Top Central Valley Nature Walks in 2026

Combine three adventurous activities in a single tour: a hike to Arental Volcano, visit to the Hanging Bridges, and exploration of La Fortuna Waterfall. This full-day tour from La Fortuna, perfect for nature lovers, includes hiking and swimming amidst Costa Rica's beautiful natural scenery. Hotel pickup and drop-off included.

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.

Discover the Monteverde Cloud Forest accompanied by a certified local naturalist guide on an interpretive tour designed to reveal Costa Rica's extraordinary biodiversity. During this guided walk across the Selvatura Park Hanging Bridges, you will explore one of the world's most iconic cloud forests while learning about its flora, fauna, and the importance of its conservation. With the aid of a professional high-definition telescope, you will have a better chance of spotting tropical birds, mammals, reptiles, insects, orchids, and other wildlife. Each tour is tailored to the day's conditions to maximize sightings and provide an educational, authentic, and unforgettable experience. Important: This product covers the guided tour of the Selvatura Park Hanging Bridges. Park admission is included only when selecting the “Guided Tour + Admission” rate. If you choose “Guide Only,” admission must be purchased separately.

Discover the magic of the forest after dark with a private night walk in Monteverde, Costa Rica. Explore the tropical forest for two hours accompanied by a naturalist guide who will help you spot frogs, insects, sleeping birds, and other animals in their natural habitat. Flashlights are provided to ensure an immersive and educational experience. Enjoy the services of a guide dedicated exclusively to you and your companions—you will not be sharing the tour with other families or travelers. The rate is per group and remains the same for 1 to 15 people, making it a convenient option for couples, families, and friends looking to share the cost. This private format allows for personalized attention, more opportunities to ask questions, and a pace tailored to your group, eliminating the need to wait for other participants to gather. Book your private night tour and discover the fascinating wildlife of Monteverde.

Discover the natural beauty of the La Fortuna region on an action-packed full-day tour that is ideal for people who enjoy outdoors activities. Go on hikes through lush rain forest; visit a butterfly garden and Maleku Indian village; take a dip at La Fortuna waterfall; look for wildlife; and view the Arenal Volcano. Top off the day with a cocktail and a relaxing soak in a natural hot water river.

Feel the adrenaline rush of soaring over 11 different waterfalls on this Costa Rican canopy tour. Enjoy stunning views over the ocean, mountains, and rainforest on 18 zipline cables. Challenge yourself by tackling two rappelling maneuvers and a swing over a hanging bridge, then cool off with a refreshing dip in a waterfall.

Get out of San Jose on a day tour to the Arenal Volcano region, where you’ll get a glimpse of Costa Rica’s famous biodiversity and natural beauty. Travel through scenic farmland and villages to reach the volcano. Stop at a coffee plantation, waterfall, and look out for wildlife en route. In the shadow of the volcano, soak in natural hot springs for a refreshing experience, before returning to San Jose.

Get a taste of Costa Rica’s famed biodiversity without straying too far from the city with this all-access day pass to La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park. Prebooked entry saves you from waiting around in long ticket lines, so you have even more time to explore its attractions. Choose whether to tackle family-friendly hiking trails through the cloud forest, visit a rescued jungle cat educational program, or spend time at the site's numerous specialty wildlife exhibits.

In just one day, it’s possible to visit top Costa Rica attractions including Arenal Volcano, La Paz Waterfall, and Arenal Hot Springs when you book this full-day guided tour from San Jose. All-inclusive private transport smooths over otherwise tricky transportation logistics, and your guide keeps you entertained and informed as you explore. This tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, all entrance fees, plus two meals, adding up to a great value.

Visit two of the most popular attractions near La Fortuna with the full-day excursion to the Arenal Mistico Park and La Fortuna Waterfall. First, walk along a 2-mile (3.2 kilometers) hanging-bridges circuit up to 200 feet (60 meters) above the rainforest floor. Afterward, swim and relax at La Fortuna Waterfall before having a traditional lunch and returning to La Fortuna.

From La Fortuna, you'll meet at Tifakara Lodge then walk through a frog sanctuary with red-eyed frogs, and look for all the other species of amphibians and more as you make your way through the jungle at night with your guide. This will take a little over an hour. You'll see lots of surprises along the way.

Swim beneath a jungle waterfall and hike into Arenal Volcano National Park on a 7-hour, 2-in-1 combo tour that takes in the best of the region’s natural beauty and wildlife. Spot monkeys and bright tropical birds as you walk through the rainforest surrounding La Fortuna waterfall, then enjoy a leisurely Costa Rican lunch with locally grown coffee. Follow your guide along jagged lava flows and mountainside trails as you explore Arenal, learn the history of this iconic volcano, and earn stunning views of Arenal lake.

As night falls, the tropical forest near Arenal comes alive. This guided night walk offers a unique opportunity to explore the rainforest after dark, accompanied by a naturalist guide along quiet, less-traveled trails. Discover nocturnal wildlife such as red-eyed tree frogs, glowing insects, and other fascinating species while learning about Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity and ecosystems. With small group sizes and flashlights provided, the experience ensures responsible wildlife observation in a calm and immersive setting. Perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and travelers seeking an authentic connection with the rainforest.

Discover the beautiful natural attractions of Costa Rica on this all-day tour from San Jose. Fly over the rainforest canopy via a zipline course and rappel down 150 feet (50 meters) at an adventure park. Visit two waterfalls and admire the local wildlife including iguanas. Stop at a coffee plantation where you'll learn how it's cultivated and harvested. Finally, relax in thermal mineral hot springs at the base of Arenal Volcano.

We provide a unique combination of wildlife, education, and atmosphere in a single, intimate setting. Guests enjoy a smooth transition from sunset into night, allowing them to observe both daytime species like sloths, birds and a butterfly sanctuary! Going into the night you will be able to experience nocturnal wildlife such as frogs and snakes! This experience takes place on a private, family-owned property, offering a more personal connection with nature and knowledgeable local guides who share insights about the ecosystem.

Discover the world of coffee, honey and chocolate on an organic estate. You will learn about the production process while enjoying a tasting of these delicious products. The visit will immerse you in nature, where you can observe closely how these authentic flavors are grown and made. Ideal for natural lovers looking to learn more about sustainable agriculture and local products.

Explore three levels of lush Costa Rican rainforest from the floor to the canopy on an Aerial Tram tour of Braulio Carrillo National Park. Learn about local flora and fauna as you walk along nature trails, explore specialty gardens, and glide over treetops in an aerial tram for unrivaled views of the natural landscapes.

This sampler adventure tour from San Jose fits the best of Costa Rica's rivers and rainforests into one action-packed day. En route, go croc-spotting at a famous overlook on the Tarcoles River. Then head to the jungle adventure park where you can choose two activities from a list of thrilling options, including ziplining, surfing lessons, an ATV adventure through the rainforest, or a chocolate experience.

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.

Discover San Jose’s hidden delights with this unique evening tour of the Costa Rican capital. Get up close and personal with the nightlife in San Jose, starting with the Morazán Park where you'll learn post-colonial Costa Rican history. From there, gain an appreciation for San Jose’s historical architecture, with a walk by the Metallic Building, then on to Spain Park for a fantastic view of the Yellow House (now the Ministry of Foreign Affairs). Continue to charming Barrio Escalante, one of the oldest residential areas in San Jose.  Finish the night with a tasty traditional meal (and wine or beer) at a gourmet Costa Rican restaurant.

With its cascading waterfalls and abundant wildlife, the Pacuare River is rightfully famous for its natural beauty. Paddle through the river gorge, navigating 52 Class II-IV rapids as you go, on this 12-hour trip from San Jose. Take in views of the tropical rain forest and wildlife such as sloths, parrots, and toucans as you ride the river (and your adrenaline rush) over the course of the day.

This is more than a birdwatching tour. At ANURA Ecological Park, guests explore a private ecological restoration project where birds are returning as habitats recover. Led by an expert bird and wildlife guide, participants learn how to identify species, understand their ecological roles, and discover the story behind the landscape they are exploring. What makes this experience unique is the opportunity to contribute to ongoing bird monitoring efforts. Every observation helps us better understand how wildlife responds to restoration, and new species continue to be recorded on the property. Whether you are an experienced birder or simply curious about nature, your visit becomes part of a meaningful conservation story.

"Experience the pinnacle of conservation excellence in the heart of Arenal at our renowned institution. Our reserve offers unparalleled sightings of wildlife thriving in their natural habitats, ensuring unforgettable encounters for families, couples, and adventurers alike. Conveniently located just a brief 10-minute jaunt from La Fortuna's central park, we invite you to discover the magic of nature in its purest form with us. Embark on an extraordinary journey where conservation adventure meets, and where every moment promises awe-inspiring discoveries."