Top Central Valley Half-day Tours

Explore San Jose on this guided half-day sightseeing tour. Great for first-time visitors to the city, the tour includes stops at historic and cultural sites such as the Costa Rican Art Museum in La Sabana, the city center, the National Theater, the University of Costa Rica, and the arts and crafts market. Plus, enjoy lunch at a local Costa Rican restaurant.

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.

Explore the Costa Rican capital’s rich history, landmark buildings, and modern culture on a combo bus and walking tour of San Jose. Get a great introduction to city highlights like the National Theater and Art Museum, and stop to walk through bustling markets and public plazas to feel the pulse of this modern Central American metropolis. Get an extra boost of Costa Rican culture by listening to traditional folkloric music onboard the bus.

Tear through the rugged heart of the Costa Rican jungle on an action-packed, all-ages ATV excursion designed for thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts alike. This immersive off-road journey blends adrenaline with rich biodiversity, navigating dense rainforest trails, crossing the refreshing waters of the Arenal River, and carving through lush vegetation alive with native flora and fauna. Along the trail, take in panoramic views of the iconic Arenal Volcano towering over the surrounding hills. The route also features cultural and ecological stops, including a visit to the indigenous Maleku Village to learn about traditional local heritage, and an exploration of the Arenal Volcano Ecological Park. This tour offers an authentic, mud-splashing adventure deep within La Fortuna's wilderness.

The ultimate river trip and truly one of a kind in its nature is the Twilight Safari Deluxe. You will ride your raft at dusk, as the sun is just starting to fall and enjoy the mystical way the light disappears from the sky, leaving you in the peaceful darkness, Our bilingual and certificated river guides, trained as naturalists will do the rowing while you relax and enjoy the abundant nocturnal wildlife of the Peñas Blancas River.

Soak in the atmosphere of San Jose after dark on this bar crawl package. If you don’t know where to go for a fun night out, this activity is for you. Meet up with your guide as they take you to a selection of popular watering holes found downtown. Meet new people, try local drinks and get into the party spirit. A great way to introduce yourself to a new city.

The Arenal 1968 Trail Park affords spectacular views of Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal with a choice of two scenic hikes. With this admission ticket, make your own way to the park and set out on a self-guided trek, following the marked trails along ancient lava flows and through lush rainforest to reach the viewpoints.

While traveling to La Fortuna in Costa Rica, many people explore the gorgeous and unique landscape using ATVs; however, many tours take you to public areas that are overcrowded. This Arenal Volcano ATV Experience from La Fortuna takes you on an ATV ride through a private trail of the jungle that allows you to experience nature, culture, and adventure all during just a few hours.

Immerse yourself in an unparalleled adventure by booking our thrilling canyoning and waterfall rappelling, in the enchanting setting of Pocosol Forest. Situated near the renowned Children's Eternal Rainforest and nestled within the majestic Peñas Blancas River Canyon, this activity will offer you the chance to conquer four waterfalls in a dreamlike natural environment. What makes this activity so unique and intriguing? Not only will you face the challenge of descending down crystal-clear cascades, but you will also experience an authentic encounter with the biodiversity that surrounds these aquatic wonders. Our expert guides will provide you with precise instructions for safe rappelling, and they will also share their deep knowledge of the local ecology and the importance of preserving these ecosystems. From the roar of the water to the lush vegetation enveloping you, every moment on this activity is an opportunity to connect with nature in its purest form.

Adventure-loving travelers won’t want to miss this combined zip lining, rappelling, and hiking tour. The Carpintera Hills are close to San Jose and offer the easiest way to go zip lining from the capital. Glide through the forest canopy on steel cables strung between 19 platforms. Rappel from as high as 130 feet. Enjoy the forest views along the way and look out for birds and animals.

Experience the sights, sounds, and flavors of San Jose on an evening bus tour. Starting from your hotel, board a comfortable double-decker bus with a welcome drink. See over 25 of the city’s landmarks as you take a bus tour, and stop for bilingual guided tours at key locations, including the Costa Rican Art Museum. Enjoy an included dinner of local cuisine before drop-off back at your hotel.

Take a half-day food and walking tour in San Jose that highlights innovative chefs who are updating traditional Costa Rican recipes with a modern twist. Stroll between four locations in the Escalante district to enjoy a 6-course tasting menu, seven drinks, Costa Rican coffee tastings, and a cocktail mixing demonstration with locally made liquor. Your guide shares insightful commentary along the way on a tour that can be scheduled for lunch or dinner.

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.

Enjoy an action-packed adventure in the shadows of the iconic Arenal Volcano with this great-value 2-in-1 combo tour. First, take to the treetops for a thrilling bird’s eye view of the rain forest as you walk the Arenal Hanging Bridges, then get your camera ready for a visit to the beautiful La Fortuna Waterfall. After cooling off with a swim beneath the falls, tuck into a typical Costa Rican lunch (included) before heading back to the city.

Experience the thrill of riding an ATV along tracks in the Costa Rican rainforest during this exhilarating half-day activity from La Fortuna. Head to a private farm situated next to Arenal Volcano National Park, and receive instruction from your guide on operating the ATV. Then follow your guide on a fun mud-splattered ride over rugged terrain, stopping at a small village to observe local life, and the option to enjoy a spa-like volcanic mud mask straight from the river.

Hiking on Arenal Volcano is the best way to appreciate the volcano’s power and beauty alike. This guided tour takes you down a network of paths ranging from easy to difficult—talk to your guide to choose the path that’s right for you. No matter what you pick, your guide shares stories and information about the volcano throughout the hike and points out features like wildlife and dried lava flows that you might miss on your own.

Head into the rain forest of Costa Rica and discover the Arenal Volcano on a half-day tour. Trek past lava formations, swim in a lake created by the volcano, and take a dip in the warm hot springs of the Tabacon River. Enjoy a delicious Costa Rican lunch while taking in the views of the volcano and enjoy your day in the rain forest.

Adventure-seeking travelers won’t want to miss ziplining through the Costa Rican forests and over waterfalls. Ride a bus and take a short hike to the start of the course, then enjoy zooming down 12 thrilling cables. Three of these are strung out over two incredible waterfalls, so enjoy the views as you go. End the tour at an Indian village, where you can learn more about the indigenous people.

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.

Get a new perspective on the tropical rainforest that surrounds Costa Rica's Arenal volcano on this guided tour. Stroll over suspension bridges while you keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, such as howler monkeys, and learn all about the area's diverse flora and fauna from your naturalist guide. Choose between a morning and afternoon tour.

Float down the Peñas Blancas River in a rowboat on this 3.5-hour journey from La Fortuna. Listen to your naturalist guide's commentary while keeping a lookout for monkeys, iguanas, and a variety of bird life. Finish up with a stop at a local farm to sample their homemade snacks and coffee. Round-trip transport from selected hotels included.

Rappel down waterfalls in the shadow of Arenal Volcano on this exciting rainforest adventure just outside of La Fortuna. Head into the forest, where guides will help you gear up for a thrilling course featuring a rock climb and rappelling, including the "Monkey Drop" and waterfall descents. After conquering this natural playground, head back to HQ for a delicious lunch of Costa Rican cuisine.

Leave the crowds behind and plunge into the wild heart of Costa Rica. This is not just a hike; it is an immersive journey through two of the most spectacular and unspoilt river canyons in the region. We will navigate emerald waters, hidden waterfalls and lush canyon walls that few travelers get to know. Get ready to get dirty and refresh your soul as we explore the untamed beauty of Rio Gata. Guided by local experts who know every stone and pool, this expedition is perfect for those looking for a real connection with nature. Are you ready to discover the turquoise secrets of the jungle?