Top Ten Tours in Costa Rica

Best of the Best

Whether you are a Nature Lover, an Adrenaline Junkie, a Cultural Connoisseur, or you just want to kick back and relax in a safe, beautiful, tropical paradise, Costa Rica is the PERFECT vacation destination. There is a massive variety of activities and tours in Costa Rica available for every type of traveler. So whether you choose to zip through the treetops on a canopy tour, experience the rainforest while white-water rafting or floating on a safari boat, or learn about the Costa Rican Coffee and Culture on tour to a local plantation – we’ll help you find the perfect Costa Rica tours for you! With so many tours available, it can be difficult to choose. But don’t worry, we’ve narrowed them down to the best of the best. Keep reading to discover the top ten tours in Costa Rica.

#1 Manuel Antonio National Park

Exploring Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the most popular activities in Costa Rica. Not only can you see Costa Rica flora and fauna up close, but once you’ve walked through the park you’ll find some of the most gorgeous beaches in the country. The park is located in the Central Caribbean right on the coast. Trekking through the National Park is unbelievable. You are guaranteed to see a lot of wildlife including monkeys, iguanas and sloths. We recommend going on a guided tour to see as many animals as possible. The park is open 7 am – 4 pm and closed on Mondays. Once you’ve entered the park you’ll find uniformed expert guides excited to show you all the wildlife that the park has to offer.

#2 Sky Trek and Tram Tour In Arenal

The Arenal Sky Trek and Tram is a blast for the entire family. Located near the Arenal Volcano, the Sky Trek is a zip line that lets you soar through the top of the rainforest at exhilarating speeds. The Tram is a bit more relaxed and allows you to see more landscapes and flora and fauna at a more peaceful pace. It will take to the highest spot in the reserve for a breathtaking view.

#3 Catamaran Tour

There are two top Catamaran Tours in Costa Rica, both located on the Pacific side. The Marlin Del Rey Sunset Cruise is ported in Tamarindo Guanacaste. This cruise takes you along the breathtaking Guanacaste beaches while you look for whales, dolphins and sea turtles. You’ll also get a chance to snorkel and enjoy a traditional lunch on the boat. The other cruise is by Planet Dolphin, ported in Manuel Antonio. This cruise sails down by Drake Bay close to the Osa Peninsula where you can see many different marine animals in the clear waters including manta rays, dolphins, and ibis. After you snorkel or scuba dive you’ll enjoy fresh grilled fresh and tropical drinks for lunch.

#4 Hacienda Guachipelin One Day Pass

This one day tour near Rincon de la Vieja lets you pack as many adventure activities as possible into one amazing day. If you start early enough you can go zip lining and canyoning, horseback riding, tubing and hiking! After all your adventures you can wind down by visiting the with volcanic mud bath and a soak in the thermal hot springs.

#5 La Paz Waterfall Gardens

La Paz Waterfall Gardens is another amazing nature and wildlife opportunity located near San Jose. A tour of the waterfall garden not only includes 5 waterfalls, but a cloud and rainforest, animal reserves and 3,5 kilometers of hiking trails. It is one of the most memorable day tours located near San Jose.

#6 Arenal Hanging Bridges

The hanging bridges tour brings you back to the Arenal Volcano. This tour is truly a once-in-a-life-time experience. You’ll hike 9 bridges and 6 hanging bridges Arenal Volcano National Park. In addition to the incredible views, you’ll have the chance to see many different types of tropical birds soaring above the trees. The hanging bridges tour is great for families, couples and birders.

#7 Santa Elena Reserve

The Santa Elena Reserve tour is located in the Cloud Forests of Monteverde, not far from San Jose. The constant clouds create a misty wonderland like you’ve never seen anywhere else. The Santa Elena Reserve is home to more than 800 types of trees, hundreds of bird species and 140 reptile and amphibian species. You can also see animals like sloths and maybe even a jaguar! This quiet, tranquil reserve is one you will never forget.

#8 White Water Rafting

White water rafting is by far the most exciting tour in Costa Rica, and there are three different rivers that we highly recommend. Firstly, the Pacuare River. The Pacuare River is the strongest of the three and is rated as #5 in the world’s top rafting spots. Then there is the Tenorio River in Guanacaste. This river will first test your courage and then allow you a refreshing swim at the end of your tour. Finally, you can visit the Balsa River. Although still as much fun as the Pacuare and Tenorio River, the Balsa River is for those seeking calmer waters on their rafting adventure.

#9 Tortuguero Canals

Expore the maze of the Tortuguero Canals on an electric boat and discover a huge variety of wildlife from a unique and exciting perspective. Located in the Northern Caribbean, Tortuguero is only accessible by boat, but definitely worth the trip. The guide will navigate you through the canals and point out monkeys, birds, crocodiles, sloths and more!

#10 Birding Tours

With over 830 species of birds, Costa Rica is the ideal location for for avid birders and bird lovers. One of Costa Rica’s most famous Birding tours is the Quetzal tour Located in San Gerardo de Dota. During the two-four hour tour you’ll have the opportunity to spot many of the 150 species of birds in the area.