Top Santa Cruz Nature Walks in 2026

Explore and swim under the Rio Celeste and Llanos de Cortés waterfalls, without the pressure of getting there on your own, with this group activity package. Enjoy a seamless experience that covers your itinerary, optional transportation, park fees, and lunch, meaning you can relax and immerse yourself in the day's activities. Along with the waterfalls, hike through Tenorio Volcano National Park and visit a sloth sanctuary.

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.

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 with an optional 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).

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

Discover Costa Rica’s rainforest on a guided wildlife tour from Guanacaste to Bijagua. Explore forest trails with a naturalist guide, searching for toucans, colorful birds, butterflies, and frogs. Use a spotting scope for closer views, then experience the forest after sunset as nocturnal wildlife becomes active. Enjoy a traditional Costa Rican dinner before returning to your hotel. The reserve visited may vary with weather, wildlife activity, and availability. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.