From misty cloud forests and active volcanoes to sunlit beaches and wildlife-rich reserves, Costa Rica offers adventure at every turn. These hand-selected tours showcase the country’s incredible biodiversity through zip-lining, river rafting, rainforest hikes, wildlife encounters, and unforgettable moments in nature.
This tour is designed for people who love to challenge themselves in the middle of exciting natural settings. This is an action-packed tour that will allow you to take advantage of the whole day while performing several thrilling activities.
You’ll fly over a river canyon on the zip lines, and rappel cliffside just to start stirring your senses. The rock-climbing portion will bring forth all your strength and sense of adventure. You’ll also have the opportunity to try Tarzan swinging (swinging from side to side) and to go horseback riding to enjoy the beauty that the property affords its visitors.
Finally, something that not many people get to do often; taking a refreshing bath in a pristine, clear water river, will help wash any stress away and will be the perfect bonus to your adrenaline-filled day. You’ll always perform all these activities with a beautiful transitional tropical forest as a backdrop.
Rate Includes: Transportation, Bilingual Guide, Horseback, Tubing, Lunch, Canopy, Escalation Via Ferrata & Tarzan Swing.
Duration: 9 Hours
Tour Provider: ST Costa Rica
Rio Celeste is located in the limits of the Tenorio Volcano National Park, the area itself deserves a visit, it has incredible views, wildlife and it is a perfect option for those that enjoy hiking.
The turquoise water of this river attracts thousands of adventurers every year, it is not every day that you could see a river like this one, beautiful and surrounded by exuberant vegetation.
At the indicated time, the tourist transportation and bilingual guide will pick you up at your Arenal selected hotel. First part of the tour will take you along the Maleku Route until reach Tenorio Volcano National Park. This transfer takes around one hour and 45 minutes including scenic views of pineapple and yucca plantations.
Access to the Rio Celeste and its beautiful waterfall is through the tropical rain forest and it is a moderately difficult 5.5 km hike (approximately 3 hours) along a wild path to reach the waterfall. A short climb down 250 stairs gets you to a viewing platform, it is a bit tough for some but the result is definitely worth it.
After you visited the waterfall, you will return through the main trail, which will lead you to additional ecological wonders:
Tenorio Volcano Lookout point: a platform the will give you an impressive panoramic view of the volcano. Just remember that volcanoes attract clouds like magnets, it is subject to weather conditions.
The glowing azure lagoon: The perfect place for a lovely photo, a quiet place in the river where the water puts its blueness on full screen. The strikingly blue color looks almost out of this world, but it is real.
Borbollones (Hot Springs): The openings in the earth and furnace vents that expel gases of extreme high temperatures.
Teñideros: The site where two streams of crystalline water come together and create the magic to this heavenly color blue that gives the river its name.
The Rio Celeste gets its baby blue hue from a natural chemical reaction that occurs between minerals in this volcano-rich region.
A local legend says that when God finished painting the heaven, he washed the brush in Rio Celeste saving the privilege of watching the enchanting river just for a few adventurers.
Surely, this will be one of the most unforgettable places of your trip to of Costa Rica.
Your final reward is an exquisite Costa Rican typical lunch at the end of the journey, and after that, heading back to your Arenal selected hotel.
Duration: 8 Hours
Tour Provider: ST Costa Rica
Rio Celeste is located in the limits of the Tenorio Volcano National Park, the area itself deserves a visit, it has incredible views, wildlife and it is a perfect option for those that enjoy hiking.
The turquoise water of this river attracts thousands of adventurers every year, it is not every day that you could see a river like this one, beautiful and surrounded by exuberant vegetation.
At the indicated time, the tourist transportation and bilingual guide will pick you up at your Arenal selected hotel. First part of the tour will take you along the Maleku Route until reach Tenorio Volcano National Park. This transfer takes around one hour and 45 minutes including scenic views of pineapple and yucca plantations.
Access to the Rio Celeste and its beautiful waterfall is through the tropical rain forest and it is a moderately difficult 5.5 km hike (approximately 3 hours) along a wild path to reach the waterfall. A short climb down 250 stairs gets you to a viewing platform, it is a bit tough for some but the result is definitely worth it.
After you visited the waterfall, you will return through the main trail, which will lead you to additional ecological wonders:
Tenorio Volcano Lookout point: a platform the will give you an impressive panoramic view of the volcano. Just remember that volcanoes attract clouds like magnets, it is subject to weather conditions.
The glowing azure lagoon: The perfect place for a lovely photo, a quiet place in the river where the water puts its blueness on full screen. The strikingly blue color looks almost out of this world, but it is real.
Borbollones (Hot Springs): The openings in the earth and furnace vents that expel gases of extreme high temperatures.
Teñideros: The site where two streams of crystalline water come together and create the magic to this heavenly color blue that gives the river its name.
The Rio Celeste gets its baby blue hue from a natural chemical reaction that occurs between minerals in this volcano-rich region.
A local legend says that when God finished painting the heaven, he washed the brush in Rio Celeste saving the privilege of watching the enchanting river just for a few adventurers.
Surely, this will be one of the most unforgettable places of your trip to of Costa Rica.
Your final reward is an exquisite Costa Rican typical lunch at the end of the journey, and after that, heading back to your Arenal selected hotel.
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“Chocolate is one of the world’s favorite foods, approximately one billion people eat chocolate every day and probably you have wondered where chocolate is coming from. Considered as “”a gift from the Gods””, the cocoa tree was of great importance for the aboriginal culture of Central America, not only for the ceremonial use, but also for its economic value as it was used as currency in many tribes, including Costa Rica. The northern lowlands of Costa Rica are a privileged area with several streams and medium-sized rivers that range throughout the plains and makes the region very fertile creating good conditions to consolidating the cocoa production in smaller-scale with sustainable agricultural methods that reduces soil erosion and increases its productivity. From your selected hotel, you will be traveling in a touristic Van for approximately 25 minutes and you will arrive to Eden Organic Farm. A family-owned project where you will learn about the origins, its production and one of the most enriching aspects of taking this tour is getting to meet the people who do all the process of elaboration from the seed to the bar.
Starting with a short walk along the cocoa trail, the guide will show along 2 hours, the traditional methods of making chocolate and the entire process of planting and harvesting it, in addition to tasting the fruit. Continuing with the fermentation, drying and roasting part of the cocoa, learning how these processes work. At the end of the trail, you will settle in a ranch, where guide will explain you how the raw materials are obtained (bars and chocolate bonbons). This is part is very interactive as you will put your creativity on test, in order to mix some flavors and species while getting to sample delicious treats. This will give you a special insight into the local culture and you will enjoy trying the traditional drink of our ancestors and make your own organic chocolates. This tour will be one of the tastiest experiences you will do during your vacation.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned Tourist Transportation with Spanish Speaking Driver, Certified Bilingual Guide and Entrance Fee to Eden Chocolate Organic Plantations
Duration: 3.5 Hours
Tour Provider: ST Costa Rica
Arenal area is well known for its conservation projects including the national park and several private reserves that protects the abundant biodiversity. Its climate, the absence of predators and availability of food make this privileged area an amazing natural oasis for two different sloth species, wild animals that captivates everyone with its peculiar slow movements.
Due to its growing popularity, the main goal of this excursion is to educate the participants about the importance of preserving the natural habitat and the erroneous tendency to think that because of their “smile and tenderness”, they want to be hugged, which rather has caused an illegal trafficking and changes in their behaviour that put in risk their survival.
At the arranged time, a tourist van will pick you up at your selected hotel to begin this exciting search of Sloths. Around La Fortuna Village there has been identified approximately 30 points where sloth’s habit naturally. Most, these places are found in open fields and streams under the shade of Guarumo trees; the favorite food of this emblematic mammal.
The certified naturalist guides, are experts in finding wildlife and extremely knowledgeable in their field and soon as you arrive to one of the observation points you will be provided with binoculars so you will have a close-up wildlife encounter along the trails.
During the 2-hours walk, you can observe two types of sloths: Two-toed sloth that is more active at night and the three-toed sloth and depending on the season, you might be able to admire a mother with her baby; which is a thrilling experience.
Guides carry their own telescope so, they will be moving forward to other points and in search of different angles for sloths and sometimes is possible to see snakes, insects, frogs such as the famous Red Eyed Frog and the Blue Jeans Frog and different species of birds including toucans and eagles that are perched high above tree branches.
At the end of this natural experience, a snack is included before you are taking back to your selected hotel in Arenal and you will understand why people say you cannot visit Costa Rica without seeing a sloth and envied their pace at some time in our own lives.
Duration: 3 Hours
Tour Provider: ST Costa Rica
This excursion takes place in the Arenal Sky Adventures Park, a private reserve located in a tropical rainforest with magnificent views of the Arenal Volcano and the beautiful Arenal Lake.
At the arranged time, the tourist transportation and the professional guide will meet you in the lobby of your selected hotel to transfer you for 20 minutes to the outskirts of the mighty Arenal Volcano.
Once at Arenal Sky Adventures Park, you will receive security instructions and top-quality equipment to enjoy the activities.
For the first part of the excursion, a 15 minutes ascending by an 800m (2625ft) aerial tram ride, will take you up to a lookout point. The Sky Tram gondolas rise smoothly through the rainforest, offering you amazing views of the surroundings while the bilingual guide will point out distinctive characteristics of the flora and fauna that might be only spotted from above the treetops.
At the highest point of the mountain, you will enjoy the Sky Trek tour, a 2 hours adventure activity full of adrenaline, which consists on a system of platforms and zip-lines that goes from one mountain to another.
The platforms are structures anchored to the ground and not in the trees, providing greater security at no walking distances, just get off and jump on to the next cable.
There are seven thrilling ziplines, up to 200m (656ft) in height and 750m (2460ft) in length and speeds that go up to 70km/h (43.5mph).
Sky Tram uses an automatic braking system, which avoid you to use hand braking and giving more freedom to admire the breathtaking scenery. This tour is all about the adrenaline rush while flying over the mountains.
Duration: 3.5 Hours
Tour Provider: ST Costa Rica
Nestled in the highlands of Costa Rica, Monteverde is an Ecological Sanctuary and a great option if you enjoy eco-tourism.
This excursion will take you into the deepness of the Cloud Forest right after sunset, the specific moment when the darkness reveals the magical world of thousands of creatures of the jungle.
After a short drive of only 20 minutes from your selected hotel, you will arrive to the private reserve where a professional naturalist not only will spot and identify these species in the darkness; they also will provide you a different perspective with full explanations of the forest in 2 hours walk.
Along the 1.5-mile trail with towering trees, you will stop for different moments to admire stranger creatures in a world that normally is not ours: mammals, insects, bats, frogs, toads, predators and many more! Then silently, you will continue through the night admiring strange sounds, lights and aromas that will capture your imagination.
Night hike is an unforgettable experience that you should not miss.
Duration: 3 Hours
Tour Provider: ST Costa Rica
Chosen as one of Costa Rica’s Seven Wonders, Monteverde Cloud Forest private reserve was founded in 1972, and it has been recognized worldwide for its efforts in conservation of wild species and their habitats.
This Ecological Sanctuary is located in the highlands of Costa Rica, at an altitude between 1,500m and 1,800 m, right where the Atlantic and Pacific slopes collide over the Continental Divide.
The reserve measures more than 4,000 hectares and holds 2.5% of the world’s biodiversity, making it one of the most important private reserves in Costa Rica.
With a short drive of 25 minutes from the local village of San Elena and the surrounded hotels, you will arrive to the visitors’ center to start the 2 hours’ walk through the forest
The focus of the reserve is protection, for this reason only a small portion (about 3%) of the property is open to the public with 13 kilometers, distributed on 9 different hiking trails.
Although Monteverde is one of the most biodiverse areas of Costa Rica, wildlife is naturally hidden in the misty clouds shifting in the wind or high in the trees with thick mosses and lichens that cover every inch of bark. A knowledgeable naturalist guide not only knows where to look, but also has a scope, allowing you to see most of the plants and animals at the reserve and what role they play in the eco-system.
Undoubtedly, this is one of the best places to spot the bird everyone hopes to see, the elusive resplendent quetzal, but also, it is home of hundreds of species of mammals, birds, butterflies, amphibians, reptiles, insects and arachnids.
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve will be leaving you marveled with its beauty and biological diversity.
Duration: 4 Hours
Tour Provider: ST Costa Rica
The northern lowlands of Costa Rica are world renowned for its variety of wild rivers, stunning lakes, volcanoes and protected tropical rainforests. The weather in the area is generally humid and you can expect abundant rains, almost every day, keeping rivers water levels ideal for a paddling adventure with its high-quality white and warm waters. One of these rivers is Sarapiqui, an iconic affluent that has played an important role in the history, being a mean of transportation for original indigenous tribes, Spanish conquerors and most recently for tourist. Fed by waters from Poas Volcano, this river runs from the Central Mountain Range and flows down the country’s Atlantic Slope on its way to the sea, through dramatic scenery with big gradients, canyons, waterfalls and hydroelectric dams up to San Miguel Village. The starting point, where you will experience a rafting category III and IV with big waves, high-energy rapids and continuous whitewater, making it a world-class experience of a lifetime for adventurers looking for the strongest currents. This journey begins directly from your selected hotel in Arenal; an A/C tourist Van/Bus will pick you up at the lobby and will transport you to the upper section of Sarapiqui River. This is a 1.5 hrs scenic drive accompanied by picturesque rural towns and characterized by fertile lands, which are used to different standing crops of pineapple, yucca, papaya and bananas.
Once you reach the “”put-in””spot, professional guides will go over the safety procedures, rules and equipment (such as a helmet, lifejacket and paddle) to familiarize yourself with your job as paddlers’ team. They are focused on safety and guest service as a top priority and they are experts at making you feel comfortable while training you to be able to perform in the raft. Afterwards, the adventure begins as you will take the plunge and head down river. Around 30 rapids class III and mostly Class IV will come in quick succession on a thrilling, 9-mile (13-kilometer) rafting trip. Along the 2.5 hours expedition, the guide sitting in the back will be steering and calling out the paddle commands. They will navigate the boats with incredible expertise through the continuous rapids and will be working with the flow of the river while the boat slink between boulders and pop over smaller stones. Rapids with names like “”Roller Coaster””, “”Superman””, and “”Air Force”” will thrill you while the incredible surroundings filled with flora and fauna will leave you breathless. At the trip halfway point, you will take a break surrounded by the serene and majestic beauty of the rainforest to enjoy an included snack of fresh fruit on the riverbank before continuing through the remainder of the rapids. During the break, you will also have a chance to swim and jump in from the cliffs above. Here, the guides will take some time to explain the flora and fauna that inhabits this amazing area and you might have the chance to see monkeys, toucans and other Costa Rica wildlife species. At the “”take out”” spot, you will change into dry clothing in the riverside facilities and will enjoy a delicious, typical Costa Rican lunch before heading back to your selected hotel in Arenal. This rafting trip on the Sarapiqui River will be one of the highlights of your Costa Rican vacation.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned Tourist Transportation with Spanish Speaking Driver, Certified Bilingual Guide, River Rafting Equipment and Lunch
Duration: 8 Hours
Tour Provider: ST Costa Rica
Born in the Tilaran Mountain Range, the Penas Blancas River runs through the northern lowlands with a smoothly flow, allowing a safe and entertained navigation. The safari boat tour will immerse you in the rich ecosystems of the rainforest and the wildlife around the riverbanks. Following a short 30-minute ride from your selected hotel, you will arrive at the river, where the guide will provide you with a safety briefing, life vest fitting and a paddle. The tour takes place on an inflatable whitewater rafting boat, but don?t worry, you don?t have to be an expert as the river flows at a good enough speed to push you along and the paddles are mostly used for steering or to get across the river for a better vantage point to see wildlife. Once in the river, just sit-down, paddle quietly, enjoy the sights and the sounds of the rainforest, and experience its serenity through the calm waters.
During the two-hour expedition on the river, the assistance of a professional bilingual tourist guide will be essential, sharing important information with you regarding the different kinds of animals, plants and environmental surroundings that you will observe during this safari. The Penas Blancas River corridor is home to many species of wildlife. Animals like sloths, monkeys, toucans, crocodiles, iguanas and river turtles might cross your way, including seeing the colorful world of tropical birds. While we cannot guaranty you will see all of them, the odds are good as they are around. At the end of the river expedition, you will board again the tourist transportation and on route to your selected hotel, there will be a brief stop at the Chocolate Farm. You will enjoy a chocolate tasting; a unique experience that will awaken your senses while tasting different types of chocolate, a relaxing chocolate infusion and finally, some caramelized cocoa nibs.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned Tourist Transportation with Spanish Speaking Driver, Certified Bilingual Guide, Penas Blancas River Expedition and Chocolate Tasting.
Duration: 4 Hours
Tour Provider: ST Costa Rica
“Arenal area is catalogued as a top-rated adventure destination for those travelers who wish to take extreme outdoor activities and canyoning is one of these amazing tours in which you can pushing your own limits and experience nature in a different way. This excursion will take you to explore the secrets that lie hidden in the depths of the Costa Rica’s rainforest and you will experience a thrill series of waterfall´s rappels combined into one exceptionally fun and exciting tour. From your selected hotel in Arenal, a comfortable tourist van/bus will transport you to a rancho house in the outskirt of La Fortuna and then, you will jump into a 4×4 truck, which has been outfitted for your comfort and will drive into a dirt road that leads to the canyon in the mountains. During this short 30 minutes ride, the guide will point out the “”campasino”” way of life in their rural farms and you will enjoy spectacular views of the northern lowlands. When you arrive at the ranch house, you will feel how the safety and service are of the up most importance to Pure Trek Canyoning team. The professionally bilingual guides will help you to put your gear on, including Helmet, the harness, Carabiner, Strings, Ribbons and Pulleys. This top quality equipment will provide you protection from any object, connection to the ropes and cables and stability during the descent.
Don’t worry if you you’re afraid of heights – the trained guides will handle all the logistic of the tour and will give you the safety rules and all the necessary instructions on how to rappel and they will be willing to take you step by step making the tour accessible to everyone. After a short 5 minutes hike, you will arrive to the first rappel. There are 4 rappels (3 of them in waterfalls and 1 rock-canyon wall) ranging in heights from 50 meters (130ft) to 20 meters (45ft). Each rappel will be better than the next and there will be a safety line controlled by a guide at the top of each rappel. This will stop from falling if you let go of your rope. You will also have a guide at the bottom of each rappel, controlling the main rappel line for additional support. This part of the excursion takes 2.5 hours approximately and there is funny “”monkey drop”” (zipline with rappel) where you fall into a natural pool where you will get wet! After the last rappel, you will take a short hike out of the canyon to another ranch house, where the guides will help you take your gear off. You will jump back into the 4×4 truck, drive back down to the vans and off to Pure Trek’s headquarters (about a 30-minute drive in total). Pure Trek’s Treehouse Base Camp maintain beautiful gardens that are filled with exotic plants. Showers, changing rooms, and lockers are provided for you to freshen up after your rappelling adventure. Here you will delight a typical Costa Rican lunch and some refreshing fresh juice. Also, fresh brewed Costa Rican coffee and cookies will be available for you to enjoy at your leisure. Then, you will gather back into the vans, and head to your hotel while you reflex on your unforgettable day.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned Tourist Transportation with Spanish Speaking Driver, Certified Bilingual Guide, Rappel Equipment and Lunch
Inclusions: Air-conditioned Tourist Transportation with Spanish Speaking Driver, Certified Bilingual Guide, Rappel Equipment and Lunch”
Duration: 4 Hours
Tour Provider: ST Costa Rica
