Head to the rainforest from Tamarindo on this private all-day excursion with a naturalist guide. Hike to the impressive Rio Celeste waterfall and then go tubing down the river, stopping along the way to swim and spot wildlife, including colored frogs and sloths. A local lunch is included. Plus, stop to admire the Tree of Peace, which is more than 400 years old. Hotel pickup is included for your convenience.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Indulge your sweet tooth and discover the secrets of La Fortuna's best chocolate. This small-group tour starts out in an organic cocoa plantation where you'll see the cocoa flower and trees, as well as the cocoa bean fermentation and sun-drying process. Afterward, in the ranch, you can roast and grind the cocoa beans and also, ultimately, make your own chocolate bonbons.

Zoo Ave is an important center for animal rescue and rehabilitation, with a vast natural landscape, ornamental gardens, a large number of native and endangered species. This general admission ticket provides entry to the zoo and allows you to explore at your own pace. Learn about local wildlife, see a variety of well-cared-for animals with ample space to thrive, and observe animal rescue and rehabilitation in action.

As one of the most popular parks in Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio National Park is a must for visitors. This guided tour from San Jose makes visiting on a time crunch a cinch—your guide takes the guesswork out of deciding which trails are worth the effort, plus helps you spot wildlife along the way. This tour includes breakfast and lunch, and is specifically timed to avoid the crowds, helping you have the best possible experience exploring.

Get a close look at Costa Rica’s coffee- and chocolate-making traditions at a family farm near La Fortuna. See a cacao and sugar cane plantation, and learn how cacao is made into chocolate. You’ll get to sample fresh coffee and chocolate from the farm, and save time with transfers from centrally located La Fortuna hotels.

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.

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.

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.

Explore the rain forest around Arenal on this horseback riding adventure that takes you to the enchanting, sky-blue waters of the Rio Celeste. Here you are free to swim in a natural river pool and splash into the water on a giant Tarzan swing — things you can't do inside Arenal Volcano National Park. Well-trained horses and a local guide help ensure a safe, one-of-a-kind experience near La Fortuna.

Get out of San Jose on a day tour to the Arenal Volcano region, where you’ll get a glimpse of Costa Rica’s famous biodiversity and natural beauty. Travel through scenic farmland and villages to reach the volcano. Stop at a coffee plantation, waterfall, and look out for wildlife en route. In the shadow of the volcano, soak in natural hot springs for a refreshing experience, before returning to San Jose.

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.

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.

Rappel down waterfalls in the shadow of Arenal Volcano on this exciting rainforest adventure just outside of La Fortuna. Head into the forest, where guides will help you gear up for a thrilling course featuring a rock climb and rappelling, including the "Monkey Drop" and waterfall descents. After conquering this natural playground, head back to HQ for a delicious lunch of Costa Rican cuisine.

Combine coffee, a volcano, and wildlife on this full-day small-group tour from San Jose with hotel pickup. Travel to San Isidro to learn about coffee production at a plantation. At Poas Volcano, admire the main crater, then hike to Botos Lagoon. Afterwards, see animals and waterfalls at La Paz Waterfall Gardens with included lunch and entrance fees.

Spend a delicious 2 hours learning all about the best type of chocolate in the world, along with coffee, tropical fruit, spices, rum, and sugar cane- all products of Costa Rica, on this tour. Explore the farm holding 1600 cacao trees, where they produce 150 pounds of cacao every week. The best part: sampling the chocolate and the rest of the delicious produce!

Experience the thrill of flying through the air on a zipline course in Monteverde. You'll cross 14 cables, ranging in height from 246 feet (75 meters) to 492 feet (150 meters). Plus, you'll have the chance to rappel almost 100 feet (30 meters) and take flight on a Tarzan swing.

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 situated next to Arenal Volcano National Park, and receive instruction from your guide on operating the ATV. Then follow your guide on a fun mud-splattered ride over rugged terrain, stopping at a small village to observe local life, and the option to enjoy a spa-like volcanic mud mask straight from the river.

Get your adrenaline pumping and explore the rain forests of Costa Rica as you embark on this adventure tour. Head to a reserve and start your adventure walking across a series of hanging bridges, with some dangling from 200 feet (60 meters) high. Then, enjoy a heart-pumping zipline tour across several cables and platforms.