Costa Rica · HIKING & TREKKING

Top 15 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Costa Rica

27 tours  ·  from $39

The 15 best hiking & trekking tours you can book today, with what each costs, how long it runs and who it suits. Number one is top for a reason; start there.

Hike 10 waterfalls in Jaco lunch included - Hiking ten waterfalls through the forest
Hiking & Trekking, Jacó Tours, Lunch Experiences, Tour Reviews, Waterfall Tours, Waterfall Tours in Jacó

Hike 10 waterfalls in Jaco lunch included

1.Hike 10 waterfalls in Jaco lunch included

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 136 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $55Our pick

At Finca Los Solís near Jaco, you hike upstream through ten waterfalls, pull yourself up rocky sections with ropes, swim in natural pools, and learn about rainforest plants and wildlife. Guides such as Jorge, Dustin, Marwin, and Coco are praised for patient help. A typical Costa Rican lunch, fruit, water, showers, parking, and a dry bag are included.

“Excellent but intense physical activity Gorge and his team were excellent guides knowledgeable and helpful trip was as advertised”

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Hiking Tour of La Leona Waterfall with Lunch - Why the guide makes such a difference
Hiking & Trekking, Lunch Experiences, Tamarindo Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Waterfall Tours

Hiking Tour of La Leona Waterfall with Lunch

2.Hiking Tour of La Leona Waterfall with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 106 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $79

Follow a shaded river trail through Rincon de la Vieja’s canyons with a private guide such as Jason, Dylan, Steven, or Noel. You’ll cross pools, scramble over rocks, use ropes, and swim the final stretch to La Leona Waterfall. Lunch, drinks, park fees, pickup, and a life jacket are included. Expect a real intermediate hike, not a gentle stroll.

“Our guide Jason was terrific. The hike was beautiful. The early water crossings were easy. The last rope swim/pull into the waterfall area was much more difficult. I would not recommend for people that are older and overweight. A couple in front of us struggled mightily and concerned for them. A lot of upper arm strength and good swimming ability is needed. Well worth it when you reach the falls”

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Manuel Antonio National Park Hiking Tour from Jacó - Tucanes Tours operation center: the practical first stop
Hiking & Trekking, Jacó Tours, National Parks, Tour Reviews, Tours

Manuel Antonio National Park Hiking Tour from Jacó

3.Manuel Antonio National Park Hiking Tour from Jacó

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 93 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $135

Set out from Jacó at 6:30 a.m. for Manuel Antonio National Park with a bilingual nature guide such as Jeremy, Ronald, or Sylvia. Walk easy rainforest trails, use a guide’s spotting scope to find sloths, monkeys, toucans, and reptiles, then swim at Manuel Antonio Beach before lunch and the ride home.

“We had the best day with Jeremy. He was so knowledgeable and found animals we never would’ve seen otherwise. Highly recommend the tour if you’re an animal and nature lover”

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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

4.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!”

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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

5.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.”

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Full Day Tour with Safari Float, Waterfall and Volcano Hike - La Fortuna Waterfall and the 500-step climb
Full-Day, Hiking & Trekking, Hiking Tours in La Fortuna, La Fortuna Tours, Safari, Tour Reviews, Tours, Volcano Tours, Waterfall Tours, Waterfall Tours in La Fortuna

Full Day Tour with Safari Float, Waterfall and Volcano Hike

6.Full Day Tour with Safari Float, Waterfall and Volcano Hike

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 89 reviews · 9 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $210

You’ll combine four La Fortuna highlights in one small-group day: a gentle safari float on the Peñas Blancas River, La Fortuna Waterfall, a traditional lunch with the Rodríguez family, and a slow hike around Arenal Volcano. Guides such as Tony, Pepe, Oscar, and Carlos are known for spotting wildlife and explaining local nature and culture.

“Edgar and Tony were great! The family restaurants food was amazing and all staff was just so nice. Finished super tired and weather wasn’t ideal but overall great time. :)”

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Pure Trek Canyoning & White Water Rafting in La Fortuna - Pure Trek canyoning begins in the forest
Canyoning & Rappelling, Hiking & Trekking, Hiking Tours in La Fortuna, La Fortuna Tours, Rafting Tours in La Fortuna, Tour Reviews, Whitewater Rafting

Pure Trek Canyoning & White Water Rafting in La Fortuna

7.Pure Trek Canyoning & White Water Rafting in La Fortuna

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 83 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $204

Start with Pure Trek’s waterfall canyoning near La Fortuna, including rappelling, rock climbing, and a forest zipline. Then ride to the Balsa River for Class 2 to 3 white-water rafting, a swimming stop, snacks, drinks, and lunch. Guides such as Byran, Myron, Augusto, and Mario have earned praise for calm safety briefings and good humor.

“Best tour!! Rappelling was A. M. A. Z. I. N. G!!!!!!!! I could have done it all day. So fun! Rafting was exciting, jumping off the cliff was fun and the pineapple and beer was a treat!”

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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”

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Arenal Volcano Hike - What the three-hour outing actually includes
Arenal Volcano Tours, Hiking & Trekking, Hiking Tours in La Fortuna, La Fortuna Tours, Tour Reviews, Volcano Tours

Arenal Volcano Hike

9.Arenal Volcano Hike

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 76 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $73

Walk Arenal Volcano’s old lava fields and forest trails with a local guide such as Byron, Diego, Aaron, or Ricardo. Expect volcano history, uneven lava rock, lookout points, possible wildlife sightings, transport, and a fresh fruit snack. The roughly three-hour tour suits most reasonably active visitors and ends back at Callidryas Tours.

“This one is not so much hike as it is educational. Our guide was fabulous and knowledgeable about the area, the history, creatures around us, etc. He was great. The “hike” itself is mildly strenuous for a short time, and we think as a family (with teenage boys), we probably could’ve completed the hike out and back in 45 minutes at a decent pace.”

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Pure Trek Canyoning & Sky Trek Zip Line Combo - Sky Trek’s best feature is the view
Canyoning & Rappelling, Hiking & Trekking, Hiking Tours in La Fortuna, La Fortuna Tours, Tour Reviews, Zip Lines

Pure Trek Canyoning & Sky Trek Zip Line Combo

10.Pure Trek Canyoning & Sky Trek Zip Line Combo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 73 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $259

Start with Sky Trek zip lines above La Fortuna’s rainforest, reaching 600 feet high and 2,600 feet long. After lunch, Pure Trek takes you into an Arenal mountain canyon for waterfall rappelling, a rock climb, and the Monkey Drop. Guides handle the safety systems, and hotel transfers are included from selected hotels.

“This was the most fun, adventurous day! The tour companies were super organized, efficient and fun to chat with. They made a very safe but adventurous day for us!! We want to do it again!”

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Arenal Hanging Bridges Hiking Tour - Morning timing and animal sightings
Arenal Volcano Tours, Hanging Bridges Tours, Hanging Bridges Tours in La Fortuna, Hiking & Trekking, Hiking Tours in La Fortuna, La Fortuna Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Arenal Hanging Bridges Hiking Tour

11.Arenal Hanging Bridges Hiking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 69 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $66

From La Fortuna, ride by air-conditioned minivan to a 243-hectare protected forest. Walk a 3.1-kilometer circuit across 15 suspended and stationary bridges while your guide points out monkeys, snakes, frogs, birds, and rainforest plants. Guides such as Andres, Harvin, and Daniela have earned praise for sharp wildlife spotting and clear explanations.

“This was a truly great tour. Gustavo is a wonderful, knowledgeable guide. The fauna and flora are outstanding. The park itself is very nice and very well maintained. One of the best tours we have had on our Costa Rica trip.”

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2-Day Extreme Nature Hike from La Fortuna to Monteverde - The forest cabin: a night with very few extras
2-Day Experiences, Hiking & Trekking, Hiking Tours in La Fortuna, La Fortuna Tours, Tour Reviews

2-Day Extreme Nature Hike from La Fortuna to Monteverde

12.2-Day Extreme Nature Hike from La Fortuna to Monteverde

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 66 reviews · 2 days (approx.) · from $160

Join Red Lava TSC for a demanding two-day trek from La Fortuna to Monteverde. You’ll cross remote jungle trails, wade rivers, sleep in a basic mountain cabin, share dinner with your guide and host, then climb through farmland into Monteverde’s cloud forest. Guides including Hugo, Errol, Santiago, Carlos, and Christian have led this route.

“This was my best experience in Costa Rica! Our guide Errol was wonderful, and he showed us a nice spot to swim in the river in the first day, which was amazing. The cabin was so rustic and cute. The hikes were definitely challenging and uphill and hot, but so worth it! Don’t do this if you’re not willing to help out or stay in a very remote and rustic location.”

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Sky Tram, Sky Trek and Sky Walk From Arenal - Seven Sky Trek cables bring the big thrill
Arenal Volcano Tours, Hiking & Trekking, Hiking Tours in La Fortuna, La Fortuna Tours, Tour Reviews, Walking Tours, Walking Tours in La Fortuna

Sky Tram, Sky Trek and Sky Walk From Arenal

13.Sky Tram, Sky Trek and Sky Walk From Arenal

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 65 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $174

Spend about five hours in Arenal’s rainforest with a guided Sky Walk, an aerial tram to the reserve’s upper slopes, and seven zip lines above the treetops. Guides such as Maria and Valeria have earned praise for wildlife spotting and clear explanations. Hotel pickup is included, but meals and souvenir photos cost extra.

“This was an excellent tour. Our guide was very friendly, extremely knowledgeable, and we were able to see a fair amount of wildlife. This zipline was amazing!!!! Outstanding day!”

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Hiking to Curi-Cancha Reserve - The meeting point near Monteverde’s cheese factory
Hiking & Trekking, Monteverde Tours, Tour Reviews

Hiking to Curi-Cancha Reserve

14.Hiking to Curi-Cancha Reserve

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 62 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $39Best value

Walk Curi-Cancha Reserve in Monteverde for about three hours with a bilingual guide from Three Brothers Tours. Expect primary and secondary forest, bird watching, mammals, and natural-history lessons. Guides such as Mauricio, Johnny, Adam, and Elberth have helped guests spot quetzals, sloths, toucans, vipers, and hummingbirds. Entry costs $25 extra.

“Our tour guide was very friendly and did an excellent job managing the schedule. We saw animals we had never seen before in the reserve, making the tour a great experience.”

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3-in-1 Monteverde Cloud Forest Waterfalls, Wild Trekking and Horseback Riding - Horseback riding with a practical purpose
Cloud Forest Tours, Hiking & Trekking, Horses, Puntarenas Tours, Tour Reviews, Waterfall Tours

3-in-1 Monteverde Cloud Forest Waterfalls, Wild Trekking and Horseback Riding

15.3-in-1 Monteverde Cloud Forest Waterfalls, Wild Trekking and Horseback Riding

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 56 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $116

Follow a steep, self-paced trail through Monteverde and El Tigre Waterfalls, crossing rustic bridges and passing four major falls. If weather allows, swim in the river before riding a gentle horse uphill for about 35 minutes. Miguel and the Faro Travel team handle the riding portion, followed by a typical Costa Rican lunch and hotel transfer.

“Surpassed expectations! We spent 2 hours trekking 5km, going over hanging bridges and taking photos of magnificent waterfalls. The forest was beautiful and peaceful. Then, we took the 4x4 for the last 3km and had a beautiful view for lunch. Great that they offer the 4x4 for people who don’t want to horse ride.”

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New in Hiking & Trekking

★ 5.0Package | Monteverde Cloud Forest + Curi-Cancha Reserve + Night Hike (Private)From $8038 reviews
★ 5.0Hike to La Leone Waterfall / TubingFrom $6126 reviews
★ 4.5Arenal Volcano Guided Hiking Tour – Lava Trails & RainforestFrom $7735 reviews
★ 4.5Rio Celeste Waterfall Hike from ArenalFrom $10835 reviews
★ 4.5Arenal Volcano Hike Expedition with Optional Hot SpringsFrom $5735 reviews
★ 4.5Arenal Volcano Hike plus Baldi Hot Springs and DinnerFrom $14029 reviews

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Zip Lines23Whitewater Rafting26Canyoning & Rappelling10River Tubing8Quad Bikes21Horses14Surf Lessons13
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