Top Costa Rica Historical Tours

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!

Discover the natural beauty and heritage of Nicaragua with a full-day tour that travels round-trip from northern Costa Rica. Visit the active Masaya Volcano and the extinct Apoyo Volcano, view picturesque Spanish colonial architecture in Granada, watch monkeys in the jungle, and more. You’ll benefit from border-crossing assistance and hassle-free transportation that allows you to make the most of your day.

Explore and swim under the Rio Celeste and Llanos de Cortés waterfalls, without the pressure of getting there on your own, with this group activity package. Enjoy a seamless experience that covers your itinerary, optional transportation, park fees, and lunch, meaning you can relax and immerse yourself in the day's activities. Along with the waterfalls, hike through Tenorio Volcano National Park and visit a sloth sanctuary.

This guided tour is the perfect introduction for any traveler visiting Puerto Viejo for the first time. Discover local nature. Learn about history, and geology on a tour suitable for all ages and skill levels. Choose between morning or afternoon departures, and enjoy the chance to see sloths and visit a secret viewpoint. After an informative instruction about everything you need to know about traveling in Puerto Viejo we will start the walk along an easy trail. Watch for wildlife along the way: crabs, howler monkeys, iguanas, sloths, and a diverse range of sea birds. As we walk, hear stories about the geological structure of the caribbean of Costa Rica, and find out what makes this place so unique. Go back in time and learn the history of the first settlements, pirates stories and the Bribri indigenous people. We finish at a view point with an incredible panoramic view of the Caribbean Sea and Cocles island before we walk back looking for more wildlife.

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.

Grab your passport and head over the border for a full-day tour of Nicaragua’s highlights from Costa Rica. Start with a scenic Nicaraguan breakfast and then take in the views from Catarina Volcano. Visit the active Masaya Volcano and stand near the crater. Explore the colonial town of Granada, where you can marvel over the historic architecture and admire views from La Merced Church, followed by a delicious lunch of typical Nicaraguan cuisine. Finally, set sail across Lake Nicaragua for a scenic cruise.

Combine two popular activities in one on this guided tour. First, visit Santa Rosa National Park and learn about this tropical dry forest and the wildlife and plant life that call it home. Following that, head to a local restaurant for lunch, and then stop in Liberia for a tour of the city and to shop for souvenirs.

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.

Arenal Volcano National Park’s massive size and unique natural setting can make it an easy place to get lost in, if you don’t already know the area. This Arenal Volcano National Park Hiking Tour from La Fortuna allows you to explore one of the park’s beautiful trails with a guide who can navigate the steep slopes and volcanic landscape well. Plus, take in views of Lake Arenal, while your guide talks about the volcano’s history and forest formation processes.

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.

Discover San Jose’s hidden delights with this unique evening tour of the Costa Rican capital. Get up close and personal with the nightlife in San Jose, starting with the Morazán Park where you'll learn post-colonial Costa Rican history. From there, gain an appreciation for San Jose’s historical architecture, with a walk by the Metallic Building, then on to Spain Park for a fantastic view of the Yellow House (now the Ministry of Foreign Affairs). Continue to charming Barrio Escalante, one of the oldest residential areas in San Jose.  Finish the night with a tasty traditional meal (and wine or beer) at a gourmet Costa Rican restaurant.

Explore the Costa Rican capital’s rich history, landmark buildings, and modern culture on a combo bus and walking tour of San Jose. Get a great introduction to city highlights like the National Theater and Art Museum, and stop to walk through bustling markets and public plazas to feel the pulse of this modern Central American metropolis. Get an extra boost of Costa Rican culture by listening to traditional folkloric music onboard the bus.

Visit the Irazú Volcano National Park and Lankester Botanical Garden on this all-day tour from San Jose. First, head to Irazú Volcano, the highest active volcano in Costa Rica at 11,260 feet (3,400 meters) tall and see its most popular attraction, the giant Diego de la Haya crater. On the return trip, stop at the Lankester Garden, which was established to protect types of flora.

Join us on a walking tour through the heart of Alajuela, exploring its rich history, culture, and hidden gems. Visit the Juan Santamaría Museum, the historic Alajuela Theater, the bustling Municipal Market, the vibrant Cultural Center, and the elegant Cathedral. Along the way, hear fascinating stories, see architectural treasures, and experience local life firsthand. Perfect for history buffs, culture lovers, and curious travelers!

See the active Irazu Volcano and other highlights of Costa Rica’s Cartago province at your own pace on a private tour from San Jose. Reach the summit of the peak known by locals as ‘El Colosso,’ famous for its modern eruptions and lake-filled craters. Soak up regional culture in the artsy, historic town of Orosi, and spend the afternoon relaxing in mineral-rich hot springs and dining at Hacienda Orosi.

Discover the incredible birds and biodiversity of Palo Verde National Park on this boat tour with lunch. Spot native wildlife such as crocodiles, iguanas, monkeys, and a colorful parade of bird species during a 1-hour and 20 minutes cruise down the Tempisque River led by a naturalist guide. Afterward, discuss your sightings with fellow travelers over a traditional Costa Rican lunch at a local restaurant.

San Jose is the cultural capital of Costa Rica and boasts a rich and varied history. Get acquainted with the city’s charms on a private tour, featuring a customizable itinerary of must-see attractions and private transportation through the city’s maze of trafficked avenues.

Experience San Jose like never before with our walking tour, tailored just for you. Our knowledgeable guides will lead you through the city's most iconic spots, sharing fascinating stories and historical insights. Marvel at the grandeur of the National Theater, with its stunning neoclassical architecture and opulent interiors. Stroll through the vibrant Central Market, where the colors, scents, and sounds create an unforgettable sensory experience. Enjoy a relaxing break at the Edificio Steinvorth, savoring the finest coffee Costa Rica has to offer. Explore the historic Parque Nacional and uncover the significance of the National Monument and the old train station. This tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and culinary delights.

San José is characterized by its Spanish colonial buildings, Victorian mansions, and rich historical sites. This zero-emission bike tour allows you to see the city up close, avoid car traffic, and cruise through San José’s vibrant neighborhoods—past notable buildings, parks, and squares. Your guide navigates through the city and provides useful background information as you stop to appreciate local highlights.

Join us on a nature walk through Monteverde's Cloud Forest with an experienced guide who is eager to share their knowledge of the surrounding flora and fauna. We will explore the reserve and keep an eye out for any potential wildlife sightings, including stunning birds that call this magnificent forest home. Come and experience the high biodiversity of this incredible place and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Experience the thrill of hiking near an active volcano on a full-day trip from Guanacaste. Get an up-close view of Costa Rica's Arenal Volcano and the surrounding tropical landscape from a network of hanging bridges at Mistico Park. Rejuvenate after with a dip in volcanic hot springs and enjoy stellar views of the volcano. Round-trip hotel transport from Guanacaste, breakfast, and a Costa Rican lunch are included.

Explore the hidden history and natural beauty of San Lucas Island National Park on an unforgettable tour in one day. We begin with the search for dolphins in their natural habitat—a magical opportunity to connect with marine life in the Gulf of Nicoya. Then, we sail to the mystical San Lucas Island, where you will take an exclusive guided tour of the corners of its former penitentiary. We’ll tell you the true, mysterious and sometimes jarring stories surrounding this site, declared a National Park for its historical and cultural value. After the tour, you will relax on one of the most beautiful and tranquil beaches on the island, surrounded by nature and crystal clear waters, perfect for swimming, sunbathing or just enjoying the scenery. This tour is much more than an excursion: it is an enriching experience that connects the past with the natural beauty of Costa Rica. Ideal for those looking for something authentic, different and deeply memorable.

Combine learning to cook with learning to dance with this combo experience. You'll learn how to make traditional Costa Rican food and sit down to eat your creation. Once you're done, you'll work off your meal with a dance lesson focused on Latin dance styles such as salsa, merengue, cumbia, and bachata.

Immerse yourself in the culture, nature, and adventure of Costa Rica on this all-day experience. First, learn about coffee, sugar cane, and ceramics, then head out on a ziplining adventure or traverse the hanging bridges. Go for a horseback ride through the forest. Finally, relax in a natural hot water pool and slather yourself in volcanic mud.