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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Georgina • traveled in April, 2025
My time in Costa Rica was fantastic, from start to finish it was filled with thrilling activities, gorgeous wildlife and a wonderful group to share it with. Cesar our guide was knowledgeable and highly organised. I recommend this trip to anyone considering, if you're unsure, just book it, you wont regret it! I've got memories that will last me a lifetime. One thing that does need improving is the service pre-departure though. I couldn't login to my G Adventures account or app a couple of weeks before travel. I spoke to representatives on live chat multiple times, and no one was able to fix it, I was just told to keep waiting. They assured me that I didn't need anything on there, but on arrival in San Jose the bus driver needed to know what hotel I was going to, and because I couldn't access the app, I had no idea. This made the start of the trip considerably more stressful than it needed to be, and its still not resolved. I also missed out on the pre-trip group chat. So G Adventures- please fix this now, this is currently the only thing hampering my experience.
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) - S
Sari • traveled in July
overall the tour was amazing and i had a great time
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- 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
- Full Costa Rica Adventure 14D/13N
- Tortuguero National Park Adventure 4D/3N
- Volcanoes, Nature and Caribbean
- Adventures in Costa Rica!
Costa Rica Adventure
288 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“My time in Costa Rica was fantastic, from start to finish it was filled with thrilling activities, gorgeous wildlife and a wonderful group to share it with.”
Georgina, traveled in March
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 $2,359
30% Off- US$1,651You save $708
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 $2,625
12% Off- US$2,310You save $315
Costa Rica Active Adventure
35 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great trip, great CEO, would definitely recommend it. I experienced a lot in a short amount of time and a beautiful country.”
Charlotte, traveled in May
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 $2,049
17% Off- US$1,701You save $348
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
17% Off- US$1,759
Family Costa Rica Rainforest and Wildlife Adventure
10 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The zip-lining, white water rafting, boat ride, and seeing whales were highlights of the trip.”
Miranda, traveled in July
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 $4,150
20% Off- US$3,320You save $830
Costa Rica Adventure Family Holiday
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It is the most beautiful and magical country I have ever visited!!!!!!!!!!”
Sharon, traveled in January
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 $4,948
15% Off- US$4,215You save $733
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
15% Off- US$3,241
Glide through Tortuguero's waterways via guided boat tours, encountering exotic wildlife in Costa Rica's premier nature reserve. Hidden canals and rainforest paths lead to sea turtle nesting sites. An eco-lodge serves as base camp, offering authentic local cuisine and expert naturalist guidance.
Duration 4 days Destinations San Jose, Tortuguero National Park Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Bamba Travel From
15% Off- US$880
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 $1,704
15% Off- US$1,448You save $256
Adventures in Costa Rica!
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The rainforest is an amazing place to visit and learn about natural history and see enormous trees, plants and plenty of wildlife.”
Stefanie, traveled in May
Costa Rica's thrills include Class II-III rapids on Sarapiqui River and 1.7-mile zip-lines in Monteverde. Walk to La Fortuna's 150-ft waterfall, tour Arenal Volcano's surroundings, and cross suspended bridges spanning 984 ft across cloud forest canyons.
Duration 7 days Destinations San Jose, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde Age Range Ages 15+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Class Adventure Travel From
15% Off- US$1,361
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.