This is an absolutely incredible tour -- our guide Jason was both very informative and very helpful. He explained the history of the Arenal volcano to us, we took a short hike a small part of the way up the mountain, and then went back down to look at wildlife in the rainforest. We saw spider monkeys, which Jason said are a pretty rare sight, and then a red curacao just walked out onto the trail in front of us! It was an incredible feeling to just be seeing all these animals spontaneously on a nature hike.
Speaking of hikes, it is important to be aware that this tour is somewhat physically demanding. There are no extreme parts, just some strenuous walking over very uneven ground, but I think the tour description could do a better job of emphasizing the challenge. At the same time, the tour is extremely convenient in terms of picking you up and dropping you off at your desired location, whether a hotel, hot springs, or somewhere else. Overall, I strongly recommend the Arenal Volcano trip to anyone who is into volcanoes and wildlife and plans to visit the Arenal area.
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Experience the nocturnal side of Costa Rica on this immersive 4-hour tour, perfect for travelers who want to discover the country’s hidden wonders after dark. Set out from La Tigra near La Fortuna, where you’ll meet the Mendez Family—local farmers dedicated to reforestation and sustainable living.
A gentle walk brings you into a regenerated rainforest, alive with the sounds and sights of nocturnal wildlife. Spot rare birds, mammals, and a dazzling array of amphibians and insects, including a visit to a frog sanctuary where you’ll encounter everything from tiny dart frogs to the famed Red-eyed tree frog.
The highlight of the tour is a home-cooked Costa Rican dinner, served by wood fire as you gaze out over the twinkling lights of San Carlos valley. The unique selling point is the authentic interaction with a local family and exclusive nighttime access to wildlife, creating an unforgettable blend of ecological discovery and cultural immersion.
Natural landmarks sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
For those short on time but eager to experience La Fortuna’s iconic sights, this all-in-one combination tour delivers a packed day of adventure. Begin with a hike on the 'Lava Slides of 1992' trail in Arenal Volcano National Park, offering dramatic views of the volcano and surrounding landscapes. Next, cool off with a swim beneath the majestic 70-meter La Fortuna Waterfall before enjoying a tasty a la carte lunch near downtown. The afternoon brings a canopy walk along the Arenal Hanging Bridges, where you’ll traverse 15 bridges and spot local wildlife. With expert guides, seamless transfers, and a perfectly balanced mix of activity and relaxation, this tour package is ideal for travelers wanting to experience La Fortuna’s must-see attractions in a single, unforgettable day.
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
During this journey you will visit the National Theater, also known as “The jewel of San José”, a masterpiece in art and architecture built by Costa Ricans and completed in 1897. Then visit the Museum of Gold , then the Central Market, place full of the Costa Rican cultural heritage and traditions, where you will be able to browse and buy some local art crafts. You will also visit the Metropolitan Cathedral. As we travel around the city, we will point you out several historically important or main buildings in our city, for example The Costa Rica University, The Old Train Station, The National Liquor Factory, The National Supreme Election Bureau, the Asamblea Legislativa, The Metallic Building, some parks and various sites of interest. This will be an introduction to our Capital City, and information about our economy, cultural, politics, religion and general current events. Also, we will visit an Art Gallery, where you will be able to get some souvenirs to take back home.
During this original trip our visitors enjoy:• Large green areas and colorful gardens.• An exhibition of masquerades about Costa Rican legends.• An entertaining presentation about the history and culture of coffee in Costa Rica.• A coffee seedling.• Our sustainable coffee plantation.• Our toaster plant.• Demonstration of tasting of our coffee.• An entertaining trip through the coffee areas of the country.• Tasting session of our coffee and chocolates.
The Pacuare’s class 3 and 4 rapids are suitable for beginners and experienced paddlers, ages 12 and older, who are ready for adventure and being physically active all day. After an early pick-up at your San Jose area hotel, we will drive to Cartago – Costa Rica’s historic capital city – and through small towns and countryside to the rafting hub of Turrialba. We’ll stop for breakfast (included) and afterward head to the Pacuare River put in. At the river, your guides will outfit you with rafting equipment and give a paddling explanation and safety talk. Then the fun begins! We’ll paddle 18 miles downriver through class 3 and 4 rapids like “Huacas,” “Rodeo,” “Pinball,” “Cimarrones,” and “Dos Montañas.” Along the way, we’ll stop for a riverside picnic lunch. After finishing rafting, you’ll be able to change into dry clothes before driving back to San Jose.
On the way to Manuel Antonio National Park, you will travel along the coastline enjoying scenic views, including African palm plantations. You will also travel past small villages along the Pacific Coast, until you reach the port of Quepos and the ultimately the National Park.Since access to the park itself is closed to vehicles, you will hike to the preserve, crossing a creek. Once in the park, you can simply relax and enjoy the beach, sunbathe, or hike through the park’s trails, which will allow you to observe Manuel Antonio’s abundant flora and fauna. Several species of monkeys, iguanas, birds and possibly even the three-toed sloth can be seen. If you chose to hike the trail to Cathedral Point, do not forget your camera; the views of the park and the sea are simply spectacular!
Leaving San José the tour traverses the majestic scenery of Braulio Carrillo National Park and arriving at Sarapiqui we will enjoy two adventurous attractions: the Canopy Tour in the middle of a secondary forest with trees of high altitude and after lunch the White Water Rafting in the agitating waters of the Sarapiqui River.The Canopy Tour takes about one and a half hour. We go through nine cables of different lengths, stretching over the forest, with the last one crossing the Sarapiqui River.The rafting at Sarapiqui River has different levels between class II and class III, presenting a vibrant scenery to those who want to participate in this exciting activity. Nine miles of unexpected rapids in combination with calm and relaxing intervals makes this an unforgettable experience for bird watchers, nature, and adrenaline lovers. In lieu of the white-water rafting, you may opt for a horseback riding tour.
You can participate in the whole process, from the dish preparation to the tasting. Classes are held in an area that has been very well equipped, each participant is given a personalized apron and hair covered. The experience takes place on a family farm in the surroundings of Santa Elena and Monteverde. The family is the one that assists you and will present the experience of Tica cuisine. All the ingredients and utensils for the cooking class will be provided to each participant. ´´Achiotada´´ chicken, chicken with vegetables, rice with chicken, ´´vigorones´´ (pork meat), rice and beans with Caribbean chicken, tortillas, meat pot, chorreadas, prestiños, etc. are some of the different recipes we must prepare, accompanied by a natural drink with fresh fruit Seasonal, coffee, chocolate, or aguadulce.
The 3.1 km (2 mi.) circuit trail will cross 15 impressive bridges, some suspended over the forest canopy and others, which are stationary. The bridges have different lengths and altitudes and were designed to offer different perspectives from which to observe the flora and fauna, as you pass through several levels of the forest. From the bridges, you will have views of the treetops making it easier to locate animals and birds.The topography of the terrain is relatively simple with some short slopes, suitable for all ages and ability levels. Some of the animals that we may observe in this type of forest are 3 different species of monkeys, multiple species of birds, snakes, peccaries, and frogs, among others.