Top San Jose Wildlife Watching in 2026

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.

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.

You will be able to walk in the habitat of different mammals that inhabit our forests, such as the puma, tapir, mountain goat, among others. Our abundant vegetation will dazzle you and with luck you will have the experience of walking among the clouds. All this accompanied by expert guides who will ensure an unforgettable experience. We are located in the mountains of Coronado, San José, just 50 minutes from the center of the capital.

Get a taste of Costa Rica’s famed biodiversity without straying too far from the city with this all-access day pass to La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park. Prebooked entry saves you from waiting around in long ticket lines, so you have even more time to explore its attractions. Choose whether to tackle family-friendly hiking trails through the cloud forest, visit a rescued jungle cat educational program, or spend time at the site's numerous specialty wildlife exhibits.

See the highlights of Manuel Antonio National Park and enjoy time on the without having to rent a car or book twos separate tours. Start at the park, where your naturalist guide will take you on a guided walk through the rainforest. Then, head to Playa Espadilla to enjoy the white sands and sunset before returning to your hotel.

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.

Accompanied by a local guide, you will explore the fascinating world of leafcutter ants as you observe active colonies in their natural environment and learn how these incredible creatures have developed one of the most complex societies on the planet. What makes this experience unique is that we offer private transportation from the San Jose Metropolitan Area, picking up travelers directly from their hotel or agreed point, so they can enjoy the tour without worrying about logistics. Along the way, travelers can sample snacks and typical Costa Rican products, adding an authentic touch to the adventure. Throughout the experience, you will walk along trails surrounded by biodiversity, discover the secrets of communication and organization of ants, and understand their fundamental role in tropical ecosystems. You will also have the opportunity to take unique photographs and enjoy a personalized experience in small groups.

Home to over 100 species of animals, five waterfalls, and a cloud forest the Wildlife Refuge La Paz Waterfall Gardens is bursting with biodiversity. Visit, explore, learn, and even hike among the sloths, monkeys, tropical birds, pumas, ocelots, and more who call Costa Rica’s most visited private ecological reserve home. Take in the incredible plant life like wild orchids on this full-day tour from San Jose with lunch included.

Step into Costa Rica’s cloud forest on a private birdwatching experience to witness the Resplendent Quetzal during nesting season. Visit an active nest, explore a vibrant hummingbird garden, and enjoy a rare connection with nature — all while supporting local conservation and rural communities.

Book your unique experience in our comprehensive estate! Enjoy a tour full of nature, sustainability and organic practices, guided by Daniel Vega. The person who books the tour can learn by doing on agriculture, accompanied by a beautiful landscape formed by incredible flora and fauna

Get closer to nature while still experiencing thrills during a fun-filled day in the jungle at the Rainforest Adventures Costa Rica Atlantic eco-reserve. Your multi-pass gives you access to six different activities, so you can ride an aerial tram, encounter native critters at a butterfly and frog garden, cross a hanging bridge, and explore the jungle on a nature hike at your own pace. Get your adrenaline pumping as you soar through the treetops on ziplines, including one of the longest and fastest in the country.

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Tortuguero National Park with this two-day, one-night package. You'll travel from San Jose to the park, driving through Braulio Carrillo National Park and Biosphere Reserve. Stop in Guapiles Town for a typical breakfast before continuing to Caño Blanco, where you'll take a 90-minute boat ride to your overnight destination, Pachira Lodge, in the heart of the national park.