Top Santa Cruz Hiking Tours

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.

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.

Exchange the sun and surf for a high-flying adventure in the misty Monteverde Cloud Forest on this full-day combo tour. Fly through the forest canopy on a 15-cable zipline course featuring a Superman cable and Tarzan swing, and slow down for a closer look at Monteverde's rich biodiversity while walking through the treetops along hanging bridges. In between adventures, refuel with a typical Costa Rican lunch (select tours only).

Immerse yourself in the wild volcanic landscapes of the Rincon de la Vieja National Park on this full-day trekking tour. Set out on a moderate 2-hour hike through the jungle and keep a lookout for wildlife along the way. Cool off with a swim beneath the Oropendola Waterfall then refuel with a delicious Costa Rican lunch. Then, enjoy a soothing soak in the hot springs and volcanic mud baths of Rio Negro.

Support a local family-run eco-tourism project when you book this private day tour for you and your party. You won’t be fighting crowds or be herded in a large tour group. Instead, you’ll have personalized attention on the hike, where your guide will point out sloths, monkeys, and more. Then you’ll get to tour a small chocolate factory, and have a few samples too.

Meet your guide at a designated meeting point and drive together in your rental car to one of the region’s most hidden protected areas. Discover the tropical dry forest, rivers, and natural pools of Diría National Park. Depending on river conditions, enjoy an easy walk along park trails and nearby water holes, or hike upstream to reach Brazil Waterfall. WHAT TO BRING - Water-friendly hiking shoes or strap sandals (Chacos, Tevas, Keens) - Light clothing and swimwear - Towel - Reusable water bottle - Mosquito repellent - Rain gear (May–November) IMPORTANT DETAILS: - You will drive your own rental car with the guide riding with you. - Access road is gravel. High clearance or 4WD recommended for inexperienced drivers (not mandatory). - Brazil Waterfall availability depends on seasonal water levels. Between late January and late May, the tour focuses on short trails and natural pools. - Optional breakfast stop available for early departure and cooler temperatures.

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, in harmony with the nature.

Hanging Bridges: Walk around 3 kilometers above the tree-tops or canopy trees in 5 suspension bridges as well on the trails. It allow a vision of the forest from a different perspective which start with a walk on the ground taking you up to explore the treetops. Tour duration: 2 hours Sloth Sanctuary tour the sloth, one of Costa Rica´s most iconic animals in a carefully designed exhibit that replicates their natural habitat and that is home to 20 sleepy, slow-moving, tree-dwelling individuals. This is the sanctuary where time takes on a new meaning and invites quiet contemplation of these mammals. Enjoy a guided tour of the exhibit to learn about this emblematic species, its habits, and why it doesn´t go anywhere very quickly. Tour duration: 45 minutes Butterfly Garden stunning butterfly garden is one of the largest on the continent. At 300ft long and 90ft wide, with a huge 50ft dome ceiling, the giant garden is host to 50 species of butterflies. Tour duration: 45 minutes