Top Costa Rica Natural Attractions in 2026 - page 2

Make your Costa Rica vacation unforgettable with this full-day adventure to Arenal Volcano, one of the country’s most iconic natural landmarks. Begin your day with a scenic hike through the lush rainforest at Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park, where you’ll walk along a network of elevated bridges offering panoramic views of the jungle canopy and the serene Arenal Lake. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for tropical birds, monkeys, and other native wildlife. This experience combines adventure, natural beauty, and total relaxation — a must-do for any traveler visiting the Arenal region.

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

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.

Spend a half day touring the Arenal Volcano with a guide, learning the history of the volcano from its first eruption in 1968. You’ll have a moderate walk of about 1.5k to the viewpoint, where you’ll have views of the Green Lagoon and Lake Arenal. Along the way you’ll see the wildlife of the rainforest, including turkeys, toucans, monkeys, orioles, and snakes!

Snorkeling stops, sunshine, and unobstructed views of Costa Rica's shoreline make this sunset catamaran cruise the ideal way to end your day—and the open bar doesn't hurt. Join a friendly crew (as well as dolphins, turtles, and flying fish) to make the most of the day's last rays on this perfectly timed tour, which ends just as the sun sinks below the horizon. Hotel pickup is included for added convenience.

Feel like a jungle explorer as you venture into the lush rainforest around Arenal Volcano on a horseback ride from La Fortuna. Mount your horse and follow a guide along a scenic trail that hugs a river canyon, stopping to admire the Pino Blanco and La Fortuna waterfalls. Cool off with an optional swim, and learn about Costa Rica’s indigenous culture at the Maleku Village.

Zoo Ave is an important center for animal rescue and rehabilitation, with a vast natural landscape, ornamental gardens, a large number of native and endangered species. This general admission ticket provides entry to the zoo and allows you to explore at your own pace. Learn about local wildlife, see a variety of well-cared-for animals with ample space to thrive, and observe animal rescue and rehabilitation in action.

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.

Costa Rica is known for its diversity of lush tropical landscapes. Experience both beach and jungle during this full-day private tour of Manuel Antonio National Park. Enjoy wildlife watching, basking on the beach and immersing yourself in Costa Rica’s natural beauty. Private transportation, breakfast, and a personal guide to show you the way 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.

On this Jaco off-road ATV tour, it’s all about the journey—and the destinations. Take a thrilling ride through rugged mountain terrain en route to a vista point and two waterfalls, one of which has a 15-foot (4.5-meter) jump to try (if you dare). Be sure to bring a swimsuit to refresh yourself in the natural pool either way.

Discover one of La Fortuna’s most sought-after nightlife experiences at Papa’s Place, a renowned private reserve ideal for amphibian, reptile and tropical wildlife viewing. This tour is designed for travelers who want to explore the rainforest at night with expert naturalist guides, significantly increasing the possibilities of observation and photography. During the tour of easy and well-maintained trails, you can look for species such as red-eyed frogs, glass frogs, snakes, insects and other creatures active after sunset. Although the main focus is amphibians and reptiles, it is occasionally possible to observe mammals, sloths and other wildlife, always depending on the natural activity of the forest. The experience is realized by offering a calmer, more flexible and personalized environment with groups Small max 8 per group. Organized by its best ally, Vivo Expeditions Papas place Night Tour Fortune

Head to La Fortuna, home to the Arenal Volcano, on this guided all-day tour from San Jose. Sit back and relax as you travel through diverse plantations and cattle ranches on the roughly 3.5-hour drive. After arriving, enjoy lunch with a view of the volcano. Then, take a dip in the area’s thermal waters and indulge in an optional massage or other treatment.

This private tour is an excellent option to explore with a local naturalist the most amazing attractive areas of the Arenal area where you will be able to enjoy the most special views to the Arenal lake & Volcano which is surrounded by a thick jungle of tropical rain forest known worldwide for its great diversity with the largest mass of incredible biodiversity. This expedition offers the best chance to see and learn more about the flora and fauna. Also its perfect for the travelers who wants walk in their on speed and dont be with all the crowns.

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.

Due to its excellent location, Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa is recognized for offering the most spectacular landscapes and wildlife observation opportunities in Costa Rica. Eleven kilometers of trails, two observation towers and two suspension bridges offer unique opportunities to immerse yourself in the nature of the Arenal Volcano National Park. If you are not a guest of the Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa, we offer you the opportunity to opt for the DAY PASS to explore our impressive 350-hectare (865-acre) nature reserve.

Explore the Costa Rican capital’s rich history, landmark buildings, and modern culture on a combo bus and walking tour of San Jose. Get a great introduction to city highlights like the National Theater and Art Museum, and stop to walk through bustling markets and public plazas to feel the pulse of this modern Central American metropolis. Get an extra boost of Costa Rican culture by listening to traditional folkloric music onboard the bus.

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.

Combine two of the top outdoor rainforest activities in Costa Rica with this full-day day tour. After pickup from La Fortuna in a minivan, head to the Arenal Hanging Bridges—two miles (3.2 kilometers) of raised walking platforms designed for viewing wildlife in the rainforest canopy and below. After walking the bridges, visit La Fortuna Waterfall, swim in the La Fortuna River, and have a restaurant lunch before returning to La Fortuna.

Immerse yourself in nature on this 3-day, 2-night adventure. The perfect excursion for outdoor enthusiasts, the tour brings you to the artisan town of Sarchi, known for its crafts and souvenirs, and the Arenal Volcano. You’ll also visit the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve to hike and enjoy the Sky Walk, a combination of trails and suspension bridges above the forest canopy.

Costa Rica’s Playa Grande boasts ideal conditions for beginning surfers, so get your feet—and board—wet with a private lesson that covers essentials of surf safety, paddling, and standing up. Whether it's your first time out or you want to sharpen your skills, a dedicated instructor gets you geared up and in the water for a personalized introduction to a water sport you can take anywhere.

Head into the rain forest of Costa Rica and discover the Arenal Volcano on a half-day tour. Trek past lava formations, swim in a lake created by the volcano, and take a dip in the warm hot springs of the Tabacon River. Enjoy a delicious Costa Rican lunch while taking in the views of the volcano and enjoy your day in the rain forest.

The Corcovado National Park, holding a bit more than 3% of all the living species of Earth is one of Costa Rica’s best natural places for eco-tourism! And visiting with a real local expert makes a whole difference!

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.