Things to do in Costa Rica
Hanging Bridges in La Fortuna27 optionsLa Fortuna Zipline22 optionsTortuga Island Tours19 optionsNight Tour La Fortuna16 optionsZiplining10 optionsATV Tour La Fortuna6 optionsHiking La Fortuna66 optionsChocolate Tour La Fortuna18 optionsCanyoning La Fortuna56 optionsTamarindo Snorkeling Tour14 optionsHorseback Riding La Fortuna11 optionsTortuguero National Park Tours14 options
Sort
Jaco: Traditional Food Tour with Street Eats & Local DrinksYou’ll wander Jaco’s lively streets tasting fresh chorreadas hot off the griddle, dig into caldosa by the beach, sip cold Costa Rican beers and spicy chiliguaro shots with locals—and end on a sweet note with Churchill ice cream as sunset colors spill over murals. It’s messy, loud, delicious—and you’ll probably want seconds.
Manuel Antonio National Park: Wildlife & Beach Walk from QueposYou walk through Manuel Antonio with a professional guide who spots wildlife most visitors miss — monkeys, sloths, birds, reptiles — then finish at a white-sand beach where you can swim. Hotel pickup, snacks and all park entry are included; groups stay under 15 people, and the pace suits all fitness levels.Is it for me?Book this if you want to see Manuel Antonio's wildlife and beach without arranging your own transport or buying separate park tickets — the guide and the small group size are what make spotting animals realistic instead of frustrating.
Tarcoles River: Jungle Crocodile Safari & Birdwatching TourYou’ll glide along Costa Rica’s Tarcoles River by boat with a local guide, spotting giant crocodiles up close and watching for colorful birds in their natural habitat. Feel the river’s quiet moments, hear real stories from people who live here, and share in those small surprises that stick with you long after you leave.
La Fortuna: Night Jungle Walk & Frog Sanctuary TourYou’ll wander La Fortuna’s rainforest trails by flashlight, hear frogs calling from every direction, and spot creatures you’d never notice by day. A local guide leads you through two frog sanctuaries and shares stories about sloths, birds, and hidden jungle life. The night air feels alive—and somehow safe—while you discover what happens after dark in Costa Rica.
Manuel Antonio: Jungle Zip Line Tour & Butterfly Garden AccessYou’ll fly across ten zip lines above Manuel Antonio’s lush reserve, cross swaying bridges, walk jungle trails and visit both a butterfly garden and crocodile lagoon—all with local guides who know every sound in the forest. Expect laughter, shaky knees, and moments where time slows down right when you least expect it.
San Jose: National Theater & Central Market Walking TourYou walk through San Jose's historic center with a guide who knows the neighborhoods, stopping at the National Theater, two parks, the Cathedral, and the Central Market. Coffee or juice is included, as is water and a souvenir. The tour runs about four hours and stays on foot the whole time, so you see the city at the pace people actually live in it.Is it for me?Choose this if you want to understand San Jose's layout and history without arranging your own route—the guide handles the timing and the stories, leaving you free to notice the details and stop for photos when something catches your eye.
La Paz Waterfall Gardens tour: Waterfalls and wildlifeLa Paz Waterfall Gardens tour from San Jose includes hotel pickup, a professional guide in English or Spanish, buffet lunch and skip-the-line entry to the country's most visited private ecological attraction. You walk a moderate 3-kilometer paved trail through cloud forest at 1,200 to 1,500 meters elevation to reach the base of La Paz Waterfall, stopping at ten animal exhibits along the way — butterfly garden with laboratory, aviary of 40 bird species, monkey enclosures, hummingbird garden with 26 documented species, serpentarium, and big cats including jaguar and puma. The tour runs 8 to 9 hours total and suits families with children, as infants can ride in a stroller and all areas are wheelchair accessible.Is it for me?Book this if you want a guided route through five waterfalls and multiple animal exhibits in one morning, with a guide who sets the pace and handles timing so you move through the gardens as a cohesive itinerary rather than navigating stops on your own.
Snorkeling Catamaran in Quepos: Manuel Antonio with Water SlidesSnorkel from a 100-foot catamaran along the Manuel Antonio coast with snorkeling gear, two water slides, two jacuzzis, and a Costa Rican meal included. The boat leaves from Pez Vela Marina in Quepos at 2pm (afternoon departure) or 9am (morning departure), with hotel pickup available from any hotel in Manuel Antonio or Quepos. A live guide in English or Spanish leads the outing; the itinerary runs three-and-a-half hours and covers swimming, snorkeling, wildlife watching for dolphins and sea turtles, and time to relax between activities.Is it for me?Book this if your group wants to stay together on one boat with multiple activities—the two water slides and hot tubs mean different ages find their own entertainment without splitting up.
Manuel Antonio: Wildlife Walk & Beach Break with GuideYou’ll walk Manuel Antonio’s shaded trails with a local guide who knows every rustle in the trees—spotting monkeys, sloths, and frogs through a pro-grade scope (and snapping photos with your phone). End your tour at the park’s soft-sand beach for swimming or relaxing under palm trees. It’s not just wildlife watching; it’s feeling part of this wild little corner of Costa Rica.
Jaco ATV Tour: Mountain Trails & Waterfall RidesYou ride from Jaco's center up mountain trails to ridge views, then descend to waterfall swimming holes on the longer tours. A bilingual guide leads groups of up to fifteen on ATVs or buggies, handles the route, and includes gas. Bring your passport photo and expect bumpy terrain; the ride lasts one to four hours depending on which package you choose.Is it for me?Book this if you want to ride into the rainforest and see the coast from above without arranging your own transport or worrying about the trail — the guide's knowledge of the terrain and the fixed itinerary mean you just ride and enjoy the views.
Flamingo Beach: Catamaran Snorkel Tour with Waterslide & LunchYou’ll board a shaded catamaran at Flamingo Beach for a laid-back cruise along Costa Rica’s Pacific coast—with snorkeling gear ready and guides who actually help you spot fish (and maybe turtles). Try the wild waterslide if you’re brave, then refuel with grilled lunch and tropical drinks before drifting back under the afternoon sun.
Rincon de la Vieja: Zipline, Horseback & Hot Springs Day TourYou’ll zipline above rainforest at Rincon de la Vieja, cross hanging bridges with your guide pointing out wildlife, ride horses through forest trails and taste Costa Rican snacks before sliding down a jungle waterslide. After lunch, hike to Salitral waterfall then unwind with volcanic mud baths and hot springs—ending your day feeling both wild and peaceful.
Costa Rica: Tamarindo Monkey Jungle Zipline & Wildlife SightingYou’ll fly through Costa Rica’s jungle canopy on a zipline near Tamarindo, spotting monkeys and birds along the way with a local guide leading you safely through each platform. Expect earthy smells, laughter, and fresh fruit at the finish—plus that little burst of pride when you finally touch ground again.
Tamarindo Estuary: Mangrove Kayak Tour & Wildlife SpottingYou paddle through 1,500 acres of protected mangrove forest with a naturalist guide who knows where the wildlife congregates and how the tides shape the day. You'll spot crocodiles, monkeys, iguanas and over 175 bird species, including a rare endemic hummingbird. The tour includes water, fresh fruit and free pickup from your Tamarindo beach hotel, with timing scheduled around the tides for the best paddling conditions.Is it for me?A good fit if you want to see Tamarindo's wildlife and mangrove ecosystem without arranging your own boat and guide—the tide-based scheduling is what makes the paddling safe and the animal sightings reliable. Plan for a half or full day depending on the tide window, and bring sun protection and a camera.
Peñas Blancas River: Wildlife Safari Float & Farm SnackYou’ll glide down the Peñas Blancas River on an inflatable raft with a local guide, watching for monkeys and herons as you go. There’s a stop at Don Pedro’s farm for strong coffee and homemade snacks—plus stories about Costa Rican farming life. Includes hotel pickup between La Fortuna and Hotel Tabacón so you can just relax into the day.
La Fortuna Night Tour: Rainforest Wildlife & Nocturnal HikeYou walk a well-maintained rainforest trail outside La Fortuna after dark with a certified guide and up to seven others, spotting nocturnal wildlife like tree frogs, sloths, and glass frogs with low-intensity flashlights. Park entry, guide expertise, and water are included; you bring closed-toe shoes and moderate fitness. The tour lasts several hours and operates most nights.Is it for me?Book this if you want to see rainforest animals most visitors miss and don't want to navigate the forest alone at night — the guide's expertise and small group size are what make nocturnal wildlife spotting feel safe and educational rather than risky or rushed.
Corcovado Sirena: 2-Day Jungle Hike & Overnight from Drake BayYou’ll wake early for a boat ride from Drake Bay into Corcovado’s wildest heart, hiking muddy trails with a local guide who knows every sound in the jungle. Spot monkeys at dawn, share simple meals with new friends at Sirena Station, and fall asleep listening to night creatures outside your window.
La Fortuna safari float: Wildlife on the Peñas Blancas RiverA safari float on the Peñas Blancas River near La Fortuna combines a two-hour drift through rainforest with wildlife viewing and a bilingual guide explaining the environment. The morning includes a 20-minute drive from town, a fruit break mid-float, and return to an organic lunch buffet with views of Arenal Volcano; the day ends with a walk through the restaurant's farm and a fresh sugarcane juice demonstration. Hotel pickup and drop-off in La Fortuna are included, and the pace suits all fitness levels.Is it for me?You float the river yourself rather than watch from a boat, so the pace is slow and the wildlife viewing is unhurried — ideal if you want to absorb the rainforest without paddling or hiking. The guide is bilingual in English and Spanish (also Danish), and the whole day including lunch and farm demo fits into a morning or early afternoon, which works if you're between activities or have limited time in La Fortuna.
Manuel Antonio: Wildlife Hike & Beach Stop with PickupYou’ll walk shaded trails in Manuel Antonio with a local guide spotting monkeys and sloths along the way, then pause for fresh fruit at a quiet beach where swimming is an option. Hotel pickup and drop-off make it easy—just bring your curiosity and maybe a towel for that last stretch by the sea.
La Fortuna: Arenal Volcano Hike, Lunch & Hot Springs RiverYou’ll walk rainforest paths around Arenal Volcano with a local guide sharing stories along the way, pause for photos by a jade-green lagoon, enjoy a homemade Costa Rican lunch in good company, then unwind in the warm flow of Choyin hot springs river before heading back to town—a day full of color, laughter, and quiet moments you might not expect.
