Adventure Tours & Trips in Costa Rica
Ready for a Costa Rican adventure? From Caribbean lowland rivers through Monteverde Cloud Forest up in the canopy to Lake Arenal below Arenal Volcano, it’s all waiting. The Pacific and Caribbean coasts bookend central mountains, while the whole country spans Caribbean jungle waterways to Pacific beaches with volcanic peaks and cloud forest. The word ‘beautiful’ just doesn’t do it justice.
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Leslie • traveled in January
This was an absolutely amazing fantastic experience with surprises around every corner (literally!). Our guide, Super Mao - was wonderful. He went the extra mile to ensure that we all had an incredible authentic experience complete with fireworks at Christmas and impromptu dance parties by the beach with everyone in our group from 22 to 72 participating! One of the highlights was waking up in the jungle at 4:30am to the sound of pouring rain and the roar of howler monkeys. This trip allowed us all to experience the best of Costa Rica and its diversity of landscapes and life.
Costa Rica Adventure - T
Thomas • traveled in March
Excellent guide and beautiful country. All lodgings were well away from other local places making personal exploring difficult. Lodgings were good otherwise. Group size (43) was much too big. The bus seats were crammed together and on tours if you were at the back you missed most of what was going on.
Costa Rica Nature Adventure (End San Jose) - C
Cecilia • traveled in February
Great trip, really recommended!
Costa Rica Active Adventure
10 best Active Costa Rica tour packages
Compiled by
SteffCosta Rica travel expert at TourRadar
- Costa Rica Adventure
- Costa Rica Nature Adventure (End San Jose)
- Costa Rica Active Adventure
- Family Adventure Package
- Costa Rica Adventure Family Holiday
- Full Costa Rica Adventure 14D/13N
- San Jose Hightlights & Arenal Volcano Adventure
- Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste
- Volcanoes, Nature and Caribbean
- Costa Rica Highlights, 10 days
Costa Rica Adventure
288 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great experience, loved every minute of it.”
Patti, traveled in July
The wild beauty of Costa Rica unfolds through waterfall rappelling in La Fortuna, ziplining above Monteverde's cloud forest canopy. Paddle through Tortuguero's winding canals and bike Puerto Viejo's coastal trails while immersing in diverse ecosystems.
Duration 16 days Destinations San Jose, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Tortuguero National Park, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range Ages 12+ Operator G Adventures From $3,539
25% Off- NZ$2,654You save $885
Costa Rica Nature Adventure (End San Jose)
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I am so glad that i booked this trip! The trip itself was an adventure and everything which i required to inject some healing into my broken heart and soul.”
Ruqayya, traveled in February
Costa Rica's thrilling highlights include Sky Walk suspension bridges in Monteverde, optional white-water rafting in Sarapiqui ($64), and trails around Arenal Volcano ($67). Wildlife-rich canals of Tortuguero and cloud forests come alive with expert naturalist guides.
Duration 8 days Destinations San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Trafalgar From $5,195
15% Off- NZ$4,416You save $779
Costa Rica Active Adventure
35 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was a brilliant tour and I'm very glad I booked this tour. It went very quickly.”
Ryan, traveled in August
This Costa Rican adventure features Class III-IV rapids on Pacuare River, cloud forest ziplining in Monteverde, and Caribbean surfing in Puerto Viejo. Hidden waterfalls near Arenal Volcano, cycling La Fortuna's trails, and rainforest paths from remote jungle lodges await.
Duration 13 days Destinations San Jose, Monteverde, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano National Park, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca Age Range Ages 12+ Operator G Adventures From
15% Off- NZ$3,219
Thrills await at Vida Aventura Ranch's ziplines and wildlife flourishes on Peñas Blancas River. Master 700-foot canyons near Arenal Volcano, relax in thermal springs, and unwind on Guanacaste's renowned beaches with expert bilingual guides.
Duration 8 days Destinations San Jose, Arenal Volcano National Park, Playa Tamarindo, Liberia Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator Central American Tours From
15% Off- NZ$2,984
Costa Rica Adventure Family Holiday
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The amount of wildlife we saw was wonderful and a great education for our children.”
Karen, traveled in October
White-water rafting churns through Sarapiqui's rapids, while ziplines crisscross Arenal and night walks reveal Tirimbina Reserve's secrets. Waterways wind through Tortuguero and trails extend across Cahuita National Park's 2,711 acres of rainforest.
Duration 15 days Destinations San Jose, Braulio Carillo National Park, Tortuguero National Park, Siquirres, Cahuita, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano National Park, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range Ages 9+ Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From $7,469
5% Off- NZ$7,084You save $385
Lava fields stretch below Arenal Volcano, while ziplines soar through Monteverde's canopy and kayaks glide along Tortuguero's channels. La Fortuna Waterfall and Manuel Antonio National Park showcase Costa Rica's diverse landscapes.
Duration 14 days Destinations San Jose, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Tortuguero National Park, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Bamba Travel From
5% Off- NZ$5,498
Class III rapids surge through Balsa River beneath Arenal's rainforest canopy ziplines. Adventures continue with ATV rides around Montana de Fuego Hotel or horseback journeys to La Fortuna Waterfall, guided by local experts.
Duration 8 days Destinations San Jose, Irazu Volcano National Park, Braulio Carillo National Park, Arenal Volcano National Park Age Range Ages 12+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Destiny Travel Costa Rica From
5% Off- NZ$3,045
Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste
41 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The hotels and arranged transportation were excellent, as well as all the guides and staff in general.”
Ana, traveled in August
Volcanic trails wind around Arenal, leading to cloud forest ziplines at Selvatura Park and Tortuguero's peaceful channels. The Tarzan Swing at Ecoglide Park and La Fortuna Waterfall offer optional thrills for active travelers.
Duration 10 days Destinations San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde, Playa Tamarindo Age Range Ages 10+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From $3,072
10% Off- NZ$2,765You save $307
Volcanoes, Nature and Caribbean
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Tour itself was very interesting, informative, particularly for nature lovers. Monkeys, snakes, caimans, birds, iguanas, etc - all in proximity.”
Adil, traveled in January
The adventure unfolds with night hiking Arenal's rainforest trails, navigating Tortuguero's jungle canals, and snorkeling Cahuita's coral reefs. Soar across 11 canopy platforms in Tortuguero and trek through Arenal Volcano National Park with expert naturalist guides.
Duration 9 days Destinations San Jose, Arenal Volcano National Park, Guapiles, Tortuguero National Park, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Cahuita Age Range Ages 10+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From $2,890
10% Off- NZ$2,601You save $289
Costa Rica Highlights, 10 days
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Extremely organized and very well planned tour! Highly recommend this tour!”
Hana, traveled in February
Duration 10 days Destinations San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde, Playa Tamarindo Age Range Ages 10+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From $5,698
10% Off- NZ$5,128You save $570
What our customers ask about Adventure Tours & Trips in Costa Rica
What are the must-see highlights of an Adventure tour in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica's top adventure destinations include Arenal Volcano National Park for its network of hiking trails and natural hot springs. The Monteverde Cloud Forest offers extensive canopy walkways and zipline courses while Tortuguero National Park presents rich wildlife viewing along its waterways. The Pacuare River draws rafting enthusiasts and Manuel Antonio National Park combines pristine beaches with dense rainforest trails. A TourRadar traveler shared: "Through this morning excursion you will be able to see birds monkeys caimans and much more in Tortuguero National Park!" Most tours include stays at established properties such as Arenal Paraiso Resort & Spa and El Establo Mountain Hotel.
How many days do I need for a comprehensive Costa Rica Adventure tour?
A full Costa Rica adventure requires 8-15 days to experience the country's varied landscapes and activities at a comfortable pace. Tour operators like Wingbuddy offer their "Costa Rica's Natural Wonders" across 11 days while Trafalgar's "Costa Rica Nature Adventure" spans 8 days. These timeframes allow visitors to explore major spots like Arenal Monteverde and Manuel Antonio with enough time for activities at each location.
What accommodation types are available on Costa Rica Adventure tours?
The accommodation landscape spans from rainforest eco-lodges to upscale resorts. Properties like Arenal Paraiso Resort and Spa provide volcano views while Laguna Lodge in Tortuguero focuses on wildlife access. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The lodges were beautiful comfortable and situated in areas where the splendor of the natural environment surrounded us." Tours typically feature 3-4 star properties that showcase local character and natural surroundings.
What wildlife can I expect to see on a Costa Rica Adventure tour?
Costa Rica's varied ecosystems support diverse wildlife populations. Tortuguero National Park houses toucans monkeys sloths and nesting sea turtles (July-October). The Monteverde Cloud Forest contains over 400 bird species including the distinctive quetzal. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "Our guide in Arenal helped us spot howler monkeys toucans and even a family of coatis right on the hiking trail. The biodiversity was incredible."
What are the must-do adventure activities in Costa Rica?
Adventure seekers can find challenges across Costa Rica's regions. Popular activities include navigating Class III-IV rapids on the Pacuare River riding ziplines stretching 1400 feet through Monteverde's canopy rappelling at La Fortuna waterfall and exploring Arenal's volcanic terrain. Properties like Mountain Paradise Hotel and El Establo provide convenient access to these activities. One TourRadar traveler noted "The zip-lining across the rainforest canopy was exhilarating especially during a thunderstorm!"
When is the best time to go on an Adventure tour in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica's adventure calendar shifts with the seasons. The dry period (December to April) suits activities around Arenal Volcano and Monteverde Cloud Forest with clear conditions for hiking ziplining and canyoning. A TourRadar traveler noted "The weather wasn't the best but the rain/cloud forest was lovely and down at the coast was so different." For rafting enthusiasts the green season (May to November) brings stronger rapids particularly on the Pacuare River near Turrialba.