Costa Rican culture tours and things to do are full of excitement. You will enjoy the many historic parts of Costa Rica especially the cities. San Jose, in particular, is full of museums and historical buildings. You may like to take a guided tour of the city they walk you through all the main parts of the city including, the main market and town square. Other tours take you into the old ruins of Costa Rica. For example, the Guayabo National Monument and the Church ruins in Cartago.
One of the best tours is the visiting the indigenous tribe of the Bri Bri. Explore a fascinating history and on that built Costa Rica into what it is today. What type of tours do you like? We can help you to plan the ultimate vacation for a cultural experience to last a lifetime. Explore from one Coast to the other and have fun diving deep into the history of Costa Rica. Below are our best Cultural Tours. Choose from any and learn all about Costa Rican Culture. You are sure to have a blast on a unique trip through the country.
Lankester Botanical Garden
Lankester Botanical Gardens is a wonderful day tour from San Jose. After leaving the city behind you will feel the mountain air revive you as nature surrounds you. Charles H. Lankester, a world-renowned orchidologist, and conservationist, first started the garden in the 1940s. He spent his life studying Costa Rica’s plants and preserved his knowledge of the many diverse species of flora in a private garden on his farm. After his death, the American Orchid Society and the Stanley Smith Horticultural Trust got together and donated his botanical garden to the University of Costa Rica to preserve its wonders for posterity. Through the efforts of the University, the garden has since grown and prospered.
The Lankester Botanical Garden are more than just a simple decorative garden; they are informational and have exquisite displays of beautiful plants, flowers, and trees! Known primarily for their orchids, you can see an incredible amount of beautiful exotic orchids. The gardens have over 15,000 species of orchids! All were varying in size and color, from the tiniest ones to whites and vibrant purples! They have orchids native to Costa Rica, exotic orchids, and miniature orchids. All placed in an artistic way so you can see them at their best. The Lankester Gardens has a lot more than just orchids!
The gardens have beautiful easily accessible trails that lead you through different settings and show you a myriad of flowers and trees. Following the trail, you will see a beautiful collection of bamboo and even a majestic Japanese garden! In the Japanese garden, you can see a koi pond, a traditional Japanese house, and a serene, picturesque landscape. Continuing on the trail, you will enter the secondary growth forest. This area has been recovered from farmland, and in the forest, you can hear the chirp of birds and scuttling of little critters in the vegetation. What comes after the forest is a bit of a surprise, cacti and succulent garden! Filled with tiny to giant cacti this area of the Lankester Botanical Gardens is unique. Along the trail, you will also see giant ferns, palms, bromeliads, and heliconias, including the beautiful Ave del Paraiso.
The Lankester Botanical Gardens is a perfect place to spend the day, strolling through the beautiful, relaxing gardens. Once you go, you’ll see why the gardens are so unique! These are the top 5 reasons to go to the Lankester Botanical Gardens:
Enjoy the first part of your day with our coffee experts at the Café Britt Classic CoffeeTour. This tour will introduce you to all the aspects of the coffee making process including what makes the industry more sustainable than before and how different micro-climates can influence the flavor and quality and the beans. Your tour will end with a visit to the factory where you can sample some chocolate and of course, delicious coffees.
Recommended Ages: All ages.
Tour Includes: Bilingual guide (English / Spanish), transportation.
What to bring: Light jacket, comfortable shoes, money for souvenirs.
Duration of the trip (approximately): Half day.
A perfect tour for the first or last night of your stay in Costa Rica, also located right out of San Jose. Ram Luna is a perfect addition to any day in Costa Rica. This exclusive dining experience set in the hills overlooks the entire city of San Jose. The lights of the city accompany you as you eat a perfectly prepared meal of your liking. This restaurant is quaint and beautiful and serves guests much more than just food. Traditional activities and even a firework presentation included on this one of a kind journey to Costa Rica!
The restaurant is one of the finest restaurants in all of San Jose. Located on the curves of Escazú Hills. This exquisite restaurant towers above everything in the area and is perfect for any size groups or couples. On Wednesday nights, guests of Ram Luna are invited to watch a special entertaining presentation put on by locals. This presentation is filled with beautiful flowing colors and traditional dances of Costa Rica. It is unbelievable, and offers guests and locals incomparable memories while overlooking the bright lights of the city!
Wednesday nights are indeed a great time to visit Ram Luna Restaurant. Your view of the city, although determined by weather, is alone worth the adventure. Serving anything from freshly caught fish to fresh steaks, Ram Luna has it all. The staff at Ram Luna is delightful and full of energy and class as well. When the night slowly comes to an end, and you are stuffed with fantastic food and unforgettable traditional dances, you will bear witness to an excellent firework presentation put on by your hosts. If you are looking for a beautiful adventure with great food and sights, Ram Luna is the ideal choice!
Package to Yorkin Indigenous Community is the best way to live an authentic and unforgettable experience visiting a native Bribri village in the heart of the Talamanca Mountains.
The Yorkin village can only be reached by boat. Here you will will have the privilege of seeing a Costa Rica that few know, one of the best places to interact with indigenous people and to explore the pristine rainforest.
Sailing by traditional dugout canoe, which is an incredible experience in itself, enjoy the village as well as the lush natural surroundings and the cacao and banana plantations. Upon your arrival, you will have a rest to refresh in the little Yorkin tributary and to cross the hanging bridge. After a lunch prepared according to the BriBri style, you will make your own dessert by learning how to make fresh chocolate and a smooth, sauce to dip the fresh bananas into. You will also have a lecture on the community project based on nature and culture conservation and environmental education. Allow your indigenous host to teach you all about the medicinal plants, handicrafts and Bribri construction methods. You will have the opportunity to try your hand at this native practice. After dinner, enjoy the stories told by the BriBri people which have been passed down for many generations amongst the tribes. Full of new experiences, you will get to sleep in a traditional cabin of the lodge operated with solar energy.
The next day, after a power breakfast, you will be ready to go for a hike through the jungle and learn more about the natural and cultural resources of the Yorkin Community before your return trip to civilization!
What to bring: Hiking Sandals, Rain Jacket, Water, Mosquito Repellent, Swimsuit, Long Pants, Sun Block, Passport, Money for Souvenirs.
What it Includes: Full Transportation, Guide, Accommodation & Meals.
Enjoy gorgeous green countryside and spectacular views of the Arenal Volcano will accompany you on this horseback ride to La Fortuna Waterfall and Replica Indigenous Village. The horses are sturdy and well-adapted to the jungle. This is an easy and slow 2 mile (3 kilometers) ride which makes it perfect for beginners or people who want to soak in the beauty of nature. Throughout your 1-hour hiking the rainforest and trails, your guide will point out wildlife, and you will get to see beautiful views of the green countryside and the breathtaking Arenal volcano. When you reach the entrance to the waterfall, “park” your horse and head with your guide down to the La Fortuna Waterfall. You will have the opportunity to take a swim in the cool waters. On your way back, you will stop by a village inhabited by the indigenous Maleku. They will show you their traditional handicrafts and you will learn about their language and culture. What a perfect way to experience the beautiful nature and culture of Costa Rica!
What’s Included: Transportation, guide, and water
Recommended Ages: +7 (Minimum: 3 ft. 10″ / 116 cm)
Tour Duration (approximately): 4 hours
What to Bring: Sunscreen, swimsuit, insect repellant, long pants, secure shoes, rain jacket, towel, binoculars, camera
Visit the most important monument on the protection of Guanacaste’s dry forest. Santa Rosa National Park offers a lot to explore and observe on its many hiking trails. To balance out this tour, you will also learn about Guanacaste’s history in Liberia City. Here you will also be able to do some shopping.
Whats Included: Transportation, guide, entrance fee, water and lunch
Recommended Ages: 7+
Tour Duration (approximately): Half day Tour
What to bring: Sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellant, walking shoes, comfortable clothes, camera, hat, some money for souvenirs
If you are looking for a special culture tour, you should try this cooking class! A local Arenal family will guide you through the process educating you about local products and traditional cuisine. Oftentimes people will say that Costa Rican food is all about the “rice and beans”, but do not underestimate the secrets and specials of Costa Rican cooking. Afterwards enjoy your culinary creation with amazing views of the Arenal area.
Whats Included: Transportation, delicious homemade meal
Recommended Ages: 6+
Tour Duration (approximately): 4 hours
What to bring: Comfortable clothes, camera, appetite
On this tour, you will enjoy views of the Arenal Volcano while having “the sweetest rainforest experience,” and discover the ancient secrets of chocolate. On this two hours of a hands-on tour, you will learn about chocolate while participating in the production process. You will learn about harvesting, drying and grind of the seeds, and how it is developed into the product that we all enjoy today. Learn about the discovery of chocolate, its use, and processing all while enjoying high-quality organic chocolate.
Whats Included: Transportation, guide, and drinks
Recommended Ages: All ages
Tour Duration (approximately): 2 hours
What to bring: Sunscreen, insect repellant, hiking shoes, binoculars, camera
Hiking through jungle-shrouded slopes, swimming in pristine natural pools, relaxing by mesmerizing waterfalls and enjoying traditional Campesino-style lunch while observing a great variety of wildlife. You will be guided through nature while going back in time to learn all about rural culture and conservation today.
Whats Included: Transportation, guide, fruit juices and lunch
Recommended Ages: 6+
Tour Duration (approximately): Full day tour
What to bring: Sunscreen; sunglasses; insect repellent; hiking shoes; bathing suit; towel; long pants; extra t-shirt; binoculars; camera
Hiking through jungle-shrouded slopes, swimming in pristine natural pools, relaxing by mesmerizing waterfalls and enjoying traditional Campesino-style lunch while observing a great variety of wildlife. You will be guided through nature while going back in time to learn all about rural culture and conservation today.
Whats Included: Transportation, guide, fruit juices and lunch
Recommended Ages: 6+
Tour Duration (approximately): Full day tour
What to bring: Sunscreen; sunglasses; insect repellent; hiking shoes; bathing suit; towel; long pants; extra t-shirt; binoculars; camera
San Jose Costa Rica Tours begin on the East side of San Jose. Firstly, they take you through the Heart of the city. You will see some of San Jose’s most iconic landmarks. For example, the Democracy Plaza, the National Museum, the National Court, and Hispanidad Fountain. Also, the Rodrigo Facio Campus on the University of Costa Rica, the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum and the exquisitely ornate National Theater. There you will be with a professional tour guide. They will offer you valuable information regarding these historical treasures.
Then, the tour goes through the western section of San Jose. The spectacular La Sabana Metropolitan Park with the Costa Rican Museum of Contemporary Art. Also, the National Stadium, the housing area of Rohrmoser, the Nunciatura, the Nobel Peace Prize Winner and Republic President Oscar Arias Sanchez’s House.
Finally, end off your city tour with the local market. There you can buy crafty souvenirs from your trip to San Jose! Also, we highly recommend bringing a camera!
Jump on this unique double decker bus and drive downtown San José to witness the city’s main historical landmarks for a better understanding of Costa Rica’s evolution and a panoramic cultural experience. You will see Costa Rica’s cherished National Theater, Art Museum, Metropolitan Cathedral the old and authentic Central Market, and the new National Stadium. Besides that receive an in-depth description of the National Monument as well as the historical episode at the Democracy Plaza. Be guided safely through the busy streets!
Whats Included: Transportation, guide, drinks and lunch
Recommended Ages: All ages
Tour Duration (approximately): 4 hours
What to bring: Sunscreen, rubber soled shoes that can get wet, swimsuit, shorts of a quick-drying material, towel, change of clothes, some money to buy photos, souvenirs or drinks
Be prepared for a lot of culture, traditions and a lot of beauty! You will begin your tour with a wonderful drive through sugar cane and coffee plantations to then arrive in Grecia! Grecia is a beautiful town with a famous metal church. The factories of Sarchi will impress you with all their arts & crafts made by talented and skilled labor and artistry. Especially their famous ox carts will make a lasting impression. Round off this tour with a typical lunch.
Whats Included: Transportation, guide, entrance fee to Doka (coffee tour) and lunch
Recommended Ages: All ages
Tour Duration (approximately): 7 hours
What to bring: Sweater, camera, binoculars, comfortable shoes, raincoat
Take in the lush scenery of the Orosi Valley and visit the Basilica of our Lady of the Angels and the Lankester Gardens. The latter is a University research project that cultivates and conserves more than 800 species of orchids, bromeliads and other flora. Experience a touch of history and visit one of the few remaining colonial churches and have a lunch bursting with Costa Rican flavors at one of the local restaurants.
Whats Included: Transportation, guide and lunch
Recommended Ages: All ages
Tour Duration (approximately): 7 hours
What to bring: Sweater, camera, binoculars, comfortable shoes, raincoat
El Trapiche tour is a great way to learn about Costa Rica culture and food! You will have a guided tour of the family farm and learn about the production of Coffee, Sugarcane, and Chocolate! You’ll also learn about other important Costa Rican crops that are grown on the family farm. You’ll learn about the coffee process, how they pick the coffee to various types of the coffee processing. Then enjoy learning (and tasting!) how chocolate is made! You’ll also have the chance to ride in a typical ox cart to the Sugar Cane Mill (El Trapiche). At the Sugar Cane Mill, you’ll learn about how the sugar cane is transformed from a plant to a sweet treat, you’ll even have the chance to make your own sugar cane candy! At the end of your tour, you’ll have the chance to try coffee, fresh pressed sugarcane juice, and picadillo de arracache (a traditional vegetable dish) – a true taste of Costa Rica and Monteverde!
Whats Included: Transportation and guide
Recommended Ages: All Ages
Tour Duration (approximately): 2.5 hours
What to bring: Rain jacket, sweater, closed toed shoes, money to buy coffee or chocolate in the gift shop
Admire panoramic views at dusk complimented by a delicious dinner and a traditional show. Ram Luna, perched high in the mountains overviewing the Central Valley is a hotel, which offers exactly that. Enjoy the typical Costa Rican buffet and watch the local artisans exhibiting their unique creations.
Whats Included: Transportation, guide, dinner, open bar and show
Recommended Ages: All ages
Tour Duration (approximately): 5 hours
What to bring: Sweater, camera
Rescue, research, and rehabilitate sloths. Receive an insight into the sanctuary’s mission and learn about sloths and their importance in the tropical forest. In Costa Rica you can find two sloth species. Bradypus variegatus (Three-fingered Sloth) and Choloepus hoffmanni (Two-fingered Sloth). In the sanctuary you are able to observe both of these species up close.
Whats Included: Transportation, guide and water
Recommended Ages: All ages
Tour Duration (approximately): 4 hours
What to bring: Passport, camera, hat, comfortable sandals or shoes, sun glasses
El Trapiche tour, is a great way to learn about Costa Rica culture and food! You will have a guided tour of the family farm and learn about the production of Coffee, Sugarcane, and Chocolate! You’ll also learn about other important Costa Rican crops that are grown on the family farm. You’ll learn about the coffee process, how they pick the coffee to various types of the coffee processing. Then enjoy learning (and tasting!) how chocolate is made! You’ll also have the chance to ride in a typical ox cart to the Sugar Cane Mill (El Trapiche). At the Sugar Cane Mill you’ll learn about how the sugar cane is transformed from a plant to a sweet treat, you’ll even have the chance to make your own sugar cane candy! At the end of your tour you’ll have the chance to try coffee, fresh pressed sugarcane juice, and picadillo de arracache (a traditional vegetable dish) – a true taste of Costa Rica and Monteverde!
Whats Included: Transportation and guide
Recommended Ages: All Ages
Tour Duration (approximately): 2.5 hours
What to bring: Rain jacket, sweater, closed toed shoes, money to buy coffee or chocolate in the gift shop.
Receive an in-depth look into Costa Rican culture and history with this city tour. San José, Costa Rica’s capital has a lot to offer such as parks, museums and a lot of art and architecture. You will start in Sabana Park and make your way through the city visiting the historic National Theater and the Gold Museum. Afterwards you will continue your way to the University of Costa Rica, the Supreme Court and various sites of interest. You will have the chance to buy some souvenirs as well in a little craft shop!
Whats Included: Transportation, guide and entrance fee to the Gold Museum and National Theatre
Recommended Ages: All ages
Tour Duration (approximately): 5 hours
What to bring: Comfortable shoes, camera
Today you are going to discover San José with a local guide! You will explore heart of the capital, La Sabana Metropolitan Park, the Central Market, the National Theater, an architectural masterpiece from the 19. century, different neighborhoods like Barrio Escalante, Amón, Otoya and Tournon and the University of Costa Rica. And what would be a San José city tour without a visit to one of the famous museums? Your guide will give you the choice between the Jade, Gold and National Museum. Wander down the Central Avenue Boulevard and Boulevard Circuito Judicial to the Plaza de la Democracia and the Supreme Court of Justice. Casa Amarilla, the National Park and the National Library cannot be missed as well and to round off your San José City Tour your guide can take you to a cozy restaurant to have a traditional lunch if you would like to. Keep in mind that entrance fees to any attractions and lunch is not included. Enjoy your cultural discovery tour!
Whats Included: Transportation, guide
Recommended Ages: All ages
Tour Duration (approximately): 4 – 5 hours depending on your choices
What to bring: Comfortable shoes, camera, rain jacket, money for entrance fees, snacks, drinks and lunch
Are you ready for your full day of adventures and activities? With Diamante’s Adventure Pass you can have it all! Your Adventure Pass includes:
Discovery Pass: In partnership with La Paz Waterfall Gardens, Diamante built Guanacaste’s largest Animal Sanctuary, home a great variety of species. Designed to provide the animals with their natural surrounding, the habitats are also allowing guests to enjoy them up close. Here you will be able to observe rescued animals like sloths, monkeys, jaguars, toucans, pumas, crocodiles, snakes and more. Observe wildcats, butterflies, two and three toed sloths like you have only ever dreamt about!
Aerial Pass: Have the best and only ocean view on a dual zip line in Costa Rica! Diamante’s Zip Line course allows you to share this experience with your friends and family, floating side by side. The course includes a free fall “Quick Jump” (30 ft (10 meter) high), a 4461 feet (1360 meter) long superman line, 4 cables, and a Hanging Bridge over crocodiles. You will have amazing views throughout this adventure!
Cultural Experience: The Traditional House tour and our hands-on experiences with sugar cane, coffee and chocolate are the perfect backdrops for understanding life in Costa Rica. The Sanctuary will further your understanding of the types of animals that are common in Costa Rica. Engage our bilingual staff as you explore and they will point out the exceptional beauty that exist among the flora and fauna.
Botanical Garden: Explore fruit trees, sugar canes, coffee plants, and more.
Hammock Beach: Fully relax and enjoy various beach activities such as snorkeling, kayaking and stand up paddling!
With this Adventure Pass you will have a perfect adventure-filled day guaranteed!
Whats Included: Transportation, guide, coffee, fruit drinks and lunch
Recommended Ages: Zip-Lines: For the short lines; minimum weight 60 lbs (27 kg) | For the Quick Jump, the superman line and the entire circuit; 85 lbs (40 kg)
Tour Duration (approximately): Zip line course duration (approximately): 1 hour | Stay as long as you wish for the other activities
What to bring: Sunscreen, insect repellant, swimsuit, comfortable clothes, sandals, walking shoes, camera, cap, towel, copy of your passport.
Experience the Pre Columbian culture of Costa Rica with this guided hike into the foothills of the Talamanca Mountains. Learn all about the Watsi Bribri Community, enjoy a beautiful waterfall, the Sixoala River (the border between Costa Rica and Panama) and a cacao plantation to see organic indigenous chocolate being made.
Whats Included: Transportation, guide, entrance fees, fruits, beverages and typical Bribri lunch
Recommended Ages: All ages
Tour Duration (approximately): 6 – 7 hours
What to bring: Water shoes or hiking sandals, water, insect repellant, swimsuit, long pants, passport, some money for chocolate and souvenirs
Visit the Jaguar Rescue Center, where you will be introduced to their animals and witness how they help wounded wild animals from the South Caribbean area. Your next stop will be a cultural one! Get an insight in the culture of the indigenous tribes living in the foothills of the Talamanca Mountains. Especially in connection with the cacao tradition and the jungle wildlife. In the Chocolate House, receive a demonstration of this traditional process. To conclude your combination tour, observe various flora and fauna on your way to a stunning waterfall, which is said to have cleansing properties.
Whats Included: Transportation, guide, entrance fees
Recommended Ages: All ages
Tour Duration (approximately): 3 hours
What to bring: Water shoes or hiking sandals, water, insect repellant, swimsuit, long pants, passport, some money for chocolate and souvenirs
Experience the Pre Columbian culture of Costa Rica with this guided hike into the foothills of the Talamanca Mountains. Learn all about the Watsi Bribri Community, enjoy a beautiful waterfall, the Sixoala River (the border between Costa Rica and Panama) and a cacao plantation to see organic indigenous chocolate being made.
Whats Included: Transportation, guide, entrance fees, fruits, beverages and typical Bribri lunch
Recommended Ages: All ages
Tour Duration (approximately): 6 – 7 hours
What to bring: Water shoes or hiking sandals, water, insect repellant, swimsuit, long pants, passport, some money for chocolate and souvenirs
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