Top Central Valley Safaris

Get close to animals in their natural habitat on this river cruise through Palo Verde National Park. After a scenic drive through the park, see exotic birds, crocodiles, monkeys, iguanas, and other animals on a 2-hour river cruise on the Tempisque River. Then, enjoy a lunch of typical Costa Rican dishes cooked over a fire. On the return journey, make short stops to learn about indigenous pottery techniques and taste local coffee.

As one of the most popular parks in Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio National Park is a must for visitors. This guided tour from San Jose makes visiting on a time crunch a cinch—your guide takes the guesswork out of deciding which trails are worth the effort, plus helps you spot wildlife along the way. This tour is specifically timed to avoid the crowds, too, helping you have the best possible experience exploring.

Float down the Frio River to look for some of Costa Rica’s diverse animals and bird life on this half-day wildlife tour from La Fortuna. Your guide shares commentary about the creatures you might see along the calm river, such as monkeys, iguanas, sloths, and colorful birds. Afterward, stop for snacks prepared by a local family before you are returned to your hotel.

Get to know one of the most active volcanoes in Costa Rica, the Poás Volcano with 2,708 m high, which is located just a few minutes from the city of San José, where we pick you up directly where you can find lodged to take you to see the Great Colossus On the way to the Volcano you will be able to delight in the beautiful views of the Milk, Strawberry and ornamental plants farms as well as the large coffee plantations which stand out for the large amount observed on the way, once we arrive at the Volcano. We will take you to enjoy a delicious typical Lunch which is included in the tour. Once we are satisfied we will go to La Peace Waterfalls where you will be amazed with the immense this waterfall that this area gives us. You can not loose of visiting the Coffee Farm and learning everything about one of the best coffee in the world.

Get a taste of Costa Rica’s famed biodiversity without straying too far from the city with this all-access day pass to La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park. Featuring hiking trails through the cloud forest, cascading waterfalls, a rescued jungle cats educational program, and numerous specialty wildlife exhibits, La Paz Waterfall Gardens guarantees good fun for the whole family. This pass can be redeemed anytime during the park’s normal operating hours and is good for accessing all of the exhibits.

In just one day, it’s possible to visit top Costa Rica attractions like Arenal Volcano, La Paz Waterfall, and Arenal Hot Springs when you book this guided tour from San Jose. All-inclusive private transport smooths over otherwise tricky transportation logistics, and your guide keeps you well entertained and informed as you explore. This tour includes all entrance fees plus two meals, adding up to a great value.

See more of the Arenal Volcano region with the convenience of a full-day tour from San Jose. Take a scenic route to Arenal with views of farms, rain forest, and small towns, and stop at a coffee plantation where you can sample coffee and traditional snacks. Stop at a waterfall, look for wildlife, then have the afternoon to soak in hot springs set in a lush garden near the Arenal Volcano.

Visit La Paz Waterfall Gardens the easy way on this small-group day trip. Save yourself the hassle of catching taxis or public buses by traveling in a private, air-conditioned vehicle. Learn about Costa Rica's biodiversity at the aviary, butterfly farm, hummingbird gallery, and much more. Also be amazed by the views of the five highest waterfalls in the country.

Experience a fun-filled day in the jungle at the Rainforest Adventures Costa Rica Atlantic eco-reserve. Your multi-pass gives you access to six different activities throughout the beautiful tropical park. Get a bird’s-eye view of the rainforest canopy with an aerial tram ride, encounter native critters at a butterfly and frog garden, cross a hanging bridge, and explore the jungle on a nature hike. Get your adrenaline pumping as you soar through the treetops on ziplines, including one of the longest and fastest in the country.

This three-in-one tour highlights the best of Costa Rica, including a river safari float and volcano hike that's sure to make for a memorable journey. Kick off the day at Penas Blancas River and take off over rushing waters on a two or three hour water safari. You'll see wildlife up close and gain a deeper understanding of Cost Rica's unique biological and environmental resources. Next, visit La Fortuna Waterfall before heading to a picturesque volcano hike. This popular tour is ideal for outdoor adventurers and travelers who prefer to be active on vacation.

Get onto the Penas Blancas River in La Fortuna with your naturalist guide and kayak for a half day and see all the wildlife you can, and then finish with a local ranch tour and snacks from the garden. You'll be picked up from your hotel, then taken to the river to look for crocodiles, lizards, sloths, and monkeys. Then get to the ranch for coffee, sugar cane, and chocolate.

Go deep into the rain forest surrounding the Arenal volcano on a 2-in-1 combo tour that includes a safari float, canopy walk, and the scenic La Fortuna waterfall. Watch for monkeys, sloths, iguanas, and caimans while navigating a gentle river, then get a bird’s-eye view of the forest as you walk between treetops on a series of narrow suspension bridges. Continue to a jungle waterfall, slip into clear water fringed with lush foliage, then enjoy a traditional Costa Rican lunch and locally grown coffee before returning to your hotel.

Get up close to Costa Rican wildlife on this morning safari float along a river beneath imposing Volcan Arenal. Be prepared to get wet as you’ll be in an inflatable vessel, close to the water. Look out for animals including sloths, snakes, and a variety of birds. Take a short hike to an organic farm, where you’ll collect your lunch ingredients.

Escape the crowds and go off the beaten path in Costa Rica. This small-group tour of the Ebano Natural Reserve is ideal for active travelers who want to spend time in scenic nature. You'll take a short hike through the rainforest, spotting wildlife such as colorful frogs, birds, and monkeys along the way, before arriving at a double waterfall where you can cool off with a swim.

Spot the bird species that call Costa Rica’s Tapanti National Park home on this small-group guided tour. A mix of rainforest with some cloud forest, the park makes a great bird watching destination with endemic highland bird species including toucanets, barbets, tanagers, wrens, euphonias, warblers, flycatchers, and many others in their natural habitat. Binoculars and a field guide of the local birds are provided.

Make the most of limited time and visit two Arenal Volcano area highlights—La Fortuna Waterfall and another attraction of your choosing—during a half-day excursion from La Fortuna. Opt for a rainforest hike with hanging bridges, a volcano tour on old lava flows, a safari river float, or a chocolate tour, and customize your itinerary to your preferences. Plus, lunch and hotel pickup and drop-off are included for a seamless experience.

Spend an afternoon exploring the vibrant wildlife, explosive history, and inspiring views of Arenal on this hiking and nature tour from La Fortuna. Trek across hanging bridges, past a waterfall, and through the lush rain forest and gardens around the Arenal Observatory Lodge, where panoramic views of Arenal Volcano and Lake await. Unwind with a soak in a natural hot river pool, paired with a volcanic mud facial and refreshing cocktail.

Take a short guided walk in the rain forest to look for sloths and experience Costa Rica’s diverse wildlife up close. Look for two- and three-toed sloths, a variety of birds, and other wildlife with the insights of a local guide who has a keen eye for spotting wildlife.

Book this private boat tour around Arenal Lake for views of Arenal Volcano, and a few secret spots your captain will show you. This is great for groups of up to seven. Just sit back and relax as your captain shows you the sites in the area, and make sure your cameras are charged for some awesome shots.

See the vast diversity of Costa Rica on a 3-day tour that includes hiking at Arenal Volcano, exploring the Monteverde cloud forest, and enjoying the tropical white-sand beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park. This expertly organized all-inclusive tour covers all of your transportation and accommodations, so busy travelers can maximize their time and not worry about any of the logistics.

Families looking for an adventurous but kid-friendly outdoor activity in Costa Rica will love this float through the jungle along the Sarapiqui River from La Fortuna. Rather than a challenging adrenaline rush, you can enjoy a relaxing yet fun trip down the river, bouncing on the waves and admiring the sights of the jungle and the sounds of the birds and wildlife.

Experience the scenic beauty and wildlife of Costa Rica’s Sarapiqui River on this half-day excursion. After a convenient hotel pickup, get outfitted with all the necessary equipment and begin paddling through lush rainforest. Learn about the region’s biodiversity from a knowledgeable local guide while searching for amphibians, birds, otters, sloths, and other native animals. Enjoy a delicious complimentary lunch before returning to your hotel.

Escape the city for a day in the wild on this full-day tour from the San Jose area, including a cruise down the Sarapiqui River, visits to various animal sanctuaries at the Black Madero private wildlife reserve, and a typical buffet lunch. Make it easy to see Costa Rica’s famous wildlife on this inclusive tour featuring a sample of popular rain forest and river activities in and around Braulio Carrillo National Forest.