Top Costa Rica Day Trips - page 25

Seeing Costa Rica’s wildlife is great—getting up-close encounters on a private tour, led by a naturalist guide, is even better. Picked up from your San Jose hotel, you’ll head to one of the best wildlife rescue centers in the country to spot tapirs, spider monkeys, pumas, peacocks, and more in their natural habitat. Great for all ages, you’ll get to discover this world and get all your questions answered.

The Rain Forest Aerial Tram is an unique rain forest experience where you can admire the jungle from the same perspective of the birds. With the narration of your guide, learn all about the ecosystem and wildlife species present at this pristine forest. The cable car, built in the 90s by a biologist and researcher of the flora and fauna of the treetops, allows a 1-mile journey over the tropical rain forest. The beauty of nature is impressive and with the narration of the local naturalist guides, it becomes a true educational experience. The park is located at less than one hour from San Jose and besides the tram, you can enjoy diverse ecological experiences such a butterfly garden, nature walks, souvenir store and a restaurant. Our tour is operated in a 100% private basis, with high quality transportation services and a professional naturalist tour guide that will pick you up directly from your hotel.

You will be heading to the Caribbean Slope, crossing the beautiful Braulio Carrillo National Park until we arrive in the Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui Region. On arrival, you will board your private boat for a relaxing ride on the Sarapiqui River where you will feel in close contact with nature and admire the inspiring surroundings. After the boat ride, you will continue to The Rain Forest Aerial Tram, a 475-hectares (1,200-acre) private reserve that shares a 10 km border with Braulio Carrillo National Park, constituting a buffer zone between the park and farming lands. At this beautiful location you will enjoy a private nature walk with our naturalist tour guide, a delicious lunch and a 90 minute Aerial Tram ride over the pristine rain forest of the Caribbean. This unique Aerial Tram Tour lets you live first hand all the secrets the forest keeps while you fly above the treetops and experience magnificent views of the Braulio Carrillo Park and a private reserve.

Simplify your day trip from Guanacaste to the Arenal Volcano and rainforest by taking a private tour. There’s no need to self-drive or catch slow buses. Visit the beautiful La Fortuna Waterfall, learn more about Costa Rica’s biodiversity on a guided walk of the Danaus Reserve, and admire the amazing volcano views throughout the day. This private tour can also be customized to suit your needs.

Visit two different waterfalls in just one morning with this hiking tour. You'll start with a short hike out to Oropendola Waterfall, where you'll take a refreshing swim before continuing to La Leona, accessible via a 1.7-mile-long trail. You'll then head into the town of Curubande for a typical Costa Rican lunch before returning to your hotel.

On this tour we will visit the beautiful canton of Quepos Puntarenas. We will start our tour hiking along the mountains that border the Pacific coast. From the mountains we will see the different turquoise and blue tones of the great Costa Rican Pacific coast. We will visit a variety of hidden beaches where we can relax and enjoy the natural beauty. You can expect to encounter some native species of the area such as limpets, white-faced monkeys, among others in their natural habitat. Beaches to visit during our walk: La Macha, La Vaca, Tulemar, Los Altos, and Biezans. So exotic. So dramatic. A place you feel lucky to have experienced! Distance: 6 - 7 km approx. (A shorter or longer distance can be arranged if previously requested, as long as it is within the same time schedule) Duration: 9 - 11 hours Difficulty: Medium Departure: 5:30 a.m. Note: The terrain on this hike includes dirt roads, mountain trails through forest paths and along beaches

On a guided walk through the Jurassic jungle, you will explore the multiple waterfalls of Baja del Toro and learn all about the volcanoes of the region. Your guides are locals, so they know all the secret spots, and can point out the vegetation and wildlife in the jungle. Enjoy water therapy as you enjoy the multi-colored waterfalls along this trek.

Explore the vibrant mangrove ecosystem of Curú on this immersive 3-hour kayak tour. Paddle through serene jungle estuaries, where the tranquility of your surroundings allows for exceptional wildlife sightings—far beyond what a boat cruise can offer. As a wildlife refuge, Curú provides a protected habitat for diverse marine life, making this tour an ideal choice for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. With expert guidance, you’ll receive comprehensive instruction on kayak usage and safety, ensuring a fun and secure experience for all skill levels. - Discover the unique wildlife of Curú's mangrove ecosystem by kayak - Paddle through quiet estuaries for optimal animal sightings - Enjoy a fully guided experience with safety and kayak instruction - Ideal for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers of all skill levels

Discover the Arenal Volcano in just one day with this exclusive tour. Skip the hotel stay and enjoy luxury transportation while exploring the main highlights of Arenal. Embark on a private hike through Arenal Hanging Bridges Park with a personal guide to spot various animals. Marvel at the Hanging Bridges and soak in the beauty of La Fortuna Waterfall. Take a refreshing swim in the waterfall pool after descending and ascending 500 steps to reach it.

We offer a different vision dedicated to the visitor taking and having an experience within our fantastic path in a more personalised way. We include some of the most beautiful attractions of the Arenal Volcano area together for you in this experience You will have a nice opportunity to walk on different hanging bridges. You will also see an amazing small waterfall in the middle of the forest, which is a great photo spot. La Fortuna Waterfall is a famous place where you can take a natural shower and connect with nature. After this amazing experience we are going to enjoy a delicious typical lunch. After the lunch time we continue with our experience and go for a hike on old lava flows from the 1968 eruption. You will learn all about the Arenal Volcano history and have an incredible view from here if the weather allows it. By the way, at the end of each experience we give a surprise snack for you!

Abundant white water and the promise of adventure draw travelers from around the world to Costa Rica’s raging rivers. Experience the thrill of white-water rafting through the tropics for yourself on this tour of the Tenorio River from the Guanacaste coast. After pickup from your coastal hotel, ride a 4x4 deep into the Guanacaste countryside and paddle down 12 miles (20 kilometers) of white water with your guide before completing your tour with a local lunch while you wind down.

What makes this experience truly unique is the rare opportunity to explore the only active volcanic crater in Costa Rica where visitors can safely walk inside and witness steaming fumaroles, bubbling mud pots, hot springs, and volcanic activity up close. Combined with a private rainforest wildlife adventure, waterfalls, hanging bridges, mud baths, and scenic tractor rides through the Miravalles Volcano region, this tour offers the perfect mix of adventure, nature, and authentic local experiences. Unlike crowded group tours, this is a completely private eco-adventure with your own expert naturalist guide, allowing you to explore at your own pace while we adapt the experience to your interests, comfort level, and preferences. What truly sets us apart is our passion and experience we genuinely love what we do, and our mission is to create a real connection with Costa Rica’s incredible wildlife, rainforest, and volcanic landscapes, not just another tour.

What makes our Private Mangrove Canoe Safari truly special is the authentic and personalized connection with nature we create for every guest. Unlike crowded motorboat tours, our silent canoes allow you to peacefully explore the mangrove canals while enjoying close wildlife encounters in one of Costa Rica’s most biodiverse ecosystems. This private eco-adventure is perfect for birdwatching, wildlife photography, and travelers seeking a deeper, more meaningful experience. What truly sets us apart is our passion and experience. We love what we do, and our expert naturalist guides are dedicated to providing more than just a tour their mission is to create a genuine connection with nature through storytelling, discovery, and personalized attention. Since this is a completely private tour with your own guide, the experience moves entirely at your pace, adapting to your interests, preferences, and comfort level for a truly unforgettable adventure.

Walk into an enveloping cool mist covering mossy trails on this guided private tour of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Hike along a series of hanging bridges and go birding, spotting the rare Resplendent Quetzal. At the butterfly garden, observe more than 14 different species of hummingbirds, and complete a ziplining tour of the forest and enjoy a unique vantage point.

Explore the best of the Guanacaste region and get your adrenaline pumping on this full-day, private adventure tour. Leave Playa Hermosa in the morning and head straight into an adventure as you navigate rugged terrain on an ATV tour. Soar through the lush treetops on several ziplines, and then float on the river for a relaxing way to end your day.

San Jose Complete: Art, History and Dinner with Panoramic View Discover the best of San Jose on this combined tour, a great value experience that will take you around the city’s most iconic landmarks in one day. We will start at the Museum of Costa Rican Art, where you will tour its impressive exhibitions and the majestic Golden Hall, a hand-carved masterpiece that narrates the history of the country. Then, we will explore the city on foot, visiting emblematic places such as the National Theatre, the Central Market, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Congress of the Republic and the historic Ammon Quarter. To close with a golden clasp, we will climb to the best viewpoint in San Jose to admire a spectacular sunset. Finally, we will enjoy an all-inclusive dinner in an exclusive atmosphere and, if you book Thursday or Friday, you will live a typical Costa Rican show at no additional cost. A must-see tour that combines art, history and culture. Book now!

This tour is incredible! Departing at 4:00-6:00 am and returning at 8:00-10:00 pm, we appreciated the early start, breezing through customs at the border. Walking through with our tour guide, we had a private driver waiting on the Nicaraguan side, a major advantage over larger groups enduring lengthy border crossings. Once across, our adventure began. From admiring Lake Nicaragua's twin volcanoes to sampling local fruits and exploring family pottery businesses, each stop offered insight into Nicaragua's heritage. A highlight was a local buffet lunch, immersed in authentic cuisine amid a bustling atmosphere. We then visited an active volcano, vibrant markets, Lake Nicaragua with Monkey Island and the historic city of Granada. This is an exceptional tour, surpassing your expectations. We wholeheartedly recommend the private tour for an authentic exploration of Nicaragua's cultural and natural treasures. Transport time is included in total trip time.

Palo Verde National Park in Costa Rica, part of the Arenal Tempisque Conservation Area, spans 45,492 acres in Guanacaste Province, safeguarding the Tempisque River valley. It's vital for preserving floodplains, marshes, and limestone ridges from encroaching civilization, protecting diverse ecology like evergreen forests and mangrove swamps. The park hosts a ranger station, offering amenities and access to the Palo Verde Biological Station. Renowned for bird diversity, it shelters species like scarlet macaws, white ibis, and wood storks. During the dry season, it becomes a haven for birds due to water scarcity elsewhere, notably Parajos Island, a prime nesting site for black-crowned night-herons, contributing to the park's preservation of one of Central America's last tropical dry rainforests. Established as a wildlife refuge in the 1970s, it later gained national park status and international recognition for its ecological importance.

Explore the forest's hidden secrets, a wildlife sanctuary with rich biodiversity. Trail walks offer unique sightings of various species. Pay attention to rainforest layers for diverse encounters. Rancho Perla offers top-notch service and excellent seafood, a favorite spot for relaxation. Escape the crowds and enjoy couples or friends' rejuvenating experience at Paradise Hot Springs Resort. Relax in natural thermal pools and jacuzzis (35ºC/95ºF to 41ºC/104ºF) with hydromassage. Amenities include changing rooms, showers, massages, food, drink, reclining beds, and relaxing music. Everything you need for a splendid retreat.

This tour is incredible! Departing at 6-8am and returning appr. at 8:00 pm, we appreciated the early start, breezing through customs at the border. Walking through with our tour guide, we had a private driver waiting on the Nicaraguan side, a major advantage over larger groups enduring lengthy border crossings. Once across, our adventure began. From admiring Lake Nicaragua's twin volcanoes to sampling local fruits and exploring family pottery businesses, each stop offered insight into Nicaragua's heritage. A highlight was a local buffet lunch, immersed in authentic cuisine amid a bustling atmosphere. We then visited an active volcano, vibrant markets, Lake Nicaragua with Monkey Island and the historic city of Granada. This is an exceptional tour, surpassing your expectations. We wholeheartedly recommend the private tour for an authentic exploration of Nicaragua's cultural and natural treasures. Transport time is included in total trip time.

Explore three of Costa Rica’s most stunning waterfalls in one incredible day, complete with a **typical Costa Rican lunch**. This adventure takes you to **Rio Celeste, Oropendola, and Llanos de Cortés Waterfalls**, each offering breathtaking scenery, refreshing waters, and unique experiences. Begin at **Rio Celeste Waterfall**, where a scenic hike through **Tenorio Volcano National Park** leads you to its famous turquoise waters. Along the way, spot exotic wildlife and visit **Los Teñideros**, where the river’s striking color is formed. Next, visit **Oropendola Waterfall**, an 82-foot cascade plunging into a crystal-clear pool, perfect for a refreshing swim in a jungle oasis. Finish at **Llanos de Cortés**, a wide, picturesque waterfall with a sandy-bottomed pool, ideal for swimming and relaxation. This tour combines adventure, nature, and culture into an unforgettable experience. **Book now and explore Costa Rica’s most spectacular waterfalls in a single day.**

Looking for the best trails in Rincon de la Vieja National Park for an adventurous hike or a family outing? All Trails offers 11 fantastic trails for hiking and birdwatching. You'll find expertly curated trail maps along with reviews and photos from fellow nature enthusiasts. If you're gearing up for your next hike or bike ride, check out two easy trails perfect for families. For those seeking a challenge, we have options with elevation gains ranging from 32 to 1,751 meters. No matter your plans, you can discover the ideal trail for your visit to Rincon de la Vieja National Park.

Enjoy visiting the most diverse ecosystem in the world; the rainforest is the best way to appreciate the wonders of the nature. During every step your entire family have the possibility to observe the relationships of its behavior doing an easy walk while you observe and learn all the details about this unique Forest. Also is a great opportunity to learn the history , harvest and processing of the most important crops in Costa Rica; Coffee and Chocolate which forged our idiology and culture . During both activities you will recognize the most interesting and important facts observing and tasting but also processing.

Let’s enjoy the wonderful geological waterfall creation and the therapeutic healing of mother nature. This is a perfect combination designed to provide adventure and relaxation to your family . This natural wonder is often considered as one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country, attracting visitors from all over the world. This activity takes you through different scenarios as rock wall tunnels, natural pools and slow rapids admiring the process had been creating over thousands of years this unique place. Later you will enjoy the therapeutic and relaxing thermal water that emerges from the volcano . This is the opportunity to delightful of the healing benefits of the minerals in the volcanic mud and thermal water pools surrendered by the forest!