Top Costa Rica Tours by Duration

Explore Irazú Volcano, the highest volcano in the area, reaching 11,000 feet (3,432 meters) above sea level, on this full-day combo tour. After visiting the volcano, descend to the city of Cartago, the former capital of Costa Rica, where you will stop at the Basilica of the Angels. Also see the Orosi Valley, known for its diversity of crops, such as coffee and sugar cane. Next, explore the ruins of one of the oldest ruined churches in Costa Rica in Cartago.

More than just a fun white-water rafting trip, this tour on the Savegre River includes a fully-narrated drive to the put-in location for an opportunity to learn about local wildlife. Plus, in the middle of running Class II and III rapids with a guide, you stop to visit tucked-away waterfall—chances are you'll be the only people there.

If simply looking at waterfalls from afar is too tame for you, join this half-day guided tour to Nauyaca Waterfall. Your friendly guides will show you how and where to climb the waterfall safely, and where to jump from for a refreshing swim. Make new friends on a small-group tour, and learn about the biodiversity of this beautiful area.

Experience the best of Costa Rica's wildlife, cuisine, and natural beauty, without the logistical hassle, on this full-day shore excursion from Puntarenas. Look for white-faced monkeys, crocodiles, and birds on a boat cruise down the Tarcoles River. Learn the history of Puntarenas port, taste fresh tropical fruit, enjoy a buffet-style lunch at a local restaurant, and shop for authentic Costa Rican coffee.

If you’re having trouble deciding between riding an ATV, ziplining, and rappelling, you don’t need to with this handy combo tour. Adventure-seeking travelers will love the opportunity to combine three exciting activities in one half-day tour. Drive a rugged ATV along jungle trails, rappel down El Encanto Waterfall, and zoom along thousands of feet of ziplines. Be impressed by the views of nature the whole way.

Spend a day exploring Costa Rica's rich wildlife on this tour to a coffee plantation, waterfall, and volcanic lagoon from San Jose. After learning how coffee is harvested and roasted on a coffee farm tour, head to Poas Volcano National Park and La Paz Waterfall Gardens for a chance to see animals like birds, butterflies, and monkeys in their beautiful natural habitats.

Head out into the Cosa Rican night in search of Green Pacific and Olive Ridley sea turtles laying their eggs on Playa Grande. During this evening tour from Tamarindo, you may even see baby turtles hatching, depending on the conditions. National park fees included.

Discover the sounds and sights of the rainforest after dark on a night hike. Follow your guide along an easy trail and watch out for bats, nocturnal birds, and mammals rustling in the treetops and on the forest floor. Search for red-eyed tree frogs and glass frogs, among other species. Then enjoy a traditional dinner prepared on a wood-burning stove before returning to your hotel in La Fortuna.

Heighten your chances of spotting some of Costa Rica’s rarest wildlife on a wildlife watching tour of Manuel Antonio National Park. Receive personalized attention in a small group, as you explore the biologically rich jungle and look out for animals such as sloths, monkeys, lizards, snakes, and much more. Hotel pickup is included for your convenience.

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.

Get to know the Peñas Blancas River ecosystem with a naturalist boat captain. Glide through the tranquil forest and spot arboreal and aquatic animals like monkeys, sloths, iguanas, turtles, and alligators, along with birds such as herons, cormorants, American darters, and passerines. Keep an eye out for the basilisk lizard, known for walking on water. Drift beneath ficus, luehea, and kapok trees, where dense foliage creates shaded tunnels rich with lianas and epiphytes.

Get a new perspective on the Costa Rican coastline from the back of an all-inclusive catamaran, visit islands you might otherwise have overlooked, and enjoy time to snorkel during this half-day excursion. Soak up the sights as you make the most of free alcoholic beverages, snacks, and fresh fruit, relax on the tanning meshes, or take a dip in the Jacuzzi.

Learn how to navigate Tamarindo’s waves during this roughly 1.5 hour surf lesson. Choose the group size that works for your budget, with private, small-group, and larger group options. Practice paddling, popping up, and riding with guidance from your instructor. More experienced surfers can also practice their technique by surfing alongside an instructor.

Enjoy the convenience of a small-group transfer from Liberia Airport to your hotel in Guanacaste. Whatever time your flight arrives, save yourself the hassle of navigating public transport or haggling with taxi drivers. Your driver will meet you just outside the airport and will be holding a sign with your name on it. Relax in comfort on the way to Guanacaste.

Soar through Costa Rica’s pristine Braulio Carrillo rainforest on a zipline tour featuring 10 cables, 14 platforms, and a hanging bridge. Enjoy trekking, terrarium, butterfly, and orchid gardens while spotting native wildlife with expert guides. This moderate adventure offers thrilling canopy views and peaceful jungle sounds away from crowds. Upgrade to a complete package to include a tour, sloth center, and lunch.

Get your adrenaline pumping during this adventure tour in the Naranjo Biological Corridor of Costa Rica. Soar through the treetops on a zip line, come face to face with local wildlife like white-faced monkeys and tropical birds, and traverse an obstacle course with a series of platforms, suspension bridges, a Tarzan swing, and a rappel. End the tour with a delicious Costa Rican meal and traditional snacks.

Travel from Guanacaste to the Liberia International Airport in style and comfort, without breaking the bank, by booking a shared transfer service from your hotel. Your driver will pick you up at your hotel and take you and your luggage straight to the airport in a comfortable, air-conditioned mini-van.

Get your pulse racing on an exhilarating 5-hour ATV tour from Playa Flamingo, then cool off along the coast. Learn how to operate your ATV, then set off on a fun route, weaving through forest trails, juddering down rainforest tracks and squelching through muddy streams. Then, dive into the warm waters of Costa Rica’s Pacific coast to swim and snorkel among the colourful corals and tropical fish of Flamingo and Brasilito beaches.

With its cascading waterfalls and abundant wildlife, the Pacuare River is rightfully famous for its natural beauty. Paddle through the river gorge, navigating 52 Class II-IV rapids as you go, on this 12-hour trip from San Jose. Take in views of the tropical rain forest and wildlife such as sloths, parrots, and toucans as you ride the river (and your adrenaline rush) over the course of the day.

Go where standard vehicles can’t as you head off La Fortuna’s beaten path and into Costa Rica’s lush jungle. Drive an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) through Arenal Volcano Ecological Park (PEVA), along muddy trails and through dense rainforest. Along the way, stop in Maleku Village to learn about local indigenous culture.

Remote Tortuguero is difficult to reach independently, meaning some people put it in the “too hard” category. Simplify your trip to this off-the-beaten-track eco-tourism destination during a convenient 3-day tour from San Jose. Two nights’ accommodation in a 4-star lodge plus all meals are included, so you don’t need to make extra bookings. Learn about the local wildlife and ecosystem during a guided tour of Tortuguero National Park.

Sea turtles nest on hidden beaches purposely kept off the beaten track near Tamarindo. This half-day tour takes travelers to one such undisturbed beach near Playa Minas in search of ridley and leatherback sea turtles and their nests. Get the chance to observe the animals deposit their eggs and return to the water while respecting government conservation rules at all times.

Travelers wanting to experience the highlights of Puntarenas won’t want to miss this comprehensive tour. Over the course of the day you’ll visit or drive past wildlife-viewing spots, rainforest parks, beaches, markets and plantations, churches, town attractions, and more. If you’re short on time but don’t want to miss Puntarenas’ must-see spots, this is the tour for you.

Join the Tamarindo beach and pool crawl every Sunday for an unforgettable afternoon of fun, starting with a pre-party at Crazy Monkey Tamarindo pool and bar. Explore hidden pools and beaches along Guanacaste’s coast, enjoy welcome drinks, happy hour specials, and party games, and end the day with a beach bonfire, sunset views, and dancing at Playa Potrero. This lively tour wraps up back in Tamarindo.