Top Central Valley How to Get Around in 2026 - page 32

Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet, and that’s before you the rich culture and communities that fill its landscape. Take a full week to explore everything this Central American country has to offer with a 7-day, 6-night inclusive tour. From San Jose, you’ll travel to Arenal Volcano National Park where you’ll see howler monkeys, to Marino Ballena National Park for whale watching, and Manuel Antonio National Park for birdwatching.

Full of crocodiles, howler monkeys, macaws, toucans, and much more, Tortuguero National Park is a conservation area interlinking the rainforest to the beach by canals, lagoons, and rivers. This overnight experience takes you from your San Jose hotel to the village of Tortuguero. When you wake at dawn, you’ll cruise down the canals into the national park to see the sunrise.

Explore the biodiverse Corcovado National Park on this all-day guided tour from San Jose. First, sail through the largest mangrove in Central America before starting your walk through the park, which is filled with lush flora and fauna. Following lunch, visit the San Pedrillo waterfall for a refreshing dip in the waters.

Go on an adrenaline-packed adventure in the Costa Rican rainforest on this half-day ziplining excursion. The 2-mile (3-kilometer) trail takes you to the Pino Blanco waterfall, which is surrounded by canyons that reach up to 360 feet (120 meters) high. Fly above the La Fortuna Waterfall across a half-mile-long (980 meter) cable. Then, visit the Maleku Cultural Rescue Center.

Arenal National Park is filled with trails, waterfalls, hot springs, and hanging bridges. With this adventurous tour, you can experience it all and still have time to watch the sunset and relax in hot springs at the end of the day. Plus, with a guided tour, nature lovers can maximize their time in the park and learn about the rainforest’s diverse flora and fauna.

La Fortuna area is a privileged location to spot birds, not only in Costa Rica but in the Americas. Due to its topography, surrounded by mountains, rivers, lakes and different kinds of forests in such a small area, turn La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano in a paradise for those who love birds. Birds are more active early in the morning and in the late afternoon, as the day cools into evening. Join us for a guided walk into our Park for an amazing display of tropical birds. You will have the opportunity to see toucans, parrots, oropendolas, wild turkeys, colorful tanagers, parakeets and many more species in their natural environment. For the more experienced birdwatcher, we can focus on those special treasures and uncommon species. We will tailor the tour for you. We will wrap up the tour by listing and discussing the birds we have seen.

Combine two of the top outdoor rainforest activities in Costa Rica with this full-day day tour. After pickup from La Fortuna in a minivan, head to the Arenal Hanging Bridges—two miles (3.2 kilometers) of raised walking platforms designed for viewing wildlife in the rainforest canopy and below. After walking the bridges, visit La Fortuna Waterfall, swim in the La Fortuna River, and have a restaurant lunch before returning to La Fortuna.

Twilight rainforest experience visiting a Costarrican family kitchen, joining a Tortilla or Patacones class, and ending with a frog watching.

Set out on a private ocean adventure along Costa Rica’s Pacific coast in search of humpback whales, dolphins, and sea turtles — all in their natural habitat. Guided by local experts and supported by small community businesses, this luxury experience offers comfort, insight, and unforgettable wildlife encounters. If the tide allows, you’ll also walk the iconic Whale’s Tail sandbar, revealed only at low tide. Ideal from July to October, this is a meaningful way to witness nature’s wonders in one of the country’s most biodiverse regions.