All Central Valley Tours & Excursions in 2026

Simplify your arrival in Costa Rica with a private transfer from Juan Santamaria International Airport to your central-city accommodation. Whatever time your flight arrives, your driver will be waiting to take you on the final leg of your journey. Sit back and relax in the spacious minivan, ideal for families or friends traveling together. Enjoy the views without having to drive yourself.

Experience some of Costa Rica’s most beautiful natural attractions on this full-day group tour around Arenal. Enjoy the rainforest and volcano views from the Mistico Hanging Bridges, swim in La Fortuna Waterfall, and get closer to the mountain on a Volcan Arenal walk. This tour includes hotel pickup and combines these highlights in one easy day tour.

Spend a half-day at a farm in La Fortuna for a cooking class that features some of Costa Rica’s favorite dishes. Start with a tour of the farm’s orchards and gardens, collect some ingredients for your meal, then head to the kitchen to learn to prepare classics such as gallo pinto (rice and beans). Top off your experience by enjoying the meal with your hosts.

Fly through the canopy of a Costa Rican rainforest on a zipline adventure that’s ideal for novice adventurers and thrill seekers alike. Enjoy this exciting aerial experience, soaring down galvanized steel cables at up to 35 miles (56 kilometers) per hour, and gain a bird's eye view of the lush foliage below—a sight you wouldn’t get any other way.

Jungle adventure meets family fun on this canyoning and whitewater rafting tour from La Fortuna. Tour the rainforest, rappel down waterfalls, and bounce down class II and III rapids on the Balsa River, stopping along the way to swim and spot wildlife. This tour even includes a professional photographer so you can leave the camera somewhere safe, live in the moment, and purchase pictures after.

Step into one of Costa Rica’s most extraordinary birding destinations. In the heart of Braulio Carrillo, this private protected reserve—recognized by the National Audubon Society—offers a rare chance to spot over 400 bird species in one place. Walk through lush rainforest trails, soar quietly above the treetops on the Aerial Tram, and follow an expert naturalist who knows exactly where the most majestic and elusive birds hide. It’s the kind of birdwatching experience you can’t find anywhere else. - One of Costa Rica’s most iconic birdwatching hotspots - National Audubon Society–recognized reserve - 400 plus bird species in a pristine rainforest environment - Aerial Tram ride for incredible canopy views and bird spotting - Led by an expert naturalist guide - Peaceful trails surrounded by rich biodiversity - A unique chance to see rare, colorful, and high-altitude species

Travel from San Jose's international airport to Manuel Antonio National Park in comfort and style, with a private shuttle service. Your bilingual driver will meet you at the airport or at your hotel and take you all the way out to the park in a private, air-conditioned vehicle exclusively for you and your party of up to six travelers.

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 one of the most fun and complete experiences at La Fortuna in Kalambu Hot Springs & Water Park. Relax in natural thermal pools surrounded by tropical nature and have fun on exciting slides ideal for all ages. This experience combines relaxation, adventure and family fun in one place, making it a perfect choice for couples, families and groups. Also, enjoy a delicious traditional Costa Rican lunch included with your ticket.

Truly bilingual, professional drivers, with years of experience. Our drivers have customer service training, and are very knowledgeable about the area, Costarican geography, biodiversity, and culture. Comfortable vehicles with A/C, WiFi, and free courtesy beverages. Private transportation ensures you can stop to take pictures, bathroom breaks, and strategic stops to get snacks, lunch or fruits along the way. Car seats and booster seats available upon request.

Get a taste of authentic Costa Rican life and cuisine as you join a local family for a cooking class and home-style meal. Along with a guide, visit the home of your hosts outside of La Fortuna and learn about household customs and cooking techniques for a cultural experience that takes you well beyond just dining out. Join in the preparation of a typical meal, and then savor the fruits of your labor alongside new friends.

Enjoy two Costa Rican adventures in one day on this 8-hour combo tour from La Fortuna. You'll fly through the air on a zipline and then navigate the Balsa River on a whitewater rafting experience. Lunch is included.

Experience the rainforest canopy from a unique perspective on this fun ziplining tour. Zoom down nine cables, getting great views of the forest if you dare open your eyes. End with the dramatic Tarzan swing if you’re up for the thrill. This is a handy excursion for travelers staying in San Jose as it’s the closest zipline course to the capital.

Experience the best of Manuel Antonio National Park from San José, on a tour combining a catamaran cruise with a guided visit to one of the country's most celebrated national parks. Cruise in search of dolphins and sea turtles, snorkel in clear waters, then explore rainforest trails with opportunities to spot monkeys and sloths. With transfers, meals, and activities arranged, it's a seamless way to experience Costa Rica's coast and wildlife in one day.

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.

Spend a half day touring the Arenal Volcano with a guide, learning the history of the volcano from its first eruption in 1968. You’ll have a moderate walk of about 1.5k to the viewpoint, where you’ll have views of the Green Lagoon and Lake Arenal. Along the way you’ll see the wildlife of the rainforest, including turkeys, toucans, monkeys, orioles, and snakes!

Explore the tropical forest surrounding Arenal Volcano on a self-guided visit with three trails ranging from easy to challenging. Choose a route that matches your preferred level of activity while taking in panoramic views and volcanic landscapes shaped by past eruptions. With opportunities to learn about the local environment and take breaks along the way, this is a flexible option for experiencing Arenal at your own pace.

The Arenal volcano is one of the most beautiful volcanos in the world with the perfect cone shape. We hike around and the closest we can get legally to the volcano where we walk on the last eruption and take pictures of the landscape. After the lava field walk we will get into the forest to try to find the wildlife of the region like monkeys, sloths, tucans, snakes, frogs, anteaters, wild pigs and much more. Your guides born and raised here know the area well enough to explain and answer your questions and you will also learn a lot about the history of the volcano and surroundings. Pura vida.

Unique Dual Adventure: This is the only tour that combines contemplation (the majestic Celestial Waterfall Hike) with adrenaline (the thrilling River Tubing), all in one full day. The Natural Color Phenomenon: Be a witness to the "Teñidero," the exact spot where two rivers merge to create the intense, unique turquoise color. It’s a natural wonder only seen here. Seamless Logistics: Enjoy the convenience of having round-trip transportation included from La Fortuna, eliminating the hassle of driving long distances. 100% Certified Guide: You will enjoy the experience with an expert guide dedicated to your safety, explaining the biodiversity, and revealing the details of the river’s natural phenomenon. Exclusive Access: The Tubing activity takes place on a private property, away from the park crowds, guaranteeing a more personal and smooth experience.

Combine a ziplining tour with a soak in hot springs with this combo tour. You'll visit Go Adventure Arenal Park, where you'll get to take 10 different ziplines and have the option of rappelling a distance of around 50 meters. You'll then head to a local hot springs to soak in mineral pools and in a volcanic mud bath.

DAY 1 After picking you up early in the morning at your hotel in San José we head to the first capital of the country, Cartago. Typical breakfast before starting the adventure of class III and IV rapids. Lunch will be on the river bank or at the camp, buffet style before arriving at the camp where you can explore the treasures of the forest. In the evening, enjoy a pre-dinner Happy Hour by candlelight. A couple of drinks and "mouths" should open your palate for the delicious menu and glasses of wine with which you will close the first day of your trip through the Pacuare. DAY 2 On the second day, wake up to the song of the river and a delicious fresh coffee that will be waiting for you with breakfast. At the end you will be able to change before heading back to San Jose where we will return you to your hotel in San Jose around 6:00 pm.

Venture near the Nicaraguan border and cruise through the extraordinary wetlands of the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge on this full-day tour from La Fortuna. As you float down the Río Frío with a guide, observe migratory birds like herons and cormorants, and keep an eye out for monkeys and sloths lurking in the trees and caimans lounging on the riverbanks. Chat about your wildlife sightings with fellow travelers over a delicious lunch on the way back to your hotel.

High quality transport and professionalism. Enjoy your transfer from Juan Santamaria International Airport to one of the most luxurious resorts in Central America.

Skip the hassles of hailing a taxi at Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) and get to your San Jose area hotel with this private driving service. Picked up outside arrivals by your chauffeur—right when you request—you’ll get help with your luggage and shown to your ride. From there, sit back and relax until you’ve arrived at your hotel, recharged and ready for your Costa Rican adventure.