What are the Top Activities in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica’s forests are the perfect setting for adventure tours. Enjoy a view from the top while zip-lining through the forest canopy. Monteverde and Arenal offer some of the most popular canopy tours in the country. Sail through Arenal’s treetops while you’re on the Sky Trek — Pure Trek Combo tour. Get your feet wet on a rafting tour — Pacuare River is one of Costa Rica’s top rafting destinations, and you can conquer it with a guide on the Pacuare Rafting 2-Day Trip. For an intense tour of the rainforest, consider signing up for a guided, multi-day trek through the remote Corcovado rainforest.

For more nature activities, consider hiking with a naturalist guide. See Arenal’s canopy at relaxed pace on one of the gondolas on Sky Tram Arenal. Some of the most interesting hikes take place after sunset — browse your options for nighttime tours.

It’s tempting to spend every day surfing and lounging on the sand, but make time for a marine tour while you’re near the coast. On a snorkeling trip to Caño Island you can see parrotfish, surgeon fish, barber fish, eels, snapper, puffers, barracudas, turtles, and manta rays. Feel your sails fill with air as you explore the coastline on a [Tamarindo Catamaran Tour] (/costa-rica/destinations/tamarindo/tours/marlin-del-rey-catamaran-tour).

Cultural tours might take you to a coffee farm or a chocolate plantation. Both types of tours end with a tasting of some of some delicious local product. You can also find tours that combine these culinary tours with a nature excursion, like the Safari Float — Chocolate Tour. Break up your itinerary with a leisure tour to one of Costa Rica’s many hot-springs, which include the lovely facilities at Tabacón Hot Springs.

For more information about cultural, adventure, leisure, marine or nature tours, please visit our tours page.