Top Activities on the Ground in San Jose

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.

Experience the thrill of flying through the air on a zipline course in Monteverde. You'll cross 14 cables, ranging in height from 246 feet (75 meters) to 492 feet (150 meters). Plus, you'll have the chance to rappel almost 100 feet (30 meters) and take flight on a Tarzan swing.

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 the Mercado Borbón, visit the National Theater and La Laguna Plaza, and try all sorts of local treats along the way.

Adventure-loving travelers won’t want to miss this combined zip lining, rappelling, and hiking tour. The Carpintera Hills are close to San Jose and offer the easiest way to go zip lining from the capital. Glide through the forest canopy on steel cables strung between 19 platforms. Rappel from as high as 130 feet. Enjoy the forest views along the way and look out for birds and animals.

This is an authentic experience in the tropical forest of Costa Rica, guided by a local host passionate about nature. It takes place in a private forest, without crowds and at a quiet pace, allowing to truly connect with biodiversity and wildlife. More than a tour, it is a close encounter with the forest, where travelers feel welcome, comfortable and at home, living a natural, personal and genuine experience.

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.

Nestled within the lush landscapes of Bajos del Toro, the Canyon Waterfall is a stunning natural gem that captivates visitors with its breathtaking beauty. This hidden paradise features a series of cascading waterfalls that plunge spectacularly into crystal-clear pools, surrounded by vibrant tropical flora. Ideal for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers, the Canyon Waterfall offers opportunities for hiking, photography, and swimming in its refreshing waters. As you explore the picturesque trails, be mesmerized by the sounds of rushing water and the vibrant colors of the rainforest. Accessible from various points in the region, this eco-tourism hotspot is a must-visit for anyone seeking to experience the unspoiled beauty of Costa Rica. Make sure to add Canyon Waterfall in Bajos del Toro to your travel itinerary for an unforgettable escape into nature's wonders.

Soar above the treetops and experience the thrill of Costa Rica’s rainforest from a bird’s-eye view on this unforgettable canopy and zipline adventure at San Luis Adventure Park. Fly safely along high-quality cable systems that carry you deep into pristine cloud forest, surrounded by lush vegetation, vibrant wildlife, and sweeping mountain views. Feel the adrenaline as you glide across cables ranging from 50 to 550 meters, crossing dramatic landscapes and soaring high above the Cataraticas River. Platforms sit between 3 and 106 meters above ground, expertly built both in sturdy trees and on reinforced platforms for maximum safety and excitement. With professional guides, top-standard equipment, and breathtaking natural scenery, this canopy experience blends adventure, nature, and pure adrenaline — an essential Costa Rican adventure you’ll never forget.

Costa Rica offers thrilling dirtbike adventures tailored for all skill levels, from dense tropical forests to stunning beaches. Enjoy expertly guided tours that showcase the country's breathtaking landscapes while riding some of the best enduro bikes in the industry. Each itinerary is customized to your preferences, ensuring a fantastic experience whether you're a beginner or an expert. Family members can also join in on fun activities like yoga, meditation, and shopping at local markets. - Explore diverse terrains including volcanic mountains and serene beaches - Enjoy expert guidance with itineraries tailored to your skill level - Family-friendly activities available for accompanying members - Experience top-quality enduro bikes in perfect condition

Looking for the true essence of Costa Rica? Join us to discover Vuelta del Canyon, a natural wonder hidden in the heart of the cloud forest. Forget the crowded tourist routes: here you will walk along a riverbed inside a canyon until you find yourself facing one of the most imposing waterfalls in the country. Your local guides ensure your safety while revealing the secrets of local biodiversity. Spaces are limited to ensure an intimate and personalized experience. Don't just see pictures, I know of the few who live this adventure! Reserve your spot now.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Discover the excitement of flying among the trees in an impressive forest on our canopy tour just 25 minutes from downtown San José. Experience the adrenaline as you glide through the treetops, enjoying panoramic views of the Central Valley. With the perfect combination of adventure and nature, this tour will leave you breathless and with beautiful memories for the rest of your life. Don't miss this unique opportunity to experience the essence of Costa Rica from above.

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.

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.

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.

Get the inside scoop on a pair of Costa Rica's most famous exports on a combo tour of the Doka Estate coffee plantation. Learn how coffee beans are grown, harvested, and roasted to perfection, and then follow the sticky-sweet journey of sugar cane at a working sugar mill. Finish the flavorful visit with a tour of the estate’s inedible natural treasures, including hundreds of miniature bonsai trees, colorful orchids, and butterflies.

It is a private family reserve, managed by local national owners who are dedicated to forest conservation and tourism. Thanks to our exceptional location and easy access to our private reserve, nestled in the heart of Costa Rica’s vibrant rainforest, you can easily see the wonderful flora and fauna of the site What makes our tour special is the quality of our tour guides, always gentle and willing to share their knowledge about nature; our paths, composed of cement and gravel, guarantee excellent accessibility; and you will be provided with high quality lanterns to discover the various living things that the wonderful forest gives us. It should be noted that this is a tour suitable for the whole family, designed to enjoy without great difficulties. By visiting us, you will actively contribute to the preservation of the flora and fauna species of Sarapiquí.

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.

Build strength and stamina while working with your small group to complete a high ropes course in the Costa Rican rain forest. This adventure includes access to 33 high ropes activities, including swinging bridges and a Tarzan swing, and hotel pickup and drop-off is offered from San Jose area hotels.

Located roughly 45 minutes from San Jose by car, Braulio Carrilo National Park has some of the most scenic ziplines courses in Costa Rica. This full-day tour from San Jose takes care of transportation, picking up travelers from San José hotels and driving directly to the ziplines, and includes lunch. That should make it as easy as possible to spend a day zipping through the park’s cloud forest canopy.