Top Tours in Costa Rica’s Best Destinations
Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse and adventure-packed countries in the world. Whether you’re drawn to tropical rainforests, volcanic landscapes, or stunning coastlines, every region offers something unforgettable.
This guide brings you a curated list of top-rated tours and experiences in our most popular locations—so you can enjoy the very best of nature, adventure, and culture during your stay.
Best Tours in Manuel Antonio: Nature, Adventure & Culture
Nature & Wildlife
- Manuel Antonio National Park
A protected haven of lush jungle trails and white-sand beaches like Playa Manuel Antonio. You’ll likely spot monkeys, sloths, iguanas, and toucans. Tickets must be purchased through SINAC with an ID or passport. Entry starts at $18 for adults and children over 12. - Sukia Adventure Park
Home to a butterfly sanctuary, crocodile rescue center, ziplines, and waterfall trails. Tours start at $45 per person and include a certified guide. Children under 4 usually join for free. - Rainmaker Conservation Park
A private reserve filled with hanging bridges, waterfalls, and rich biodiversity. Entry starts at $20 + tax. Yoga tours and weddings are available on request. Camping platforms coming soon!
Adventure
- El Santuario Canopy Tour
Features 11 ziplines, including the longest twin zipline in Central America. Includes a full tour, traditional Costa Rican lunch, and free photos when you book directly. Starts at $80 per person (ages 4+). - ATV Jungle Tour
Ride through rugged trails and stop at scenic waterfalls. $110 for one person per ATV, or $140 for two on one ATV. - Damas Island Mangrove Tour
Explore peaceful mangroves by kayak or boat. You’ll see monkeys, crocodiles, and birds. Includes lunch, bilingual guide, and equipment. Prices from $75 + tax (ages 4+).
Cultural Experiences
- Quepos Farmers Market
A weekly event full of fresh produce, local crafts, and authentic Costa Rican flavors. - Cooking Class
Learn to make traditional Costa Rican dishes while touring a botanical garden filled with medicinal plants. From $75 per person.
Chocolate Tour
Combine chocolate and coffee tastings with sugarcane juice and cultural insights. Starts at $62 per person.
Best Tours in La Fortuna: Waterfalls, Volcanoes & Adventure
Waterfalls & Hot Springs
- La Fortuna Waterfall
A stunning 75-meter drop into a natural pool, perfect for swimming and photos. Just 10 minutes from town. - Hot Springs
Relax in mineral-rich thermal waters, either at luxurious resorts or in natural river spots surrounded by jungle. - Jungle Hiking
Easy-access trails with views of Arenal Volcano, plus a jungle rope swing near the villas.
Adventure
- Ziplining
Soar above the rainforest or the waterfall. Arenal Mundo Aventura offers tours from $63 for adults, $51 for kids. - White Water Rafting
Year-round rapids, from gentle to intense. Arenal Rafting offers trips starting at $65 (+VAT), with combo options like canyoning or ATVs. - Horseback Riding
Ride to the waterfall or around the volcano base. Don Tobias tours start at $80 and include snacks at their farm. - Volcano Hiking
Explore volcanic trails and hanging bridges—ideal for wildlife lovers and photographers.
Cultural Experiences
- Arenal Volcano National Park
Famous for lava fields and abundant wildlife like monkeys, coatis, and toucans. Entry: $15 adults, $5 children. - Bogarin Wildlife Trail
Spot sloths, frogs, and birds on a guided or self-guided walk. Tours from $20, with parking and lockers included. - Coffee & Chocolate Tour
Learn how these local favorites are grown and processed. Includes tastings and hotel pickup. Starts at $46.
Cooking Classes
Make Costa Rican meals or cocktails with a local chef—or book one to come to your villa. From $48 per person.
Best Tours in Tamarindo: Beach, Wildlife & Local Life
Nature & Wildlife
- Las Baulas National Marine Park
A key nesting site for endangered leatherback turtles. Guided night tours (Oct–Feb) on Playa Grande range from $25–$35 and must be booked through certified guides or SINAC. - Diria National Park
Hike through dry and cloud forests, spotting toucans, butterflies, and maybe even ocelots. Entry: $12. Early mornings are best for wildlife.
Adventure
- Monkey Jungle Zipline Tour
Just 10 minutes from town. Features 7 cables, 3 hanging bridges, and a Tarzan swing. From $45 per person (ages 4+), including gear and transport. - ATV Off-Road Tours
Explore jungle paths, rivers, and lookout points—some include stops at waterfalls or beaches. $95 for one rider, $120 for two on one ATV. - Estuary Kayak or Paddleboard Tour
Paddle through peaceful mangroves, spotting birds, monkeys, and reptiles. Tours last about 2 hours, starting at $45 per person.
Cultural Experiences
- Tamarindo Night Market
Every Thursday night—food trucks, live music, local artisans, and a great family atmosphere. Free entry.
Frogs, Sloths, Coffee & Chocolate Tour
A 5–6 hour nature-and-culture combo including a sloth hike and plantation visit. Lunch and guide included. $155 per person (Viator).
Best Tours in Jacó / Los Sueños: Adventure Meets Nature
Nature & Wildlife
- Carara National Park
Great biodiversity and easy access. Spot scarlet macaws, monkeys, and frogs. Entry: $11.30 for foreign adults. - Tárcoles River Crocodile Bridge
A famous viewpoint with optional boat tours through mangroves. Tours start at $35 per person. - Pura Vida Gardens & Waterfalls
Botanical gardens with ocean views and access to Bijagual Waterfall—one of the tallest in the country. Entry around $20.
Adventure
- Vista Los Sueños Adventure Park
Jungle zipline circuit with 12 platforms and 10 cables offering ocean and mountain views. Starts at $75, includes transport, fruit, and guide. - ATV Tour
Ride through mountain trails and rivers. Tours often include a stop at a waterfall. From $85 (1 person), $110 (2 riders). - Crocodile Safari Boat Tour
A relaxed boat ride through mangroves to see crocs, monkeys, and birds. $35–$45 per person. Includes drinks.
Cultural Experiences
- Jacó Farmers Market
A weekly market with fresh produce, handmade goods, and local treats. - Cooking Class with Melissa Guzmán
A hands-on Costa Rican cooking experience with a regional chef. Includes a full meal. $85 per person.
Chocolate & Coffee Tour
Learn about Costa Rica’s farming history while tasting chocolate, coffee, and sugarcane juice. Starts at $62.
Best Tours in San Gerardo de Dota: Birds, Mountains & Coffee
Nature & Wildlife
- Quetzal Birdwatching Tour
This valley is one of the world’s top spots to see the resplendent quetzal. Early morning tours (5–6 AM) have a 90–95% success rate. 2–2.5 hours, $35–$40 per person. Bring warm clothes and binoculars. - Cloud Forest Nature Walk
Peaceful hikes through orchid-filled trails led by naturalist guides. Tours last 1–1.5 hours and cost $20–$30. - Highland Birding Tour
A 4-hour experience focused on rare high-elevation birds like the fiery-throated hummingbird. Starts at dawn and costs $50–$60 per person.
Adventure
- Horseback Riding to Savegre Waterfalls
A 2-hour scenic ride along forest trails and rivers. Great for beginners and families. From $45 per person. - Paramo Hike – Los Quetzales National Park
A high-altitude trek (3,000+ meters) with potential views of several volcanoes. Lasts about 3 hours. $40–$50 per person. No entry fee.
Cultural Experiences
- Coffee Tour in Santa María de Dota
Just 30 minutes away, visit Coopedota—one of the country’s top cooperatives—for a full bean-to-cup experience. Tours last 1.5–2 hours and cost $20–$25. Own transport needed.
Ready to Explore Costa Rica?
Each of our villas includes personalized service to help you plan and book the perfect tours—whether it’s waterfall hikes in La Fortuna, spotting quetzals in San Gerardo, ziplining in Manuel Antonio, river safaris in Jacó, or surfing in Tamarindo. (Rates are subject to change.)
Have questions or want tailored recommendations? Reach out through our contact form—we’ll take care of the rest.