Top Central Valley Natural Attractions in 2026

Experience Costa Rica’s wild and beautiful rain forest the historic way on a scenic horseback ride to the La Fortuna Waterfall. Travel on private, forested trails away from any roads, at a pace that allows for close observation of jungle life. Dismount for a moderate hike to the famous waterfall, where you can cool off with an optional swim and enjoy more time in nature.

This full-day, family-friendly combo tour in La Fortuna spans 6 to 7 hours starting at 7:00 AM, blending adrenaline and native Costa Rican culture into a single adventure. The journey begins with a 7-line canopy zipline course featuring an 18-meter tower, a flyover across a 120-meter canyon, and a high-flying pass directly above the La Fortuna Waterfall on Central America's second longest cable. Following the zipline, guests are transported to the base offices to change into dry clothes and enjoy a traditional Costa Rican lunch. The action continues with a 4x4 truck ride deep into the mountains, setting up an exhilarating canyoning session where participants rappel down rainforest waterfalls. The package wraps up back at the ranch with photo reviews and fresh Costa Rican coffee, with all bilingual guides, round-trip transportation, equipment, lunch, and snacks fully included.

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.

The therapeutic uses of natural hot springs can be internal or external, ranging from water treatments (hydrotherapy), to medicinal clay (geotherapy). Applied as a mask directly on the skin, clay releases excess body heat and absorbs toxins and other secretions. Because heated water can hold more dissolved solids, warm and especially hot springs often have a very high mineral content, ranging from simple calcium to lithium and even radium. Known both from folklore and from their proven medical value, hot springs are often popular tourist destinations. The Los Lagos Hotel, Spa & Resort hot springs are an extraordinary gift from nature and result from the interaction of groundwater with magma from the active Arenal Volcano. The volcano’s internal energy and minerals, the same that emerge from the entrails of the planet, provide a natural treatment for your skin as well as your whole body.

Avoid the crowds of La Fortuna on this tour of Ecocentro Danaus, a private nature reserve located just outside of the city. Follow a guide along jungle trails to where sloths, birds, and butterflies live, and pick up local expertise on Costa Rican wildlife along the way. This tour even includes a spotting scope for heightened visibility.

Visit two special Costa Rica attractions in one day on this tour to Poas Volcano and La Paz Waterfall from San Jose. Enjoy an easy ride up to the crater of the volcano, where you have free time to admire the sulfur fumaroles and views over the central valley, and then head to La Paz Waterfall—an incredible photo opportunity. Snack on fresh strawberries from a local farm between activities.

Discover the many different sides to Costa Rica that make it such a fascinating country to visit with this 8-day tour. Starting in San Jose, the first stop on this tour will take you up into the mountains to see sights around the Arenal Volcano. From there, it’s on to the Pacific coast to visit the beaches and national park of Manuel Antonio.

Experience a small group guided hike through the lava flows formed by volcanic activity at the Arenal Volcano. The hike is just under a mile, and is easy to moderate level. Learn the history of when the volcano erupted in 1968, and hear how the town was rebuilt afterwards, out of almost total destruction. You can visit the hot springs at the end if you wish.

Come face to face with some of Costa Rica's most-loved wildlife on a visit to the Monkey Park in La Fortuna. While your guide tells you all about Costa Rica's flora and fauna, take a gentle hike along a trail while looking out for white-faced and howlers monkeys, as well as other wildlife, including toucans and frogs. Coffee and snacks are provided at the end of the trail.

Discover Tortuguero National Park on this all-day guided tour. Boasting plenty of plant and wildlife, the park is one of Costa Rica's most popular ecotourism attractions. Head out of San Jose and spend the day immersed in nature. While you’re at the park, be on the lookout for turtles. Four different species nest in Tortuguero, and they lay their eggs from March to October.

See the vast diversity of Costa Rica on a 3-day tour that includes hiking at Arenal Volcano, exploring the Monteverde cloud forest, and enjoying the tropical white-sand beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park. This expertly organized all-inclusive tour covers all of your transportation and accommodations, so busy travelers can maximize their time and not worry about any of the logistics.

One of Costa Rica's most popular eco-tourism destinations, The Rio Celeste Waterfall at Tenorio Volcano Park are abundant with exciting plant and wildlife species. Venture out of the city and explore the park, looking out as you go. Hike in one of the most spectacular destinations in Costa Rica, the Arenal Volcano! As the most active volcano in the country, don't be surprised if you hear a crackling noise or smoke coming out of its mouth. Manuel Antonio National park tour provides a perfect combination of nature, wildlife and pristine beaches. Explore the Manuel Antonio National Park on foot, and before ... just relax and sunbathe on the beach during this spectacular trip. Important: Minimum person to operate the tour is two people per booking You can request a change for another destination during day one available Rio Celeste (Tenorio Volcano) Manuel Antonio entry for Booking with cancellation of 24 hours before start the tour please contact us. 3 Nights Accommodation

Explore the enchanting Kuru Natural Springs and Jungle Trails, a unique experience that takes you along magical forest paths to pristine hot springs and waterfalls. Surrounded by the lush Costa Rican rainforest, this sanctuary offers natural swimming pools and a chance to immerse yourself in the serene sounds of nature. Enjoy the tranquility of the forest, the majestic view of Arenal Volcano, and reconnect with Costa Rica's essence. Perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers, this tour promises unforgettable moments in a breathtaking volcanic landscape. - Discover natural hot springs and hidden waterfalls - Immerse yourself in the sounds and sights of the rainforest - Ideal for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers - Experience a guided tour through stunning landscapes and trails

Don’t run the risk of not being let into the hot springs at EcoTermales Fortuna in La Fortuna and book your skip-the-line tickets in advance to ensure you get in. Soak in any of the four pools, one of which even has a waterfall, at this family-owned hot spring with water temperatures varying from 99°F to 105°F (37°C to 41°C).

Enjoy a ride across the slopes of Arenal Volcano, following a route that moves from lower pastures to elevated viewpoints. This guided horseback experience includes a professional bilingual guide, helmet and safety gear, and air-conditioned vehicle transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off at selected La Fortuna hotels. The gradual ascent provides wide views of the volcano when weather permits, making it a practical way to experience the landscape beyond roadside lookouts.

With this prebooked day pass, breeze through the entrance lines at the Ecocentro Danaus, a private nature reserve and sanctuary near La Fortuna. Meet some of the animals living inside the reserve including sloths, birds, butterflies, lizards, and iguanas. After saying hello to the animals, visit the indigenous art gallery and souvenir shop—all helping to support natural conservation efforts.

Unlike standard group tours, this experience is designed for private groups, offering a more intimate and personalized encounter with nature. You’ll be accompanied by a professional naturalist guide who tailors the tour to your interests, ensuring a deeper understanding and appreciation of the forest and its creatures. Diverse Wildlife Encounters : Spot sloths, red-eyed tree frogs, owls, alligators, basilisks, turtles, and other fascinating species in their natural nighttime environment. Private and Quiet Setting : With no large crowds, enjoy a calm, focused atmosphere ideal for observation and photography. Conservation in Action : Your visit supports a local initiative dedicated to ecological restoration, environmental education, and sustainable tourism. If you're looking for a night tour that goes beyond sightseeing—one that connects you with nature and conservation in a meaningful way—this is the experience for you.

Explore the wild beauty and rich biodiversity of Costa Rica’s famed Arenal region on this combo hiking and waterfall tour from La Fortuna. Trek along the different levels of hanging bridges in the rain forest at Mistico Park, and later take a short hike to reach the tropical cascade of La Fortuna Waterfall. Replenish your energy with a delicious Costa Rican lunch at a local restaurant.

Arenal Volcano National Park’s massive size and unique natural setting can make it an easy place to get lost in, if you don’t already know the area. This Arenal Volcano National Park Hiking Tour from La Fortuna allows you to explore one of the park’s beautiful trails with a guide who can navigate the steep slopes and volcanic landscape well. Plus, take in views of Lake Arenal, while your guide talks about the volcano’s history and forest formation processes.

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 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 near Arenal Volcano National Park, and receive instruction on operating the ATV. Follow your guide on a mud-splattered ride over rugged terrain, stopping at a small village to observe local life, with a natural volcanic mud mask experience from the river included.

Discover the magic of wildlife at sunset with our new Twilight tour, a unique experience that combines day and night wildlife observation in one tour. We will start our adventure with a special hike through natural trails, where we will look for one of Costa Rica's most charismatic animals: the sloth. At sunset, you will have the opportunity to observe these fascinating forest dwellers up close. Afterwards, we will enjoy a delicious snack to recharge our batteries and continue with the second part of the experience: a night walk in a natural environment specially designed to observe frogs, insects, reptiles, and other nocturnal creatures. With a flashlight in hand and guided by experts, we will discover the incredible biodiversity that comes to life when night falls. Twilight is the perfect combination of exploration, learning, and connection with nature, ideal for those looking for a different experience during their visit to La Fortuna.

Get above the canopy and observe the native wildlife in Arenal when you walk the 1.6mi (3km) of asphalt path between the six hanging bridges suspended among the trees. You'll also have awesome views of the Arenal Volcano. Your naturalist guide will be with you the entire tour (approx 3 hours) to tell you all about the native flora and fauna of the region.