Top Central Valley How to Get Around in 2026

Spend the day away from bustling San Jose and see the majestic Rio Celeste, one of the top attractions in Costa Rica. Located inside the Tenorio Volcano National Park, the deep turquoise waters of the river can be explored via a trail, which includes a waterfall, a suspended bridge, and a section of hot springs.

Learn about Costa Rica’s most remarkable creatures on a 1.5-hour tour of a La Fortuna wildlife rescue center. Explore the center with a naturalist guide, get a glimpse at some of the center’s cutest inhabitants, and see how conservation efforts are saving vulnerable species from development and poaching.

Hear the sounds of the rainforest at night during this short, small-group, guided walking tour in Arenal’s wild frog sanctuary. See what nocturnal animals do while the rest of the world sleeps and visit with some of the 28 species of frog who live here. Learn how this private nature reserve is cared for by the Rojas Bonilla family as you hike the trails to chorus of noisy frogs.

Learn about coffee production at Costa Rica's largest coffee farm on this guided tour. At the Aquiares Estate, you’ll see the process from seed to cup after visiting the local community and hearing about coffee agronomy and its importance to Costa Rica. Then, learn about coffee roasting and cupping and get a taste.

Get to explore the rainforest of La Fortuna de San Carlos in the Arenal Volcano National Park for one hour in the daylight, and one hour in darkness on this small group night tour. Keep your eyes peeled for sloths, snakes, and all kinds of birds. Your guide will be right there to point the creatures out for you while you see the transition from day to night.

Learn all about the coffee growing and making process on this private tour of the Starbucks chain’s Hacienda Alsacia Coffee Farm. Explore the farm on a guided tour where you’ll visit the tree nursery, wet mill, drying patio, and roasting machine. Learn about sustainable farming practices, and about the people who produce the coffee you drink every day. An educational tour that travelers with a range of interests will enjoy.

Nestled within the lush landscapes of Bajos del Toro, the Canyon Waterfall is a stunning natural gem that captivates visitors with its breathtaking beauty. This hidden paradise features a series of cascading waterfalls that plunge spectacularly into crystal-clear pools, surrounded by vibrant tropical flora. Ideal for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers, the Canyon Waterfall offers opportunities for hiking, photography, and swimming in its refreshing waters. As you explore the picturesque trails, be mesmerized by the sounds of rushing water and the vibrant colors of the rainforest. Accessible from various points in the region, this eco-tourism hotspot is a must-visit for anyone seeking to experience the unspoiled beauty of Costa Rica. Make sure to add Canyon Waterfall in Bajos del Toro to your travel itinerary for an unforgettable escape into nature's wonders.

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.

Exploring La Fortuna’s standout natural attractions typically requires renting a vehicle, but this tour lets you skip the hassle. Start with a walk across Mistico Park’s hanging bridges, looking for wildlife and taking in views of Arenal Volcano. After lunch at a local restaurant, head for La Fortuna Waterfall, where you can swim in the pool beneath the falls.

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!

San José is characterized by its Spanish colonial buildings, Victorian mansions, and rich historical sites. This zero-emission bike tour allows you to see the city up close, avoid car traffic, and cruise through San José’s vibrant neighborhoods—past notable buildings, parks, and squares. Your guide navigates through the city and provides useful background information as you stop to appreciate local highlights.

Enjoy a one-of-a-kind way to discover Costa Rica’s lush jungle ecosystems and most striking views on this half-day, small-group tour of Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park. Pick from morning and afternoon tour times and, after hotel pickup, head to the park. There are more than a dozen hanging bridges to explore: as you go, look out for monkeys and wildlife, learn more about the jungle, and soak up impeccable views of the Arenal volcano.

Arenal is an active volcano whose glowing red heart is best viewed from a safe distance. Perfectly positioned is Mistico Park, a series of 15 suspension bridges offering just such a view of the pyramid-shaped peak as well as the opportunity to experience the rainforest from up in the canopy. Enjoy learning all about the area's rich biodiversity during this half-day tour from a professional naturalist guide leading the way.

Costa Rica is famous for its coffee, natural wonders, and diverse wildlife, and this full-day tour from San Jose combines all three. Learn how Costa Rican coffee is made on a guided tour of the Doka Coffee Plantation, enjoy magnificent views of the Poas Volcano crater on a scenic walk, and spot wildlife around the La Paz Waterfall, including a visit to the country’s largest butterfly observatory.

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.

Poás hides wonderful traditions and stunning landscapes that captivate every visitor. Start your tour with a cup of freshly brewed coffee on an authentic local estate, where you can enjoy panoramic mountain views and experience the warmth of Costa Rican hospitality. A few minutes away, discover the majestic La Paz Fall, a 35-meter waterfall that rushes through a green-covered canyon, in the middle of a cloud forest full of wildlife. Then head to the imposing Poás Volcano. Its huge crater, one of the largest in the world, reveals a turquoise acid lagoon surrounded by steam and volcanic formations. The views are surreal and the atmosphere transmits the living force of nature. Whether you love nature, culture or are looking for a peaceful getaway, Poás offers the perfect combination of adventure and serenity. Come and explore a place where tradition meets natural wonder.

Turn exploring San Jose into an ultra-rich cultural experience with this guided “bites and sights” tour. You’ll start at the city’s best markets—Central and Borbon markets—tasting empanadas, fresh fruits, coffees, and more, plus learning all about local goods and handicrafts. You’ll also get a guided exploration of the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, diving even deeper into the city’s gilded history.

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.

Families looking for an adventurous but kid-friendly outdoor activity in Costa Rica will love this float through the jungle along the Sarapiqui River from La Fortuna. Rather than a challenging adrenaline rush, you can enjoy a relaxing yet fun trip down the river, bouncing on the waves and admiring the sights of the jungle and the sounds of the birds and wildlife.

Spend a day exploring nature and learning about coffee production with this group tour from San Jose, which includes breakfast, lunch, and hotel transfers. You'll start at the Doka Coffee Estate, where you'll learn about the lifecycle of coffee, from bean to cup. You'll then visit Poas Volcano National Park for some hiking, wrapping your tour up with a stop to observe flora and fauna at La Paz Waterfall Gardens.

Wildlife enthusiasts love this tour of Arenal’s only frog sanctuary. Tour the wildlife sanctuary at night for chances to see rare and colorful tropical frogs in their natural habitat; a guide leads the way and helps you spot frogs and other creatures that only come out at night. Tours even include pickup and drop-off from La Fortuna so you don’t have to worry about driving at night.

Get off the beaten path on this all-terrain vehicle (ATV) tour through private land near the Arenal Volcano. Meet your guide at the La Pradera Del Arenal Hotel and learn the basics of safely operating your vehicle. Then, head to a private farm for a short break and begin the adventure: Riding to the Arenal River through the town of La Guaria.

San José can sometimes feel overwhelming to first-time visitors. Take the mystery out of your visit by exploring with a local on a private walking tour. This personalized tour allows you to discover the exterior of monuments, including museums, while learning about the city’s history and culture. If you wish to include a museum visit, your guide can adapt the itinerary—just let us know in advance. Your guide contacts you beforehand to understand your interests, ensuring a meaningful experience. Ideal for families, solo travelers, or couples, this tour reveals hidden gems and authentic local life.

Adventure-seeking travelers will love the opportunity to hike and zipline through the Costa Rican rainforest. After a safety training you’ll hike through the forest to an area with seven ziplines strung between the treetops. Enjoy zooming along these, looking out for wildlife on the way. Some of the ziplines go right past some beautiful waterfalls, for the best views.