Top Central Valley Adventure Tours in 2026

Take a walk through the rainforest canopy on a tour of the hanging bridges surrounding Arenal Volcano. Many species of Costa Rican wildlife like monkeys, sloths, and frogs live up in the trees, so these suspended walkways give you a bird’s-eye perspective of Arenal’s amazing ecosystem. The mostly flat aerial hike is gentle enough for most ages and abilities, so the whole family can experience the wonder of the rainforest.

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.

A day to discover the essence of Costa Rica among landscapes, mountains, and nature. From San José we will enter a route full of incredible places, with stops to enjoy, take photographs and get to know some of the most special corners of the road. The tour will take us to Sarapiquí, where the adventure comes alive with an exciting rafting descent down the river, accompanied by a delicious lunch.

Get a close-up view of beautiful Poas Volcano without having to hike there on this private scenic helicopter tour. Enjoy bird’s-eye views of the huge crater, the surrounding rainforest, and the blue volcanic lagoon. Witness volcanic activity and learn more about it via headsets that connect you with the pilot. The flight lasts about one hour.

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.

Leave the crowds behind and immerse yourself in the wild heart of Costa Rica. This isn't just a hike; it's an immersive journey through two of the region's most spectacular and pristine river canyons. We'll make our way through emerald waters, hidden waterfalls, and lush canyon walls that few travelers ever get to see. Get ready to get dirty and refresh your soul as we explore the untamed beauty of the Gata River. Led by local experts who know every rock and pool, this expedition is perfect for those seeking a genuine connection with nature. Are you ready to uncover the turquoise secrets of the jungle?

Sloth Night Tour – A Family-Friendly Wildlife Experience If seeing a sloth in the wild is at the top of your Costa Rica bucket list, this is the experience you’ve been looking for. Unlike traditional night walks that focus on a little bit of everything, our tour is specially designed for families who want the best opportunity to observe wild two-toed sloths in their natural nighttime habitat. As darkness falls, these fascinating animals become much more active, creating unforgettable wildlife encounters. Led by a certified naturalist guide, you’ll explore easy and safe rainforest trails while learning about sloth behavior, rainforest ecology, and the incredible creatures that share their habitat. Along the way, you may also discover colorful frogs, sleeping birds, insects, lizards, snakes, and other nocturnal wildlife.

Discover the rainforest after dark on a two-hour guided hike at Mirador El Silencio, near Arenal Volcano. Traverse the forest trails with an expert local naturalist and look for free-roaming nocturnal wildlife, such as red-eyed tree frogs, insects, spiders, snakes, sleeping birds, and mammals. Your guide will explain animal behavior, rainforest ecology, and conservation efforts, helping the group observe wildlife safely and respectfully. Flashlights are provided. Wildlife sightings vary naturally on each tour. Choose the option that best suits your needs and carefully check whether the trail entrance fee is included.

A thrilling mix of adventure and culture awaits in La Fortuna with this unique combo experience. Start with an exciting zipline canopy tour featuring 9 cables and 10 platforms, soaring above the rainforest with breathtaking views of Arenal Volcano and Cerro Chato. With cable lengths ranging from 80 to 550 meters, it offers a fun and dynamic experience for both first-time zipliners and adventure seekers. Children must be at least 4 years old to participate, and guests over 125 kg (275 lbs) are not permitted on the zipline. After the adrenaline rush, continue with an immersive cultural experience centered around Costa Rica’s coffee, artisanal chocolate, and sugar cane traditions. Learn about the traditional processes behind these iconic products while enjoying fresh coffee, artisanal chocolate, and sugar cane juice tastings. This combo offers a memorable blend of excitement, culture, and authentic local flavors.

This sampler adventure tour from San Jose fits the best of Costa Rica's rivers and rainforests into one action-packed day. En route, go croc-spotting at a famous overlook on the Tarcoles River. Then head to the jungle adventure park where you can choose two activities from a list of thrilling options, including ziplining, surfing lessons, an ATV adventure through the rainforest, or a chocolate experience.

Try your skills at canyoneering on this group tour in Turrialba. You’ll be rapelling, ziplining, crossing hanging bridges, and more. You’ll keep costs down by booking this group tour, but still have a great adventure with some new friends. All your safety gear is provided, so no need to organize that separately. Lunch is also provided to keep your energy up.

This tour takes you to all off the highlights in the la Fortuna area. In one well organized day go on a full day nature adventure. Our best, fully equiped bilingual guide, takes you in a comfortable vehicle to all diferent locations. Once hiking he tells you about the surrounding enviroment and uses his equipment to spot as many animals as possible.

Costa Rica is known for birding so this is a must-do excursion while in the Arenal Volcano area. Head out on an early morning excursion to spot the tropical birds of Costa Rica with a birdwatching guide who will find the best locations for seeing a glimpse of the feathered creatures including the Resplendent Quetzal.

Head inland from Guanacaste to Tenorio Volcano and back in just a day on this guided tour. On a nature walk through the rain forest, you have the chance to spot animals like sloths and monkeys in the wild—an experience enhanced by a guide with tons of knowledge about the environment. Lunch and all transportation is included.

Explore the rainforest after dark and spot sloths, frogs, snakes and glowing insects with an expert naturalist guide - many of which are nearly impossible to see during the day. This small-group night walk offers more personal experience with better wildlife sightings, away from large crows and noisy tour buses. With expert guides who know exactly where to look, this is one of the most exciting reliable ways to experience La Fortuna's wildlife up close

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.

One of the main attractions in Bajos del Toro is the breathtaking waterfalls that dot the area. In particular, This is a must-visit. Overall, Bajos del Toro is a hidden gem in Costa Rica, offering a unique combination of natural beauty, tranquility, and adventure. It’s an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, and anyone looking to experience the beauty of Costa Rica away from the crowds.

Leave La Fortuna and head toward the river, passing through the charming towns of El Tanque, Los Ángeles, and La Vega. Along the way, make a stop at El Molino, where you'll have the chance to visit a local fruit stand and try some delicious and colorful seasonal fruits. Arrive at the River, a perfect spot for enjoying nature and spotting a variety of birds, insects, and reptiles. Change clothes if you wish, and receive the necessary gear and safety instructions before starting the adventure. Spend about 1 hour and 30 minutes on the river. At the end of the route, take a break to refresh and enjoy some fresh fruit. After that, rinse off and change into dry clothes if you'd like, while the equipment is packed up. Begin your journey back home. Once you arrive, get dropped off at your place of rest, hoping you've had just as amazing a day as your guide did.

Navigate the waters of Lake Gatun, an essential part of the Panama Canal, as enormous ships pass in the distance and the tropical jungle pushes through the islands that emerged after the lake's creation. In Monkey Island we will look for three species of primates: white-faced capuchin monkeys, Geoffroy's tamarins, and howler monkeys, whose powerful calls are often heard through the forest. During the tour we will also be able to find tropical birds, iguanas, crocodiles, and other animals in their natural habitat. But this experience goes far beyond observing monkeys. Your bilingual local guide will help you interpret the landscape and discover how the construction of the Canal transformed ancient valleys of the Chagres River into an extraordinary ecosystem of islands surrounded by the waters of Lake Gatun. Our small groups allow for a more personal, quiet, and close to nature experience. Nature, history, and engineering meet in one place: the Panama Canal.

Combine two of La Fortuna's most popular natural attractions into a single easy day trip on this combo tour of Arenal Volcano and the La Fortuna Hot Springs. Along with your entrance fees and comfortable round-trip transport by air-conditioned minivan, a delicious dinner is provided for you at the hot springs, too.

Beginner kayakers are at ease on this Sarapiqui River kayaking tour. Roll over mild class I and II rapids on your way to wildlife watching zones along the river, which runs through a biodiverse section of the jungle. You might see tropical birds, wild orchids, and more as you follow your guide along the course.

The Río Celeste Waterfall Experience: Costa Rican Nature and Culture at Their Finest. Discover the perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural richness on our Rio Celeste tour. Immerse yourself in the turquoise waters of the legendary Rio Celeste, a natural gem unlike any other in the world. Explore the lush rainforest, home to incredible biodiversity, and climb to the summit of the imposing Tenorio Volcano, a geological spectacle that will connect you with the Earth’s power. At our Land of Sloths, you'll have the opportunity to observe these iconic animals up close, as well as other species of Costa Rican wildlife, in their natural habitat. Complete your experience with a visit to a coffee and chocolate farm, where you'll learn about and taste two of Costa Rica's most iconic products. This tour offers you the chance to fully immerse yourself in the magic of Costa Rican nature and culture. If you need our transportation service, please contact us in advance.

Raft 9 miles (14.5 kilometers) down the Balsa River with more than 30 continuous rapids, while leaving plenty of time for swimming and eating Costa Rican fruits. Afterwards, your guide rewards you with water, towels and takes you to lunch at a local restaurant in La Fortuna. Rio La Balsa is also surrounded by lush vegetation, giving you the opportunity to observe a variety of wildlife during the tour, including sloths, iguanas, toucans and monkeys.