Top Costa Rica How to Get Around in 2026

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

Venture off the beaten track and discover jungle adventure on this epic five day tour. Walk the remote trails of Osa to discover hidden waterfalls and explore river canyons. Camp in Corcovado National Park and see the lush mangroves of Sierpe. Embark on a night tour to discover the wildlife of Drake Bay and visit Tamandua Biological Reserve.

Costa Rica is a must-visit for animals lovers and this 4-day excursion features some of the best trails in the country to observe wildlife. Join a small group and navigate the Sierpe River, the jungles of Drake, Corcovado National Park, and Caño Island. Your tour includes several activities including snorkeling, nighttime jungle hikes, boat rides, and treks so you can observe as many animals as possible.

Costa Rica is a paradise on earth for photographers and nature lovers, and of course, no one better for birdwatchers and ornithologists. One of the most biodiverse countries on earth, the highest bird species count of any country in the world; a great combination of stunning birds, beautiful landscapes and habitats, warm people, and in general nice weather, birdwatching in Costa Rica is like being in many countries at once.   A paradise for birders. Curi-Cancha is a birdwatcher’s paradise; this private reserve is excellent the  for observing toucans , Quetzals, hummingbirds, woodcreepers , warblers , wrens , flycatchers ,finches, parrots, sparrows and many others are frequently seen. Indeed, over 200 species of birds have been observed making their home in Curi-Cancha. The named it Curi-Cancha, the name derived from “Golden Enclosure” in Inca. Curi-Cancha is a birdwatcher’s paradise; this private reserve is stunning come on I'll wait for you.

If you like to contact nature, this is the opportunity to do it. Imagine walking in a magical place full of hanging gardens in the trees, with a great variety of organisms. That place is my green office, which is very large, and an environmental interpretation walk in the cloud forest is a unique experience to understand the specific interactions of flora and fauna in a complex and exuberant ecosystem such as the neotropical cloud forest. The forest is like a book that is waiting to be read and interpreted, let's go! And join me to read each page of that beautiful book called the Monteverde cloud forest.

Join me in exploring the cloud forest from a different perspective, a night walk is a unique and unforgettable experience. Costa Rica is a small country in Central America that is home to around 5% of the world's biodiversity. Most animals in Costa Rica are nocturnal. If you like mammals such as sloths, and armadillos, active birds such as owls, amphibians, reptiles, and many insects, then this is the opportunity to carry out an outdoor activity and learn more about the nocturnal behavior of many species of flora and fauna. It is an easily accessible route of around 2 kilometers, and the ‘jewels’ of the cloud forest shine brighter at night. With luck, we will even be able to observe the famous bioluminescent mushrooms. the place where I do the night walk is very close to the center of Monteverde Santa Elena, it takes only 5 minutes by car. Let's wait for you to observe how the cloud forest comes to life at night. Any questions or concerns you have, I am here to help you.

A canoe makes no noise. That is the whole point of this tour. Instead of a motor, you paddle the mangrove channels of the Las Baulas estuary at Playa Grande, and the wildlife stays where it is: migratory and resident birds, iguanas, coatis, raccoons, and howler monkeys in the branches above the water. Three hours on the water, three people to a canoe, with a guide trained by us who knows this estuary and its birds. Halfway through we leave the canoes for a short walk into the forest to look for the howlers, then paddle back. Private group only — you never share the canoes with strangers.

Explore Finca Los Wilas, a bird sanctuary located at the foothills of Orosí volcano inside the Guanacaste National Park, on this all-day private tour. Along the way, witness the change from a tropical dry forest to a rainforest and take in amazing views of the area’s volcanoes. Once on site, you’ll learn about the ecology of the forest, including the plants, animals, and medicinals, as well as the sanctuary’s commitment to regenerative development and conservation.

Join a guided birdwatching tour in the community of Bahia Ballena. Enjoy a peaceful walk and discover the fascinating bird species that inhabit this beautiful place. During the walk, you will learn essential information about bird identification, the importance of the forest ecosystem, and the natural history of the area. We begin the tour at 5:45 a.m., a perfect time to listen to the melodious birdsong as they awaken. Alternatively, join your afternoon tour at 14:30 pm at your preferred time. At the end of the walk, you will enjoy a typical Costa Rican breakfast accompanied by coffee or orange juice or a snack depending on the time of the tour.

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.

Beautiful and relaxing, the volcanic hot springs at Hacienda Guachipelín bubble up on the Rio Negro, naturally heated by the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano – the largest and most active volcano in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Surrounded by a dense dry tropical forest, the Río Negro Hot Springs is a beautiful and peaceful place. The crystal clear waters of the river flow near the 10 pools built on the riverbank and filled with thermal waters filled with minerals, naturally heated in the depths of the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano. You can access pools on both banks of the river thanks to two suspension bridges. We have dressing rooms, bathrooms, and lockers at the entrance of the hot springs. From there, you can walk 350 meters along a beautiful path in the woods until you reach the thermal springs. Then get ready for a refreshing dip in the La Oropendola Waterfall. It is a small walk along a path of varied terrain that leads to the river.

San José becomes the crime scene in this self-guided detective game, where the clues are hidden in plain sight in the streets around you. The case is the murder of Balthasar, and the evidence is scattered across the old centre - past Plaza de la Democracia, Edificio Metálico, Antigua Aduana and Parque Nacional. You decode messages, photograph what does not add up and press digital witnesses whose stories never quite line up. Every puzzle you crack removes a name from the list of suspects. Play as a couple, bring the children along, or send two or three teams out at the same time and turn the investigation into a race - which is what makes this murder mystery game work as well for a team outing as for a day out. The last answer is waiting somewhere in the centre of San José.

Get around Jaco by your own leg power when you rent a bicycle. You can get everywhere in Jaco by bike and see the area in a new way. Get to the beach, go shopping, go out to eat or drink with your friends, or even get out to the waterfalls by bike. The rental shop has parking for vehicles or motorcycles and bathrooms, and can help with any repairs if necessary.

Discover the Fascinating Wildlife in the Arenal Volcano Forests The lush forests surrounding Arenal Volcano are a paradise for those who identify with the tranquility of sloths. These forests are home to two- and three-toed sloths, those adorable, peaceful and fascinating creatures that captivate both visitors and guides. Imagine finding a lazy mother carrying her calf, who could resist such a charming scene? Where sloths thrive, so does abundant wildlife. The region of La Fortuna is full of amazing creatures, such as: • Leafcutter ants, working tirelessly on their trails. • Daytime poison frogs, like the vibrant Blue Jeans poison frog. • Toucans, along with many other bird species. Our expert guides will help you identify these incredible species and you can observe them closely through high-quality telescopes.

Explore the stunning Arenal Volcano on this immersive natural history hike, designed for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. As you trek through a private reserve, witness the diverse wildlife, including sloths, monkeys, and a variety of colorful birds. Expert naturalist guides will share insights about the volcano's eruptions and geological history, enriching your understanding of this iconic landmark. With breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes and Lake Arenal, this 2.5-hour hike is a perfect opportunity for photographers and nature lovers alike. Enjoy included transportation from La Fortuna hotels, making it a hassle-free experience. - Discover the exclusive trails of Arenal Volcano’s private reserve - Learn from knowledgeable guides about the area's history and wildlife - Perfect for families, adventure seekers, and photographers - Duration: 2.5 hours; transportation included from most La Fortuna hotels

Step beyond the ordinary and immerse yourself in one of Costa Rica's most unique wildlife experiences. This specialized Herpetology Tour takes you deep into the tropical rainforest at the foothills of Arenal Volcano, where you'll explore a hidden world of frogs, reptiles, snakes, and other fascinating nocturnal creatures with the guidance of passionate local experts. Unlike controlled environments, this experience takes place in a completely natural setting where animals roam freely, making every tour different and full of surprises. Whether you're an avid herper, a wildlife photographer, or simply curious about Costa Rica's incredible biodiversity, this adventure offers a rare opportunity to observe species in their natural habitat while learning about their ecology and conservation. With small groups, personalized attention, and expert naturalist guides, this unforgettable experience combines education, excitement, and authentic encounters with nature.

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.

Natural tour through the rainforest of the impressive Manuel Antonio National Park and its surroundings where we will see all kinds of Wild life that inhabit the ecosystem that is very varied. This expedition offers a great opportunity to meet and enjoy this natural jewel where you can observe the 4 species of monkeys in Costa Rica without forgetting the two species of sloths that you can observe in this tour full of wildlife in their natural environment and protected by one of the most beautiful parks in Costa Rica the Manuel Antonio National Park,

Welcome to the exciting rainforest excursion around the majestic Arenal Volcano. Our adventure will begin with a fascinating walk across 10 hanging bridges, which will allow us to immerse ourselves in the lush tropical jungle. We will feel the magic of nature as we cross these bridges and enjoy impressive panoramic views of the lush landscape that surrounds us. After this exciting experience, we will head to a truly extraordinary place: the relaxing hot springs. Here we can immerse ourselves in natural pools of warm and revitalizing waters, letting stress fade away while we surrender to the serenity of the natural environment.

As dusk settles over Monteverde, the daytime animals bed down and an entirely different, nocturnal world wakes up. On this private night walk through the Monteverde Wildlife Refuge, your certified naturalist guide uses high-powered flashlights and a night-range spotting scope to track down sloths, kinkajous, tree frogs, tarantulas, walking sticks and sleeping birds along quiet forest trails. Reserve admission is included, so there's nothing extra to arrange. Please note: Transport isn't included but can be arranged on request — just ask before your tour. The trail depends on what the reserve has open that day and can't be guaranteed, as reserve changes are beyond our control.

Walk the quiet trails of the world-renowned Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve on a private walk with a certified naturalist guide. Rather than just checking sights off a list, you'll learn how the cloud forest works as a single living ecosystem, from the symbiotic relationships between its plants and animals to the epiphytes and strangler figs overhead. Along the way, keep watch for the Resplendent Quetzal, toucanets, and white-faced capuchin and howler monkeys, viewed up close through a professional spotting scope shared with your group. Reserve entrance is included, so there's no separate ticket line. Please note: Each traveler's full name, passport number and date of birth are requested at booking for the reserve entrance ticket. Transport isn't included but can be arranged on request — just ask before your tour. The trail depends on what the reserve has open that day and can't be guaranteed, as reserve changes are beyond our control.

Explore the scenic beauty of Tortuguero on a kayak tour, from Tortuguero Lagoon to the canals of Tortuguero National Park. We explore areas beyond the usual routes, accessing small, quiet corners of the park where the only sound is that of nature. We navigate narrow channels completely surrounded by forest, with unique landscapes and a great diversity of wildlife such as caimans, iguanas, herons, monkeys, and sloths in their natural habitat.

First we will stop at Llanos de Cortez Waterfalls, where with almost no walk this crystal clear water will welcome every member of the family. Then, an adventurous hike to the Heaven on the Water. Rio Celeste has a unique celestial blue color produced naturally due a fusion reaction released by the Tenorio Volcano. And finally, the Sloths, Frogs and Toucans Sanctuary. An immersive walk into the rain forest where you will encounter the abundance and beauty of its flora and fauna.

This active combo tour in Tamarindo is great for families, since all the details are taken care of for you by your driver and staff. Activities include ziplining, walking on hanging bridges, horseback riding, soaking in natural hot springs, and rejuvenating with a typical Costa Rican lunch, called “casado.” There is something for all ages to enjoy, so bring the entire family.