Top San Jose Adventure Tours in 2026

Experience a thrilling day out on the Sarapiqui River with this half-day guided whitewater rafting adventure. Make your way to the base camp, then get transported to the river, where you’ll tackle more than 10 class II and III rapids with a certified rafting guide.

Zoom through the Costa Rican jungle on a full-day zip-lining tour in San Ramon. The tour is perfect for adrenaline junkies and active families alike. Thanks to provided safety equipment and the watchful eye of your experienced guide, you’re able to sail through the cloud forest with ease. Walk across six hanging bridges, measuring up to 360 feet across (110 meters). Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for hummingbirds, sloths, and monkeys.

Discover a more authentic Costa Rica in Blue Falls, Bajos del Toro. This private experience from San Jose is designed for those looking for real nature and personalized service. Tour seven blue waterfalls in a volcanic rainforest, accompanied by a local guide who adapts the rhythm to your energy and curiosity. Walk among lush mountains, feel the contrast of turquoise water, photograph yourself in a dreamy setting and immerse yourself in hidden natural pools. Each stop reveals a distinct, intimate and surprising landscape. Many travelers want to visit the popular Rio Celeste, but they don’t know that outside of traditional tourist routes there is this hidden gem, closer and less crowded. As an optional extension, add volcanic hot springs in a local family hotel in the middle of the forest, to complement this adventure with a space of relaxation and well-being. An experience designed to connect with nature deeply and personally.

This is a private tour for couples, friends and family. Close to San José and surroundings, ideal for those who have a free day and want to do something different and discover what is in those mountains behind the city, for lovers of nature and beautiful views, we will visit forests and incredible viewpoints and small towns that will give you an insight into how people live in Costa Rica and what life is like in the mountains of this beautiful Central American country. Let's go to Heredia a town with a rich history and discover some of the places at the foot of the Barva volcano.

Experience one of the most biodiverse places on the planet with this 11-day tour of Costa Rica. Cruise through the tropical rain forests of Tortuguero National Park and soak up the sun on the pristine white sand beaches of Manuel Antonio. Discover the unique ecosystems of Monteverde’s cloud forest and relax in natural hot springs at the base of a volcano in Arenal. The tour includes all transport, park fees, many meals, and 10 nights of accommodation.

With this private half-day tour, exploring active volcanoes couldn’t be easier. Picked up right from your hotel, you’ll make the scenic 1-hour ride to Irazu Volcano National Park and its namesake volcano—the highest in the country. You’ll explore this fiery wonderland with a guide (greenish-yellow crater lake and all), witness the old town of Cartago, and so much more.

This La Fortuna combo pairs late-afternoon adventure with nighttime wildlife discovery, starting with an exciting zipline tour at 4:00 PM. Glide through the treetops on 9 cables and 10 platforms, enjoying beautiful views of Arenal Volcano and Cerro Chato as the light begins to fade. Children must be at least 4 years old to participate, and guests over 125 kg (275 lbs) are not permitted on the zipline. Then, at 6:00 PM, continue with a guided night walk through the rainforest, where an expert naturalist helps you search for nocturnal creatures such as owls, tarantulas, snakes, and the iconic Red-Eyed Tree Frog. This unique experience offers a memorable way to discover a different side of La Fortuna’s rainforest from sunset into the evening.

When it comes to touring active volcanoes, always travel with a local. You’ll do just that on this tour: First, you’ll get whisked off to Irazu Volcano National Park, home to the highest volcano in the country. After some exploring, you’ll move to the Turrialba Volcano, likely spewing gases and ash. Not only will your guide will lead you safely—they’ll keep you from going home with those awkward selfies.

The tour to La Paz Waterfall Gardens is ideal for travelers who do not want to stray too far from the city to live a unique experience surrounded by nature and wildlife. The adventure begins from the moment we begin to climb the mountain, entering through the province of Alajuela, this tour will allow you to experience the changes in climate, accompanied by a wonderful landscape, which will be the prelude to the magnificent experience that travelers will have in La Paz Waterfall Gardens Natura Park & Wildlife Refuge This tour includes travelers, transportation, park tickets, and a delicious buffet lunch, so you won't have to worry about anything other than enjoying the experience.

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.

On a cruise in Costa Rica, stop off at Puntarenas for this jungle and river wagon expedition, with swimming and a boat ride included too. This is a half day excursion, where you’ll have several stops to see different things. First ride in the 24 seater wagon through the Tarcolitos River canyon, stop at the pool, then get to Carara National Park, and finish at El Jardin to buy souvenirs.

Enjoy two can't-miss Costa Rican experiences with a trip to Arenal Volcano (Volcan Arenal) and Baldi Hot Springs Resort. This overnight tour from San Jose gives you the chance to watch for lava flowing down an active volcano and then enjoy a relaxing soak in thermal waters. One night of accommodation is included.

Appease your appetite for adventure during an exhilarating 3-hour rafting session on the Sarapiqui River from Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui . With an experienced guide, conquer the Class II and III rapids on the river’s most intense section and feel your adrenaline levels surge. During calmer periods, marvel at the abundance of exotic wildlife on the banks of the Sarapiqui River and listen to fascinating commentary from your guide.

Explore the biodiverse Corcovado National Park on this all-day guided tour from San Jose. First, sail through the largest mangrove in Central America before starting your walk through the park, which is filled with lush flora and fauna. Following lunch, visit the San Pedrillo waterfall for a refreshing dip in the waters.

Come in to the tropical dry forest of Costa Rica from the beach to jungle and back! Trying o find wild life and excitement. - Tour duration: Approximately 2 hours in from 9:00 am to 11:00 am - or 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Get on the Pejibaye River totally worry-free with this all-inclusive tour. After pickup from your hotel, you’ll hop into your private car for a ride to the river—and a stop for a traditional Costa Rican breakfast. Once at the water, your guides will set you up for an exciting 3-hour float through the jungle, complete with photos, water, and towels provided.

Experience two of Costa Rica’s impressive natural wonders in one day with this private full-day tour from San Jose. Enjoy a scenic hike through the Poas Volcano National Park, admire magnificent views of the crater, and look out for hummingbirds and quetzals in the cloud forest. After lunch, explore the La Paz Waterfall Gardens, where you can spot wildlife such as white face and spider monkeys, wildcats, snakes, and butterflies. Finally, visit a coffee farm to learn about its production process.

Head out from San Jose to explore two quintessential Costa Rican icons: volcanoes and the Sarchi ox carts. On this private tour, you’ll start at the active Poas Volcano, gazing from the edge into the water-filled crater below. Then you’ll head to Sarchi, the most famous craft center in the country, to learn all about the famous painted ox carts, the town’s internationally recognized woodworking scene, and more.

Your breath-taking, adventure begins with a pickup from your hotel and a relaxing private drive through the wonderful Costa Rican countryside. After a 90 minute drive from San Jose, you will arrive to Tarcoles River. The Tarcoles River is home to one of the world’s largest crocodile populations in the wild and they are very easy to admire during our 90 minutes boat tour. Get up close with American crocodiles of all sizes and observe an abundance of beautiful exotic birds! Enjoy spectacular rainforest scenery and cruise through dense mangrove forest canals. Spot jungle wildlife such as iguanas, lizards, and monkeys. After the tour, enjoy a delicious typical lunch and explore the souvenir store. Continuing our tour, a short drive to Carara National Park will allow us to get deep inside the rainforest in this unique ecosystem, where many beautiful wildlife species are common to see such as the Scarlet macaw, monkeys, snakes, armadillos and more.

NOTE The total stay within the Poás Volcano National Park will be 40 minutes: 10 minutes on the walk to the viewpoint of the crater, 20 minutes on the lookout point and 10 minutes on the exit walk. There is no access to the Botos Lagoon and in case of fog, there is no extra waiting time as in the past.

Visit the Irazu Volcano and a nearby hot springs wiht this tour. Your driver will pick you up at your hotel in San Jose, Heredia, Alajuela, or Cartago and take you out to the volcano, the highest in Costa Rica. You'll then go on to visit a thermal spring, where you can soak in hot mineral waters heated by the volcano's activity before returning to your hotel.

Discover the biodiversity of Costa Rica on a day trip from San Jose to the Monteverde Cloud Forest. The massive ecological park maintains six different climate zones and is home to more than 400 species of birds, 2,500 plant species, and hundreds of animal species. Take a stroll along the SkyWalk, standing at 130 feet, for an aerial view of the forest. This tour includes breakfast, lunch, and entrance fees.

Full of crocodiles, howler monkeys, macaws, toucans, and much more, Tortuguero National Park is a conservation area interlinking the rainforest to the beach by canals, lagoons, and rivers. This overnight experience takes you from your San Jose hotel to the village of Tortuguero. When you wake at dawn, you’ll cruise down the canals into the national park to see the sunrise.

Costa Rica’s home to multiple volcanos and Poas is one of the most active. See this stunning, smokey stratovolcano during a guided trip to Poas Volcano National Park. Walk through lush forests, keeping your eye out for diverse wildlife sightings. Discover a waterfall in La Paz and pass by the serene Sarapiqui riverside before visiting a coffee farm. During the tour, you’ll also stop for a delicious, local lunch.