Top 15 Unforgettable Tours in Costa Rica

Renowned as the most recognized nation in Central America, Costa Rica offers a plethora of adventures within its compact territory. A significant draw for visitors is its remarkable National Parks system, which covers nearly 25% of the country.

In addition, Costa Rica boasts a lively capital, San José, along with distinctive culinary experiences that merit exploration.

A highly recommended method to discover these attractions is through guided tours, which not only ensure safety on natural hiking trails but also impart meaningful insights into local cultures. The following sections outline 15 exceptional tours available in the country.

1. Combination Tour: Top 4 Activities in Arenal – One Day Tour

If your time in Costa Rica is limited, this exceptional tour allows you to experience all the primary activities in the Arenal region in a single day.

The journey begins with a hike through Arenal Volcano Park, offering a close-up view of the famed Arenal volcano. The itinerary also includes a visit to the La Fortuna waterfall—one of the country’s highest falls, featuring a small swimming area at its base.

Participants will also hike along the Arenal Hanging Bridges before concluding their day at a hot spa. Furthermore, this tour provides a lunch stop in La Fortuna.

2. Adventure Transfer between Monteverde and La Fortuna

For those exploring the country at a more leisurely pace, this boat transfer facilitates travel across Lake Arenal from Monteverde to La Fortuna, incorporating an enjoyable tour experience.

Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, you will learn about the Lake Arenal area while your luggage is securely stored during the three-and-a-half-hour journey.

Included in this package are van transfers from the towns to the lake, along with breathtaking views of the Arenal volcano.

3. Monteverde Hanging Bridges Day Trip from San José

Another excellent choice for those short on time is to use San José as a base for further exploration through day trips.

Costa Rica is particularly suitable for such excursions due to its manageable size. This tour transports you to the Monteverde Hanging Bridges, starting from the capital, San José.

The hanging bridges traverse the Cloud Forest, a remarkably lush rainforest in Central America. Participants can relish views over the Nicoya Gulf and may even encounter monkeys if fortunate.

4. Blue River & Tenorio Volcano National Park Hike

Enthusiastic hikers will appreciate the abundance of superb trails maintained throughout Costa Rica’s national parks. This tour immerses you in the lush forest of one of the country’s major volcanoes.

Expect stunning views of crystal clear waterfalls and the turquoise hues of the Celeste River. This nine-hour hike is guided, offering a reassuring option for those concerned about safety.

Your guide will discuss the unique ecosystem of Costa Rica, along with the volcano’s history.

5. Chato Volcano: 10-Hour Extreme Hiking Adventure

For experienced hikers, this challenging yet rewarding trek is an ideal choice.

You will journey through some of Central America’s densest forests while exploring the base of the Arenal and Chato Volcanoes. As Chato is extinct, you will safely navigate the crater during your hike.

Concluding at the Arenal Observatory, you will gain insights into the ecosystem, coupled with an opportunity for a volcanic mud facial in the natural hot springs, complemented by a refreshing cocktail.

6. Coffee Plantation Tour at Café Britt from San José

If you are a coffee aficionado, this tour allows you to understand the meticulous journey from cultivation to brewing an average cup of coffee.

You will tour the coffee plantations at Café Britt and discover the care and precision necessary at this initial stage to yield high-quality coffee beans for roasting.

Subsequently, you will learn about the roasting processes and how each technique affects flavor. Lastly, enjoy a hands-on experience brewing your very own cup of coffee.

7. Manuel Antonio National Park from San José

This coastal national park encompasses all that the average Costa Rican visitor may desire.

From verdant national forests to diverse wildlife, and miles of pristine white sandy beaches. At the beaches, opportunities arise to explore the adjacent reefs via snorkeling.

Since vehicles are prohibited within the park, visitors are guided on a hike to the main recreational areas. This experienced guide ensures adequate time for exploration at each site at your own pace.

8. Poas Volcano & La Paz Waterfalls: Day Tour from San José

Your adventure commences at Poas Volcano, where you can admire breathtaking volcanic landscapes and discover unique sulfur fumaroles—small pools of hot sulfur emitted by the volcano.

Guided visits through coffee plantations, lush forests, and flower farms are also included. Following the volcano visit, you will explore La Paz Waterfalls—the most renowned waterfall in the nation.

These are easily accessible for novice hikers, with opportunities to capture photos from behind the waterfall.

9. San José: 5-Hour VIP City Bus

Many travelers are drawn to Costa Rica for its natural splendor and often overlook the vibrant culture of San José.

This city is rich in captivating Latin American culture, and this five-hour bus tour highlights its most significant attractions. The double-decker bus tour not only showcases the city’s key sites but also introduces an engaging cultural experience.

While on board, you will enjoy national beverages served by staff and an option to feast on an authentic cultural dish, should you choose to upgrade. The tour concludes with an introduction to marimba music and dancing.

10. Lost Canyon Adventures Canyoneering

For thrill-seekers, this exhilarating and unique option reveals the natural allure of Costa Rica.

Canyoneering provides access to rainforest areas that are generally unreachable by typical hikers, offering more exclusive perspectives on Central American nature, free from large crowds.

Participants will engage in abseiling down into the depths of forest canyons and embark on a 4×4 adventure through dense vegetation. This tour encompasses a locally prepared meal along with all necessary equipment.

11. Full-Day Rio Celeste Tour from La Fortuna

This tour guides participants to Rio Celeste—a stunning blue river located within Tenorio Volcano National Park.

Witness the merging of two distinct rivers that creates a picturesque blend of colors, offering unique photographic opportunities. This tour entails considerable hiking; therefore, a moderate fitness level is suggested to fully enjoy the experiences offered.

A hearty lunch is provided at the conclusion of the hike to replenish your energy after a rewarding day of exploration.

12. Welcome to San José: Private Tour with a Local Host

For those seeking a personalized exploration of the capital city, this private tour enables you to progress at your own pace and focus on areas of particular interest.

You will be accompanied by an informed and passionate local, showcasing some of the city’s unique spots and hidden gems.

While the tour can be fully customized to your preferences, preset options are available for those desiring a more generalized experience. The local host will pick you up from your accommodation and lead you on a walking tour of the selected sites.

13. Mangrove Kayaking Tour

Engaging in kayaking is an excellent physical activity while traveling, allowing access to smaller regions not reachable by larger boats. This kayaking experience traverses the mangroves of Damas Island.

It provides a secure way to observe the vibrant wildlife of Costa Rica, including the silky anteater, along with numerous other mammals, reptiles, and birds.

Your guide will assist in exploring the area safely, with a meal included post tour.

14. Traditional Nights from San José

This remarkable experience immerses you in the essence of traditional culture in San José unlike any other tour can.

The experience commences in the evening, showcasing various significant cultural and historical landmarks within San José. Following this, you will partake in a traditional Costa Rican meal while enjoying performances from local musicians and dancers.

Your guide will navigate you through the evolution of Costa Rican heritage, encompassing the native cultures, historical civil conflicts, and contemporary developments.

15. Monteverde: Full-Day Horseback Riding

Experience the scenic beauty of Monteverde at a more relaxed tempo by participating in this horseback riding adventure. Expert guides will accompany you throughout the area, discussing key attributes of the region while you enjoy your ride.

The well-cared-for horses and all necessary riding equipment are provided for your safety. Notably, the guide is a local figure renowned for his previous career as a jockey with some of the most distinguished horses in the country, beginning this unique experience at his farm.