Top Central Valley Outdoor Activities

Our forest, project that started back in 2000, reforesting cattle farms, in the seek for forest recovering in la Fortuna, has become home for a great local flora and fauna variety throughout the years, very important for their preservation. It is also a great place for birdwatching. Throughout the tour, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to observe a variety of wildlife, including toucans, basilisks, and other exotic creatures. Your guide will share interesting facts about the animals and plants you encounter, giving you a deeper appreciation for the natural beauty of the area. The enjoy and respect of our mother nature help us have an authentic experience in the forest.

Though renowned for its wildlife, spotting the Arenal and La Fortuna area's favorite animal residents can be notoriously tricky. Tour a number of locations where wildlife sightings are all but guaranteed on this Arenal wildlife tour—expect to see sloths, toucans, dart frogs, and more with the help of your guide. Tour includes use of spotting scope and hotel pickup and drop-off.

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.

Get a taste of Costa Rica’s famed biodiversity without straying too far from the city with this all-access day pass to La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park. Prebooked entry saves you from waiting around in long ticket lines, so you have even more time to explore its attractions. Choose whether to tackle family-friendly hiking trails through the cloud forest, visit a rescued jungle cat educational program, or spend time at the site's numerous specialty wildlife exhibits.

Take a short guided walk in the rain forest to look for sloths and experience Costa Rica’s diverse wildlife up close. Look for two- and three-toed sloths, a variety of birds, and other wildlife with the insights of a local guide who has a keen eye for spotting wildlife.

The Arenal 1968 Trail Park affords spectacular views of Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal with a choice of two scenic hikes. With this admission ticket, make your own way to the park and set out on a self-guided trek, following the marked trails along ancient lava flows and through lush rainforest to reach the viewpoints.

Enjoy a thrilling yet gentle day of white-water rafting down class II and III rapids on the Balsa River. This active adventure includes transfers from La Fortuna, equipment, instruction, a safety briefing, and ends with a delicious lunch in a local restaurant. Feel the thrill as you bounce and glide 6 miles (10 kilometers) down the river flanked by lush the jungle filled with monkeys, tropical birds, and sloths.

Insert some thrills into your Costa Rican vacation. This tubing tour takes you onto the Celeste River (Río Celeste) so that you can experience the wild beauty of Costa Rica's coastline by letting the current carry you along. As you float along the river in a tube, you'll soak up the surrounding tropical nature and spot various wildlife.

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.

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.

Take advantage of some of northern Costa Rica’s best white-water rafting on this full-day, guided tour with traditional lunch included. Paddle through the rainforest and over the rapids of the Balsa River stopping along to swim and rest in nature. After your adventure is done enjoy a Costa Rican style lunch at a local restaurant.

Experience an unrivalled experience on ANURA, the eco-friendly night tour that stands out in La Fortuna. In a small group of up to 8 people per guide. For 2 hours, it runs through 9 lagoons and a majestic lake on a specially restored trail, where the abundant local fauna is displayed in all its glory. Our professional guides will take you to discover alligators, a wide variety of frogs, reptiles, amphibians, birds and insects, in an environment that has been transformed by a firm commitment to ecological restoration. Unlike other tours in the area, ANURA combines safety, education and sustainability, offering a unique experience that connects you deeply with nature. Book now and find out why ANURA is the favorite choice for wildlife lovers! You can also learn more about our commitment at: https://anuracostarica.com/our-commitment/

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.

Discover the fascinating wildlife of the rainforest on our Guided Night Walk. Designed for all ages, this experience is ideal for nature lovers, groups of friends, families and couples. Along a private trail on the charming Papa’s Place property, watch frogs, reptiles and nocturnal mammals in their natural habitat. Our expert guides will provide you with valuable information about local species, creating an educational and immersive experience in this biodiversity sanctuary. Experience the jungle from a new perspective while enjoying the hypnotic sounds of the night. - Night Tour of Private Trails in Papa’s Place - Ideal for groups, families and nature lovers - Observation of frogs and nocturnal fauna in their habitat Expert guides sharing knowledge on biodiversity

Ascend to some of the highest points in the Arenal rainforest on a zipline excursion from La Fortuna. Make your way to Sky Adventures in Arenal Park, or book a hotel transfer (extra cost). Then, spend a couple of hours flying through the canopy and along zippiness on an adrenaline-filled tour. Learn about local flora and fauna and take in the views as you go.

Navigate Class III-IV rapids under the guidance of an expert during this white-water rafting course down the Pacuare River from San Jose. Paddle your way through one of Costa Rica's most picturesque river gorges, looking out for native wildlife between rapid runs, on an exciting day trip ideal for thrill seekers. Hotel pickup and drop-off, equipment, and lunch are all included, so you can focus on the thrills.

We are the only company that offers an authentic night hike inside the Rainforest, at the base of the majestic Arenal Volcano. In addition, we are the only local company certified as Family & Kids Friendly, ideal for family enjoyment and suitable for all ages. This experience takes place in a 100% natural environment, it is not a controlled environment. The animals live in complete freedom, so each walk is different and sightings may vary every night. Accompanied by an expert naturalist guide, we will explore the trails of Mirador El Silencio. During the tour we will look for frogs such as the hourglass, Blue Jeans and the iconic red-eyed frog. It is also possible to observe exotic insects, reptiles and snakes. With any luck, we can find mammals like sloths, possums or anteaters. To enjoy this experience safely, it is essential to use closed shoe.

Arenal Volcano Rainforest & Natural History Tour – ( HANGING BRIDGES TOUR ) This is the quintessential Arenal Volcano tour to do when you’re in La Fortuna! Discover a natural paradise of trails and hanging bridges as you stroll along the beautiful natural paths of the Mystic Park. Connect with nature and observe the flora and fauna from a more intimate perspective while you have the opportunity to walk through the forest, hang from the branches or fly above the treetops like an eagle. Admire the stunning views from La Catarata Bridge and learn more about the rainforest with the help of a naturalist guide. Hear about the animal life, geography, history of the region and admire stunning views of the volcano, depending on the weather. This tour is adventure in the rainforest in Arenal, where you can explore and see animals, plants, and take lot pictures.

Adventure-seeking travelers won’t want to miss ziplining through the Costa Rican forests and over waterfalls. Ride a bus and take a short hike to the start of the course, then enjoy zooming down 12 thrilling cables. Three of these are strung out over two incredible waterfalls, so enjoy the views as you go. End the tour at an Indian village, where you can learn more about the indigenous people.

Hiking in the Costa Rican rainforest can be a dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing. Book this La Fortuna Sloths, Coffee, and Chocolate Experience and go with a guide who will keep you safe and well informed. Set out through the rainforest to spot sloth and other wildlife before stopping at a chocolate and coffee farm for tastings.

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.

Soar through the lush jungles of Costa Rica as you embark on a thrilling zipline adventure near the Arenal Volcano. Head to the adventure park and gear up to fly over canyons, above waterfalls, and through the forest over a series of ziplines. While you're in the air, take in the views of your surroundings including the volcano, waterfalls, and even downtown La Fortuna.

Go birdwatching in the Curi-Cancha Reserve in the Monteverde Cloud Forest on a half-day tour led by a naturalist guide and spot more than you would going alone. Look out for resplendent quetzals, silvery-fronted tapaculo, toucans, hummingbirds, and more—identify up to 60 species. Enjoy exploring the mountainous forest trails without the risk of getting lost. Monteverde-area transfers can be provided for an extra fee.