Top Costa Rica Wildlife Encounters in 2026

This adventure brings together two of the most stunning attractions in the vicinity of the Rincón de la Vieja Volcano: La leona waterfall and the Colorado River Tubing. You will have the opportunity to observe various types of wildlife such as white-faced monkeys, howler monkeys, egrets, bats, and long-nosed coatis. Get ready for a day full of excitement and adventure in this little paradise. We provide a snack in between activities and a delicious typical lunch served at our adventure center.

We are a company of guides specialized in night tours, looking for the exceptional biodiversity of the Osa Peninsula, southwest Costa Rica. Night walk is the perfect option to combine with a Corcovado hike! Are you excited at the idea of discovering the extraordinary night life that takes place in the jungle while the village is fast asleep? Curious to see the strange world that has always inhabited your dreams and fantasies? Or is it just the desire to meet up with one of the many animals living in the forest, to experience an unforgettable face to face? At 6pm, we leave from Pizza Mail in Puerto Jiménez, where your guide will have the pleasure of greeting you. We will provide you quality headlights. If you don't have a car we can organize additional transport (extra cost). Tour duration: approx 2 hours

Experience the thrill of hiking near an active volcano on a full-day trip from Guanacaste. Get an up-close view of Costa Rica's Arenal Volcano and the surrounding tropical landscape from a network of hanging bridges at Mistico Park. Rejuvenate after with a dip in volcanic hot springs and enjoy stellar views of the volcano. Round-trip hotel transport from Guanacaste, breakfast, and a Costa Rican lunch are included.

This experience stands out by offering kayaking down the Peñas Blancas River and transportation from Fortuna. Get picked up in La Fortuna and make the 30-minute drive to La Perla near the Peñas Blancas River. After a restroom break and safety briefing, kayak along the river known as one of Costa Rica’s kayaking and rafting gems, spotting animals such as monkeys, sloths, caimans, iguanas, and various birds along the way.

Wildlife-loving travelers won’t want to miss a day in the rainforest with sloths, toucans, monkeys, frogs, and other wonderful wildlife. On this full-day tour, your naturalist guide will take you deep into the heart of the forest and will help you spot a variety of flora and fauna. Then, cool off with a swim in the beautiful Llanos Del Cortes waterfall, and check out the clear blue Rio Celeste.

Enjoy this day out in Costa Rica with a morning Arenal volcano hike followed by Baldi hot springs, with two meals included, too. Transport is by coach with a large group, but you’ll have plenty of time to hike, and later to explore the 25 different swimming pools, saunas, and gardens located in the Baldi hot springs resort. You’ll also have a buffet lunch, and dinner.

Take the hassle out of exploring some of Costa Rica’s best waterfalls and natural spots by booking this group tour in Quepos Manuel Antonio. Your guide and driver organize all logistics, including transport and lunch. Visit Uvita Waterfall, Portalon, Dominical, Playa Linda, and Poza Azul, where you can jump from an 8-foot height and slide down a 20-foot natural water slide. Bring a swimsuit and change of clothes.

This half-day tour is an easy walk into the real rainforest of Costa Rica with the great opportunity to see wildlife from the rainforest like snakes, glass frogs, red eyes frogs, bluejeans frogs, insects, and spiders you also can see the gentle sloth and the amazing tapir, which is an animal that is very hard to see elsewhere and here the possibility to see it maximizes as this is his habitat . This is why we recommended this walk at night to increase the chance of seeing this animal and other creatures. This is a great place to visit and reconnect with nature, see the birds singing and flying with the incredible view of the Tenorio Volcano and the rainforest around you makes you feel one with nature.

The KSTR day volunteer program offers a unique and immersive experience within Manuel Antonio's wildlife sanctuary. Unlike traditional wildlife tours, participants actively engage in conservation efforts, from creating enrichment activities for sanctuary animals to assisting with meal preparations. The day begins with an informative guided tour, providing insights into the sanctuary's residents and conservation initiatives. Throughout the experience, volunteers interact with dedicated staff, interns, and long-term volunteers, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, KSTR is deeply committed to its conservation mission, ensuring that participants not only support the sanctuary financially but also contribute directly to its efforts. Overall, the program provides travelers with a meaningful opportunity to connect with nature, make a positive impact, and leave a lasting legacy of conservation in Costa Rica's lush landscapes.

Begin with the fascinating history of cacao — the “drink of the gods.” From its cultural roots to its importance here in Costa Rica, you’ll discover the process step by step: harvesting, fermenting, grinding, and of course… tasting real chocolate! Next, explore one of Costa Rica’s most famous treasures: coffee. Learn how this golden bean shaped our culture and economy. Visit our coffee showroom with live plants and traditional tools, discover the art of café chorreado Finally, enjoy the sweetest part of the tour: the trapiche. Watch sugar cane being pressed and taste agua de sapo, a refreshing and traditional Costa Rican drink.

Discover the vibrant culture and spectacular nature of Costa Rica with the "Coffee and Wildlife" tour. Your journey begins with a refreshing swim at the stunning Llanos del Cortés Waterfalls, followed by an immersive coffee experience, where you’ll learn how coffee is cultivated, roasted, and ground. Delve into the rich tradition of chocolate making with an intriguing presentation, and savor the local flavors that define Costa Rican life. This six-hour adventure promises to blend natural beauty with cultural insights, crafting unforgettable memories of "Pura Vida." Join us for a day filled with exploration and delight. - Tour duration: Approximately 6 hours from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm - Refreshing swim at the picturesque Llanos del Cortés Waterfalls - Authentic coffee tour showcasing the journey from seed to cup - Fascinating insights into traditional chocolate making - And the always happy Sloth of Costa Rica Please enjoy this quest, of finding Costa Rica's unique species, a Sloth.

Sirena is the season where the greatest amount of biodiversity in Costa Rica is appreciated and many animals, such as the Tapir, the mountain pig, coatis, peresos, birds, squid, crocodile and on the way on the boat, it may be possible to see dolphins and whales in August to mid-October. Corcovado National Park of Costa Rica, recognized by Discovery Chanel as the most intense jungle of Biodiversity in Costa Rica.

Discover the magic of Monteverde’s cloud forest with our exclusive Birdwatching Tour at Woodpecker Conservation Preserve. Named after the four species of woodpeckers that live here, this reserve offers a unique experience for bird lovers and nature enthusiasts. As you walk peaceful forest trails, the sounds of birds bring the forest to life, you may hear the call of the endemic Three Wattled Bellbird, see the vibrant Keel Billed Toucan, or witness the playful dance of the Long Tailed Manakin. Our brand new observation platform provides stunning panoramic views of the forest canopy, surrounding mountains, and even the Gulf of Nicoya, perfect for spotting lowland and highland species. Led by a certified naturalist guide, this tour combines expert knowledge, personalized attention, and a deep connection to nature. Don’t forget your camera, every step offers the chance for breathtaking encounters with Monteverde’s birdlife. Join us for an experience that goes far beyond birdwatching.

Enjoy a tour quiet and adventurous Flora and Fauna educational plus the bird watching in Jaco Costa Rica as you hike through the beautiful rainforest and capture moments of your life! We are the largest adventure park in Costa Rica and most of the time this tour is totally private, we like to provide unforgettable experiences.

Departing from Playas Del Coco this tour will take you through the natural wonders of Guanacaste. The ride is approximately 25 miles, 3 to 4 hours through forest, across rivers, and into the beautiful countryside of Costa Rica, where monkeys, iguanas and countless species of birds will be part of your adventure. An experienced guide will accompany you on this tour and will give you all the advice you need for an optimal use of your bike. Local life and spectacular views are on the program of this tour. For best conditions, we recommend an early morning departure, but a departure until 3pm is possible.

Paddle out in your kayak and discover the mangroves and hidden channels as our guides point out the biodiversity that surrounds you We’ll spend about 2 to 3 hours paddling through mangrove labyrinths and various channels. As we move along the water, your guide will point out the different wildlife. Referred to as a “safari on water” you’ll get to do some serious birdwatching, including endemic species. Enjoy nature to the fullest in this kayaking adventure.

This small group tour takes you on a peaceful float down the Penas Blancas River where you’ll end up reaching the impressive La Fortuna Waterfall Reserve. The tour starts with a convenient hotel pickup (from selected hotels), then you’ll float, paddle, take an optional hike, and enjoy an included lunch, all organized by your guide, so you can just enjoy the day out.

If you like nature and animals like toucans, sloths, monkeys and others, this activity will greatly satisfy you. We therefore offer you quality service and attention dedicated to your satisfaction. A day you won't soon forget!

Experience the thrill of an unforgettable ATV tour near Poás Volcano, where adventure meets breathtaking natural beauty. This guided trek takes you through stunning landscapes, lush forests, and scenic viewpoints, providing a unique perspective of Costa Rica's diverse ecosystem. Perfect for both beginners and experienced riders, our ATV tours ensure a safe and exhilarating journey as you navigate rugged trails and admire the mesmerizing views of the iconic volcano. Along the way, you'll learn about the area's rich flora and fauna from our knowledgeable guides. Book your ATV adventure near Poás Volcano today and get ready to create lasting memories while satisfying your adrenaline cravings. Don't miss this chance to explore one of Costa Rica's most stunning natural wonders in an exciting and unique way!

Try this group adventure, rappelling along the Pino Blanco Waterfall in Arenal, climbing up cable ladders, and ziplining. Besides these activities, you’ll also have a culture lesson at the Maleku Indian Cultural Rescue Center. This is a group tour, so you’ll keep costs down, but most likely make some new friends too.

Explore the wild beauty and rich biodiversity of Costa Rica’s famed Arenal region on this combo hiking and waterfall tour from La Fortuna. Trek along the different levels of hanging bridges in the rain forest at Mistico Park, and later take a short hike to reach the tropical cascade of La Fortuna Waterfall. Replenish your energy with a delicious Costa Rican lunch at a local restaurant.

Discover La Fortuna with One with nature by exploring the natural wonders from a different perspective. Learn about the rainforest and its interactions between the Flora and Fauna by visiting Arenal hanging bridges. This 250 ha of protected land allows you to explore the forest from all of its levels, from the ground on its paved trails to the treetops on its 6 suspended bridges. This walk takes approximately 2 ½ hours and its suitable for all ages, even for people with disabilities were they are able to enjoy up to %50 of the trails. They day continues with a visit to El Mirador el silencio trails, were you are going to be able to walk over a lava flow from 1968. During it first eruption after a long resting period Arenal awaken on July 29th, 1968, destroying a couple of villages on its way. Learn more about the history of Arenal volcano and geography of Costa Rica while exploring the 68 lava flow. Lunch would be in a Soda to support the local economy.

Take on Costa Rica's Class IV rapids on an adventure designed for experienced and confident rafters. Led by local guides, this small-group experience combines challenging whitewater with scenic surroundings and insight into the landscape, culture, and communities along the river. As a locally owned, female-led operator, Calypso Adventures focuses on personal service and smaller groups rather than mass tourism.

Discover two natural environments in Monteverde with this combined tour featuring hanging bridges and a night walk, led by a local naturalist guide. At Selvatura Park, spend 2.5 hours exploring the evergreen tropical montane forest—from the forest floor to the treetops. Cross eight hanging bridges and encounter miniature orchids, bromeliads, mosses, and towering tree ferns, all while learning about the rich biodiversity of the cloud forest. After a 30-minute transfer, visit Finca Lantana—a local private reserve dedicated to ecotourism, environmental education, and conservation. During a 2-hour night walk, explore the premontane forest beneath a canopy of ancient trees. Keep an eye out for frogs, insects, tarantulas, scorpions, and—if you’re lucky—sloths. Experience two distinct settings to connect with nature by both day and night. Wildlife sightings will naturally vary.