TOURS AND ACTIVITIES IN COSTA RICA
Costa Rica offers many exciting ways to immerse yourself in its natural elements. It is the consummate destination for exploring ecosystems and connecting with a peaceful culture. Whether discovering fascinating species with a friendly Costa Rican guide, zipping across the rainforest canopy, or relaxing in a volcano-heated hot spring, there are a variety of tours and activities to engage travelers of all types.
BUENA VISTA DAY EXPERIENCE
This tour will take you to some of the most exciting parts of the tropical forest that surrounds Rincón de la Vieja Volcano. Rincón de la Vieja Volcano has recently become active again, and you may see some smoke billowing from the crater.
Visitors have the choice to explore the rainforest canopy via zip lines or hanging bridges. Both of these excursions will elevate you into the rainforest treetops. If you opt for the zip line you’ll get to choose from 10 zip lines connecting 11 different platforms. Some of the zip lines cross over a river.
Hanging bridges let you travel through the canopy at your own pace, admiring the sloths, iguanas, howler monkeys, and tropical birds along the way.
The jungle is a humid place. But not to worry - the tour includes visits to several watery attractions. Your trip down the 1,378-foot (420-meter) waterslide will likely be the most exciting stop on your trip. This is one of the longest waterslides in Costa Rica, and it has a series of exhilarating twists and turns that visitors can enjoy from the comfort of an inner tube.
You’ll ride a horse and hike past Salitral Waterfall on your way to the hot springs, if horseback riding is not for you there is a truck that will take you to the hot springs. Salitral Waterfall splashes off the rocks and produces a refreshing breeze. Rincón de la Vieja has 5 hot spring pools. They have clear water, rock walls, and tiled bottoms. Near the pools you can also visit the hot spring’s sauna and apply some volcanic mud – the minerals in the mud are said to be beneficial to the skin.
At the end of the tour you’ll have a buffet lunch waiting for you at a local ranch called La Fonda. Cooks here prepare meals in the kitchen’s clay oven, which will give your meal an authentic flavor. Your tour guide will explain how your food went from the ranch’s gardens to your table, for an informative taste of Costa Rican cooking.
Buena Vista Adventure, Rincón de la Vieja, waterslide, zip lining, hanging bridges, rainforest canopy, Salitral Waterfall, hot springs, La Fonda ranch
WHAT TO BRING:
Sunscreen, sunglasses, bottled water, comfortable hiking clothes, sandals or water shoes, hiking shoes, a change of clothes, a towel, and a swim suit
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
Tour guide, Transportation, equipment, and a buffet lunch.
ARENAL 4 IN 1 HANGING BRIDGES & BALDI HOT SPRINGS
This 4-in-1 tour features hanging bridges, a trip to the La Fortuna waterfall, a guided hike of the Arenal Volcano national park, and an evening at Baldi Hot Springs
Your day will begin with a guided tour of the Arenal Hanging Bridges, where you will enjoy extraordinary views of the Arenal Volcano. The tour will take you through 1.5 miles (2.5 km) of rainforest and across 15 suspension bridges, which measure up to 328 feet (100 m) long and 228 feet (70 m) high.
Next,you will embark on a walking tour to one of the country's finest waterfalls, where you can enjoy a refreshing swim from the best vantage point available; beneath the falls. The visit to the 228-foot (70-m) tall La Fortuna Waterfall is followed by a delicious typical lunch in La Fortuna.
The tour will continue from there to the Arenal National Park, home of the world's second-most active volcano. Here you will have unrivaled views of the conical volcano as well as informative guided tours through the dense rainforest to view the natural beauty and abundance of wildlife that roams free.
The final chapter of your Arenal experience includes an evening trip to Baldi which has the most pools and variety of temperatures as well as three swim-up bars. By far the largest of the hot springs in the Arenal area there are many places to explore in the Baldi hot springs.
WHAT TO BRING:
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
Binoculars, camera, light sweater, long pants, insect repellent, bathing suit, change of clothes, close shoes, towel, sun screen
Hanging Bridges, Waterfall, Arenal Volcano National Park, Baldi Hot Springs, Lunch and Dinner, Transportation to/from your hotel
BALSA RIVER RAFTING CLASS II/III
Paddle down the exciting rapids of the Balsa River and enjoy the area's lush scenery while on this adventurous rafting tour
Located near the Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica's Alajuela region, the Balsa River winds, churns, and flows for 10 kilometers you'll float down this incredible river passing through sections which are dominated by class II/III white-water rapids.
Hold on tightly to your paddle as you plunge through the cataracts and are sprayed with water! During the smoother sections, take a look around at the lush, forested scenery and try to spot tropical birds perched high in the trees. Midway through the adventure, your guide will help you angle the raft onto the riverbank for a lunch of sandwiches, fruit, snacks and drinks.
The tour ends with a short, 15-minute walk back to the bus.
This is an all day tour. A minimum of two people is required for booking.
Important: No pregnant women or children under 10 years old are allowed in this tour.
WHAT TO BRING:
Sunscreen, swimming suit, strap-on sandals/shoes that can get wet (no flip flops) and towel. We recommend bringing a change of cloths because you will get wet on this tour. Changing rooms are available after the tour
SLOTH WATCHING TRAIL ARENAL
The sloth trail is located 600 meters from the central Park of La Fortuna, They have an area of about 9 hectares and a trail of approximately 2 km
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
Guide, lunch, drinks, all safety gear and transportation
Our sloth tour is the center of attraction of our trail, since visitors can get to see 4 to 5 sloths, sometimes very close and sometimes not, if they are long there is no problem because our guides are equipped with binoculars and telescopes to observe in more detail the characteristics of the sloth, in addition our guides will give a talk about the natural history and all the habitat of the sloth to learn everything about the sloth. The trail is 2km and the tour lasts approximately two hours, in this you will also have the possibility to find different species of birds, frogs, snakes and among others, the guide will look for animals during the tour
WHAT TO BRING:
Hiking shoes, long pants, mosquito repellent (some people do not find this necessary), light rain jacket, camera
SAFARI FLOAT BY RAFT / ARENAL
Don’t miss this outstanding tour on the quiet waters Peñas Blancas river, floating on our inflatable rafts. You will experience a relaxing half day tour, led by one of our bilingual naturalist guides and expert in safari adventures. He will provide a safe environment and point out the beautiful flora and fauna of this region. Animals like sloths, monkeys, toucans, crocodiles, Jesus Christ Lizards, and turtles might cross your way, including seeing the colorful world of tropical birds.
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
Entrance Fee, bilingual guide, equipment to observe the animals
All our Safari Tours finish at Rancho “La Cocina de Tita Yolanda” here we will enjoy a short tour in our garden where we will learn about coffee, chocolate and sugar cane, as well as the importance of these crops for our country, followed by a typical snack and tasting of the final product obtained from those plants Departure: 7:30am or 1:00pm Return: 2:00pm Or 6:30pm
WHAT TO BRING:
Insect repellent, Binoculars,Light clothing/shorts Hat and sunscreen,Tennis shoes or trekking sandales Camera
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
Transportation Snack,Bilingual Naturalist Guide, Water And Equipment A visit To Don Pedro´s Farm
ARENAL VOLCANO TOUR
This tour offers an unforgettable hiking experience through trails marked with the remains of previous lava flows of the impressive and majestic Arenal Volcano. The main attraction of La Fortuna is the Arenal Volcano with its nearly perfect cone shape, and a height of 1633 meters. Along the hike you will discover the abundant flora and some fauna which inhabits the a rainforest under re-generation; your guide will tell you all about the Arenal Volcano history and activity. After the hike, you may choose between different popular hot springs in the area to relax and enjoy the water which is naturally heated by the volcano
WHAT TO BRING:
Insect repellent
Binoculars
Comfortable clothing
Drinking water
Comfortable trekking shoes
Camera
Swimming suit (if you choose any Hot Springs)
CAÑO NEGRO ECO-SAFARI
Join us in this unique adventure on the peaceful waters of Frio River. Departure from La Fortuna to drive about 1,5 hours on a path surrounded by plantain, yucca, papaya and other crops to meet at El Caiman Restaurant, where we expect a delicious snack. After that we continue our exploring through this beautiful place on board by raft, going down on the river of rain forest, without any noise and driven by an electric motor with latest technology, we will sail around 2,5 hours, then go back to El Caiman restaurant, where a delicious typical lunch will be waiting for us. In the list of animals that can be observed on the trip we found, Monkeys, Iguanas, Bats, Jesus Christ Lizard, Caimans and Birds, few meters for lovers and nature photographers.
WHAT TO BRING:
Transportation
Welcome snack
Naturalist guide
Lunch
Water Umbrella and equipment
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
Transportation
Bottled water
Bilingual naturalist guide Hot springs with or without meal (For Extra fee)
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
Passport
Binoculars
Light clothing/shorts Hat and sunscreen
Trekking shoes Camera
Insect repellent
ARENAL MINI COMBO
This tour offers an unforgettable hiking experience through trails marked with the remains of previous lava flows of the impressive and majestic Arenal Volcano. The main attraction of La Fortuna is the Arenal Volcano with its nearly perfect cone shape, and a height of 1633 meters. Along the hike you will discover the abundant flora and some fauna which inhabits the a rainforest under re-generation; your guide will tell you all about the Arenal Volcano history and activity. After our hike on this popular volcano we will continue our journey to La Fortuna Waterfall a beautiful place with a lot of vegetation around it, once there we will hike down (500 steps with some resting areas) to the waterfall base to go for a swim on the cool pristine waters of La Fortuna river, after all this exercise you will be hungry so we will take to a nice restaurant near by to enjoy a delicious lunch
WHAT TO BRING:
Insect repellent
Binoculars
Comfortable clothing
Camera
Trekking shoes (sandals or tevas are not allowed)
Sunscreen
Swimsuit Towel
ARENAL LAKE ON KAYAK
Come and enjoy the unique experience of canoeing or kayaking on Lake Arenal with some unbeatable views of the Arenal Volcano and its lush green surroundings. You will explore various areas of the lake in search of exotic wildlife, including monkeys and beautifully colored tropical birds. To further enjoy the serenity, we will stop at a small island where you will be served some of Costa Rica’s fresh tropical fruit. Don’t leave Arenal without this experience!
Departs: 8:00am
Return: 12:00pm
WHAT TO BRING:
Sunscreen
Binoculars
Light clothing / shorts A Hat
Tennis shoes or trekking sandals Camera
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
Transportation
Bottled water
Bilingual naturalist guide
Entrance fees
Lunch
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
Transportation
Tropical fruits
Naturlist guide
Equipment
Bottle of wather
COROBICI RIVER FLOAT TOUR
LAS PUMAS JAGUAR RESCUE CENTER
Spend a delightful day surrounded by Costa Rica’s natural beauty with this combo river and wildlife tour. Enjoy a relaxing float down the Corobici River, where you’ll glide on a raft past lush tropical scenery and have a chance to spot many animals in their wild habitat. Then, get an up-close encounter with some of Costa Rica’s famous felines at the Las Pumas Jaguar Rescue Center.
Get a new appreciation for Costa Rica’s diverse rain forest and some of its largest creatures. Your expert guide will pick you up at your Guanacaste hotel for the drive to the Corobici River launch site. Set out on this gentle river for a leisurely float that will take you through beautiful, verdant scenery.
Along the 2-hour ride, your guide will point out highlights of the passing rain forest and teach you about this amazingly rich ecosystem. Be on the lookout for reptiles lounging on the riverbank and exotic birds like ospreys and mot mots gliding overhead. Nearby howler monkeys may provide a truly unique soundtrack for your ride!
Back on solid ground, savor a traditional Costa Rican lunch before continuing on to the Las Pumas Jaguar Rescue Center. This private eco-reserve and conservation center rescues injured jaguars and other animals and rehabilitates them so they can return to life in the wild. Take a tour of the center and meet some of its amazing residents, including jaguars, pumas, monkeys and birds. After your adventure, relax on the ride back to your hotel.
HIKING TO RIO CELESTE
TENORIO NATIOANAL PARK
Hiking To Rio Celeste, it is great option for your vacation in Costa Rica where you can enjoy surrounded of nature, and visiting our fantastic rio Celeste and its wonderful waterfall.
Walk in the National Park over an amazing trails
Know “Los Teñideros” of the Celeste River
Through the jungle can observe the volcano’s furnace vents that expel gases of extreme high temperatures.
Can see the spectacular Rio Celeste waterfall whose color makes it gorgeous.
Rio Celeste - if you are willing to take a trip off the normal tourist circuit in Costa Rica you are in for a treat ! Rio Celeste is an amazingly-colored celestial turquoise blue river that winds itself around the rainforest of the Tenorio Volcano National Park, The water is coloured due to a chemical reaction of minerals from the Tenorio Volcano.
Rio Celeste is located in Guatuso, San Carlos, north of La Fortuna, Arenal and because of its relatively isolated location it attracts fewer visitors than the more touristy parts of Costa Rica and is often called the best kept secret in Costa Rica. A favorite of Tenorio Volcano National Park is the Rio Celeste Waterfall and is perhaps one of Costa Rica's most beautiful waterfalls.
The tour starts with a pick-up from your hotel and Then A scenic ride through rural Costa Rica to the start of the hike. The hike is about 4 hours in total, about 7km. Note this is an intermediate level hike for physically fit people and it can be muddy in parts. The hike is through tropical rainforest with a guide who will point out any wildlife on the way and you may even be lucky and spot an elusive ‘tapir’. You will arrive at ‘Los Tenideros’ where two rivers come together and form the beautiful turquoise color that gives the Rio Celeste its name. After time to take some photos the tour carries on to the ‘ollas’ mud baths and you’ll have a few moments to relax in the natural hot springs.
Finally a hike will take us to the spectacular Rio Celeste Waterfall where you’ll have plenty of time to take in the amazing scenery – although swimming is not allowed here. Finally a hike back where a delicious local lunch will be served before the journey back to Your Hotel
NATUWA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY & LLANOS DEL CORTEZ WATERFALLS
NATUWA Wildlife Sanctuary, provides protection to the wild animals that have been victimized by human actions, such as hunting, removal from their environments and the deforestation. These actions within natural environments of wild animals increases the vulnerability of the species and causes immense damage to ecosystems. Many times, the result is a large quantity of animals expelled from their habitats, with physical and psychological ailments that are overcome with much difficulty.
The macaw, is in the most beautiful group of birds of Costa Rica. Therefore, NATUWA executes a management program; This involves rescue, physical-ethological rehabilitation and experimental reintroduction to the environment. In addition, it investigates aspects of animal behavior in captivity..
LLANOS DEL CORTES WATERFALLS
"Llanos de Cortez" waterfall. This beautiful, hidden gem is located down a short, steep trail, whose cascading waters you'll be able to hear from the parking lot. The falls drop into a tranquil pond with a white sandy beach that’s perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Go "backstage" and relax on the rocks behind the waterfall curtain. During this tour we will stop at a local restaurant called a soda to try the typical Costa Rican dish called casado. A casado is a traditional Costa Rican meal with rice, black beans,sweet plantains, salad, a tortilla, and an optional main dish that may include chicken, beef, pork, or fish.