All Articles 6 ways to explore Costa Rica’s rainforests

6 ways to explore Costa Rica’s rainforests

From zip-lining to harvesting cocoa, these tours show you the best of Costa Rica's jungles.

Susan Stephens
By Susan Stephens15 Dec 2022 3 minutes read
Sunset over waterfall in the green forest of Costa Rica
Catarata del Toro waterfall at sunset
Image: Matteo Colombo/Getty Images

With virtually endless opportunities for travelers, Costa Rica is chock-full of surfing adventures, fascinating history, and mysterious rainforests. And while you can certainly tackle the waves, visit the museums and cultural landmarks, and dive into the delectable dishes (Black bean soup! Sweet corn pancakes! Cassava pie!) on your own, you really need an on-the-ground guide when it comes to exploring the country’s magnificent rainforests. Here are some tours that will help you make the most of your time in the jungle.

Rainforest Adventures Jacó

Best for: Zip-lining excursions

Group of people high above the rainforest canopy on the tranopy with Rainforest Adventures Jacó
Adventure-seekers on an aerial tram tour with Rainforest Adventures Jacó
Image: Management/Tripadvisor

Located near Jaco Beach, adrenaline-pumping thrills are the order of the day with the outfitter’s full-day, guided five-in-one eco-adventure tour. Zip-lining, waterfalls, jungle trekking, and a spectacular swaying rope bridge will bring out your inner daredevil. Tripadvisor community members, in particular, rave about zooming through the air via zip line with helpful guides even stepping in to snap photos of you in action. Another great option? Calmer visitors will delight in the rugged topography of this Costa Rican rainforest with a zip line excursion and aerial tram tour, starting from the forest floor and soaring to magnificent heights, offering panoramic views of the ocean.

Veragua Rainforest and Tortuguero Canals Shore Excursion by Relax Day Tours

Best for: Seeing wildlife up close and personal

Neon green frog on a man’s leg
A tourist gets up close and personal with a frog in the Costa Rican rainforest
Image: newyorker56789/Tripadvisor

Waterfalls, hikes, and butterflies, oh my! The Veragua Rainforest is equal parts adventure park and nature reserve, with a whopping 3,200 acres of protected forest. Located about three hours from San José, those who opt for this tour from Relax Day Tours can look forward to riding the Rainforest Tram and seeing plenty of animals including an ethereal butterfly garden, insectarium, and reptile and frog habitats. You’ll also have the opportunity to check out the INBio research station, where you can see exhibits on some of the important work they're doing to protect the rainforest. INBio researchers are still discovering new species here on a regular basis.

Costa Rica Unique Transfers and Tours

Best for: Talented tour guides who go above and beyond

Tourists enjoying the views of the rainforest canopy
Tourists enjoying the views of the rainforest canopy
Image: Management/Tripadvisor

Located in the Guanacaste region, this Tripadvisor top-rated certified tour company is another excellent choice. Ride in a comfortable van to your rainforest adventures, with packages to suit both the leisure traveler and the daredevil. For the former, we recommend the Palo Verde National Park River Safari Boat Tour, with a two-hour river cruise, a chance to see potters in action, and a sampling of local coffee; for the latter try the Adrenaline One Day Combo Tour, where you’ll take in the splendor of the Costa Rican rainforest on horseback and make memories whitewater tubing on class II and III rapids. At the end of a long day of heart-pumping adventure on the “adrenaline” track, you’ll relax in a natural volcanic spring and dream about doing it all over again.

Rainforest Tour - Wanna see Sloths? by Xplore Costa Rica

Best for: Experiencing remote splendors

A Costa Rican three-toed sloth takes a snooze
A Costa Rican three-toed sloth takes a snooze
Image: Harry Collins/Getty Images

With its isolated location, Tenorio National Park is a challenge to get to by regular transportation, so booking a guided day trip gives you more time to savor its delights. See sloths in their natural habitat, visit a waterfall at El Llano de Cortez, go on a short trek through an eco-farm, and visit a beautiful butterfly garden. You’ll ride in a comfortable minivan to and from your hotel so, much like the sloth, you can look forward to some leisure lazing.

Sensoria: Rainforest Land of Senses Walking and Thermals Tour by Sensoria Land of Senses

Best for: Traversing the rainforest on foot

Waterfall in the Rincon de La Vieja National Park
Waterfall in the Rincon de La Vieja National Park
Image: Nick1803/Getty Images

Sensoria knows how to do the rainforest in luxury. Choose from several guided tours spotlighting revelatory thermal pools with volcanic-heated waters, mid-level hikes, stunning waterfalls, and wildlife-viewing. And if that weren’t enough, a walking stick, lunch, and a refreshing tropical juice are included on this wonderful half-day adventure. Remind us why we don’t walk through the rainforest more often?

Rainforest Chocolate Tour from La Fortuna by Rainforest Chocolate Tour

Best for: The insatiable cacao lover

Making chocolate with cacao beans in Costa Rica
Making chocolate with cacao beans in Costa Rica
Image: JosephJacobs/Getty Images

The humble, jungle-grown cacao bean has been considered “a gift from the gods.” If you agree with that sentiment, venture to La Fortuna (a small town that acts as the gateway to Arenal Volcano Natonal Park), where you’ll be guided through the history of chocolate-making in Costa Rica over two delicious hours. With a glorious view of the majestic Arenal Volcano as a backdrop, you will be treated to unlimited chocolate tastings (we repeat: unlimited chocolate tastings) and learn how to make a traditional ancestral hot chocolate. Save room for, well, more desert.

Susan Stephens
Susan Stephens is a scientist-turned-travel writer, with a passion for exploring new places and eating fantastic cuisine. Based in Portland, Oregon, her love of nature and of the Pacific Northwest inspired an unending quest for off-the-beaten path journeys. She will always seek the road less traveled, yet still get in the longest line for street food (that’s how she knows it’s good).