Costa Rica · TOUR REVIEWS

The 15 Best Tours in Costa Rica

375 tours  ·  from $5

Two weeks or ten days, the problem is the same: a volcano in the north, a cloud forest on a ridge and two coasts, with a lot of mountain road in between. The 15 below are the days that earn their place, priced and timed, with the full catalogue underneath.

Skip-the-Line La Fortuna Waterfall Admission Ticket - The 500-step route through the reserve
La Fortuna Tours, Skip the Line, Tickets, Tour Reviews, Waterfall Tours, Waterfall Tours in La Fortuna

Skip-the-Line La Fortuna Waterfall Admission Ticket

1.Skip-the-Line La Fortuna Waterfall Admission Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 609 reviews · 1 to 2 hours (approx.) · from $20Our pick

Reserve entry to La Fortuna Waterfall and explore at your own pace without a guide. Walk through the Río Fortuna Ecological Reserve, descend roughly 500 steps, and reach a powerful 70-meter waterfall where swimming may be allowed. Admission costs $20, with parking, restrooms, changing areas, and rest stops near the top.

“Beautiful waterfall. Be prepared for all the stairs as it is not for everyone. The restaurant and gift shop were also nice. 4 stars only because of the stairs, but that’s not a reflection on the excursion. We did not swim at the base which might have given more rest”

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Tortuga Island Full Day Tour from San José with Lunch - Boarding at Puntarenas and crossing the Gulf of Nicoya
Full-Day, Lunch Experiences, San José Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Tortuga Island Full Day Tour from San José with Lunch

2.Tortuga Island Full Day Tour from San José with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 589 reviews · 12 to 18 hours (approx.) · from $115

Travel from San José to Puntarenas, then cross the Gulf of Nicoya by boat to Tortuga Island. You get dolphin watching, a 45-minute snorkel stop, lunch, and about five hours on the beach. Guides such as Memo, Percy, and Roy lead the trip. Expect an early start, a long day, and optional paid extras.

“For our final day before flying out we decided to sign up for this tour which was a full day of activity. Fun last day before our return.”

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Selvatura Park Hanging Bridge Tour in Monteverde - A Self-Guided Walk, Not a Wildlife Tour
Hanging Bridges Tours, Monteverde Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Selvatura Park Hanging Bridge Tour in Monteverde

3.Selvatura Park Hanging Bridge Tour in Monteverde

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 520 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $56

At Selvatura Park in Monteverde, you follow a 1.9-mile trail across eight broad suspension bridges, ranging from 50 to 170 meters long. This is a self-guided walk, not a guided wildlife tour, and usually takes 1.5 to 2 hours. The route suits families and most ages, with cloud forest views as its main reward.

“Beautiful views and moderately challenging hike. Unfortunately we didn’t really see any wild life but the lush vegetation and views were well worth it.”

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Hanging Bridges Walk in Arenal Volcano - The 18-meter waterfall gives the walk a focal point
Arenal Volcano Tours, Hanging Bridges Tours, Hanging Bridges Tours in La Fortuna, La Fortuna Tours, Tour Reviews, Volcano Tours, Walking Tours, Walking Tours in La Fortuna

Hanging Bridges Walk in Arenal Volcano

4.Hanging Bridges Walk in Arenal Volcano

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 381 reviews · from $39

At Mistico Park near La Fortuna, you’ll follow a marked rainforest trail across six hanging bridges and several fixed bridges, with views of an 18-meter waterfall and possible monkeys, sloths, toucans, frogs, and snakes. Choose a self-guided walk or arrange a guide for better wildlife spotting. Plan on 1.5 to 2 hours.

“Such a beautiful park and I really liked that it’s kid and family friendly, anyone can do this park regardless of physical fitness. Amazing wildlife sightseeing, highly recommend as a family excursion and a light day on vacation.”

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San Jose Walking and Bus City Tour - Central Market puts you among everyday San José
City Tours, San José Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours

San Jose Walking and Bus City Tour

5.San Jose Walking and Bus City Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 346 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $80

Spend about five hours discovering San José with a local guide, visiting the National Theater, Central Market, Electoral Plaza, and the Gold Room at the Costa Rican Art Museum. Hotel pickup, lunch, transport, and admission are included. Guides such as Enrique and Hector are known for clear history talks and warm service.

“Good overview of relevant sights to visit. Very good included lunch at local “soda” - a restaurant .”

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Hacienda Doka Coffee Experience Tour - Natural Trails and the Butterfly Garden
Coffee Experiences, Coffee Tours in San José, San José Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Hacienda Doka Coffee Experience Tour

6.Hacienda Doka Coffee Experience Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 315 reviews · 1 hour 15 minutes (approx.) · from $35

At Doka Estate near San Jose, you follow coffee from planting and picking through processing and roasting, with coffee and chocolate samples along the way. The tour also includes natural trails and a butterfly garden. Guides such as Ray and Andrea bring the process to life, but sugar-cane processing may not be operating.

“Great tour - very informative for any coffee lover! We really enjoyed learning about the process of how coffee is grown and roasted.”

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Catamaran Ocean King Manuel Antonio - Two hours of coast watching and wildlife
Cruises & Boat Tours, Manuel Antonio Tours, Sailing, Tour Reviews

Catamaran Ocean King Manuel Antonio

7.Catamaran Ocean King Manuel Antonio

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 281 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $86

Spend about three and a half hours aboard a large, family-friendly catamaran from Quepos. You can watch for dolphins, whales, and sea turtles, swim near Manuel Antonio, use the slides, enjoy snacks and a meal, and watch the sunset. Hotel pickup is available from select Quepos and Manuel Antonio locations.

“Just relax and enjoy, let the friendly staff take care of you during the time on the boat, fresh fruit available, snacks and beverages”

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Extreme Zipline tour in Monteverde - The Tarzan swing tests your nerve
Monteverde Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Zip Lines

Extreme Zipline tour in Monteverde

8.Extreme Zipline tour in Monteverde

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 262 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $72

At Monteverde Extremo Park, you spend about three hours on more than 10 aerial rides, including a 1-kilometer hands-free Superman cable, a subway-style line, Mega Tarzan swing, and bungee jump. Professional guides provide helmets and keep the group moving through cloud-forest platforms, steep paths, and high viewpoints.

“We are a family of 7 from 13 to 49 yo. The extremo ziplining was awesome and very different of the multiple previous ziplining experiences we had in Canada. The superman make us feel like we were birds. The Tarzan rope was so cool and everyone really liked it even if it was outside of our comfort zone. We recommend for everyone older than 12 yo or seeking great sensations”

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San Jose By Night: Sights & Culture Tour with Local Dinner - Spain Park, Casa Amarilla, and the government quarter
Dining Experiences, Dinner Experiences, Evening Experiences, San José Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

San Jose By Night: Sights & Culture Tour with Local Dinner

9.San Jose By Night: Sights & Culture Tour with Local Dinner

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 237 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $80

Walk San Jose from Morazán Park to Barrio Escalante with a local guide, learning about Costa Rican history, architecture, legends, and daily life. You’ll see the Metallic Building, Casa Amarilla, the Legislative Assembly, and National Park before dinner at Agüizotes Gastro Pub, with two beers, sangrias, or soft drinks included.

“This was my first time to Coast Roca and I was by myself. It was nice having a plan to tour the city. It ended up just being me on the tour but still was a great experience! I definitely will book again if I return to Costa Rica.”

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Arenal Volcano and Thermal Hot Springs from San Jose - The long road through Costa Rica’s agricultural belt
Arenal Volcano Tours, San José Tours, Spa & Hot Springs, Tour Reviews, Volcano Tours

Arenal Volcano and Thermal Hot Springs from San Jose

10.Arenal Volcano and Thermal Hot Springs from San Jose

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 236 reviews · 13 hours (approx.) · from $195

Spend about 13 hours traveling from San Jose to La Fortuna for Sarchi’s famous ox cart, an Arenal volcano viewpoint and trails, included lunch and dinner, and several hours at a thermal resort. Guides such as Eric, Pedro, Harold, Pablo, and Max have helped make this long day personal, but weather, resort changes, and pickup delays can affect the plan.

“Our driver and tour guide was amazing. We got to see 30% of the volcano and enjoy the wonderful hot springs of Los Lagos. The overall tour was good for our family but we would have planned it better for us. I would do things differently. We literally only saw the volcano for 5-10 mins, which is fine, but not what I expected.”

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Private Transfer Liberia Airport - What the ride is like on the road to Tamarindo
Private, Private Drivers, Tamarindo Tours, Tour Reviews

Private Transfer Liberia Airport

11.Private Transfer Liberia Airport

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 227 reviews Top rated

Travel privately between Liberia Airport and your Tamarindo-area hotel with a driver such as Harnan, Rafael, Anthony, or Bianco. Your driver meets you with a name sign, provides a clean, air-conditioned vehicle, and may have cold water, soda, or beer ready. Expect about 45 minutes to 1 hour 25 minutes, depending on your hotel and road conditions.

“Rafael was a kind and professional driver. Communication with the company was clear. I was pleased!!”

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Skip the Line:Day Ticket-La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park & Wildlife Refuge - What the $63.28 admission includes
San José Tours, Skip the Line, Tickets, Tour Reviews, Waterfall Tours, Waterfall Tours in San José, Wildlife

Skip the Line:Day Ticket-La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park & Wildlife Refuge

12.Skip the Line:Day Ticket-La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park & Wildlife Refuge

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 226 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $63

La Paz Waterfall Gardens gives you a flexible day pass to explore five waterfalls, rainforest and cloud forest trails, orchids, birds, butterflies, hummingbirds, monkeys, snakes, and rescued cats. Plan on at least two hours, though four to five hours lets you slow down. You will need your own transport, and the waterfall trail includes many stairs.

“Awesome. Beautiful grounds. Beautiful up close experience with the animals. Gorgeous waterfalls. Was uncrowded.”

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Night Turtle Nesting Tour from Tamarindo - The ride from Tamarindo to the protected beach
Evening Experiences, Tamarindo Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Turtle Nesting Tours

Night Turtle Nesting Tour from Tamarindo

13.Night Turtle Nesting Tour from Tamarindo

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 206 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $46

Meet Native’s Way after sunset, then ride about 30 minutes to protected beaches near Playa Grande. Guides such as Ivan, Fabio, and Irving search for Green Pacific and Olive Ridley turtles, with a chance of hatchlings and rare Leatherbacks. Expect darkness, waiting, walking, and strict rules about light and noise.

“Honestly I wouldn’t do it again. We saw two turtle laying her eggs on the beach but there were so many people around, that I just had the feeling to stress the poor animals. Also three other turtles wanted to come to the beach but got scared by the people - so they turned around and got back to the ocean. Maybe it’s a unique experience to are allowed to see turtles laying eggs at the beach (for sure it is) but for me it was more the feeling to disturb an sensitive ecosystem. Went home with a not very nice feeling. Also there where people who turned on their…”

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3-Hour Shuttle Service from San Jose Airport to La Fortuna - What the three-hour ride really means
3-Hour Experiences, Airport Transfers, Airport Transfers in San José, San José Tours, Shuttle Services, Tour Reviews

3-Hour Shuttle Service from San Jose Airport to La Fortuna

14.3-Hour Shuttle Service from San Jose Airport to La Fortuna

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 177 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $50

This shared shuttle takes you from Juan Santamaría International Airport to La Fortuna in about three hours, with air conditioning and a stop at Mi Rancho Restaurant in San Ramón for bathrooms, snacks, and a stretch. Expect a small group of up to 17 people, hotel drop-off, and WhatsApp communication. Drivers may include Randall, Alexander, Francis, or others.

“The driver was super courteous and helpful. Apple Maps had my hotel in the wrong spot but the driver knew where I needed to go.”

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Pacheco Tours - 2 Days 1 Night in Corcovado Sirena From Drake Bay - Day two: the 5:00 AM start is worth the alarm
2-Day Experiences, Drake Bay Tours, Evening Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours

Pacheco Tours – 2 Days 1 Night in Corcovado Sirena From Drake Bay

15.Pacheco Tours – 2 Days 1 Night in Corcovado Sirena From Drake Bay

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 172 reviews · 2 days (approx.) · from $365

Leave Drake Bay at 6:00 AM for Sirena Ranger Station, then hike Corcovado with a guide such as Marlon, Jose, Ayder, or Alejandra. You’ll have lunch, dinner, breakfast, lodging, park fees, and two days of trail time. Expect wet boat landings, long hikes, shared bunkhouse facilities, and excellent chances for monkeys, tapirs, macaws, sloths, and crocodilians.

“Amazing experience; worth every dollar and the time. Would do the overnight tour again, as the ranger station and the trails get much less crowded when people on the day tour leaves. So much fauna compared to other places I’ve seen in CR. You see flocks of Macaws, sloths, all four species of monkeys and a ton of other (rare) birds, insects and mammals. There’s no dedicated night tour included due to the risk of snake bites and the time it takes to get medical care, but there’s an early morning tour if the weather allows, that basically starts while it’s still dark outside and you’ll see the forest wake…”

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