Top Costa Rica Unique Experiences

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.

No prior experience is required on this small-group bioluminescence kayaking tour from Puerto Jiménez. After a magnificent sunset, watch the water light up with glowing microorganisms with every stroke of the paddle as you maneuver over calm waters with your guide. You can even dive in for a swim to see what the bioluminescence looks like from within the water.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Jaco is known for its beaches and nightlife, but its natural beauty should not be missed. Enjoy a visit to a nearby rainforest via 4x4 vehicle, and learn about the ecosystem from your naturalist guide. Stop by a series of waterfalls for an exhilarating plunge, then relax during lunch while taking in the lush jungle views.

When you come to Costa Rica, you want to see and do it all! Make the most of your time during this action-packed half-day ATV tour from Jaco. Hit the trails and climb up into the mountain rainforest for spectacular panoramic views and a waterfall swim. Relax and refuel with a deliciously authentic lunch before continuing on for more nature immersion and adventure before returning back to headquarters.

Discover San Jose’s hidden delights with this unique evening tour of the Costa Rican capital. Get up close and personal with the nightlife in San Jose, starting with the Morazán Park where you'll learn post-colonial Costa Rican history. From there, gain an appreciation for San Jose’s historical architecture, with a walk by the Metallic Building, then on to Spain Park for a fantastic view of the Yellow House (now the Ministry of Foreign Affairs). Continue to charming Barrio Escalante, one of the oldest residential areas in San Jose.  Finish the night with a tasty traditional meal (and wine or beer) at a gourmet Costa Rican restaurant.

Get out of the city and experience Costa Rica’s rich wildlife heritage with this half day private tour to the Toucan Rescue Ranch. What started out as a rescue facility for toucans has expanded to include other charismatic species such as sloths, monkeys, parrots, and owls. Learn all about them from the dedicated staff committed to their care.

Learn how to navigate Tamarindo’s waves during this roughly 1.5 hour surf lesson. Choose the group size that works for your budget, with private, small-group, and larger group options. Practice paddling, popping up, and riding with guidance from your instructor. More experienced surfers can also practice their technique by surfing alongside an instructor.

Foodies and anyone with a sweet tooth will love this chocolate-themed activity. See cacao trees growing before touring the chocolate-making kitchen. Learn all about what it takes to turn cacao into a bar of chocolate, and even have a go at grinding the beans and separating the shells yourself. Make some chocolate to take home with you and share with your friends–if you don’t eat it all first.

Immerse yourself in Costa Rica's lush landscapes on a relaxing river float in the La Fortuna region. Join a small group and gently paddle down the Peñas Blancas River and keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife like monkeys, sloths, iguanas, and crocodiles. Hotel pickup is included for added convenience.

On this guided tour of the Butterfly Conservatory, which is dedicated to the preservation, growth, and study of the rainforest, with a focus on butterflies and other tropical rainforest species, experience a live demonstration of the butterfly life cycle, see poison dart frogs and other species of amphibians from the Arenal rainforest, and explore the botanical gardens and medicinal herb gardens.

Explore the rugged landscape and forested depths of Costa Rica’s Lost Canyon on this small-group adventure. Rappel alongside towering waterfalls, cool off in refreshing pools, and explore a hidden canyon surrounded by lush rainforest. After your canyoning experience, relax and enjoy a delicious all-you-can-eat Costa Rican buffet at a private restaurant. Hotel transportation is included for a seamless adventure from start to finish.

Costa Rica is known for its lush scenery, but getting around—and seeing the best the country has to offer—can be a challenge without your own transportation. On this full-day tour, experience both forests and volcanoes in a single day as you combine a guided nature walk in Rincón de la Vieja National Park with a refreshing waterfall swim. Hotel transfers and lunch are provided for a seamless experience.

See more wildlife than you'd likely spot on your own with a guided walk through the forest and coastline of Avellanas. Instead of hoping to encounter animals by chance, explore with a local guide who can identify animals, such as monkeys, iguanas, and tropical birds, and explain their behavior. Walk through four different ecosystems and help protect these habitats with a quick trail clean-up during our tour.

Get a taste of authentic Costa Rican life and cuisine as you join a local family for a cooking class and home-style meal. Along with a guide, visit the home of your hosts outside of La Fortuna and learn about household customs and cooking techniques for a cultural experience that takes you well beyond just dining out. Join in the preparation of a typical meal, and then savor the fruits of your labor alongside new friends.

Learn how to surf like a local in Tamarindo, Costa Rica—a popular destination for hanging ten. During the lesson, you will learn the basics, including how to paddle out by yourself. Rash guards, boards, and bottled water are included. Choose to depart from either your hotel or the surf shop.

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.

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.

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.