Costa Rica · GUANACASTE TOURS

The 15 Best Guanacaste Tours & Day Trips

40 tours  ·  from $5

The dry northwest runs on beaches, river mouths and a volcano nobody queues for. These 15 cover the ATV trails, the snorkel boats, Rincón de la Vieja and the waterfall hikes, with prices and drive times from the Liberia hotels.

ATV Tours at JW Marriott All-Inclusive Resort Costa Rica - Playa Coyotera and the Nicaragua view
Guanacaste Tours, Quad Bikes, Tour Reviews, Tours

ATV Tours at JW Marriott All-Inclusive Resort Costa Rica

1.ATV Tours at JW Marriott All-Inclusive Resort Costa Rica

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 97 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $85Our pick

Ride an easy-to-handle ATV from Playa Hermosa toward Playa Coyotera, Playa Rajada, and El Jobo. Fidel and Jorge guide the route, explain local towns, and help first-time riders get comfortable. You can stop for beach photos, touch the Pacific, and pause in El Jobo for food or shopping. The private tour lasts about two hours.

“Very friendly and everything went better than expected! The scenery taken to was perfect and the guide was on point.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Miravalles Volcano: Hike Secondary Crater & Hot Springs Jungle - Starting at Llanos de Cortes Waterfall
Guanacaste Tours, Hiking & Trekking, Spa & Hot Springs, Tour Reviews, Volcano Tours

Miravalles Volcano: Hike Secondary Crater & Hot Springs Jungle

2.Miravalles Volcano: Hike Secondary Crater & Hot Springs Jungle

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 91 reviews · 7 to 9 hours (approx.) · from $176

Start at 7 a.m. with a swim at Llanos de Cortes Waterfall, then hike through tropical forest across two hanging bridges to three waterfalls and Las Hornillas’ active volcanic crater. See fumaroles, boiling mud pools, and sulfuric rock before a mineral sauna, volcanic mud bath, and hot springs. Guide Andy also helps with family photos.

“Absolutely amazing experience!! Guide was phenomenal... kept everyone engaged and provided some knowledge as well!”

Check availability →Read our full review

La Leona Waterfall Hike and River Tubing - Tubing through the Rincon de la Vieja river channels
Guanacaste Tours, Hiking & Trekking, River Tubing, Tour Reviews, Waterfall Tours

La Leona Waterfall Hike and River Tubing

3.La Leona Waterfall Hike and River Tubing

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 90 reviews · 4 to 5 hours (approx.) · from $90

You’ll hike through forest and river channels to La Leona Waterfall, crossing streams, climbing short ladders, and pulling yourself by rope into a cave for a swim. Then you’ll spend about 90 minutes tubing through the Rincon de la Vieja region. Guides such as Ronnie, Brandy, Victor, and Diego lead the route and handle safety.

“Well organized experience, we started with tubing down a river which was a lot of fun! The guides were cool and professionnal. Then, we did the 30mns hike to the waterfall which involves some swimming on the way. Of course, you have to wear life jackets all the time. I've been told it can be pretty busy in the morning, but being there around 2-3 pm worked out great for us since we didn't see many people.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Guanacaste Snorkel and Sunset Cruise - Lunch, drinks, and the relaxed middle of the trip
Cruises & Boat Tours, Evening Experiences, Guanacaste Tours, Tour Reviews

Guanacaste Snorkel and Sunset Cruise

4.Guanacaste Snorkel and Sunset Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 85 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $138

Sail the Pacific coast from Playa Hermosa on a four-hour catamaran trip with snorkeling, snacks, lunch, and an open bar. Watch for dolphins, whales, turtles, rays, and flying fish, then settle in for sunset. Boarding begins from the beach by small dinghy, so expect to wade into the water.

“The catamaran ride was fine. The snorkeling was subpar. Hardly any fish to see. And there was a long wait before we headed back. The food was definitely subpar.the sunset was nice”

Check availability →Read our full review

Catamaran Sailing & Snorkeling from Playas del Coco - Looking for dolphins, whales, turtles, and flying fish
Cruises & Boat Tours, Guanacaste Tours, Sailing, Snorkeling, Tour Reviews

Catamaran Sailing & Snorkeling from Playas del Coco

5.Catamaran Sailing & Snorkeling from Playas del Coco

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 85 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $132

Set out from Playas del Coco at 1:30 pm aboard Marlin del Rey’s spacious catamaran for swimming, snorkeling, a BBQ lunch, unlimited drinks, and a sunset sail along Costa Rica’s Gold Coast. The crew, including bartender Luis, keeps the mood easygoing. Expect a social boat ride, not a small private cruise, with room for up to 75 passengers.

“The cruise and the crew were great! The bartender was awesome and the lunch delicious! We caught a beautiful sunset as well. I didn't snorkel, but heard it was great too. Highly recommend this tour!”

Check availability →Read our full review

8 days and 7 nights - Costa Rica Pura Vida - San José: a practical first night in the Central Valley
Guanacaste Tours, Tour Reviews

8 days and 7 nights – Costa Rica Pura Vida

6.8 days and 7 nights – Costa Rica Pura Vida

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 80 reviews · 8 days (approx.) · from $1,568

Spend 8 days and 7 nights moving from San José to Arenal, Monteverde, and Manuel Antonio. You’ll hike to La Fortuna Waterfall and Arenal 1968, cross Monteverde suspension bridges, visit its butterfly garden, and walk Manuel Antonio National Park. Airport transfers, breakfasts, excursions, and transport or a rental car are included.

“Wonderful way to see a sample of the areas of Costa Rica. Transportation worked seamlessly, drivers and guides were friendly and knowledgeable. We particularly enjoyed Manuel Antonio.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Sloth Discovery & Swim in Rio Celeste - A closer look at the sloth experience
Guanacaste Tours, Rio Celeste Tours, Sloth Tours, Tour Reviews

Sloth Discovery & Swim in Rio Celeste

7.Sloth Discovery & Swim in Rio Celeste

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 80 reviews · from $127

Travel from Playa Hermosa to Bijagua with a bilingual guide such as Kevin, Luis, Gabriel, Memo, or David. Hike a private reserve for sloths, visit a butterfly garden and snake park, enjoy a typical lunch, and swim in Rio Celeste. Expect an early start, about two hours of driving each way, and a full day in warm, wet forest.

“Our guides, Memo and David were amazing! They were so friendly and accommodating. Our group was small which made moving to the different locations much faster. Getting to be up close and personal with the sloths was such a joy aRead more”

Check availability →Read our full review

La Leona waterfall adventure hike half day - Meeting in Curubandé and riding to the trail
Guanacaste Tours, Half-Day, Hiking & Trekking, Tour Reviews, Waterfall Tours

La Leona waterfall adventure hike half day

8.La Leona waterfall adventure hike half day

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 79 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $50

Meet near Curubandé, ride five minutes by 4WD, then follow a shaded 1.3-mile trail through streams and rocky passages to La Leona Waterfall. Guides such as José, Ramses, Carlos, and Pablo adjust the route to your ability, help with ropes and crossings, and share local plants and wildlife. Plan to get fully wet.

“This tour was AMAZING! Our guides were knowledgeable and friendly and funny! Knew a lot about the area and the plants and animals! They truly cared about the area and environment and culture. Highly recommend”

Check availability →Read our full review

Nicaragua One Day Expedition from Costa Rica - Masaya Volcano: a crater you can reach without hiking
1-Day Tours, Guanacaste Tours, Tour Reviews

Nicaragua One Day Expedition from Costa Rica

9.Nicaragua One Day Expedition from Costa Rica

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 76 reviews · 9 to 12 hours (approx.) · from $232

Travel from Liberia into Nicaragua with a bilingual guide such as Marlene, Uriel, Gaspar, or Claudio. Visit Masaya Volcano, Granada, a chocolate museum, Laguna de Apoyo, and Lake Nicaragua. Breakfast, lunch, border assistance, and transport on both sides are included in this long but well-packed private day.

“This trip was super fun! Claudio was an amazing guide and took extra care to ensure our trip was special! He went out of his way to make everything smooth at the border crossings and completely stress-free. This trip makes for a very long day, but totally worth it! Both our teenagers and our 4 year old had a good time. Amazing experience that I highly recommend!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Half day Mountain Tour in Nosara - Why this half-day tour feels different
Guanacaste Tours, Half-Day, Tour Reviews, Tours

Half day Mountain Tour in Nosara

10.Half day Mountain Tour in Nosara

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 74 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $150

Start at 8 a.m. with Macho ATV Rentals and Tours in Nosara. Guides including Dennis Macho, Carlos, Francisco, and Sebastian lead you by ATV into the hills, stopping for coconut water, fruit, and views. At a fifth-generation family farm, you’ll see coffee, oranges, vegetables, and local plants before eating a fresh lunch made largely from the farm’s harvest.

“Macho is fantastic as is his son, Sebastian, who helped take pictures and practiced his English. They took the road at whatever pace we could handle (we went during the rainy season so parts became more “fun”/challenging as there were washouts). He goes the extra mile during the short breaks and information about areas on the way, with fresh fruit and coconut water (straight from the source). Once at the farm we had a lovely walking tour, discussing both the organic coffee (and beans, corn, fruit trees, salad greens and spices) farm and local flora/fauna with Macho doing an excellent job translating. After that, the family served an amazing meal…”

Check availability →Read our full review

Rio Celeste Expedition – Sloths, Waterfalls & Nature's Magic - Sloths, toucans, and a family property in Upala
Guanacaste Tours, Rio Celeste Tours, Sloth Tours, Tour Reviews, Waterfall Tours

Rio Celeste Expedition – Sloths, Waterfalls & Nature’s Magic

11.Rio Celeste Expedition – Sloths, Waterfalls & Nature’s Magic

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 72 reviews · 5 hours 25 minutes (approx.) · from $188

Leave Liberia at 7:00 a.m. for Llanos de Cortés, Tenorio Volcano National Park, and sky-blue Rio Celeste. Guides such as Caesar, Grey, and Harold lead an active day with waterfall swimming, rainforest wildlife, sloths, toucans, coffee, chocolate, and a traditional Costa Rican lunch. Expect a moderately demanding hike and a small group of up to 15.

“The one and a half hour drive from our resort to the first waterfalls was scenic and fascinating. A hike to the first waterfall, was exhilarating, culminating in a dip next to the roaring Falls. The walk through Tenorio Park was moderately difficult, but beautiful. Our guide, Grey, was humorous and knowledgeable, pointing out the most poisonous snake in Costa Rica. In the sloth sanctuary ,we observed a tapir just feet from us, as well as a sloth hanging near by. We saw numerous toucans, which were breathtaking.”

Check availability →Read our full review

OneWay Private Transfer - Liberia Airport To Your Selected Location - The 35-minute stop can make a long ride easier
Airport Transfers, Guanacaste Tours, Private, Private Drivers, Tour Reviews

OneWay Private Transfer – Liberia Airport To Your Selected Location

12.OneWay Private Transfer – Liberia Airport To Your Selected Location

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 68 reviews · 1 to 2 hours (approx.)

Arrange a private ride from Liberia Airport to your chosen Costa Rican stop, including Tamarindo and nearby areas. Your driver meets you with a name sign, helps with bags, and can make a 35-minute food, bathroom, or grocery stop. Vehicles have A/C and Wi-Fi, with the van selected for your group and route.

“We arrived into Costa Rica with a long line for immigrations, we got outside to see Brian our driver holding a sign with my name on it. 😎He was a great driver, very personable & a wealth of information about anything we asked. I hope our trip back to the airport will go as smoothly as this one.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Liberia Int. Airport, Private Shuttle One Way or Round Trip - The drive to Tamarindo
Guanacaste Tours, Private, Shuttle Services, Tour Reviews

Liberia Int. Airport, Private Shuttle One Way or Round Trip

13.Liberia Int. Airport, Private Shuttle One Way or Round Trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 65 reviews · 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)

Book a private one-way or round-trip ride between Liberia Airport and Tamarindo. Your driver meets you with a sign bearing your name, then drives you in an air-conditioned minivan with bottled water, snacks, and possibly beer. Drivers such as Paul, Sebastian, Sergio, Marco, and Diego are known for friendly service and local tips.

“Friendly and efficient! Snacks and beer available. I would use again.our driver answered all of my questions, he was awesome.”

Check availability →Read our full review

ATV Tour 2hrs - Dreams Las Mareas - Getting comfortable on the ATV
Guanacaste Tours, Quad Bikes, Tour Reviews, Tours

ATV Tour 2hrs – Dreams Las Mareas

14.ATV Tour 2hrs – Dreams Las Mareas

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 64 reviews · from $135

From Hacienda El Cenizaro near La Cruz, you’ll spend about two hours driving an ATV through tropical dry forest, working ranchland, and open trails. Guides such as Popeye, Esteban, David, and Terry help beginners get comfortable while pointing out monkeys, iguanas, birds, and scenic viewpoints. Transport, helmets, water, and a local guide are included.

“Are first trip to Costa Rica we stayed rapt the dreams resort and booked with them Are two guides were Freddy & Favio they were the best ,we went on atv rides the first day and was like a personal tour because it was only my wife and I only.Read more”

Check availability →Read our full review

Private transfer from Liberia Airport - The road to your hotel, from one hour to 90 minutes
Guanacaste Tours, Private, Private Drivers, Tour Reviews

Private transfer from Liberia Airport

15.Private transfer from Liberia Airport

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 63 reviews · 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)

Meet a Costa Trip VIP driver at Liberia Airport for a private ride to your hotel or resort. Expect air conditioning, Wi-Fi, bottled water, comfortable seats, and help with luggage. Drivers such as Daniel, Carlos, and Jose may also share local tips. Transfers usually take 1 to 1.5 hours.

“Daniel was the BEST DRIVER. Very informative and helpful! This company was easy to work with and made our trip in Guanacaste very good! He was very punctual and attentive to our needs! Looking for a GREAT experience book with Costa Tripa!”

Check availability →Read our full review

New in Guanacaste Tours

★ 5.0Full Day Class II-III Rafting and Canyoning Rappelling from La Fortuna-ArenalFrom $19145 reviews
★ 5.0Class II-III Rafting and ATV Tour from La FortunaFrom $15046 reviews
★ 5.0Snorkeling and CruisesFrom $15050 reviews
★ 5.0Spa Luxury & Jaguar Luxury by SensoriaFrom $23050 reviews
★ 5.0Guanacaste Rainforest Safari with MealFrom $19040 reviews
★ 5.0Hike to La Leone Waterfall / TubingFrom $6126 reviews
★ 4.5Jungle Cruise at Palo Verde National ParkFrom $13537 reviews
★ 4.5Direct Transfer Guanacaste Hotel to Liberia AirportFrom $3533 reviews
★ 5.0Private Beach and Mountain Buggy Tour in GuanacasteFrom $22037 reviews
★ 5.0Adventure Rafting Class III and IV in Tenorio River from Playa TamarindoFrom $18629 reviews
★ 5.05 Tours in 1 – The Ultimate Volcano Adventure!From $16935 reviews
★ 5.0Private Transportation to La Fortuna from Guanacaste AirportFrom $12013 reviews
★ 5.0Private Transportation Guanacaste Liberia AirportFrom $644 reviews
★ 5.0GUANACASTE COSTA RICA Airport Transfers | Shuttle Service32 reviews
★ 4.5Private Transportation from LIBERIA AIRPORT to LA FORTUNA33 reviews

Keep browsing

Waterfall Tours50Hanging Bridges Tours18Zip Lines23Night Walks25National Parks22Spa & Hot Springs16
Scroll to Top

Explore Costa Rica

Pick a volcano, a canopy or a coast.

Fire and water

WaterfallsArenal VolcanoCrater VolcanoesRío CelesteHot Springs

In the forest

Hanging BridgesNight WalksSloth WalksCloud ForestBirdwatching

On the water

Boat DaysSnorkellingRaftingRiver TubingKayak Trips

Coast and town

Surf LessonsCoffee ToursChocolateWalking ToursCity Tours