Top Costa Rica Culture in 2026

Take home frame-worthy photos of Costa Rica’s sublime rain forest and its inhabitants with a photography tour at Arenal Natura Ecological Park in La Fortuna. Bring your camera and snap away among the unspoiled natural setting of this private reserve, where a naturalist guide will lead you along jungle trails and though diverse wildlife habitats. Capture all the details of incredible animals like crocodiles, red-eyed tree frogs, snakes, and butterflies, plus delicate orchids and other tropical flora.

Learn all about the complex nature of ant society during this tour of a colony of leaf-cutter ants. With all of Costa Rica's incredible wildlife, it's too easy to overlook these tiny creatures, but leaf-cutter ants are one of the most fascinating animals in nature. During the tour you'll learn about their caste divisions, see them cut and transport leaves, and even spot the queen ant.

You don’t need any technical expertise to enjoy the rushing rapids of Arenal RIver on this tubing tour from La Fortuna. Grab a helmet and high-quality tube for a wild ride down the river, looking out for wildlife along the way. Afterward, have a chance to learn about local culture on a visit to a Maleku village.

Combine two popular activities in one on this guided tour. First, visit Santa Rosa National Park and learn about this tropical dry forest and the wildlife and plant life that call it home. Following that, head to a local restaurant for lunch, and then stop in Liberia for a tour of the city and to shop for souvenirs.

Spend an evening enjoying a delicious dinner while taking in panoramic views of San José. As you dine, enjoy typical Costa Rican entertainment, including a folkloric dance and comedy show, and learn about the country's history and culture. The buffet-style dinner includes two alcoholic beverages, such as wine or beer.

Experience Poas Volcano National Park, learn about Costa Rica's coffee industry, and see one of the only metal churches in Central America on this tour. You'll start with the volcano, where you'll get to check out fantastic landscapes, continuing to an included lunch at the Doka Estate. It's then on to Grecia to see the metal church, with a stop to see local artisans at work in the town of Sarchi.

Get to know Costa Rica’s capital through its food, culture, and everyday life on a guided walking tour. Explore popular city landmarks before heading to the Central Market to sample traditional favorites such as empanadas, tamales, and seasonal fruits. Finish with an introduction to Costa Rican coffee, including a look at the production process and the chance to sample different varieties. It’s an engaging way to experience San José beyond the usual tourist sights.

Travelers who are interested in seeing how Costa Rica’s indigenous people live will enjoy visiting the Maleku Indigenous Reserve in northern Costa Rica. Tour three different villages to see traditional ways of life and how indigenous people have adapted to the modern world. Enjoy a tasty local lunch and experience the reserve in an authentic way. You’ll get access to parts of the country that are difficult to visit independently.

Explore the Orosi Valley and the Lankester Botanical Gardens on this guided combination half-day tour from San José. The gardens, which are located outside of Cartago, serve as a center for orchid research, including more than 800 species of orchids, bromeliads, and other plants. Following the gardens, head to the town of Orosi to view the 18th-century Iglesia de San José de Orosi and colonial churches.

If you’re short on time in Central Costa Rica and want to see a lot in a day, this small-group tour is for you. From the capital you’ll visit a number of impressive natural and cultural sites. See two of Costa Rica’s most impressive volcanoes - Irazu and Turrialba - and visit the communities that live in their shadows. See how coffee is grown and harvested, and perhaps even sample a fresh brew.

Combine Costa Rica’s best sensations into one with this private full-day tour. First, you’ll sink deep into the wild rainforest, where you’ll learn all about the country’s obsession with chocolate—and you’ll taste some of the best, too. After your time on land, you’ll soak in Baldi Hot Springs, heated by the Arenal volcano, taking in the views and that Costa Rica feeling. Hotel pickup is included for your convenience.

If you’re looking for a great cup of coffee in Costa Rica, then this tour will take you to the right place. A private day trip to the Doka Estate coffee plantation will show you how Costa Rican coffee is processed from bean to brew. After seeing how this amazing coffee is made, you’ll head to the town of Iglesia de Sarchi for a few hours of souvenir shopping before making a quick stop at Parque Central de Grecia.

Every guide in San José will tell you coffee paid for the National Theatre. The records tell a different story, and that is only one surprise on this self-guided walking tour of San José. There is no guide and no group. You follow the story on your phone in the Tourific app. From the fortress where Costa Rica gave up its army to the square where, so the story goes, a general ordered his own firing squad to shoot, each stop is a story told where it happened. Everything plays offline, so you can stop for gallo pinto or step into a Museum, then carry on. Ideal for a first afternoon in the capital, before you head off to the volcanoes and the coast. Over 25,000 travelers have used our self-guided tours, and the tour comes with a full refund guarantee.

Guided Night Walk  This walk takes around 2 hours, where we'll walk on the trails of this private reserve looking for all kind of criatures, most of those active at night time, but being able to possibly spot some day time active fauna sleeping too.

Discover the incredible biodiversity of the Monteverde Cloud Forest on this guided natural history hike, ideal for travelers who want to explore one of Costa Rica's most fascinating and biodiverse ecosystems. Accompanied by an expert local naturalist guide, you'll hike along carefully selected trails within the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, renowned worldwide for its extraordinary ecological richness. During the hike, you may spot tropical birds such as toucans, hummingbirds, and, with a bit of luck, the famous Resplendent Quetzal. You might also encounter insects, amphibians, reptiles, and an impressive diversity of plants, including orchids, bromeliads, and giant ferns, that characterize the cloud forest. Thanks to the guide's expertise and the use of professional optical equipment, your chances of observing wildlife are greatly enhanced. This tour is ideal for nature lovers, photographers, and birdwatchers.

Join us on a walking tour through the heart of Alajuela, exploring its rich history, culture, and hidden gems. Visit the Juan Santamaría Museum, the historic Alajuela Theater, the bustling Municipal Market, the vibrant Cultural Center, and the elegant Cathedral. Along the way, hear fascinating stories, see architectural treasures, and experience local life firsthand. Perfect for history buffs, culture lovers, and curious travelers!

Explore the white sand beaches and lush rainforest on this full-day, guided excursion to Cahuita National Park that includes a banana plantation tour. Beginners, families, and seniors can all enjoy a hike through the park with naturalist guide who will point out plant species and wildlife like monkeys and toucans. Afterward, stop for some local fare and a drink in the town of Cahuita.

This experience combines nature, local culture, and history, giving you the chance to see a different side of Guanacaste beyond its beaches. Start with a short walk through the tropical forest to a hidden natural pool surrounded by greenery, where you can enjoy a refreshing swim. Then continue to Llanos del Cortés Waterfall, one of Guanacaste’s most beautiful waterfalls. Explore the upper section, take some photos, and then head down to the base for a swim in the natural pool beneath the waterfall. Afterward, enjoy a traditional Costa Rican buffet at Donde Pipe, a local restaurant in Liberia, with homemade dishes and authentic flavors from Guanacaste. Finish the day with a guided visit around Liberia, known as the “White City.” Discover its history and culture as you see traditional adobe houses, historic buildings, the former prison museum, and the city’s impressive Catholic church.

Discover the unique, original way of how medicinal ceremonies are presented in the BriBri culture. This will take place in the home or the shaman and here you´ll see how the medicinal plants are used. He will explain where every plant is helpful for and how this is used to heal someone. After the ceremony you´ll see the process of making cacao and enjoy an traditional meal. To end this extraordinary experience you´ll have a hike to the waterfall and have a refreshing swim.

Active travelers who want a moderate physical challenge while experiencing the beauty of the Costa Rican rainforest will enjoy this private guided hike through Tenorio Volcano National Park. The hike to the Rio Celeste Waterfall takes about three hours–on the way there look out for birds and wildlife, and learn more about them from your guide. The hike can be customized to suit your needs.

Walk around downtown and delve into Costa Rica's culture and immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring art created by renown local and international artists. Let our local experts guide you through Jaco's streets, unveiling the secrets and stories behind Jaco's one-of-a-kind street art. This tour will provide you a deeper understanding of our country's culture, adding depth and context to your Costa Rican experience.

Bike north to south and take a journey through Costa Rica's culture. Immerse in the world of our local street art crafted by celebrated local and international artists. Let our passionate local experts lead you along the vibrant streets of Jaco, unveiling the hidden treasures and captivating tales behind the city's unique street art. This tour will not only expand your knowledge of our country's culture but also infuse your Costa Rican adventure with a newfound sense of wonder. Get ready for an experience that will leave you with unforgettable memories and a deeper connection to the heart and soul of Costa Rica and Jaco town.

We will see the important sites of Downtown San Jose with an emphasis on the rich history and culture of this amazing country.

This guided tour is the perfect introduction for any traveler visiting Puerto Viejo for the first time. Discover local nature. Learn about history, and geology on a tour suitable for all ages and skill levels. Choose between morning or afternoon departures, and enjoy the chance to see sloths and visit a secret viewpoint. After an informative instruction about everything you need to know about traveling in Puerto Viejo we will start the walk along an easy trail. Watch for wildlife along the way: crabs, howler monkeys, iguanas, sloths, and a diverse range of sea birds. As we walk, hear stories about the geological structure of the caribbean of Costa Rica, and find out what makes this place so unique. Go back in time and learn the history of the first settlements, pirates stories and the Bribri indigenous people. We finish at a view point with an incredible panoramic view of the Caribbean Sea and Cocles island before we walk back looking for more wildlife.