Top Costa Rica Tours by Duration

Active travelers will enjoy the opportunity to hike through the lush Costa Rican rainforests, in the shadow of Volcan Arenal. With a small group of like-minded travelers you’ll trek through the jungle to the foot of the volcano while learning about the unique ecosystem and wildlife from your guide.

This hassle-free full-day small-group tour visits Quepos’ impressive Nauyaca Waterfall and stops at Portalón waterfall, Playa Linda, and Dominical. Your guide and driver organize all logistics, so you don’t have to arrange transport, lunch, goggles, or snacks. Bring your bathing suit for several chances to swim, jump, or relax in Costa Rican waters and enjoy a traditional casado lunch at a local restaurant.

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.

This Tortuguero Canals tour is a Limon classic. Drive along the coast, visit a fruit stand and banana plantation, and take a quick stop at the beach on your way to the Tortuguero Canals, a popular wildlife destination full of tropical plants and animals. Going with a guided tour keeps you on-time and organized for easy sightseeing.

Costa Rica’s inland capital is far from the coast but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a day on a white-sand tropical island from San Jose. This full-day guided tour to Tortuga Island simplifies your travel to this Pacific coast island, eliminating the need to stay overnight. After getting there in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle, spend several hours at leisure on the beach swimming, snorkeling, and looking out for dolphins.

Explore beyond the coast on this Puerto Limon shore excursion to Cahuita National Park. Take a quick look at Puerto Limon from a panoramic viewpoint before sailing down the tropical Tortuguero Canals in a covered boat en route to a banana plantation and Cahuita National Park. Enjoy a nature walk with your guide before returning to your ship at the port.

Experience the Peñas Blancas River as daylight fades on a small-group safari designed around Costa Rica's nocturnal wildlife. Float downstream at dusk while bilingual naturalist guides handle the rowing and help you spot animals becoming active as the forest transitions from day to night. The changing light and peaceful atmosphere make this a distinctive way to experience the rainforest beyond a traditional daytime wildlife tour.

This park is one of the country’s most biodiverse and beautiful areas, where you can find stunning coral reefs, white sand beaches, lush rainforests, and more. You’ll be accompanied by an experienced guide who will share their passion and knowledge of the park’s history, culture, and wildlife. You’ll learn about the indigenous people who live in the area, the conservation efforts to protect the park, and the fascinating stories behind some of the park’s landmarks. You’ll also have the opportunity to see some of the park’s most amazing animals, such as toucans, sloths, howler monkeys, hummingbirds, frogs, butterflies, and more. After exploring the park’s trails and beaches, you’ll head to Bribri Waterfall, where you can relax and enjoy the scenery. You’ll swim in the crystal-clear water and taste some of the freshest fruits you’ve ever had. This tour is a perfect way to experience the best of Cahuita National Park and create memories that will last a lifetime!

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.

Heading deep into Arenal's rainforest typically means renting a car and navigating unfamiliar roads. This small-group tour lets you skip the self-drive stress and takes you to directly to the area's highlights. Walk across the rainforest over a hanging bridge, wander along trails through lava fields for excellent views of Arenal Volcano, and, finally, rejuvenate in a natural hot spring.

The countryside around Jaco Beach is ideal for an outdoor adventure and this action-packed tour includes two fun activities in one day. Soar through the treetops at the Los Suenos Adventure Park as you tackle a thrilling course of 10 zip-lines in the heart of the rainforest. Next, take the wheel of an ATV for a scenic off-road excursion along mud tracks, jungle trails, and coastal roads with spectacular ocean views.

Experience the natural beauty of Costa Rica, and get an up-close look at some of the nation's most colorful birds. Enjoy scenic transfer to Caño Negro from La Fortuna, where you cruise by boat into the Rio Frio. Search for native birds, mammals, and flora before heading back to land for an authentic lunch.

Embark on a delightful food tour, where you will deliberately engage in the rich local culture. Leisurely stroll through the charming streets of Jaco and explore traditional gastronomy in bars and restaurants. This experience presents a unique opportunity to gain profound insights into Costa Rican culture, delving into stories and anecdotes surrounding some of the region's most beloved and delectable traditional dishes. Amidst the captivating fusion of culture and natural landscapes at Jaco Beach, you will find yourself in a relaxing setting, creating the perfect ambiance for an enjoyable afternoon in the city.

Spend a full day exploring the beauty of Isla Tortuga on this small-group tour from Jacó. First stop at the Tarcoles River to watch crocodiles from the bridge, then visit Negritos Island to see spider monkeys and dolphins. Enjoy a snorkeling tour at a secluded spot and end the day with a delicious local lunch with fruits.

If you’re short on time in Costa Rica but want to see the country’s famous biodiversity beyond the concrete capital, this day trip to the Tortuguero National Park is ideal. Travel through the canals and lagoons on a boat and look out for toucans, crocodiles, sloths, iguanas, and much more. The highlight, though, is seeing the sea turtle nesting sites on the beaches, which give the park its name.

Travel along the Peñas Blancas River on this relaxed rafting tour. Along the way, spot a variety of flora and fauna such as sloths and monkeys in the surrounding forest that's located in the northern region of Costa Rica. Plus, visit a local farm where you’ll be able to learn about farming practices and enjoy a snack.

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.

Experience the stunning allure of pristine white sands, shimmering turquoise waters teeming with vibrant tropical fish, and breathtaking natural landscapes on our Catamaran tour to the renowned Tortuga Island. Discover the untouched beauty of Tortuga Island and the Gulf of Nicoya! Setting sail from the Marina dock at Los Suenos Resort at 7:45 AM, you’ll be thrilled to know that the journey to Isla Tortuga takes just 45 minutes. As you approach, prepare to be captivated by the stunning views of the island and the Nicoya Peninsula. Upon arrival, you’ll find a variety of exciting activities to choose from, including snorkeling, a thrilling banana boat ride, hiking, or simply unwinding and soaking in the serene surroundings. Note: Guests with limited mobility, please contact us when booking your tour for a personalized assessment. Gratuities for the crew are not included, but greatly appreciated.

Pick a morning or afternoon start time that suits your schedule and then head to Selvatura Park to begin your fun-filled zipline adventure. Get started with a safety session, during which you'll receive a harness and learn the basic park safety procedures to ensure a fun, but protected experience. You’ll then have access to the park’s range of 13 different zipline cables and 18 platforms, along with an optional ride on the Tarzan Swing. You’ll walk through the park between a series of 3-kilometer (1.9-mile) tree walkways that traverse Monteverde’s cloud forest, crossing between eight different bridges, with some lengths up to 510 feet (170 meters) and some as high as 180 feet (60 meters). After enjoying an action-packed day suitable for all ages, you’ll end your experience in the park and head to your next destination.

Explore Costa Rica’s Tortuguero National Park by kayak and discover the tropical haven on this excursion. Join a small group and paddle through the calm waters to get a better look at the flora and fauna of the park. As you explore, your guide sheds light on the local ecosystem and conservation efforts.

Improve your chances of spotting wildlife in Manuel Antonio National Park on this small-group hike. Following your guide, explore the park as you look out for sloths, monkeys, iguanas, and more, whilst they provide commentary about their lives and behaviors in the rainforest. Enjoy a route that is flat and well-maintained, making this activity suitable for all fitness levels.

Instead of juggling multiple tours and reservations, combine coffee, a volcano, and wildlife on this full-day combo tour from San Jose. Travel to San Isidro to learn about coffee production at a coffee plantation. At Poas Volcano, admire the main crater, then hike to Botos Lagoon. Afterward, see the animals and waterfalls at La Paz Waterfall Gardens.

Set sail on the big blue Pacific with this deluxe catamaran cruise from Tamarindo. Sunbathe on the spacious deck and stop to swim and snorkel in the warm tropical waters. Enjoy lunch freshly prepared onboard by an attentive crew, and stay hydrated with unlimited drinks from an open bar. Cruise back into port just as the sun is setting for a memorable end to another day in paradise.

Spend your day on a hiking adventure through the Arenal Volcano National Park with a small group. Experience the natural beauty of La Fortuna as you navigate the trails and passes that wind through its stunning landscapes. When the day is done, relax and unwind with a dip in a natural hot water river before returning to your hotel.