Top Santa Cruz Outdoor Activities

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.

Enjoy the thrill of this all-day adventure that includes some of the best outdoor fun. Get your adrenaline pumping on an exciting zipline tour, horseback riding through epic landscapes, and tubing along a flowing river. This memorable tour includes a visit to natural hot springs, a volcanic mud bath, and a full buffet lunch. It's the best way to experience the natural wonder of Costa Rica!

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

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.

Zip along forest trails, splash through muddy streams and climb along the coastal cliffs on this adrenaline-fuelled quad biking tour from Flamingo Beach. Learn how to operate your ATV, then venture off-road on a thrilling 2-hour tour and discover the hidden landscapes of the Golden Coast. Follow your guide through the dry forest, looking out for howler monkeys, iguanas and birds along the way, then reach the coast and soak up incredible views over Tamarindo, Conchal, Brasilito, Flamingo and Potrero beaches.

Experience the thrill of navigating class III and IV white waters on this adrenaline-pumping tour of the Tenorio River. Get an up-close look at local wildlife as you paddle through raging rapids. Ideal for first-timers and experienced travelers alike. After the adrenaline rush, refuel with a Costa Rican lunch and enjoy included hotel pickup and drop-off.

Saddle up for a thrilling 2-hour horseback riding adventure from Playa Flamingo and soak up the scenery from the back of a beautiful horse! Look out for Howler monkeys, iguanas, magpie blue jay and parakeets as you amble along rainforest trails or let loose with a gallop along the beach. Best of all: there are a range of horses and trails suitable for all levels, from complete beginners to experienced riders.

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).

Explore with us an atv tamarind jungle experience in which you will live an authentic experience that combines adrenaline, nature and breathtaking landscapes.our tour offers a two-hour tour in fully automatic and modern atvs, designed to ensure comfort and safety, ideal for both beginners and experts.during the route, mountain paths are traveled that take you to hidden beaches of white sand and crystal clear waters, which are perfect to enjoy the tranquility and natural beauty of the area.

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.

Discover Costa Rica’s wild side with an adrenaline-fuelled ATV tour and canopy tour from Flamingo Beach. Once you’ve learned to drive your ATV, follow your guide on an exhilarating cross-country route, zipping along rainforest trails, mountain passes and muddy rivers. Then, arrive at the canopy tour and strap on your harness for a Tarzan-inspired experience, zip-lining through the rainforest.

Go off the beaten path literally on this half-day, guided, ATV excursion. Learn about your four-wheeler and how to drive from your guide and then drive into the forest near Tamarindo. Pass through tropical rainforest seeing vegetation, monkeys, and iguana and ascend the trail to take in panoramic views from the top of the mountain. Cool off with a swims at hidden gems: Playa Minas and Playa Pirata.

Experience the NEXT LEVEL ZIPLINE – an adventure you won’t find anywhere else. This isn’t just a canopy tour; it’s a complete adrenaline trip designed for those looking for something truly unforgettable. In addition to flying down 10 exciting cables, you’ll face 3 Tibetan-like suspension bridges that move with each step—challenging your bravery, balance, and filling you with pure excitement. But the adventure doesn't end there. You’ll launch into our Big Tarzan Swing, do the Monkey Jump, and cross two other suspension bridges, each adding its own dose of adrenaline. Every moment is created to challenge, surprise and accelerate your pulsations in the best way. If you are looking for a unique, elevated and challenging experience... here it is. The NEXT LEVEL ZIPLINE takes adventure beyond the ordinary—and makes it unforgettable.

Get off the beaten path and discover what Costa Rica is famous for—its natural beauty. Discover the Guanacaste region's hidden gems and diverse wildlife as you zip through the jungle canopy on seven exhilarating ziplines at Monkey Jungle. Then, head back to the starting point by ATV to end your exciting adventure.

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.

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.

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.

Go underground in Costa Rica on a caving adventure at Barra Honda National Park. Using special spelunking equipment, descend deep into a pair of caves formed 60 million years ago and filled with fascinating rock formations. Back in the light of day, look for wildlife including capuchin monkeys as you hike through the forest, and recharge with a delicious Costa Rican lunch.

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.

Get the most out of your time in Costa Rica with this all-day guided tour filled with activities. Choose to soar through the trees on a zipline, go hiking at the foot of a volcano, take a horseback ride through the forest, soak in a natural hot spring, and more. The adventure center is located by the Rincon de la Vieja volcano. A buffet lunch is included in the price.

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

Go off-roading while riding next to a friend on a UTV tour along Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. Depart from Playa Flamingo or Tamarindo after a safety briefing and driving instruction from your guide. Cruise along dirt tracks that run through jungle and streams where you might spot wildlife such as monkey, birds, and iguanas. Suitable for all levels of experience, this tour offers an exhilarating way to discover Guanacaste.