Top San Jose Hiking Tours

The best views of the cloud forest near Monteverde are undoubtedly from above—if you can get high enough. On this easy tour, take a guided nature walk along hanging bridges through the forest canopy in search of wildlife and beautiful plants. Follow your naturalist guide carrying professional optical equipment to the best viewpoints for observing the rich biodiversity, including orchids, epiphytes, and seasonal birds like the Resplendent Quetzal and Black-faced Solitaire.

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.

Manuel Antonio National Park is one of Costa Rica's Most beautiful regions but can be difficult to reach from San Jose, As there are essentially zero public transportation options. on this full-day tour let someone else take care of the driving logistics. Highlights include stopping for breakfast and crocodile sightings, hiking with a naturalist guide who helps you identify plants and wild animals in the national park, and relaxing on the white Sands of Playa Espadilla.

Discover one of La Fortuna’s most complete adventure combos with zipline, a volcano hike, hanging bridges, and a natural thermal river all in one day. A full day of adventure, nature, and relaxation awaits in La Fortuna with this exciting combo tour. Soar through the treetops on a zipline adventure featuring 9 cables and 10 platforms, with stunning views of Arenal Volcano and Cerro Chato. Continue with a moderate 3 km hike at Parque Ecológico Volcán Arenal, where you’ll explore scenic volcanic landscapes with a guide. Then discover the beauty of Mistico Hanging Bridges Park on a guided walk of approximately 2.5 hours through the rainforest. End the day relaxing in a natural thermal river, where you can soak in warm waters and enjoy a volcanic mud mask. This full-day experience includes transportation, lunch, and expert guides throughout the tour.

Escape the crowds and go off the beaten path in Costa Rica. This small-group tour of the Ebano Natural Reserve is ideal for active travelers who want to spend time in scenic nature. You'll take a short hike through the rainforest, spotting wildlife such as colorful frogs, birds, and monkeys along the way, before arriving at a double waterfall where you can cool off with a swim.

Experience a specialized experience in the Monteverde Cloud Forest accompanied by a certified local naturalist guide. This guided hike in Selvatura Park, located in the heart of Costa Rica’s cloud forest, offers a deep exploration of one of the world’s most biodiverse ecosystems. The difference of this tour is in its interpretive and personalized approach. It’s not just a hike – it’s a high-value educational experience where your guide uses professional optical equipment to facilitate the sighting of tropical birds, mammals and endemic flora. You will learn about conservation, ecological processes and the global importance of Monteverde, while discovering details and species that most visitors overlook. Ideal for nature lovers, birdwatchers and travelers looking for an authentic guided tour in Monteverde.

Don’t let your experience of Costa Rican nature be rubbing elbows with 100 other travelers. With this small-group tour, your guide leads you into the jungle for a moderate hike, where you’ll follow bubbling streams, trek in the world of volcanoes, and get misted by waterfalls. With transportation and lunch provided, it’s a ready-made adventure into the wild.

Embark on a full day of adventure and relaxation in La Fortuna. Start with an exhilarating zipline tour featuring 9 cables and 10 platforms, offering stunning vistas of Arenal Volcano and Cerro Chato. Follow this with a guided hike through Parque Ecológico Volcán Arenal's scenic trails, perfect for active travelers eager to explore Costa Rica's diverse ecosystem. Conclude your day by unwinding in a natural thermal river, soaking in warm waters surrounded by lush nature. This combo tour includes transportation, certified guides, a traditional lunch, and all necessary equipment for a truly memorable experience. - Enjoy a full day of adventure with ziplining, hiking, and thermal relaxation - Zip across 9 cables, with lengths from 80 to 550 meters, perfect for all experience levels - Hike on moderate trails in Parque Ecológico Volcán Arenal while learning about the ecosystem - Relax for 40 minutes in a natural thermal river, ideal for rejuvenation after your activities

This combined Monteverde Cloud Forest Suspension Bridges and Night Walk tour allows you to discover one of Costa Rica’s most iconic ecosystems, both day and night, in a single experience designed to maximize your connection to nature. During the daytime tour, you will walk along suspended suspension bridges over the cloud forest, with panoramic views ideal for bird watching, tropical flora and unique natural landscapes of Monteverde. At nightfall, you will live a guided nocturnal walk, where the forest transforms and you can observe frogs, insects, reptiles and other nocturnal species in their natural habitat. Accompanied by a local naturalist guide specializing in the cloud forest, you will learn about biodiversity, behaviors and survival strategies of wildlife. This tour is ideal for lovers of ecotourism, wildlife, photography and authentic experiences in Monteverde.

Sample a wide variety of Costa Rican flavors while learning about the country's cultural heritage on this San Jose walking tour. You'll shop for fruits and veggies at the Mercado Central and Mercado Borbón, visit the National Theater and Morazan Park, and try local treats including a hands-on cooking class with artisanal chocolate empanadas and specialty coffee at Mr. Sloth Coffee Shop.

Soar through Costa Rica’s pristine Braulio Carrillo rainforest on a zipline tour featuring 10 cables, 14 platforms, and a hanging bridge. Enjoy trekking, terrarium, butterfly, and orchid gardens while spotting native wildlife with expert guides. This moderate adventure offers thrilling canopy views and peaceful jungle sounds away from crowds. Upgrade to a complete package to include a tour, sloth center, and lunch.

Embark on a scenic full-day adventure from San José to Manuel Antonio National Park, one of the most stunning natural sanctuaries in the world. Start your day with a delicious Costa Rican breakfast, then stop at the Tárcoles River Bridge to observe giant wild crocodiles in their natural habitat—an iconic Costa Rica experience. Continue to Manuel Antonio, where your certified naturalist guide will lead you on rainforest trails in search of wildlife such as sloths, monkeys, toucans, iguanas, and colorful tropical birds. Enjoy approximately four hours inside the park, combining wildlife viewing with free time to relax on Playa Espadilla, famous for its soft white sand and turquoise waters, often ranked among the world’s best beaches. After your beach and wildlife experience, savor a traditional coastal lunch before returning to San José with breathtaking Pacific views at sunset. This tour perfectly blends nature, wildlife, and pure relaxation—an unforgettable day of Pura Vida!

Explore three levels of lush Costa Rican rainforest from the floor to the canopy on an Aerial Tram tour of Braulio Carrillo National Park. Learn about local flora and fauna as you walk along nature trails, explore specialty gardens, and glide over treetops in an aerial tram for unrivaled views of the natural landscapes.

Full day in Sarapiqui from San Jose, Hiking to watch volcanoes wild life beside a Kayaking tour, we pick you up at your hotel in San Jose, Heredia or Alajuela

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.

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.

Explore the rich coffee heritage of Costa Rica at Hacienda La Chimba. This engaging 1.5-hour tour takes you through a historic coffee estate where tradition meets culture. Begin your journey at the Coffee Museum House, where captivating antique photographs unveil the significance of coffee in shaping the nation. Wander through lush gardens and working plantations, crossing the scenic Koi Fish Bridge and visiting a charming colonial-style chapel. Conclude your adventure with a unique coffee tasting session, savoring Hacienda La Chimba's high-altitude Arabica coffee in three distinct processes—washed, natural, and honey. Perfect for coffee lovers and families seeking an authentic cultural experience.

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.

Discover the natural wonders of Arena Volcano on a full-day hiking tour. Skip the hassle of car rental and discomfort of public buses with end-to-end transportation from your hotel in San Jose, Alajuela, or Heredia. After a picturesque ride, enjoy a 3-hour guided hike. Next enjoy a traditional Costa Rican lunch and continue to the hanging bridges for unbeatable views. You can also purchase photos and a DVD from your tour.

Thanks to its warm waters and lushly forested shores, the Pacuare River is widely considered one of the most beautiful rivers in Costa Rica. This white-water rafting tour from San Jose is a fun and exciting way to experience the river in just one day. Go up against class III and IV rapids along with a guide who helps you spot wildlife like blue morpho butterflies, sloths, and toucans along the way. Then, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before heading back to San Jose.

Hike alongside the alluring blue waters of Rio Celeste on a full-day trip from San Jose. After driving through the Costa Rican countryside, follow rain forest trails that wind past waterfalls and lookout points over the river known for its remarkable color. Reward your efforts with a soak in mineral-rich hot springs that flow from nearby Arenal Volcano.

Exploring Manuel Antonio National Park with a guide turns a standard nature walk into a chance to dig deep into Costa Rican wildlife. See monkeys, birds, reptiles, and more—your guide helps you spot animals you might not see on your own. Booking a guided tour also takes care of transportation so you can arrive from San Jose with ease.

With its cascading waterfalls and abundant wildlife, the Pacuare River is rightfully famous for its natural beauty. Paddle through the river gorge, navigating 52 Class II-IV rapids as you go, on this 12-hour trip from San Jose. Take in views of the tropical rain forest and wildlife such as sloths, parrots, and toucans as you ride the river (and your adrenaline rush) over the course of the day.