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.
Excellent
- Choose from 50+ Costa Rica tours
- 1,600+ verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
- 24/7 customer support
- F
Francesca • traveled in March, 2026
This trip caters for all! For the adrenaline seeks: white water rafting, zip lining, canyoning, horseback riding, surfing, kayaking and hiking. For the nature lover: epic scenery from beaches to volcanoes, birds, sloths, reptiles, insects .. For those that like a little pampering there is the catamaran tour and man-made hot springs, and options to sit back and relax in a boat whilst gazing out. However, this all comes at a cost, each activity is on average $50 so it starts to get pricey quick and it feels like you are obligated to book something each day. Travelling around Costa Rica, means sitting in a minibus, these are not high end and who knew that a seat would fold out in the middle isle. With all luxury stored on the back seats, there isn't a lot of space, no charging points and intermittent wifi - make sure you have something to read. Accommodation standards are low (backpackers had more amenities in La Fortuna), your going to need a torch. The itinerary changes and not everything is available or even meets the printed description, but the guide will help you achieve your goals, remember the ethos is Pura Vida - just relax. Its a real shame that the tour shows nothing of San Jose, so add a day and see it for yourself.
Costa Rica Adventure - R
Ruqayya • traveled in March
I booked the tour at a time of deep personal loss and grief. I had lost 4 close family members, including my sister. Costa Rica was a far way from home but i really wanted to immerse myself in nature and in a foreign land - and i am so glad that i booked this trip! German, Victor and Fernando were exceptionally kind, exceptionally helpful and so knowledgeable. I emailed German prior to the trip and he was so responsive & from the moment i reached the hotel to begin the trip, he was always so attentive and made the entire trip an experience to remember. The trip itself was an adventure and everything which i required to inject some healing into my broken heart and soul. I learnt so much about the wild life and saw the most beautiful aspects of human life in Costa Rica. German and Victor brought so much of Costa Rica with stories and songs to us daily. I cried when the trip ended but i came home with the most wonderful memories and new friends. Thank you for everything German and Victor and so much love to our driver Fernando. Hope to see you all again
Costa Rica Nature Adventure (End San Jose) - A
Alisa • traveled in January
The tour was well-organized and packed with great activities.
Costa Rica Active Adventure
Our traveler's Moments
- Costa Rica Active Adventure
- Beaches and Nature with Santa Teresa
- Eco-adventure in Costa Rica
- Volcanoes, Nature and Caribbean
- Adventures in Costa Rica!
- Essential Costa Rica with extension to Manuel Antonio National Park, Manuel Antonio Beach & San Jose City
- Costa Rica Quest
- Highlights of Costa Rica
- Costa Rica Adventure
- Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste
- Costa Rica Adventure
- Costa Rica: Ocean Waves & Sunsets
- Costa Rica: Monteverde and La Fortuna
- Tortuguero National Park Tour – 4-Day Independent Adventure
- Basic Costa Rica: Coastlines & Cloud Forests
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
- Family Costa Rica Rainforest and Wildlife Adventure
- Costa Rica Adventure Family Holiday
- Costa Rica Eco-Beach Adventure 40's - 50's and 60's Singles Vacations
- Volcanoes, Nature and Caribbean
- Costa Rica: Monteverde and La Fortuna
- Mystic Forests of Costa Rica
Costa Rica Adventure
156 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“All the different possibilities and aktivities and of course the best guide Berny you can imagine.”
Dorothe, traveled in December
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, Quepos, Manuel Antonio National Park, Monteverde, La Fortuna, Sarapiquí, Caño Negro, Tortuguero, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca Age Range Ages 12+ Operator G Adventures From $1,999
10% Off- US$1,799You save $200
Costa Rica Nature Adventure (End San Jose)
4 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
10% Off- US$2,625
Costa Rica Active Adventure
36 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Amazing to do a stress free trip. He really loved and respected his country, and it was great to share that with him.”
Hannah, 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, Pacuare River, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca Age Range Ages 12+ Operator G Adventures From $2,049
25% Off- US$1,537You save $512
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
25% Off- US$1,759
Family Costa Rica Rainforest and Wildlife Adventure
10 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Corcovado; whale watching and rain forest walk, seeing the tapir and humpbacks.”
Stewart, traveled in August
Moonscape views stretch from Irazu volcano to Pejibaye River's rapids and Monteverde's cloud forest canopy. Arenal Volcano's lava trails and Corcovado's pristine rainforest offer perfect Costa Rican adventures. Costs approx. $300 per day including eco-lodge stays.
Duration 14 days Destinations San Jose, Sarchi, Grecia, Poas Volcano National Park, Cartago, Turrialba, Tortuguero National Park, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, Arenal Volcano National Park, Santa ElenaSee all destinations Age Range Ages 7+ Operator Explore! From $4,220
3% Off- US$4,090You save $130
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 $4,573
10% Off- US$4,125You save $448
Sky Trek's 1,400-foot ziplines soar above Monteverde's magnificent canopy, while La Fortuna offers thrilling river tubing near its thundering waterfall. Cloud forest reserves invite exploration on foot, and thermal springs provide relaxation with views of rumbling Arenal Volcano, Central America's most active peak.
Duration 10 days Destinations San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, Arenal Volcano National Park, La Fortuna, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range Ages 35+ Operator Best Single Travel From
10% Off- US$4,015
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.
More about Costa Rica
BeachActive10 Best Budget Adventure Tours 2026/202710 Best Adventure Tour and Travel CompaniesCosta Rica Travel Guide | All You Need to KnowBest 7 Day Costa Rica Itineraries 2026/2027 (with Reviews)What is the best time to visit Costa Rica in 2026/2027?Weather in Costa Rica in 2026/2027