Top Costa Rica How to Get Around in 2026

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.

Discover La Fortuna's rainforest after dark on a small-group night walk limited to just eight people. Follow a restored trail through nine lagoons and around a lake while looking for frogs, reptiles, amphibians, birds and other nocturnal wildlife. Guides bring the surroundings to life with insights into local species and the site's ecological restoration, creating a more immersive experience than simply spotting wildlife on your own.

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.

Get ready for an adrenaline-pumping adventure with our ATV Adventure tour. Explore the picturesque Manuel Antonio countryside areas, unlike any other tourist. Feel the thrill while driving your ATV through the mountains, where you'll witness the lush greenery of the rainforest and an array of wildlife. Not only will you ride through the lush jungles of Costa Rica, but you'll also appreciate excellent views and can take amazing pictures of the beautiful landscapes. After experiencing the amazing ATV adventure, you will enjoy a unique nature experience at Rainmaker Park, a magical corner where lush rainforest meets the thrill of outdoor adventures. This park offers a stunning backdrop that immerses you in the rainforest. The constant murmur of water in Rainmaker Park accompanies you as you walk, creating a relaxing atmosphere and connecting you with the pure essence of nature. You will encounter majestic waterfalls that break the serenity with their comforting roar.

Check out the wildlife in the Manuel Antonio National Park on this small yet intimate tour. Your certified guide will take you through the park, pointing out animals you can see more clearly with your provided spotting scope. You can also take a beach break and go for a swim at the end, too.

Take a walk through the rainforest canopy on a tour of the hanging bridges surrounding Arenal Volcano. Many species of Costa Rican wildlife like monkeys, sloths, and frogs live up in the trees, so these suspended walkways give you a bird’s-eye perspective of Arenal’s amazing ecosystem. The mostly flat aerial hike is gentle enough for most ages and abilities, so the whole family can experience the wonder of the rainforest.

Observe Costa Rica's bountiful wildlife from the hanging bridges of Mistico Park in Arenal. Trek along ground-level forest trails and suspended walkways in this private, family-owned nature reserve that’s home to a vast array of birdlife, monkeys, reptiles, and tropical plants. Learn about the area’s rich biodiversity from a naturalist guide as you explore different levels of the rainforest, from floor to canopy, and enjoy commanding views of Arenal Volcano.

Much of the wildlife in Manuel Antonio National Park is well camouflaged and easy to miss without a trained eye. Walk the trails with a guide who helps you look out for wildlife and shares the area’s history and culture. Then, spend time at one of the park’s beaches. Early-morning departures offer a quieter visit when wildlife tends to be more active.

Costa Rica’s inland capital is far from the coast but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a day on a white-sand tropical island from San Jose. This full-day guided tour to Tortuga Island simplifies your travel to this Pacific coast island, eliminating the need to stay overnight. After getting there in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle, spend several hours at leisure on the beach swimming, snorkeling, and looking out for dolphins.

Make the most of limited time in Costa Rica with a guided half-day nature walk through Manuel Antonio National Park. Don’t waste time wondering what to see next; instead, head straight to the park’s highlights in the company of a naturalist guide and benefit from their animal spotting expertise and spotting scope to see creatures you might otherwise have missed.

Experience a side of Playa Flamingo that many visitors miss—and make the most of half a day on the water—on this immersive catamaran cruise. After setting sail, look out for dolphins, whales, and turtles, and have the chance to snorkel, kayak, or paddleboard. When it's time to relax, enjoy unlimited drinks on board, soak up sunset views over the Pacific, and benefit from included hotel pickup and drop-off before returning to shore.

Aromatic coffee, sweet sugarcane, and melt-in-your-mouth chocolate are three of Costa Rica’s top agricultural exports—and its favorite products among locals and visitors alike. Learn about these three crops first-hand on this tour of a family-owned farm near La Fortuna. See how coffee is created from bean to cup, and then taste other delicious crops along with a guide.

Immerse yourself in an unparalleled adventure by booking our thrilling canyoning and waterfall rappelling, in the enchanting setting of Pocosol Forest. Situated near the renowned Children's Eternal Rainforest and nestled within the majestic Peñas Blancas River Canyon, this activity will offer you the chance to conquer four waterfalls in a dreamlike natural environment. What makes this activity so unique and intriguing? Not only will you face the challenge of descending down crystal-clear cascades, but you will also experience an authentic encounter with the biodiversity that surrounds these aquatic wonders. Our expert guides will provide you with precise instructions for safe rappelling, and they will also share their deep knowledge of the local ecology and the importance of preserving these ecosystems. From the roar of the water to the lush vegetation enveloping you, every moment on this activity is an opportunity to connect with nature in its purest form.

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.

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.

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.

Float down the Peñas Blancas River in a rowboat on this 3.5-hour journey from La Fortuna. Listen to your naturalist guide's commentary while keeping a lookout for monkeys, iguanas, and a variety of bird life. Finish up with a stop at a local farm to sample their homemade snacks and coffee. Round-trip transport from selected hotels included.

Zipline through Costa Rican rainforest on a canopy tour that goes over the spectacular La Fortuna Waterfall—an exciting opportunity not offered on similar excursions. Between cables, take in views of Arenal Volcano and Cerro Chato and talk to your guides about the La Fortuna area. No experience is needed and almost anyone who is interested in Costa Rica’s biodiversity will enjoy this immersive adventure.

Experience one of the most exciting adventures in La Fortuna, Arenal. The Canyoning Rock combines breathtaking abseiling descents through waterfalls and natural walls, optional jumps into crystal clear pools, river walks and two exciting canopy lines over the tropical forest. Explore a hidden canyon surrounded by lush greenery, waterfalls and unique landscapes of Costa Rica while enjoying an experience that combines adrenaline, nature and fun. No prior experience required; our certified guides provide complete induction and accompaniment throughout the tour, using professional equipment and high safety standards. The adventure ends with a walk along the Arenal River and a delicious lunch at La Roca Bistró. Ideal for those looking for an authentic canyoning, waterfall, adventure and nature experience near Arenal Volcano. The perfect balance between adrenaline, nature and fun in Costa Rica.

While traveling to La Fortuna in Costa Rica, many people explore the gorgeous and unique landscape using ATVs; however, many tours take you to public areas that are overcrowded. This Arenal Volcano ATV Experience from La Fortuna takes you on an ATV ride through a private trail of the jungle that allows you to experience nature, culture, and adventure all during just a few hours.

Enjoy an afternoon and evening on the water from Tamarindo on a well-equipped catamaran cruise. Set sail from Tamarindo in the early afternoon, timed so you catch the sunset later on. Sit back and admire the views of the Guanacaste coast or get active using the included kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and snorkel equipment. Includes lunch—with vegetarian options—and an open bar.

Just outside the crowded beaches of Tamarindo, Las Baulas National Park offers an often-overlooked natural getaway. This tour takes you through the park’s vast network of mangrove forests on a relaxing boat trip. As you float down the river, your guide points out wildlife like howler monkeys, crocodiles, and tropical birds that you might not see on your own.

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.