Top Costa Rica Unique Experiences

RSVP to the biggest party in Monteverde with this nocturnal tour of the area's famed wildlife by moonlight, when nearly 80 percent of Monteverde's mammalian residents come out to play. Join a guide who will help you spot animals such as two-toed sloths, reptiles, and more as they come out after dark.

Rappel down waterfalls in the shadow of Arenal Volcano on this exciting rainforest adventure just outside of La Fortuna. Head into the forest, where guides will help you gear up for a thrilling course featuring a rock climb and rappelling, including the "Monkey Drop" and waterfall descents. After conquering this natural playground, head back to HQ for a delicious lunch of Costa Rican cuisine.

Discover the sounds and sights of the rainforest after dark on a night hike. Follow your guide along an easy trail and watch out for bats, nocturnal birds, and mammals rustling in the treetops and on the forest floor. Search for red-eyed tree frogs and glass frogs, among other species. Then enjoy a traditional dinner prepared on a wood-burning stove before returning to your hotel in La Fortuna.

On this Jaco off-road ATV tour, it’s all about the journey—and the destinations. Take a thrilling ride through rugged mountain terrain en route to a vista point and two waterfalls, one of which has a 15-foot (4.5-meter) jump to try (if you dare). Be sure to bring a swimsuit to refresh yourself in the natural pool either way.

Indulge your sweet tooth and discover the secrets of La Fortuna's best chocolate. This small-group tour starts out in an organic cocoa plantation where you'll see the cocoa flower and trees, as well as the cocoa bean fermentation and sun-drying process. Afterward, in the ranch, you can roast and grind the cocoa beans and also, ultimately, make your own chocolate bonbons.

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.

Join naturalist biologists on a guided tour through Parque La Libertad, where you will discover the restoration of 32 hectares once occupied by an old cement factory and learn about the ongoing reforestation process. You will observe birds that arrived with ecological regeneration and easily identify more than 30 species. Along the way, you’ll learn about waste management and pollinator gardens, and discover how the community comes together through art, sports, and social projects. Most importantly, by joining this experience you become part of a social well-being initiative that supports local communities in need.

Explore with our Guide the incredible biodiversity that the Castle area has to offer; located in a strategic point where the climate and surrounding conservation areas make possible an ecosystem where flora and fauna predominate. During this exciting birdwatching tour you will travel trails where you can observe a wide variety of species, from colorful toucans and trogons to thongs and hummingbirds. The morning is the ideal time to hear and see birds in their natural habitat; you will learn about the characteristics, behaviors and ecological importance of these birds in the Costa Rican ecosystem. It is a perfect experience for nature lovers, photographers and people who want to connect with wildlife in a safe and beautiful environment. Don’t forget to bring your binoculars and camera to capture these unique moments!

Imagine going back in time and canoeing to meet a real family living on a river island, a natural paradise just 40 minutes away from Puerto Viejo, undeveloped and pristine. Dennis will hand-paddle his large canoe and take you on a beautiful wildlife sightseeing journey close to the Caribbean Sea and upstream to his home, tucked in the middle of a hidden island gem. You will meet his wife, Carol, and, when not at school, their two lovely children. I am sure this will be your most delicious lunch in Costa Rica. This tour is designed for those who love nature and good-hearted people. It does not belong to any company, and despite their very limited English, I am sure your heart will feel at home. All proceeds go directly to Dennis and his family.

Combine Costa Rica’s best sensations into one with this private full-day tour. First, you’ll sink deep into the wild rainforest, where you’ll learn all about the country’s obsession with chocolate—and you’ll taste some of the best, too. After your time on land, you’ll soak in Baldi Hot Springs, heated by the Arenal volcano, taking in the views and that Costa Rica feeling. Hotel pickup is included for your convenience.

Adventure awaits in Jaco. Make unforgettable memories during this half-day tour combining off-road ATV action, zip lining, a hike to a waterfall and a deliciously authentic lunch in a quintessentially Costa Rican setting.

The purpose of this experience is to provide you a real experience to cook different traditional recipes that are part of the Costa Rican culture. You can participate in the whole process, from the dish preparation to the tasting. Classes are held in an area that has been very well equipped, each participant is given a personalized apron and hair covered. The experience takes place on a family farm in the surroundings of Santa Elena and Monteverde. The family is the one that assists you and will present the experience of Tica cuisine. All the ingredients and utensils for the cooking class will be provided to each participant. ´´Achiotada´´ chicken, chicken with vegetables, rice with chicken, ´´vigorones´´ (pork meat), rice and beans with Caribbean chicken, tortillas, meat pot, chorreadas, prestiños, etc. are some of the different recipes we must prepare, accompanied by a natural drink with fresh fruit Seasonal, coffee, chocolate, or aguadulce.

Cruise the wildlife-flanked rivers of Palo Verde National Park on a full-day, private tour that combines nature and culture. A 2-hour river tour is designed to maximize sightings of animals such as crocodiles, monkeys, and tropical birds. Then, you’ll head to a village for a Costa Rican lunch and hands-on pottery experience—going beyond typical tourist hotspots to immerse in local traditions.

Experience an unforgettable eco-adventure where you’ll get up close with playful monkeys and other fascinating wildlife. Perfect for families, couples, and nature enthusiasts! Highlights of the Tour: Close Wildlife Encounters: Meet curious capuchin monkeys and see exotic birds, iguanas, and crocodiles. Photo Opportunities: Capture incredible shots of Costa Rica’s vibrant wildlife. What to Bring: Comfortable clothes and sandals Sunglasses and hat Sunscreen and insect repellent Camera or smartphone for photos Reusable water bottle Best Time to Visit: Morning tours (7:30 AM) are ideal for spotting the most wildlife.

You can spot different species of birds as hummingbirds, tanagers, fly catchers, toucans, others as well some mammals as monkeys, agoutis, etcetera. Naturalist guide certified by Costa Rica Tourism Board with knowledge, love and passion to wildlife make you have a great time. Monte Alto is a nature reserve located 480 – 880 meters above sea level It belongs to the Nosara Protected Zone which serves the combined purpose of protecting nature and wildlife along with the important water resources. You can see different orquids bloom from march to April only Today the reserve covers 924 hectares of low mountain moist forest which is in transition to humid forest. Small wildcats and many other animals roam the thickets and scientists discovered yet unknown species of plants. Bird lovers might be interested to know that more than 200 species of birds are found in the reserve, great destination for nature lovers and eco-tourists who can learn about the intricacies of the jungle.

Take on an adventurous 4-hour expedition into the jungle from Jaco, then hike, rappel and zipline through ancient trees that shelter thriving wildlife. Follow our guide on a footpath to the El Encanto waterfall, and learn to rappel safely before lowering yourself off the edge and along a series of clear pools. Clip into a zipline for a soaring tour of the forest canopy along eight ziplines, finish with a swooping run to the valley floor, then walk to a nearby ranch for fresh fruit and juice.

It is a unique experience a short distance from San José, just 45 minutes from San José, ideal for those visitors who only have one morning or one afternoon. This is a center to rescue, rehabilitate and release Costa Rican wildlife. Access a great place to observe a wide variety of animals in the vicinity of San José. It is a shared visit, in which you will have the opportunity to meet and share with more tourists. Enjoy this beautiful adventure and contribute Minimun 2 persons. To operate the Tour.

A four-to-one student-to-teacher ratio makes this Tamarindo surf lesson perfect for beginners. Get personalized attention from a local surf instructor as you learn to read the water, pop up on a surfboard, and ride your first waves with confidence. Plus, skip the hassle of figuring out a board rental—all equipment is included.

Learn all about the Macaws on Punta Islita on this half day tour from Playa Samara. You’ll visit the Macaw Recover Network which is a conservation area. Visit the Macaw Refuge and Breeding Center and hear about the wonderful research, including how the once extinct Scarlet Macaw is now back in Guanacaste, and about the numbers of Macaws being bred and released into the wild.

Chocolate-lovers in La Fortuna can’t miss this chocolate experience where you learn to harvest, dry, and grind cacao seeds into delicious chocolate products like drinks and bars. Plus, this tour combines a chocolate-making experience with a thrilling waterfall rappel, making it a top choice for family adventure.

This tour of Arenal Volcano, the hanging bridges, La Fortuna Waterfall and the hot springs, all in about 5-7 hours. Your guide will take you to Mirador El Silencio to see the volcano, the hanging suspension bridges, and finally la Fortuna Waterfall for a walk and a swim. You’ll get to see the beautiful Costa Rican countryside and a Costa Rican lunch.

Get a different perspective on Costa Rica's popular EcoGarden Arenal by exploring the ecological park at night. Follow the trails through a lush and incredibly biodiverse forest to see the wildlife that is most active after night falls. Learn all about the sloths, caiman, frogs, birds, cicadas, and other creatures that you spot from your guide.

Learn to fish in one of Central America's largest mangroves on this popular tour in Damas Island. Follow your expert guide into this incredible ecosystem and cast your line into fresh and salt waters. Fish for snapper, grouper, jack crevasse and more, as you float along tropical shores and watch white faced monkeys swing through the trees.