Top Costa Rica Sightseeing Tours in 2026

Get into nature with this guided river cruise to Palo Verde National Park. Perfect for travelers staying in the Guanacaste area, this is a straightforward way to see some of Costa Rica's wildlife without going too far out of the way. Enjoy seamless transportation to where you board your boat, and relax on a leisurely river cruise for chances to see iguanas, birds, monkeys, and more in the wild.

Are you looking for an exciting adventure in the forest and local villages? Join our 2-hour ATV tour to experience the best of both worlds! During this adventure, we will take you through rural rocky roads and into the lush tropical forest, exploring the unique biodiversity of the area while marveling at the breathtaking panoramic views. Cross rivers and feel the cool breeze of the forest while you immerse yourself in nature. Our 2 hour ATV tour is the perfect way to experience the thrill of adventure in the forest and local villages, combining nature and culture in a unique and unforgettable experience. >>>>>> Children can't drive

Have some fun zipping through the tropical forest in Tamarindo on this small group tour. Your guide will point out wildlife like monkeys, birds, reptiles, and more that you might not notice on your own. All your safety gear will be provided for you, so you can relax and have a great time with your small group, flying through the treetops.

Caño Island is a remote island off the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Take a boat ride from Rancho Corcovado Lodge in Agujitas (Drake) to the island where you’ll spend time snorkeling with provided equipment, followed by relaxation at San Josecito beach on the mainland. Places on this small-group activity are limited to 12 people.

Spend a day in the wilderness that makes Costa Rica famous on this guided ATV tour from the Guanacaste coast. Follow your guide over rivers, through thick jungle foliage, past waterfalls, and more, all while learning about the native wildlife along the way. This tour includes all equipment and safety instructions as well as hotel pickup from your Guanacaste lodging.

Improve your chances of spotting wildlife in Manuel Antonio National Park on this small-group hike. Following your guide, explore the park as you look out for sloths, monkeys, iguanas, and more, whilst they provide commentary about their lives and behaviors in the rainforest. Enjoy a route that is flat and well-maintained, making this activity suitable for all fitness levels.

Visit the Irazú Volcano National Park in just half a day with this excursion from San José. Your driver will pick you up early in the morning and take you to the volcano, where you can see the crater and learn about the history of the area from a local guide. Next, you'll head to the Los Angeles Basilica, a church and museum with a holy water source.

Take this private full day waterfall experience in Curubande where you can do some tubing, cliff jumping, swimming, cave exploring, hiking, and enjoy a delicious lunch, too. You’ll have a few stops today, including the Rio Blanco, La Leona Waterfall, Curubande town for a local casado lunch, and the Llanos de Cortes waterfalls for cliff jumping and swimming.

Thrill-seekers will love trying many different activities on a private combo tour near Liberia. Start with an exciting zip-line course through the forest, followed by an epic 1,300-foot (400-meter) water slide. Refuel with a tasty local lunch, so you don’t need to pack boring sandwiches. In the afternoon, ride on horseback to beautiful hot springs in a lush garden, where you can soak any aches away.

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.

Explore Jaco’s rice fields or forests with a 1-, 2-, or 3-hour 4X4 buggy tour that’s a family-friendly way to get off the beaten path. Follow your guide along a tropical river and spot the bright birds that nest alongside the water, then enjoy sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. Discover waterfalls hidden in the trees and zoom up the side of a mountain, and tailor your adventure to your time, interests and group.

The countryside around Jaco Beach is ideal for an outdoor adventure and this action-packed tour includes two fun activities in one day. Soar through the treetops at the Los Suenos Adventure Park as you tackle a thrilling course of 10 zip-lines in the heart of the rainforest. Next, take the wheel of an ATV for a scenic off-road excursion along mud tracks, jungle trails, and coastal roads with spectacular ocean views.

The Monteverde Cloud Forest is one of Costa Rica’s most memorable natural wonders. With this tour, venture to the heart of the cloud forest on a self-guided trek and enjoy magnificent views of the Arenal, Rincon de la Vieja, Tenorio, and Miravalles volcanoes. Cool off with a swim beneath a waterfall, tuck into a typical Costa Rican lunch, and enjoy a short horseback ride. Hotel pickup and drop-off from Monteverde and Santa Elena are included for convenience.

Zoo Ave is an important center for animal rescue and rehabilitation, with a vast natural landscape, ornamental gardens, a large number of native and endangered species. This general admission ticket provides entry to the zoo and allows you to explore at your own pace. Learn about local wildlife, see a variety of well-cared-for animals with ample space to thrive, and observe animal rescue and rehabilitation in action.

Explore Costa Rica’s Tortuguero National Park by kayak and discover the tropical haven on this excursion. Join a small group and paddle through the calm waters to get a better look at the flora and fauna of the park. As you explore, your guide sheds light on the local ecosystem and conservation efforts.

The Costa Rican jungle is home to a number of unique species, many of which come out at night. This nighttime jungle tour visits the forests of La Fortuna for a guided walk. Learn about various jungle species from your naturalist guide and get tips for photographing the nocturnal creatures. Animals you may see include frogs, sloths, bats, and reptiles. Note that gratuities are not included.

Discover the beauty of La Fortuna, Costa Rica, on a unique horseback riding adventure operated by a local family-run business. This tour takes you through tropical forest trails, river crossings, and stunning natural landscapes while sharing authentic experiences with visitors from around the world. Led by experienced local guides, enjoy a safe, relaxed, and personalized experience suitable for all ages, including children. Capture unforgettable family moments by the rivers and immerse yourself in the peaceful atmosphere of the rainforest. Duration: Approximately 2 hours, with flexible pacing for breaks and photos Suitable for all skill levels; prior riding experience is not necessary Small group sizes from 2 to 15 travelers for a more personalized experience Includes well-trained horses and all necessary riding equipment Operated by a local family passionate about nature and Costa Rican hospitality

Spend a fun-filled and relaxing day at Ponderosa Adventure Park, a safari-style park in Liberia, Costa Rica. The sprawling park is home to various animals, including zebras, giraffes, and ostriches, and opportunities for adventures that include kayaking, zip lining, and horseback riding through forest to waterfalls. Book a full day ticket for included activities and lunch.

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.

If you’re short on time in the La Fortuna area, this small-group tour will let you see and do a lot in one day. After a handy pickup from your La Fortuna hotel, head to the Arenal Hanging Bridges. Test your fear of heights from the six high bridges in the forest. Continue to Arenal Volcano National Park and La Fortuna Waterfall, to experience more of Costa Rica’s famous biodiversity.

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.

Swim beneath a jungle waterfall and hike into Arenal Volcano National Park on a 7-hour, 2-in-1 combo tour that takes in the best of the region’s natural beauty and wildlife. Spot monkeys and bright tropical birds as you walk through the rainforest surrounding La Fortuna waterfall, then enjoy a leisurely Costa Rican lunch with locally grown coffee. Follow your guide along jagged lava flows and mountainside trails as you explore Arenal, learn the history of this iconic volcano, and earn stunning views of Arenal lake.

Discover the best of Arenal on an all-inclusive tour designed for those looking for nature, adventure and relaxation in one day. Start your day by visiting a spectacular waterfall hidden in the middle of the rainforest. Admire the strength of your waterfall and enjoy free time to cool off in your natural pools of crystal clear waters. Then, you will elevate the experience by walking along a network of suspended suspension bridges more than 125 meters high. Accompanied by an expert naturalist guide. Keep your eyes open for monkeys, sloths, reptiles, exotic birds and a variety of tropical plants. To end the day in the best way, you will relax in an exclusive thermal spa of natural volcanic waters, located in front of the majestic Arenal Volcano. Enjoy more than 15 thermal pools at different temperatures, surrounded by nature, ideal to release stress and recharge after an active day.

Travel beyond the beach on this buggy tour of Papagayo Gulf. After a brief safety training, take off down a winding trail in search of native wildlife, deserted beaches, and rural Costa Rican culture, stopping to take a swim along the way. No prior buggy riding experience is necessary.