Best Trusted Tours in Costa Rica

Beaches, jungles, rainforests, and incredible wildlife—Costa Rica might be small, but it’s packed with big adventures for those who love the outdoors. To help you make the most of your trip, we’ve compiled some of the best and most trusted tours in Costa Rica. These tours are perfect for exploring the country’s natural wonders and ensuring an amazing time. Let’s dive in!

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Bites and Sights: Walking Food Tour in San Jose, Costa Rica

• Duration: 3h30
• Price: From 34 USD
• Provider: Viator

There’s nothing better than starting your trip with a San Jose walking food tour. You’ll sample various Costa Rican flavors while learning about the country’s cultural heritage. The tour takes you through Mercado Central and Mercado Borbón to shop for fruits and veggies, visit the National Theater and La Laguna Plaza, and try local treats. 

On this tour, you’ll learn to make Café Chorreado and Agua de Sapo, a local drink made with sugar cane and lemon. You’ll also enjoy Costa Rican-style tamales wrapped in banana leaves, try making tortillas and sweet plantain empanadas with cheese, taste seasonal fruits at the Borbón Market, and snack on traditional Caldosa corn chips at the Central Market.

Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour with Lunch and Dinner

• Duration: ~14 hours
• Price: from 179 USD
• Provider: Viator

This tour packs the best of Costa Rica into one day. Your day starts with a morning pick-up from your hotel, then head out to visit Arenal Volcano, La Paz Waterfall, and Arenal Hot Springs with a friendly guide. Enjoy stops at a coffee plantation for a tasting and at La Paz Waterfall for some great photos. You’ll also enjoy fresh Costa Rican coffee and snacks at the San Fernando Waterfall lookout.

Next, check out the Iguanas Center and spot some sloths. After a tasty Costa Rican lunch near Arenal Volcano, you’ll go zip lining with a 150-foot rappel and learn about the Maleku culture. Relax at Paradise Hot Springs, surrounded by tropical gardens, before returning to your hotel with a delicious dinner on the way. All entrance fees and two meals are included.

Hacienda Alsacia Starbucks Coffee Tour

• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Price: From 30 USD
• Provider: Viator

If you’re a coffee lover or just curious about where your morning brew comes from, the Hacienda Alsacia Starbucks Coffee Tour is a must-see. This tour takes you behind the scenes at Starbucks’ coffee farm. You’ll stroll through the coffee fields, learn about sustainable farming practices, and see how coffee is processed from bean to cup. Plus, you’ll taste some amazing coffee right at the source. If you’re thinking of bringing back some coffee as a gift from Costa Rica, the best place to get it is at the gift shop right on the farm.

Manuel Antonio Park Nature Guided Tour with a Nature Specialist

• Duration: 4 hours
• Price: From 45 USD
• Provider: Viator

This is one of the best half-day tours in Costa Rica. On this tour, you can start at the park entrance or get picked up from select locations. After buying your entrance ticket (at your own expense), you’ll head into the park with your guide. They’ll help you spot more wildlife, and you’ll get to use a spotting scope for a closer look and great photos.

This small-group tour is flexible, so the guide will adjust to your preferences, whether you’re into jungle trails or beach walks. Some snacks and a comfy, air-conditioned ride between stops are included. The tour wraps up at the park entrance, but you can stick around and explore more if you want.

Upper Balsa River White Water Rafting Class 3/4 in Costa Rica

• Duration: 5 hours
• Price: From 85 USD
• Provide: Viator

If you’re looking for an adrenaline-packed adventure in the heart of Costa Rica’s rainforest, Arenal Rafting offers a thrilling Class IV white-water rafting experience you won’t soon forget! In this tour, you’ll tackle a 15-kilometer river stretch, pausing to relax, swim, and savor some fresh Costa Rican fruit. After the rafting excursion, they will take you to a local restaurant for lunch. g

The tours depart daily at 9:00 a.m. from La Fortuna. Roundtrip transportation is provided from local hotels. All necessary equipment, knowledgeable guides, fruit during the trip, towels, and lunch are included. This adventure is suitable for participants aged 12 and above.

Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall, Hot Springs Full Day Tour

• Duration: 11 hours
• Price: From 95 USD
• Provider: Viator

This is another day tour that you should not miss. You’ll start by visiting the impressive La Fortuna Waterfall, surrounded by lush greenery that offers a chance to swim in its refreshing pool or enjoy the views. Next, explore Arenal Volcano with a guide who will help you spot wildlife like sloths and tropical birds. Finally, climb to Mirador El Silencio for stunning panoramic views of Lake Arenal, the jungle, and the volcano. 

This tour includes lunch and a cocktail. They pick you up and drop you off at your hotel. It’s a small group, too, so it’s nice and personalized, with up to 10 people.

Tortuga Island Tour with Costa Cat

• Duration: 8 hours
• Price: 159 USD
• Provider: Viator

Take a break from your Costa Rica trip with a fun day cruise from Jaco to Tortuga Island. You can swim, snorkel, hike, and just relax on the Herradura Beach, plus there’s plenty of food and drinks included, like breakfast, lunch, rum punch, and margaritas. 

When you arrive at the island, you can rent more water sports gear like wave runners and paddleboards. The day starts and ends with a beautiful catamaran cruise across the Gulf of Nicoya. It’s an all-inclusive tour, so you don’t have to worry about a thing; enjoy the island vibes!

Full Day Waterfall Adventure

• Duration: 7 hours
• Price: From 150 USD
• Provider: Viator

Costa Rica is an outdoor lover’s paradise, full of hiking trails and stunning scenery. This tour will guide you to some hidden hiking trails in Costa Rica. Your day of swimming and exploring begins with an optional pickup from Quepos or Manuel Antonio, traveling in a comfortable, climate-controlled vehicle.

You’ll visit three beautiful, lesser-known waterfalls that aren’t crowded with tourists. With a relaxed pace and a small group, there’s plenty of time to swim, jump off waterfalls, and enjoy a natural slide. You’ll also get lunch, snacks, and bottled water, plus a visit to a quiet beach with caves and palm trees. The day wraps up with a return ride to your pickup location.

Guachipelin Adventure Volcano Zipline Horseback River Tubing Combo

• Duration: 10 hours
• Price: From 128 USD
• Provider: Viator

This all-day adventure is packed with some of the best outdoor fun imaginable. You’ll zip through canyons, swing on Tarzan swings, and rappel down cliffs on a thrilling ziplining adventure. Then, enjoy a scenic horseback ride through the forest, spotting wildlife along the way. Afterward, ride down Rio Negro’s rapids on a fun river tubing excursion.

After having a buffet lunch, you can relax at Rio Negro Hot Springs. You can bathe in natural hot springs and try a volcanic mud bath for a refreshing spa-like experience. It’s all about adventure and relaxation in Costa Rica’s beautiful outdoors!

Public Blue Dolphin Sailing Adventure

• Duration: 5 hours
• Price: From 85 USD
• Provider: Viator

Costa Rica’s coastlines are perfect for eco-adventures like this cruise, starting at Tamarindo Beach. Jump aboard a comfy 40-foot catamaran for an hour-long cruise up the coast. Enjoy drinks from the full bar on the spacious deck with restrooms on board.

The tour will anchor near Playa Huevos, so you can swim and play with kayaks, snorkeling gear, and more. On deck, they’ll serve a light meal with local specialties, fresh fruits, and veggies. Watch for dolphins, whales, and other wildlife on the scenic sail back, timed perfectly for stunning sunsets over the ocean. The tour wraps up back on Tamarindo beach after sunset—a perfect day on Costa Rica’s waters!

Rio Celeste Hiking, Sloth Sanctuary & Llanos de Cortes Waterfall Tour

• Duration: 12 hours
• Price: From 128 USD
• Provider: Viator

This is another hot-selling item among day tours in Costa Rica that you would love to add to your cart. The tour starts at Llanos de Cortez Waterfall. You can swim and enjoy the beautiful scenery at this spot for an hour. Then, take a leisurely 2-hour hike at Tenorio Volcano National Park along the stunning blue Celeste River, with another chance to swim.

Afterward, they will take you to a sloth and frog sanctuary on an organic farm. Their guide will introduce you to the farm’s diverse plants and animals. Finally, enjoy a farm lunch with fresh Costa Rican flavors before returning to your pickup location.

In summary, these tours in Costa Rica offer incredible opportunities to explore its natural beauty. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or wildlife encounters, there’s a tour tailored just for you. Come and experience Costa Rica’s wonders firsthand—you won’t want to miss it!