Top Costa Rica Day Trips

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.

Grab your passport and head over the border for a full-day tour of Nicaragua’s highlights from Costa Rica. Start with a scenic Nicaraguan breakfast and then take in the views from Catarina Volcano. Visit the active Masaya Volcano and stand near the crater. Explore the colonial town of Granada, where you can marvel over the historic architecture and admire views from La Merced Church, followed by a delicious lunch of typical Nicaraguan cuisine. Finally, set sail across Lake Nicaragua for a scenic cruise.

Explore and swim under the Rio Celeste and Llanos de Cortés waterfalls, without the pressure of getting there on your own, with this group activity package. Enjoy a seamless experience that covers your itinerary, optional transportation, park fees, and lunch, meaning you can relax and immerse yourself in the day's activities. Along with the waterfalls, hike through Tenorio Volcano National Park and visit a sloth sanctuary.

Enjoy an exciting zipline adventure with incredible views of the Arenal Volcano (if weather permits) at Airtime Zipline Adventure, located just minutes from downtown La Fortuna and next to the famous Sloth Watching Trail. The course features 9 cables (including a practice line) and 10 platforms, built with sustainable and recycled materials. Perfect for families and beginners, this activity offers a thrilling experience without extreme heights children 4 years and older are welcome! Our professional guides will ensure your safety and fun throughout the tour. We operate with all official permits and insurance from the Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT), giving you total peace of mind. On clear days, you’ll soar with amazing volcano views while enjoying a memorable experience surrounded by nature. The adventure lasts only a couple of hours, so it’s easy to fit into your La Fortuna itinerary.

Get a dose of Costa Rica’s signature nature without leaving San Jose or fitting in an extra day trip. Led by a local biologist, you’ll traverse the city looking for tropical birds, slow-moving sloths, exotic plants, wild berries, and more. Just steps from downtown San Jose lies a green world of adventure, if you know where to look—and with this tour, you will.

Experience all the best of what Costa Rica's Caribbean side has to offer during this 6-in-1 tour from Puerto Limón. Part history, part wildlife, part city, part nature, you'll have a chance to delve into the Afro-Caribbean culture that defines the region and enjoy the tropical landscape in which it's set.

The Volcano Combo Tour is an experience you won’t find anywhere else, a full day that brings together Costa Rica’s adventure, culture, and volcanic wonders in one unforgettable journey. Start your adventure with ziplining across the rainforest canopy, crossing hanging bridges, and sliding down a thrilling waterslide carved through the jungle. Then, enjoy a touch of tradition with a vibrant cultural show, and take in the breathtaking landscapes on a horseback ride through scenic trails. Recharge with a delicious buffet lunch offering options for every taste, before heading to the relaxing side of the volcano. Here, you’ll discover a beautiful waterfall, detox in a natural volcanic rock sauna, cover yourself in a healing volcanic mud bath, and soak in the soothing thermal hot springs. What makes this tour truly unique is the perfect balance it offers; the adrenaline of adventure, the richness of culture, and the serenity of volcanic wellness, all in one incredible day.

Sloths up close, a waterfall swim, coffee & chocolate and a delicious local lunch: the day our guests call "the best part of our trip." We are a 100% local, family-owned company from Guanacaste, founded in 2008 by Carlos Méndez. Our guides grew up here, and the farmers and rainforest trackers you'll meet are our neighbors. Your booking supports local families. Pickup from hotels across Guanacaste: Liberia, Coco, Hermosa, Papagayo, Flamingo, Brasilito, Tamarindo and more. Swim at Llanos de Cortés waterfall, taste organic coffee and chocolate made by local families, search for sloths, toucans and frogs with an expert naturalist who helps you get close-up photos, and enjoy a traditional Tico lunch. Easy walks, a relaxed pace, never rushed. Ideal for families with kids of all ages, couples and nature lovers. Good to know: a full day of 6 to 8 hours depending on your hotel. In the rainy season (Sep–Nov), swimming depends on water conditions; if unsafe, we'll let you know in advance.

Explore Costa Rica’s beautiful nature and famous biodiversity on a fun full-day small-group trip to La Fortuna Waterfall, Arenal Volcano, and the Mistico Hanging Bridges. Start with an invigorating hike and refreshing swim at the waterfalls, then continue the hike to the volcano, followed by a traditional Costa Rican lunch. Conquer any fear of heights at the hanging bridges, and end this active day with a hot springs soak.

The lush rainforest and white-sand beaches of Isla Tortuga are part of the Islas Negritos Biological Reserve, and are located along the eastern coast of the Nicoya Peninsula. With this tour, you'll set sail aboard a large cruise ship, admire views of Isla San Lucas and Isla Tortuga from the water, and enjoy time on the island to swim, snorkel, or relax on the beach.

Design your own perfect day in La Fortuna on a customizable combo tour. Cross the rainforest canopy on hanging bridges, swim beneath La Fortuna Waterfall, hike in Arenal Volcano National Park, and soak in geothermal hot springs. Take your pick of activities or do them all for a full day of fun and relaxation. Optional lunch add-ons provide a taste of authentic Costa Rican cuisine. Hotel pickup and drop-off are also included from added convenience.

Look for sloths in their natural habitat, discover Miravalles’ geothermal wonders, and unwind in warm hot springs with a volcanic mud Bath—all in one memorable day. Explore with a local guide who helps you spot sloths, colorful birds, and other wildlife while sharing stories about Costa Rica's nature and local life. At the foot of Miravalles Volcano, discover steaming fumaroles and bubbling mud pots before enjoying a volcanic mud Bath and time to relax in the hot springs. Visita una hermosa cascada tropical para admirar el paisaje y tomar fotos. This stop is for viewing only; swimming is not part of the experience. Support local families with Pure Nature: transport from selected hotels, entrance fees & a traditional Costa Rican lunch included. Highlights: • Guided sloth and wildlife watching. • Miravalles geothermal activity. • Relaxing hot springs and volcanic mud bath. • Scenic waterfall viewing and photo opportunities. • A personal connection with local guides.

Sneak in a tropical island getaway during your Costa Rica vacation on this cruise from Jaco to Tortuga Island. Swim, snorkel, hike, drink, and dine on this all-inclusive tour, with the option to rent even more of your favorite water sports equipment like waverunners and paddleboards. Bookend your tour with a catamaran cruise across the beautiful Gulf of Nicoya.

Discover Costa Rica's enchanting Pacific rain forest from the air and water on this combo shore excursion from Puntarenas. Walk through the treetops on a series of hanging bridges at a private biological reserve, and then cruise down the Tarcoles River, home to a famous community of crocodiles. In between the eco adventures, enjoy time to shop and snack at a quaint replica of a Spanish colonial settlement.

Spend a day exploring Costa Rica’s beauty away from the beach on this guided shore excursion from Punta Arenas. Head out with a guide and a small group of 15 people or fewer to discover the region’s highlights, including the tropical fruits grown in nearby “fruit towns,” a wildlife area known for its population of white-faced monkeys, and a sail down the lush Tarcoles River. Tour includes entrance fees and all transportation with port or hotel pickup and drop-off.

Explore beyond the coast on this Puerto Limon shore excursion to Cahuita National Park. Take a quick look at Puerto Limon from a panoramic viewpoint before sailing down the tropical Tortuguero Canals in a covered boat en route to a banana plantation and Cahuita National Park. Enjoy a nature walk with your guide before returning to your ship at the port.

Visit three Costa Rican highlights in one day on this guided tour from San José. First explore a Starbucks-owned coffee farm, learning all about how your morning brew is grown, harvested, and roasted. Next, visit the Poas Volcano Crater and marvel at its powerful geysers and bubbling lake of aquamarine water. Then, experience La Paz Waterfall Garden–a lush rainforest that boasts spectacular waterfalls and exotic wildlife. Finally, stop by another coffee plantation and enjoy a lunch of traditional Costa Rican fare.

Costa Rica is famed for its jungle scenery, but to get off the beaten track, a guide and transportation and essential. Escape the bustle of Liberia on this half-day adventure tour to La Leona Waterfall. Hike through lush rainforest, swim in crystal-clear canyon waters, and cross rivers deep in the jungle. Lunch and bottled water are included, so you can skip the logistics and focus on the experience.

This sunset cruise includes snorkeling equipment for you to get out and enjoy the water, plus a premium top-shelf open bar and lunch. Basically, it has everything you need to guarantee a fun afternoon out on the water. End your tour with a picture-perfect sunset over the ocean. The cruise leaves from 2 locations, Tamarindo or Playas del Coco. Please be careful to select the correct option.

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.

This hassle-free full-day small-group tour visits Quepos’ impressive Nauyaca Waterfall and stops at Portalón waterfall, Playa Linda, and Dominical. Your guide and driver organize all logistics, so you don’t have to arrange transport, lunch, goggles, or snacks. Bring your bathing suit for several chances to swim, jump, or relax in Costa Rican waters and enjoy a traditional casado lunch at a local restaurant.

Enjoy an action-packed adventure in the shadows of the iconic Arenal Volcano with this great-value 2-in-1 combo tour. First, take to the treetops for a thrilling bird’s eye view of the rain forest as you walk the Arenal Hanging Bridges, then get your camera ready for a visit to the beautiful La Fortuna Waterfall. After cooling off with a swim beneath the falls, tuck into a typical Costa Rican lunch (included) before heading back to the city.

Explore Costa Rica's rainforests whilst getting a dose of adrenaline during this group activity package. Enjoy a comphrensive experience that includes logistics, lunch, and activities, allowing you to relax and fully immerse yourself in the day. Go ziplining and river tubing, and unwind in natural hot springs and volcanic mud baths afterwards.