Top Costa Rica How to Get Around in 2026

Visit the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, a 26,000-acre (10,500 hectare) oasis of virgin cloud forest. Visited by roughly 70,000 people a year, the reserve is home to about four percent of the world’s animal species. Walk across suspended bridges and hike among native flora and fauna. You can also pay extra to zipline through the canopy. Lunch and a guide are included.

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.

If you're planning a cruise ship stop at Limon, explore Costa Rica’s famous rain forest by air and water on this combo eco adventure. Spot native wildlife like howler monkeys, sloths, and crocodiles on a cruise down the bio-rich Tortuguero Canal, and then get your adrenaline pumping with a thrilling zipline flight through the treetops. Round-trip transport from the cruise terminal and between activities makes for a seamless and stress-free day at port.

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.

Get off the beach for a view of Costa Rica's coastline that most visitors miss. This catamaran cruise packs plenty of action into one easy afternoon on Pacific coast. Snorkel among marine life using provided equipment, then enjoy a freshly prepared grilled meal while anchored in a secluded bay, complemented by tropical cocktails from the open bar. A waterslide adds extra fun, while the return sail is timed for sunset.

Visiting Monteverde from San Jose in just one day can be challenging on your own, but this guided tour streamlines transportation to make the trip a cinch. Arrive at Monteverde in the morning and head straight to a canopy tour: hike on hanging bridges and learn about the rich cloud forest environment before heading back to San Jose.

Relax like VIP on Flamingo Beach when you book this full-day private beach package. Your package includes everything you need to unwind, including towels, ice chests, Bluetooth speakers, shades, cornhole boards and bags, and zero-gravity chairs. You’ll also have a waiter ready to deliver snacks, food, and drinks to your area. Your private space is located near the Coco Loco Restaurant where you can also order whatever you wish.

Explore beyond Tamarindo’s main tourist areas on an ATV adventure through jungle tracks and mountain paths. Ride a fully automatic ATV through the natural landscapes surrounding the coast, with stops at secluded white-sand beaches and clear-water coves along the way. Suitable for beginners and experienced riders alike, this outing combines an active off-road adventure with the chance to discover quieter corners of the region.

Escape the crowds and discover Isla Tortuga. While others go straight to the island, we take you on a wildlife adventure to spot Spider Monkeys, magnificent frages birds and dolphins before relaxing on exclusive private beach spot on Isla Tortuga. Includes a gourmet lunch, unlimited refreshments! Spend 5 hours on the island with one hour of snorkeling tour. Zero Stress: From the lighthouse to the lunch table, everything is handled by the expert crew.

Make the most of your day at Puerto Limon with this jam-packed shore excursion that gives you a memorable taste of Costa Rica's Caribbean highlights. Spot wildlife on a rain forest trek, visit a working banana plantation, and cruise down the biodiverse Tortuguero Canal. You’ll also take a scenic drive along the coast, explore the region’s diverse culture on a Limon city tour, and hunt for souvenirs at local shops.

Some of Costa Rica's most spectacular sights are best seen from the water, but many visitors stick to land and miss the chance to cruise along the Pacific coastline. Relax on a spacious catamaran and take in the views from an uncrowded vantage point. Cruise along the coast, jump off the boat to snorkel and explore local marine life, and have fun on the waterslide and jump platform. Cap off the day with a grilled gourmet meal and tropical cocktails.

Appease your appetite for adventure during an exhilarating 3-hour rafting session on the Sarapiqui River from Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui . With an experienced guide, conquer the Class II and III rapids on the river’s most intense section and feel your adrenaline levels surge. During calmer periods, marvel at the abundance of exotic wildlife on the banks of the Sarapiqui River and listen to fascinating commentary from your guide.

Thrill-seeking travelers who are short on time will enjoy this half-day white-water rafting adventure on the Naranjo River. This river is near Quepos and the Manuel Antonio National Park, so visitors to this area won’t have to spend hours in a bus. Bounce and splash down class III and IV rapids while enjoying the views of the surrounding rainforest and listening out for birdsong.

Spend a day exploring nature and learning about coffee production with this group tour from San Jose, which includes breakfast, lunch, and hotel transfers. You'll start at the Doka Coffee Estate, where you'll learn about the lifecycle of coffee, from bean to cup. You'll then visit Poas Volcano National Park for some hiking, wrapping your tour up with a stop to observe flora and fauna at La Paz Waterfall Gardens.

This excursion is an excellent opportunity to observe a large amount of biodiversity since 87 percent of the fauna is active at night, confident in the poor visibility that darkness offers them. In a normal visit there is the possibility of observing; two-toed sloths, nine-banded armadillo, owls, rain frogs and on some occasions we can observe a kinkajou or a green palm viper in addition to a large number of very interesting insects such as, for example, a stick insect, leaf insect; Sometimes we can find scorpions, tarantulas and much more. Throughout the tour you will be accompanied by a naturalist guide ready to share with visitors many of the secrets of the forest.

Discover the amazing world of sloths on this full-day, guided tour to observe these slow-moving creatures in their natural home. Set off on a hike passing toucans, tree frogs, and other wildlife along the way. Stop when you spot a sloth moving gently through the trees and learn about their life and habitat. Hear about Costa Rica’s biodiversity from your guide and visit a butterfly garden.

Explore the Nicoya Península and Curu National Wildlife Refuge with this private guided tour from Santa Teresa. Visit secluded beaches and walk along nature trails to see all manner of wildlife that calls the reserve home. Your naturalist guide is there to help you spot creatures that range from howler monkeys and scarlet macaws to iguanas and coati. This private tour requires a minimum of two people.

Discover the beautiful cascading waterfalls of Nauyaca, deep in the Costa Rican jungle, during this full-day tour from Quepos. Join a small group and head to the park where you must embark on a short hike to reach the falls. Enjoy time to take a refreshing dip in the natural pools and capture photos of your surroundings before heading back.

Go river rafting on the Pacuare River on a full-day tour from Turrialba that showcases some of the gorgeous scenery in Costa Rica. Expect to spend about four hours on the river as you raft about 18 miles (29 km) on large and small rapids, with lunch provided during a break along the way. This whitewater river rafting experience is suitable for active people that enjoy an outdoor challenge.

Explore the beaches around El Jobo from aboard an ATV during this private experience. Avoid getting lost and follow your guide so you can enjoy the passing villages, beaches, and maybe even local wildlife. Zip past some of the prettiest beaches in the area, including Coyotera, Ecoplaya, Manzanillo, and Rajada, with the option to stop at a local restaurant or shop.

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.

Discover one of Costa Rica’s best kept secrets: the Eco Chontales waterfall. Take a scenic drive along the coastline, admiring the landscape and preparing for your adventure. You’ll hike to the river where you’ll find the 150-foot waterfall. Learn about the different features as you and your guide hike to swimming holes. The unique features created by the waterfall allow you to waterslide and even leap into the water from rocks.

Learn about coffee production and visit an active volcano on this combo half-day tour from San Jose. At the Doka Estate Coffee Plantation, enjoy breakfast and a tour of the estate to learn about the cultivation, harvesting, and roasting of coffee beans for savoring samples. Afterwards, visit Poas Volcano National Park too admire its main crater and fumaroles.

Experience high-flying thrills on a zipline course surrounded by rain forest during this full-day tour from Manuel Antonio or Quepos. Upon arrival at the adventure park, ride by 4-wheel drive to the base camp where your guide provides instruction and gear for the course. Expect to zipline, rappel, and discover waterfall pools during a nature walk. Snacks, and lunch are provided, along with round-trip transfers.