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.
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.
Best for: Zip-lining excursions
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
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.
Best for: Talented tour guides who go above and beyond
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.
Best for: Experiencing remote splendors
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.
Best for: Traversing the rainforest on foot
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?
Best for: The insatiable cacao lover
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.