Top Costa Rica How to Get Around

Adventure-loving travelers won’t want to miss this combined zip lining, rappelling, and hiking tour. The Carpintera Hills are close to San Jose and offer the easiest way to go zip lining from the capital. Glide through the forest canopy on steel cables strung between 19 platforms. Rappel from as high as 130 feet. Enjoy the forest views along the way and look out for birds and animals.

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.

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.

San Jose is the cultural capital of Costa Rica and boasts a rich and varied history. Get acquainted with the city’s charms on a private tour, featuring a customizable itinerary of must-see attractions and private transportation through the city’s maze of trafficked avenues.

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.

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.

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.

Take the stress out of eating and drinking at night in a new city with this fun-filled dinner and nightlife experience. Explore markets, check out neighborhoods you might otherwise miss, and indulge in a delicious three-course gourmet dinner with wine pairings. Learn about local food and culture from your guide throughout the evening.

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.

Learn all about the coffee growing and making process on this private tour of the Starbucks chain’s Hacienda Alsacia Coffee Farm. Explore the farm on a guided tour where you’ll visit the tree nursery, wet mill, drying patio, and roasting machine. Learn about sustainable farming practices, and about the people who produce the coffee you drink every day. An educational tour that travelers with a range of interests will enjoy.

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.

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.

Central America’s longest zipline runs for nearly a mile, with 14 tree platforms, three natural walks, six hanging bridges, and more. On this tour, you’ll experience it for yourself, zooming above the forest like a clay-colored thrush (Costa Rica’s national bird, of course). You’ll also sit down to a traditional lunch to fuel up for the adrenaline-filled activity, with hotel transfers included for convenience.

Explore Manuel Antonio National Park with a certified guide with your choice of a private or small-group tour. You'll walk along for different trails to maximize your chances of seeing local wildlife, from monkeys and sloths to lizards and tropical birds. You'll even get to use a spotting scope to take high-definition photos of the wildlife you see.

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.

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.

Get your heart racing on this cloud forest adventure on a private reserve in Monteverde. Ride ziplines over the forest canopy, rappel down to the forest floor, climb inside of a tree, and more, for a family-friendly excursion that brings you closer to nature.

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.

Rappel down waterfalls in the shadow of Arenal Volcano on this exciting rainforest adventure just outside of La Fortuna. Head into the forest, where guides will help you gear up for a thrilling course featuring a rock climb and rappelling, including the "Monkey Drop" and waterfall descents. After conquering this natural playground, head back to HQ for a delicious lunch of Costa Rican cuisine.

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.

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.

Part of what makes Costa Rica a destination for ecotourism is its extensive coastlines. Explore the waters off Guanacaste aboard the Blue Dolphin, a 40-foot catamaran that slices through the surf and offers a fully stocked bar, paddle boards and kayaks for your enjoyment. Breathe in the salt spray and keep a lookout for dolphins, turtles, whales, and spectacular coastal views.

Head out to the Sloth's Territory reserve, just outside of La Fortuna, to see the slow moving creatures in their natural habitat with this tour. You'll hike through the reserve, where you're likely to not only spot sloths, but also see a variety of other animals, including red frogs, porcupines, and even toucans. After your walk, you'll take a break to try some local fruits before returning to La Fortuna.