Top Costa Rica Tours by Duration

Get close to animals in their natural habitat on this river cruise through Palo Verde National Park. After a scenic drive through the park, see exotic birds, crocodiles, monkeys, iguanas, and other animals on a 2-hour river cruise on the Tempisque River. Then, enjoy a lunch of typical Costa Rican dishes cooked over a fire. On the return journey, make short stops to learn about indigenous pottery techniques and taste local coffee.

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.

Embark on a delightful food tour, where you will deliberately engage in the rich local culture. Leisurely stroll through the charming streets of Jaco and explore traditional gastronomy in bars and restaurants. This experience presents a unique opportunity to gain profound insights into Costa Rican culture, delving into stories and anecdotes surrounding some of the region's most beloved and delectable traditional dishes. Amidst the captivating fusion of culture and natural landscapes at Jaco Beach, you will find yourself in a relaxing setting, creating the perfect ambiance for an enjoyable afternoon in the city.

Adventure-seeking travelers won’t want to miss ziplining through the Costa Rican forests and over waterfalls. Ride a bus and take a short hike to the start of the course, then enjoy zooming down 12 thrilling cables. Three of these are strung out over two incredible waterfalls, so enjoy the views as you go. End the tour at an Indian village, where you can learn more about the indigenous people.

Relax and unwind with a day at La Fortuna’s famous hot springs at the base of the majestic Arenal Volcano. On this tour, enjoy round-trip transportation from San Jose and relax at either Los Lagos or Baldi Hot Springs (depending on the option you've chosen), enjoying free time to rejuvenate at a pace that suits you. A delicious lunch at the resort is included, so you can focus on relaxing in the soothing thermal waters.

Take in the beauty of the majestic Rio Celeste in Alajuela province, the canton of Guatuso, inside of the Tenorio Volcano National Park. Your guide will take all the hassle out of the day, allowing you to enjoy a walk along the trails, observe the Celeste River Waterfall, and enjoy the commentary along the way. Breakfast and lunch are also included.

Experience the ‘pura vida’ of Costa Rica’s traditional farming lifestyle on this half-day nature and agriculture tour that takes you beyond the tourist hot spots. Learn about sustainable farming practices used on the farm; try your hand at milking a cow; extract cane juice to make refreshing drinks; and create artisanal cocoa using indigenous tools. At the end of your tour, taste the bounty of the land with a farm-fresh lunch of local, organic products.

Get a taste of San Jose’s culture and cuisine on this walking tour that includes snacks. Explore Costa Rica’s capital alongside a guide who alleviates the hassle of navigating, and learn about the city’s history, architecture as you taste. Explore the produce stalls of two traditional markets and discover what makes Costa Rican coffee so delicious as you sample some local brews.

During this combination tour of Costa Rica, you’ll explore the urban and natural sides of the country. First, learn about the historical center of Limon, then head to a sloth sanctuary to find out how the rehabilitation center is taking care of the critters, as well as monkeys, iguanas, and birds. Following that, stop at a banana plantation and take a short trek through the jungle where you can spot local wildlife.

Turn your vacation vibes up a notch with this catamaran tour from Jaco to the secluded Fantasia Beach. Relax in a premium catamaran as you sail out on the ocean, and then catch sight of wildlife like turtles and monkeys while eating a lunch prepared by a private chef on a forested beach only accessible by boat. This tour even includes a bar for the ultimate in relaxation.

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.

Experience a small group guided hike through the lava flows formed by volcanic activity at the Arenal Volcano. The hike is just under a mile, and is easy to moderate level. Learn the history of when the volcano erupted in 1968, and hear how the town was rebuilt afterwards, out of almost total destruction. You can visit the hot springs at the end if you wish.

Soak up views of Costa Rica’s tropical rain forest and waterfalls during a thrilling whitewater rafting adventure down the Sarapiqui River. Slip on your provided helmet and life vest, and safely navigate the river's rapids, twists, and turns with a guide. Refuel with a freshly prepared buffet-style lunch at an organic farm. Round trip transport from your hotel in La Fortuna is included.

Explore Arenal’s famous hanging bridges on a 4-hour tour from La Fortuna, and get panoramic views of the dramatic Arenal volcano. Follow your guide along an easy, 1.9-mile (3.1-km) trail through a lushly forested reserve, and cross a series of six suspension bridges and nine fixed bridges for a bird’s-eye perspective of the forest floor. Watch for bright feathers and monkey tails as you walk through the jungle, and take in the sights and sounds of Costa Rica’s thriving wilderness.

Get off the beaten path in Tamarindo on a kayak tour to Las Baulas National Marine Park. Latin America's largest mangrove estuary is only accessible by water, so you're sure to escape the crowds. No kayaking experience is necessary, as a nature guide shows you the basics and leads you on a peaceful paddle and hike to spot native Costa Rican wildlife like howler monkeys, iguanas, and exotic birds.

Thrill-seekers will love white-water rafting on the class III and IV rapids on the Arenal River. Suitable for adventurous beginners and those who have been rafting before, the 8-mile (13-kilometer) stretch of river offers plenty of chances to paddle hard, get wet, and enjoy views of the surrounding jungle. Refuel after with lunch at a monkey park.

Explore the forests of Arenal Volcano National Park on a half-day walking tour, with the option to soak away the afternoon in the park’s nearby thermal springs. Follow your guide between towering trees, and discover the devastation left by the powerful lava slides and volcanic activity. Enjoy views of Arenal volcano and the Tilarán Range, and learn about the area’s nature, wildlife, and history. Return to your hotel or visit the hot pools of your choice, where Costa Rica’s simmering geology creates a stunning natural spa.

Get your heart racing and make the most of your trip to Costa Rica on this jam-packed adventure tour. Traverse rugged mountains and jungle trails on an ATV until you reach a beach, where you can stop and relax. Then head to a crocodile hotspot, the Tarcoles River bridge, and safely observe these reptiles that call the area home.

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.

This well-rounded tour is the perfect way for nature lovers to experience the best of Costa Rica's outdoor beauty. Enjoy a scenic boated on the Rio Frio with departure near the border of Nicaragua. Cruise through the Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge and see the incredible biodiversity that makes this nation to unique. You'll have up close encounters with birds, snakes, herons and other animals, as well as various species of monkeys and sloths.

Ideal for travelers searching for outdoor adventures, this zipline experience includes access to hot springs and swimming pools. Your guide picks you up from your Fortuna area hotel, takes you to the Los Cañones Canopy adventure park, and helps holster you up to zipline through the jungle canopy. After soaking in hot springs, choose to visit a butterfly and amphibian conservatory or crocodile farm—perfect for families with children.

Paddle out to Capitan Island in Las Baulas National Marine Park on a kayak with this tour from Tamarindo Beach. Once on the island, you'll have plenty of time to explore the varied landscapes, see marine life in tidepools, and spend time swimming and snorkeling in crystalline waters before paddling back to Tamarindo.

Improve your chances of seeing wildlife at the Curi-Cancha Reserve with this small-group guided hike. Follow your guide as you explore primary and secondary rainforests, learning about natural history, bird watching and spotting mammals. Well-suited for wildlife lovers and nature enthusiasts who want an intimate experience when exploring this reserve.

If you’re short on time in Costa Rica but want to see the country’s famous biodiversity beyond the concrete capital, this day trip to the Tortuguero National Park is ideal. Travel through the canals and lagoons on a boat and look out for toucans, crocodiles, sloths, iguanas, and much more. The highlight, though, is seeing the sea turtle nesting sites on the beaches, which give the park its name.