Led by English-speaking naturalist guides, guided tours provide travelers with the sort of hands-on education one demands while exploring new territory. Versed in both the local history and ecology, tour guides can introduce visitors to cloud forests and coffee plantations, nocturnal ecosystems and native rainforests. Fascinating sights, sounds, and even smells will be revealed in new and intriguing ways, encouraging tour takers to investigate further once the outing is over.
33 Things to Do
This tour takes visitors to some of San José’s most interesting cultural highlights. To get from one destination to the next you’ll walk and take local transportation.
4 hrs
From $67Ascend to the top of the Monteverde Cloud Forest on this tree climbing adventure. Ficus trees have a hollow trunk, forming a tube with natural footholds for you to climb. Once you reach the top, you can step out onto a viewing platform for an unforgettable view of the surrounding forest.
3 hrs
From $46The Day Tour to the Asis wild animal rescue center outside of La Fortuna, is a great way to learn about wildlife protection and see Costa Rican animals up close.
2 hrs
From $34Join this tour to see the peaks of Irazu Volcano and memorable landmarks in the Orosi Valley. Your journey concludes with a relaxing dip in some volcanic hot springs.
9 hrs
From $148This tour will make sure you're fueled for the full-day adventure ahead of you. Spend eight hours in Costa Rica's exquisite central valley of Alajuela, where you'll discover how the perfect cup of Costa Rican coffee is produced at the Doka Coffee Estate, and explore a volcanic region at Poás Volcano National Park.
8 hrs
From $88For a good look at San José, climb on board the VIP double-decker bus. You’ll have a panoramic view of the city, including parks and busy city streets. As you drive, your guide will give you interesting insights into the history and culture of Costa Rica’s most vibrant city.
5 hrs
From $74This culinary tour introduces visitors to Costa Rican food and coffee. During this tour you’ll focus on the offerings at popular local markets, and pass by scenic parks.
3 hrs
From $37This tour takes you on a boating tour of the Sierpe River’s virgin mangroves. Because these mangroves have remained totally undisturbed, you’ll get to see an especially intense level of biodiversity.
3 hrs
From $62This 2-hour butterfly farm tour offers an in-depth look at this colorful insect’s life cycle. You can climb up the main enclosure’s treehouse platforms to look for pupas, butterfly eggs, and caterpillars. Next, you’ll head to the classroom to learn more about butterfly breeding. A trip to the butterfly farm is ideal for small groups or couples who are interested in an educational nature tour.
2 hrs
From $26The Sarapiqui River flows along the border between Costa Rica and Nicaragua and is home to some of the country's most gorgeous scenery. During this 2-hour river safari, you'll ride a comfortable boat down the Sarapiqui River and have ample opportunities to spot a range of wildlife.
2 hrs
From $36This tour gives you an interesting look into the history and cultivation of cocoa in Costa Rica. At each stage of cocoa production, you’ll be encouraged to touch, smell, and taste.
2 hrs
From $31This tour takes you to see the wildlife that surrounds the Rincón de la Vieja Volcano on a jungle trail called “Sensoria”—named for its sensorily overwhelming environment. Your three- to four-hour hike concludes with a dip in a thermally heated pool.
8 hrs
From $205As local legend has it, God washed his paintbrush in the Río Celeste after he painted the sky. Upon seeing the blue-tinted waters of this river, this legend will make a great deal of sense.
8 hrs
From $129This tour begins with a one-hour drive through the Guanacaste mountain range. During this portion, you’ll be privileged with excellent views of the dormant Miravalles Volcano. Although the volcano hasn’t experienced significant eruptions in some time, it continues to expel gas and geysers near its base— expulsions that are used by the government to produce geothermal energy.
7 hrs
From $154Take this tour to explore the picturesque hiking trails of Rincón de la Vieja National Park. The tour lasts between 2.5 and 3 hours.
7 hrs
From $108This tour will take you through the wild landscape of coastal Costa Rica. You’ll get to see the romantic greenery of a hacienda, and go boating down the brackish waters of the Tárcoles River. Along the way you’ll see rare animals, including one species in particular that comes equipped with an impressive set of teeth.
7 hrs
From $98Treat yourself to a whirlwind outdoor adventure in La Fortuna , Costa Rica. This exciting adventure starts giving you a unique vantage point of the rainforest when you explore it across 15 bridges – 6 of which are suspended to let you investigate nearer to the canopy, and then with a hike where the trails are made of old lava flows. Don’t worry about working up an appetite, because lunch is included.
7 hrs
From $128This tour immerses you in the history and culture of San José. Along the way, you’ll visit parks, museums, and stores.
5 hrs
From $66Get a 360 degree view of San Jose with the VIP City Bus Tour. This European style double decker bus allows you to see more of the city and historical buildings than a typical walking tour.
5 hrs
From $64Set just outside Manuel Antonio and Quepos, the Villa Vanilla Spice Plantation grows an assortment of spices, medicinal plants, and exotic fruits. On this half-day tour you’ll explore the plantation and experience how vanilla is grown, harvested, and cooked with.
4 hrs
From $53- Elliot H.
Trustpilot 5-star rated