Top Santa Cruz Day Trips

Embark on a full-day adventure to discover Costa Rica's natural wonders–Rio Celeste, Llanos de Cortes waterfalls, and a sloth sanctuary. Begin by swimming and relaxing at the Llanos de Cortes Waterfall in Bagaces, then hike through Tenorio Volcano National Park to witness the mesmerizing Rio Celeste Waterfall. Conclude your immersive experience with a visit to an organic farm and sloth and frog sanctuary, observing diverse wildlife and tropical flora.

Costa Rice is known for its lush scenery and incredible biodiversity, but you need your own transportation to get off the beaten track and find the most scenic locations. On this multi-stop full-day tour, soak up Guanacaste’s nature as you visit Tenorio Volcano National Park and Celeste River, and get a peek at slow-moving sloths.

Grab your passport and head over the border for a whistle-stop tour of Nicaragua’s best bits from Costa Rica. Take in the views from Catarina Volcano, haggle over handicrafts at the Masaya Artisan Market and visit the active Masaya Volcano. After a delicious lunch of typical Nicaraguan cuisine, explore the colonial town of Granada, where you can marvel over the historic architecture and admire views of Mombacho Volcano. Finally, set sail across Lake Nicaragua for a 1-hour sunset cruise, stopping to meet the friendly monkeys of Monkey Island along the way.

Head to the rainforest from Tamarindo on this private all-day excursion with a naturalist guide. Head to the impressive Rio Celeste waterfall and go tubing down the river, stopping along the way to swim. Feast on a local lunch and then return on a route to spot wildlife, including colored frogs, monkeys, and sloths. Plus, stop to admire the Tree of Peace, which is more than 400 years old.

Trek deep into the canyons of Rincon de la Vieja Volcano to reach the impressive La Leona waterfall on this private, guided day tour. The tour starts with a convenient pickup, and then you’re on your way. You’ll take an intermediate-level hike along Rio Blanco, where you’ll pass by caves in order to reach your ultimate destination, La Leona waterfall.

If you’re looking for adventure in the Costa Rican rainforest you’ll love this full-day adventure in the Tenorio National Park. Wear some comfy shoes as you’ll be hiking for around 2–3 hours to reach the Rio Celeste Waterfall. Look out for birds and animals along the way, and learn about Costa Rica’s biodiversity from your guide. End with a rejuvenating local lunch at a butterfly farm and sloth sanctuary visit.

This private tour is the perfect option for those who want to experience it all without the need for extensive hiking. The hike to Llanos de Cortes waterfall is just a 5-minute walk, and visiting the chocolate and coffee plantation, as well as the sloths and wildlife park, does not require strenuous hiking; it simply involves a stroll through the jungle. Rest assured, you will still be able to enjoy the beauty of these attractions effortlessly, as we have curated a selection of the most stunning sights for your convenience. During the tour, you will explore the rainforest, learn about the cultivation of chocolate and coffee beans, and admire the diverse array of animals. By the end of this private tour, you will have the opportunity to sample chocolate and coffee, marvel at the beauty of the rainforest, savor a delicious meal, and observe butterflies, sloths, toucans, and waterfalls.

Discover the incredible birds and biodiversity of Palo Verde National Park on this boat tour with lunch. Spot native wildlife such as crocodiles, iguanas, monkeys, and a colorful parade of bird species during a 1-hour and 20 minutes cruise down the Tempisque River led by a naturalist guide. Afterward, discuss your sightings with fellow travelers over a traditional Costa Rican lunch at a local restaurant.

Rappel down through the majestic Victoria Waterfall, then splash into the pool below for a refreshing swim. You we’ll do a guided climb back up the wall of the cascade, as well you be able to enjoy the rappel, tarzan swing over the waterfall. What to bring: Light clothes, sneakers or water shoes (NO flip flops), extra clothes, sun block, insect repellent and camera. * Please note: CHILDREN MUST BE AT LEAST 10 YEARS OLD TO DO WATERFALL CANYONING TOUR. Also have to measure 1 and a half meter tall (5 ft).

Walk into an enveloping cool mist covering mossy trails on this guided private tour of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Hike along a series of hanging bridges and go birding, spotting the rare Resplendent Quetzal. At the butterfly garden, observe more than 14 different species of hummingbirds, and complete a ziplining tour of the forest and enjoy a unique vantage point.

Follow a professional team of captains and first mates into the open water where you'll have a chance to fly fish on this catch and release sport fishing tour. Make your way to Flamingo Beach, one of the area's top fishing attractions, then venture further afield, where water depths increase from 360 to 2000 feet. Fish for pacific sailfish, striped marlin, yellowfin and bigeye tuna on this fun-filled half-day on the water.

There is no better place to enjoy the adrenaline that Costa Rica can offer. Nothing compares to flying over the largest volcano in Costa Rica: Rincon De La Vieja. In this adventure you can enjoy the best zipline in the Guanacaste area but we can also enjoy horseback riding, a 420 meter long water slide, a cultural experience that includes an explanation about sugar cane, typical food and a detailed explanation about the Pottery. To relax at the end, this park offers hot springs and mud baths. Don't forget, from the heights of the zipline to the relaxation of the hot springs, this is the best tour you can book and the best part is that it is private.

Our destination is the Tenorio - Miravalles Biological Corridor, part of the Guanacaste Mountain Range, wich is caressed by the winds of the two oceanic slopes of Costa Rica. You will be explore the extensive biodiversity by taking a leisurely hike and observing various wildlife such as two types of sloths. Costa Rican coffee is among the top five coffees in the world, and we will show it's production process - from fruit to a cup of coffee prepared by your hands. Chocolate is part of the culture and economy of this wonderful county and our expert guide will show you the process in an artesanal way. We will enjoy a delicious typical lunch surrounded by butterflies to regain energy, and on the way back, we stop an at exotic waterfall where you can swim and relax your mind, body, and soul.

The Diamante Tour offers a two-hour walk through the Diamante Sanctuary, a rescue refuge for animals kept illegally as pets, now receiving expert care. Meet jaguars, pumas, monkeys, crocodiles, snakes, frogs, butterflies, toucans, and more, plus Lucy the sloth being fed by our staff. The animals are thriving, cared for by professionals, and cannot be released back into the wild. After the sanctuary, the cultural portion includes demonstrations about sugarcane, chocolate, and coffee, linking wildlife with Costa Rica’s agricultural heritage. This small-group, safety-focused excursion suits wildlife lovers, families, and curious travelers of all ages and fitness levels, offering an accessible yet unforgettable blend of nature, culture, and responsible tourism.

Get the ultimate adrenaline fix with this action-filled combo tour and spend a full day exploring the foothills of the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano. First, take to the treetops for an exhilarating canopy tour, complete with high-speed zip-lines, a Tarzan Swing and a climbing wall, then float down the Rio Colorado on a tube. After lunch (included), saddle up to complete your adventure with a scenic horseback ride through the forest, then finish with a relaxing mud wrap and soak in the hot springs.

Hike alongside the alluring blue waters of Rio Celeste on a full-day trip. 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. Hike through the jungle to the bright blue Celeste River Relax with a soak in a natural volcanic hot springs. Experience the beauty of Costa Rica's natural landscapes Follow a local guide through stunning rugged terrain with your Round-trip hotel transport and lunch included

Your day starts with pickup in northwest Costa Rica, an early start puts more of Nicaragua within reach. A guide will take care of all the red tape, ensuring you won’t need to deal with passports, visas, or other border-crossing logistics. The first stop in Nicaragua is Catarina Viewpoint (Mirador de Catarina), where you’ll have time to savor views of Lake Apoyo (Laguna de Apoyo), Lake Nicaragua (Lago de Nicaragua), and Mombacho Volcano. Next, do some souvenir shopping and enjoy an included Nicaraguan lunch at Masaya Crafts Market. A stop at Masaya Volcano National Park gives you up-close views of an active volcano before you visit the Granada Cathedral (Catedral de Granada) in the country’s best-preserved historic center. An included sunset boat ride on Lake Nicaragua features a stop at wildlife-filled Monkey Island and is timed to catch beautiful light on the lake’s hundreds of islands. The itinerary order may vary depending on arrival times, and it is not wheelchair accessible.

ZIP LINE TOUR: The zip line is the best in the area including rappel, tarzan swing or bounce in a rope, and rock climbing wall. Tour combine 8 different cables of pure adrenaline. Tour duration: 1 and a half hour ***IMPORTANT: MINIMUM AGE TO DO ZIP LINE ARE 4 YEARS OLD AND UP*** RIVER TUBING II & III LEVEL CLASS TOUR: River ride are 3 kilometers or 2 miles and has a great mix of rapids and ‘lazy’ parts where you can float and admire the scenery like a gorgeous waterfall at the beginning. Tour duration: 1 hour and a half IMPORTANT: MINIMUM AGE TO DO TUBING TOUR ARE 8 YEARS OLD AND UP. Hot springs tour & volcanic mud bath natural origin from an active volcano near by make you soak your skin and exfoliate into the minerals waters. Tour duration: 1 hour What to bring: Bathing suit, tennis shoes, water shoes (NO FLIP FOPS), bug spray, extra dry clothes and cash for extras.

Experience the Rainforest and Waterfalls! Have you ever seen the rainforest and waterfalls from above? On this amazing private tour, you'll have the chance to do just that! The hike through the rainforest, the hanging bridges, the hot springs, and the mud baths will captivate you. Our first stop will be at Llanos de Cortez Waterfall, where you can refresh and prepare for an unforgettable adventure. You'll have a dedicated tour guide just for you, making this experience even more special. There's no rush this tour is yours to enjoy with your family. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity! The waterfalls, rainforest, hot springs, and mud baths are waiting for you!

WHITE WATER RAFT III & IV LEVEL CLASS Small groups A beautiful river that rises at Guanacaste volcanoes mountain range, it’s pure and white water makes it the best river on Guanacaste area for rafting. You can combine almost 7 miles of rapids with magnificent landscapes surrounded by tropical forest. No experience required but good effort needed it on this world famous class III and IV white water rafting. This challenging river will take the energy out of you, that's why we have a lunch on the river. Our staff will make you feel confident and our modern and certified equipment will let you mount the rapids smoothly. *** CHILDREN MUST BE 12 YEARS OLD TO DO THE TOUR*** *** SMALL GROUPS RAFTING TOUR*** What to bring: Passport copy, tennis shoes or strap sandals (No flip flops), towels, extra clothes, bug spray, sun block, hat, waterproof camera and cash for extras. Included: guide, a/c van, bottle water, fruit juice, lunch on the river as chicken sandwich, turkey.