All Central Valley Tours & Excursions in 2026

Costa Rica’s inland capital is far from the coast but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a day on a white-sand tropical island from San Jose. This full-day guided tour to Tortuga Island simplifies your travel to this Pacific coast island, eliminating the need to stay overnight. After getting there in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle, spend several hours at leisure on the beach swimming, snorkeling, and looking out for dolphins.

Combine three adventurous activities in a single tour: a hike to Arental Volcano, visit to the Hanging Bridges, and exploration of La Fortuna Waterfall. This full-day tour from La Fortuna, perfect for nature lovers, includes hiking and swimming amidst Costa Rica's beautiful natural scenery. Hotel pickup and drop-off included.

RSVP to the biggest party in Monteverde with this nocturnal tour of the area's famed wildlife by moonlight, when nearly 80 percent of Monteverde's mammalian residents come out to play. Join a guide who will help you spot animals such as two-toed sloths, reptiles, and more as they come out after dark.

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.

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.

Observe Costa Rica's bountiful wildlife from the hanging bridges of Mistico Park in Arenal. Trek along ground-level forest trails and suspended walkways in this private, family-owned nature reserve that’s home to a vast array of birdlife, monkeys, reptiles, and tropical plants. Learn about the area’s rich biodiversity from a naturalist guide as you explore different levels of the rainforest, from floor to canopy, and enjoy commanding views of Arenal Volcano.

Aromatic coffee, sweet sugarcane, and melt-in-your-mouth chocolate are three of Costa Rica’s top agricultural exports—and its favorite products among locals and visitors alike. Learn about these three crops first-hand on this tour of a family-owned farm near La Fortuna. See how coffee is created from bean to cup, and then taste other delicious crops along with a guide.

Feel the adrenaline rush of soaring over 11 different waterfalls on this Costa Rican canopy tour. Enjoy stunning views over the ocean, mountains, and rainforest on 18 zipline cables. Challenge yourself by tackling two rappelling maneuvers and a swing over a hanging bridge, then cool off with a refreshing dip in a waterfall.

Sample a wide variety of Costa Rican flavors while learning about the country's cultural heritage on this San Jose walking tour. You'll shop for fruits and veggies at the Mercado Central and Mercado Borbón, visit the National Theater and Morazan Park, and try local treats including traditional picadill, a hands-on cooking class with artisanal chocolate empanadas, and specialty coffee at Mr. Sloth Coffee Shop.

Design your own perfect day in La Fortuna on a customizable combo tour. Cross the rainforest canopy on hanging bridges, swim beneath La Fortuna Waterfall, hike in Arenal Volcano National Park, and soak in geothermal hot springs. Take your pick of activities or do them all for a full day of fun and relaxation. Optional lunch add-ons provide a taste of authentic Costa Rican cuisine. Hotel pickup and drop-off are also included from added convenience.

Navigate Class III-IV rapids under the guidance of an expert during this white-water rafting course down the Pacuare River from San Jose. Paddle your way through one of Costa Rica's most picturesque river gorges, looking out for native wildlife between rapid runs, on an exciting day trip ideal for thrill seekers. Hotel pickup and drop-off, equipment, and lunch are all included, so you can focus on the thrills.

Explore three levels of lush Costa Rican rainforest from the floor to the canopy on an Aerial Tram tour of Braulio Carrillo National Park. Learn about local flora and fauna as you walk along nature trails, explore specialty gardens, and glide over treetops in an aerial tram for unrivaled views of the natural landscapes.

Unwind at Baldi Hot Springs with a day pass that gives access to 25 thermal pools set within lush, forested grounds. Spend the day soaking, strolling, or adding a spa treatment for extra relaxation. Water slides and a family-friendly pool make it a great option for all ages. Select lunch, dinner, or both when booking for added convenience.

Lace up your hiking boots for this full-day immersion in the wild beauty of Tenorio Volcano National Park. Look for wildlife on the drive from La Fortuna, and feel like a jungle explorer on the trek to Rio Celeste, known for its mystical aquamarine waters. Take a dip in warm volcanic river pools, admire a cascading waterfall, and reward your efforts with a typical Costa Rican lunch.

View several of Costa Rica's top scenic attractions in a single day, and leave all the logistics and planning to someone else, on this hassle-free day trip from San José. Traveling via air-conditioned vehicle, head first to Poás Volcano, an active volcano known for its vast crater and bubbling lake. Then, make a scenic stop at La Paz Falls before enjoying a tour and tasting at a local coffee farm.

More than just a white-water rafting tour, this trip from La Fortuna also includes a hike on an organic farm, a look at coffee and chocolate production, and a chance to see wildlife like sloths and iguanas in their natural habitat. Between activities, navigate tumbling class II to III white-water rapids along with a guide.

Experience one of the most exciting adventures in La Fortuna, Arenal. The Canyoning Rock combines breathtaking abseiling descents through waterfalls and natural walls, optional jumps into crystal clear pools, river walks and two exciting canopy lines over the tropical forest. Explore a hidden canyon surrounded by lush greenery, waterfalls and unique landscapes of Costa Rica while enjoying an experience that combines adrenaline, nature and fun. No prior experience required; our certified guides provide complete induction and accompaniment throughout the tour, using professional equipment and high safety standards. The adventure ends with a walk along the Arenal River and a delicious lunch at La Roca Bistró. Ideal for those looking for an authentic canyoning, waterfall, adventure and nature experience near Arenal Volcano. The perfect balance between adrenaline, nature and fun in Costa Rica.

Get out of San Jose on a day tour to the Arenal Volcano region, where you’ll get a glimpse of Costa Rica’s famous biodiversity and natural beauty. Travel through scenic farmland and villages to reach the volcano. Stop at a coffee plantation, waterfall, and look out for wildlife en route. In the shadow of the volcano, soak in natural hot springs for a refreshing experience, before returning to San Jose.

Take the stress out of eating and drinking at night in a new city with this fun-filled dinner and nightlife experience. Explore markets, check out neighborhoods you might otherwise miss, and indulge in a delicious three-course gourmet dinner with wine pairings. Learn about local food and culture from your guide throughout the evening.

With this pre-booked admission ticket, breeze through the potential entrance or admission lines at Baldi Hot Springs. That leaves you with more time and peace of mind to explore the park’s 25 mineral pools at the base of Arenal Volcano. One of the largest hot spring facilities in the region, Baldi Hot Springs are ideal for relaxing after hiking in Arenal Volcano National Park.

Enjoy an exciting zipline adventure with incredible views of the Arenal Volcano (if weather permits) at Airtime Zipline Adventure, located just minutes from downtown La Fortuna and next to the famous Sloth Watching Trail. The course features 9 cables (including a practice line) and 10 platforms, built with sustainable and recycled materials. Perfect for families and beginners, this activity offers a thrilling experience without extreme heights children 4 years and older are welcome! Our professional guides will ensure your safety and fun throughout the tour. We operate with all official permits and insurance from the Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT), giving you total peace of mind. On clear days, you’ll soar with amazing volcano views while enjoying a memorable experience surrounded by nature. The adventure lasts only a couple of hours, so it’s easy to fit into your La Fortuna itinerary.

Safely immerse yourself in Costa Rican nature and wildlife on an 8- to 9-hour tour to La Paz Waterfall Gardens. Leave the busy streets of San Jose behind in comfortable air-conditioned transportation from your hotel. Discover more than 100 species at the sanctuary, including titi monkeys, 2-toed sloths, pumas, and toucans. You can even feed hummingbirds by hand. Have your camera ready for the cloud forest, waterfalls, and aviary.

In just one day, it’s possible to visit top Costa Rica attractions including Arenal Volcano, La Paz Waterfall, and Arenal Hot Springs when you book this full-day guided tour from San Jose. All-inclusive private transport smooths over otherwise tricky transportation logistics, and your guide keeps you entertained and informed as you explore. This tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, all entrance fees, plus two meals, adding up to a great value.