Top Costa Rica Adventure Tours

Heading deep into Arenal's rainforest typically means renting a car and navigating unfamiliar roads. This small-group tour lets you skip the self-drive stress and takes you to directly to the area's highlights. Walk across the rainforest over a hanging bridge, wander along trails through lava fields for excellent views of Arenal Volcano, and, finally, rejuvenate in a natural hot spring.

Explore the rain forest around Arenal on this horseback riding adventure that takes you to the enchanting, sky-blue waters of the Rio Celeste. Here you are free to swim in a natural river pool and splash into the water on a giant Tarzan swing — things you can't do inside Arenal Volcano National Park. Well-trained horses and a local guide help ensure a safe, one-of-a-kind experience near La Fortuna.

The countryside around Jaco Beach is ideal for an outdoor adventure and this action-packed tour includes two fun activities in one day. Soar through the treetops at the Los Suenos Adventure Park as you tackle a thrilling course of 10 zip-lines in the heart of the rainforest. Next, take the wheel of an ATV for a scenic off-road excursion along mud tracks, jungle trails, and coastal roads with spectacular ocean views.

Spend a full day exploring the beauty of Isla Tortuga on this small-group tour from Jacó. First stop at the Tarcoles River to watch crocodiles from the bridge, then visit Negritos Island to see spider monkeys and dolphins. Enjoy a snorkeling tour at a secluded spot and end the day with a delicious local lunch with fruits.

Spend your day on a hiking adventure through the Arenal Volcano National Park with a small group. Experience the natural beauty of La Fortuna as you navigate the trails and passes that wind through its stunning landscapes. When the day is done, relax and unwind with a dip in a natural hot water river before returning to your hotel.

Spend a half day touring the Arenal Volcano with a guide, learning the history of the volcano from its first eruption in 1968. You’ll have a moderate walk of about 1.5k to the viewpoint, where you’ll have views of the Green Lagoon and Lake Arenal. Along the way you’ll see the wildlife of the rainforest, including turkeys, toucans, monkeys, orioles, and snakes!

Explore the countryside around La Fortuna on a guided ATV adventure combining off-road trails, river crossings, and views of Arenal Volcano. With three daily departure times to choose from, it's easy to fit into your itinerary. Along the way, visit the Arenal River, enjoy scenic viewpoints, and experience local culture with traditional snacks—making this a rewarding way to discover the region beyond the usual tourist routes.

Travel beyond the beach on this buggy tour of Papagayo Gulf. After a brief safety training, take off down a winding trail in search of native wildlife, deserted beaches, and rural Costa Rican culture, stopping to take a swim along the way. No prior buggy riding experience is necessary.

Arenal Volcano National Park’s massive size and unique natural setting can make it an easy place to get lost in, if you don’t already know the area. This Arenal Volcano National Park Hiking Tour from La Fortuna allows you to explore one of the park’s beautiful trails with a guide who can navigate the steep slopes and volcanic landscape well. Plus, take in views of Lake Arenal, while your guide talks about the volcano’s history and forest formation processes.

If simply looking at waterfalls from afar is too tame for you, join this half-day guided tour to Nauyaca Waterfall. Your friendly guides will show you how and where to climb the waterfall safely, and where to jump from for a refreshing swim. Make new friends on a small-group tour, and learn about the biodiversity of this beautiful area.

Improve your chances of spotting wildlife in Manuel Antonio National Park on this small-group hike. Following your guide, explore the park as you look out for sloths, monkeys, iguanas, and more, whilst they provide commentary about their lives and behaviors in the rainforest. Enjoy a route that is flat and well-maintained, making this activity suitable for all fitness levels.

Discover the sounds and sights of the rainforest after dark on a night hike. Follow your guide along an easy trail and watch out for bats, nocturnal birds, and mammals rustling in the treetops and on the forest floor. Search for red-eyed tree frogs and glass frogs, among other species. Then enjoy a traditional dinner prepared on a wood-burning stove before returning to your hotel in La Fortuna.

Take this private full day waterfall experience in Curubande where you can do some tubing, cliff jumping, swimming, cave exploring, hiking, and enjoy a delicious lunch, too. You’ll have a few stops today, including the Rio Blanco, La Leona Waterfall, Curubande town for a local casado lunch, and the Llanos de Cortes waterfalls for cliff jumping and swimming.

Hop on your own ATV and explore the jungles in Jaco. First, learn how to operate your ATV and complete some laps on the practice track. Then, head off toward the area waterfalls, where you will have time to swim and enjoy the natural surroundings. Plus, a professional photographer will be along for the ride, capturing pictures of your adventure, which will be available for purchase.

Travel along the Peñas Blancas River on this relaxed rafting tour. Along the way, spot a variety of flora and fauna such as sloths and monkeys in the surrounding forest that's located in the northern region of Costa Rica. Plus, visit a local farm where you’ll be able to learn about farming practices and enjoy a snack.

Explore Costa Rica’s Tortuguero National Park by kayak and discover the tropical haven on this excursion. Join a small group and paddle through the calm waters to get a better look at the flora and fauna of the park. As you explore, your guide sheds light on the local ecosystem and conservation efforts.

Lake Arenal and the Arenal Volcano are among the most scenic places in Costa Rica. With this small-group tour, see them both from the water and easy hiking trails. Explore the lake’s bays and peninsulas surrounded by mountains, volcanoes, and islands, and hike a mostly flat, 2-mile (3.2 kilometers) trail to sighting towers with panoramic views of the lake and volcano. Hotel pickup is included for convenience.

Get your heart racing and make the most of your trip to Costa Rica on this jam-packed adventure tour. Traverse rugged mountains and jungle trails on an ATV until you reach a beach, where you can stop and relax. Then head to a crocodile hotspot, the Tarcoles River bridge, and safely observe these reptiles that call the area home.

Active travelers will enjoy the opportunity to hike through the lush Costa Rican rainforests, in the shadow of Volcan Arenal. With a small group of like-minded travelers you’ll trek through the jungle to the foot of the volcano while learning about the unique ecosystem and wildlife from your guide.

Experience the Costa Rican jungle from an exciting perspective on this private ATV tour. Traverse rivers, beaches, jungle paths, and muddy trails in the Jaco Beach area, and learn about your surroundings from your dedicated guide. Enjoy photo stops and a chance to relax on the beach for a bit before concluding the experience.

See some of Costa Rica's most beautiful natural areas on this two-day, small-group tour of the Puntarenas area, led by a professional guide. You will visit the Corcovado and San Pedrillo National Park, where you can see beautiful trees and vegetation, with the opportunity to see all kinds of wild animals and birds in their natural environment.

Experience the natural beauty of Costa Rica, and get an up-close look at some of the nation's most colorful birds. Enjoy scenic transfer to Caño Negro from La Fortuna, where you cruise by boat into the Rio Frio. Search for native birds, mammals, and flora before heading back to land for an authentic lunch.

Explore Jaco’s rice fields or forests with a 1-, 2-, or 3-hour 4X4 buggy tour that’s a family-friendly way to get off the beaten path. Follow your guide along a tropical river and spot the bright birds that nest alongside the water, then enjoy sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. Discover waterfalls hidden in the trees and zoom up the side of a mountain, and tailor your adventure to your time, interests and group.

Ride an ATV through Jaco’s scenic countryside with a family friendly, 1-, 2-, 3- or 4-hour guided tour that explores Costa Rica’s fields and forests. Watch tropical birds erupt from the trees as you zoom past on your ATV, and capture unforgettable images of the Pacific Ocean from panoramic viewpoints. Longer tours stop for refreshments at a ranch and continue to a waterfall and swimming hole that are hidden in the lush jungle.