Top Costa Rica Cultural Tours

Safely immerse yourself in Costa Rican nature and wildlife on an 8- to 9-hour tour to La Paz Waterfall Gardens. Leave the busy streets of San Jose behind in comfortable air-conditioned transportation from your hotel. Discover more than 100 species at the sanctuary, including titi monkeys, 2-toed sloths, pumas, and toucans. You can even feed hummingbirds by hand. Have your camera ready for the cloud forest, waterfalls, and aviary.

Turn exploring San Jose into an ultra-rich cultural experience with this guided “bites and sights” tour. You’ll start at the city’s best markets—Central and Borbon markets—tasting empanadas, fresh fruits, coffees, and more, plus learning all about local goods and handicrafts. You’ll also get a guided exploration of the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, diving even deeper into the city’s gilded history.

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.

Exploring La Fortuna’s standout natural attractions typically requires renting a vehicle, but this tour lets you skip the hassle. Start with a walk across Mistico Park’s hanging bridges, looking for wildlife and taking in views of Arenal Volcano. After lunch at a local restaurant, head for La Fortuna Waterfall, where you can swim in the pool beneath the falls.

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.

Venture through this natural wonderland with someone who has an intimate connection to the land, its history, and its wildlife. Your knowledgeable guide, deeply rooted in the culture and environment of the region, offers more than just a tour; Shiloh provides a unique perspective that brings the refuge to life. This journey is about more than just visual splendor—it’s about immersing yourself in the sights, sounds, and stories that make the Gandoca-Manzanillo Refuge truly unforgettable.

Adventure-seeking travelers will love the opportunity to hike and zipline through the Costa Rican rainforest. After a safety training you’ll hike through the forest to an area with seven ziplines strung between the treetops. Enjoy zooming along these, looking out for wildlife on the way. Some of the ziplines go right past some beautiful waterfalls, for the best views.

Discover Ortega and the National Reserve Cipanci on this guided boat tour along the Tempisque River. Home to a wide variety of birds including the Scarlet Macaws and the Jabiru (the largest storks in the world), the wildlife refuge is an important nesting site. Following the tour, enjoy a traditionally made lunch with local cultivated ingredients.

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.

Visit two of the most popular attractions near La Fortuna with the full-day excursion to the Arenal Mistico Park and La Fortuna Waterfall. First, walk along a 2-mile (3.2 kilometers) hanging-bridges circuit up to 200 feet (60 meters) above the rainforest floor. Afterward, swim and relax at La Fortuna Waterfall before having a traditional lunch and returning 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.

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.

Experience the best of La Fortuna on a full-day combo tour that blends nature, adventure, and relaxation—the perfect way to check plenty off in one go. Begin with a visit to the stunning La Fortuna Waterfall. Journey down a 500-step jungle trail for a refreshing swim in the fall's crystal-clear pool (weather permitting). Continue to Arenal Volcano for a guided hike through lush trails in the Ecological Park, and gain insight into the region’s unique geology. Finally, tuck into a typical Costa Rican lunch and unwind in the soothing waters of El Choyin hot springs. This all-in-one tour promises incredible landscapes, local flavors, and natural wonders.

Explore Tamarindo’s beaches and dry forest on an off-road ATV tour with river crossings and stunning tropical scenery. Learn to maneuver your vehicle, then follow your guide along a rugged circuit. Take in the sights and sounds of the Costa Rican forest and watch for birds and monkeys as you steer beneath coastal trees. Upgrade your tour to include other activities such as snorkeling, driving a UTV, ziplining, or even exploring other areas by ATV.

Visit the Irazú Volcano National Park and Lankester Botanical Garden on this all-day tour from San Jose. First, head to Irazú Volcano, the highest active volcano in Costa Rica at 11,260 feet (3,400 meters) tall and see its most popular attraction, the giant Diego de la Haya crater. On the return trip, stop at the Lankester Garden, which was established to protect types of flora.

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.

Learn about Costa Rican cuisine on this hands-on tour in Quepos. First, visit a farmers’ market to browse and select ingredients for lunch. With the help of local cooks, you’ll learn how to make corn tortillas from scratch, “ceviches” with plantain or banana, picadillos, and more. Along the way, find out about the origin of the organic ingredients, how they are prepared, and how you can recreate the dishes at home.

Learn more about Costa Rican culture on a full-day small-group tour revolving around two of the country’s finest products: cigars and rum. Visit a handcrafted cigar shop, have a go at rolling your own, and sample three varieties. Then, head to a private sugar estate where you’ll take a walking tour and learn about rum production. Enjoy a personalized rum cocktail with a traditional lunch at a grand 19th-century mansion.

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.

Experience several of Costa Rica's natural highlights on one private, leisurely-paced excursion—with a comprehensive itinerary saving you the hassle of combining separate tours and logistics. Visit a coffee and chocolate plantation, stroll through a wildlife park, take in the rainforest, and cool off at Llanos de Cortés Waterfall. Along the way, learn about local cultivation, sample local exports, enjoy a meal, and look for wildlife, including sloths, toucans, and butterflies.

This sunset cruise includes snorkeling equipment for you to get out and enjoy the water, plus a premium top-shelf open bar and lunch. Basically, it has everything you need to guarantee a fun afternoon out on the water. End your tour with a picture-perfect sunset over the ocean. The cruise leaves from 2 locations, Tamarindo or Playas del Coco. Please be careful to select the correct option.

Taste how Costa Rican chefs are incorporating farm-to-table concepts on a food tour through San Jose’s vibrant Escalante neighborhood. Take a seat at restaurants and cafes hand-picked for their fresh, innovative cuisine, sampling the best of menus featuring local, seasonal, and organic ingredients. A foodie guide introduces you to chefs and owners for a more personal tasting experience.

Though Costa Rica may be more famous for its natural attractions, its capital city of San Jose is not to be overlooked. Head out from downtown San Jose on a double-decker sightseeing bus to discover the city’s important historical landmarks, learn about the history and culture of Costa Rica, and find the best panoramic views of the city.

Arenal Volcano National Park’s massive size and unique natural setting can make it an easy place to get lost in, if you don’t already know the area. This Arenal Volcano National Park Hiking Tour from La Fortuna allows you to explore one of the park’s beautiful trails with a guide who can navigate the steep slopes and volcanic landscape well. Plus, take in views of Lake Arenal, while your guide talks about the volcano’s history and forest formation processes.