Top Central Valley How to Get Around in 2026

Learn about the natural charms that make the Arenal area famous on this 4-hour hanging bridges tour. Walk with an expert guide along a series of 15 bridges, which vary in length from 16- to 130-feet long (5 to 100 meters), that allow for a unique perspective on the rain forest plants and animals. Your guide will point out wildlife along the way for a tour as entertaining as it is educational.

Escape the city for a day in the wild without the stress of navigating unfamiliar roads on your own on this full-day tour from the San Jose area. Set off directly from your hotel and enjoy an action-packed day with a cruise down the Sarapiqui River, visits to various animal sanctuaries at the Black Madero private wildlife reserve, and a traditional buffet lunch. Make it easy to see Costa Rica’s famous wildlife on this inclusive tour featuring a sample of popular rainforest and river activities in and around Braulio Carrillo National Forest.

Get on the Pejibaye River totally worry-free with this all-inclusive tour. After pickup from your hotel, you’ll hop into your private car for a ride to the river—and a stop for a traditional Costa Rican breakfast. Once at the water, your guides will set you up for an exciting 3-hour float through the jungle, complete with photos, water, and towels provided.

Enjoy a safe and family-friendly horseback riding tour through the beautiful landscapes of Arenal. Ride calm, well-cared-for horses along rainforest trails, open fields, and across the Arenal River. Small groups allow for a relaxed pace and personal attention, making this tour perfect for both beginners and experienced riders, including children. Along the way, enjoy nature, possible wildlife sightings, and views of Arenal Volcano on clear days. The tour includes a fun photo shoot to capture memories and share on social media, a visit to a small farm with cute animals like pigs and sheep, and a relaxing riverside stop with fresh tropical fruits.

Embark on an unforgettable adventure with our thrilling tubing tour on the majestic Celeste River in Costa Rica! With over 12 years of experience, our company guarantees you a safe and exhilarating experience. Immerse yourself in the crystal-clear waters of a unique turquoise blue as you gently float through this natural paradise. Our expert guides will lead you through lush tropical landscapes, where you can marvel at the region's unique flora and fauna, including sightings of sloths, monkeys, and a variety of birds such as toucans. Experience the thrill of tubing in an unparalleled setting and book your adventure today!

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.

Learn about coffee production and visit an active volcano on this combo half-day tour from San Jose. At the Doka Estate Coffee Plantation, enjoy breakfast and a tour of the estate to learn about the cultivation, harvesting, and roasting of coffee beans for savoring samples. Afterwards, visit Poas Volcano National Park too admire its main crater and fumaroles.

Step inside a nature documentary with this private tour of some of Costa Rica’s most spectacular attractions. First you will visit the Místico Arenal Hanging Bridges, surrounded by lush rainforest and colourful wildlife. Next be whisked by air-conditioned vehicle to La Fortuna Waterfall, be prepared to get wet! After lunch, hike across lava fields and through regenerating forest, among animals uniquely able to make homes in this environment.

Bring your binoculars on an early morning birdwatching tour at Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park. Tucked in between Arenal’s volcanic ranges and the Tilarán mountains, this family-owned nature reserve offers an eco-friendly and accessible way to view Costa Rica’s amazing biodiversity. Trek along forested paths and hanging walkways with a naturalist guide as you look for a wide variety of local and migratory birds. Visit in the wintertime to catch sight of the many birds of prey that migrate through this wildlife-rich corridor.

The best views of the cloud forest near Monteverde are undoubtedly from above—if you can get high enough. On this easy tour, take a guided nature walk along hanging bridges through the forest canopy in search of wildlife and beautiful plants. Follow your naturalist guide carrying professional optical equipment to the best viewpoints for observing the rich biodiversity, including orchids, epiphytes, and seasonal birds like the Resplendent Quetzal and Black-faced Solitaire.

Discover La Paz Waterfall Gardens near San José on a nature-focused tour showcasing waterfalls, rainforest trails, and native wildlife in one destination. Explore butterfly, hummingbird, orchid, and frog gardens, visit wildlife-focused exhibits, and admire five waterfalls surrounded by a lush cloud forest. Complete with transfers and a buffet lunch, this experience offers a convenient way to experience Costa Rica's lush biodiversity in a single day.

San Jose is the cultural capital of Costa Rica and boasts a rich and varied history. Get acquainted with the city’s charms on a private tour, featuring a customizable itinerary of must-see attractions and private transportation through the city’s maze of trafficked avenues.

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.

This three-in-one tour highlights the best of Costa Rica, including a river safari float and volcano hike that's sure to make for a memorable journey. Kick off the day at Penas Blancas River and take off over rushing waters on a two or three hour water safari. You'll see wildlife up close and gain a deeper understanding of Cost Rica's unique biological and environmental resources. Next, visit La Fortuna Waterfall before heading to a picturesque volcano hike. This popular tour is ideal for outdoor adventurers and travelers who prefer to be active on vacation.

Irazú Volcano National Park is one of Costa Rica’s most scenic natural destinations, but given its size, it can be hard to know where to start. Streamline your visit with a guided tour from San José, joining a local guide to tackle the park’s trails. Venture up to a viewpoint where, on a clear day, you can see both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

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?

Meeting Point: This experience begins at a private rainforest trail located just 10 minutes from downtown La Fortuna. Guests arrive directly at the trail entrance; transportation is not included. Private Night Walk Experience: Step into the rainforest after dark for an intimate, guided exploration of Costa Rica’s nocturnal world. This fully private experience is designed for those seeking a deeper, more personal connection with nature, far from the crowds. As night falls, the forest comes alive. With your expert guide leading the way, you’ll uncover the hidden rhythms of the jungle and encounter an incredible variety of wildlife, from vibrant frogs, camouflaged reptiles, fascinating insects, and other elusive nocturnal species. No two walks are ever the same. Each evening reveals something entirely unique, offering a sense of discovery, wonder, and exclusivity that makes this experience truly unforgettable.

Women-Led, Personalized Experience on Lake Arenal Join us for a unique, women-led experience on the stunning Lake Arenal, located in the northern highlands of Costa Rica. As the country’s largest lake—spanning 85 square kilometers with depths ranging from 30 to 60 meters depending on the season—Lake Arenal offers breathtaking scenery and tranquil waters perfect for your adventure. We believe in creating personalized experiences, and we welcome your four-legged companions too! As fellow pet lovers, we’re happy to accommodate your furry friend by providing a pet life vest (available for an additional fee).

Appease your appetite for adventure during an exhilarating 3-hour rafting session on the Sarapiqui River from Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui . With an experienced guide, conquer the Class II and III rapids on the river’s most intense section and feel your adrenaline levels surge. During calmer periods, marvel at the abundance of exotic wildlife on the banks of the Sarapiqui River and listen to fascinating commentary from your guide.

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-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.

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.

Explore the natural wonders of Costa Rica without the hassle of planning routes and logistics. This small-group tour from San José takes you into the rainforest to admire stunning waterfalls, get great views of Arenal Volcano, taste fresh local fruit, soak in a hidden thermal pool, and, finally, unwind in a hot spring resort.

Experience two nature adventures in one tour on this half-day tour in La Fortuna. First, hike through the rainforest to a gushing waterfall for a refreshing swim in the pool at the bottom. Then, soar through the lush jungle canopy on the AirTime Zipline, with views of Arenal Volcano. End your adventure with a traditional Costa Rican lunch including a complimentary drink at a local restaurant in La Fortuna.