Costa Rica’s best tours deliver rich experiences without tourist traps or unnecessary frills. Our favorite outings combine natural beauty with authentic encounters: sip local wines in family-owned Central Valley vineyards, soak in volcanic hot springs surrounded by rainforest, and explore coffee plantations where master roasters share their craft. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate guided walks through waterfall gardens teeming with hummingbirds and toucans. For adventure seekers, nothing beats zooming through the canopy on ziplines or navigating rugged terrain in 4x4s. Let’s explore the standout tours that showcase Costa Rica at its finest.
Key Points
- The Costa Rica Central Valley Wine, Beer, and Mead Tour offers a highly-rated, intimate experience showcasing local beverages with a maximum group size of 15.
- The Relaxing Hotsprings and La Fortuna Waterfall Tour provides a 5.0 rated experience featuring thermal waters and a stunning waterfall, suitable for up to 18 travelers.
- The Coffee Experience and Poas Volcano Half Day Tour combines coffee education with volcanic exploration, catering to groups of 2 to 99 passengers.
- The La Paz Waterfall Gardens Day Tour is a highly recommended tour that includes lunch, transportation, and a guided experience through the gardens and a coffee farm.
- The Birdwatching Tour in Tapantí National Park offers a 5.0 rated small-group experience (up to 5 participants) to observe over 400 bird species with binoculars provided.
Costa Rica Central Valley Wine, Beer, and Mead Tour and Tasting
What better way to experience the flavors of Costa Rica’s Central Valley than on a guided tour of the region’s wineries, breweries, and meadery?
The Costa Rica Central Valley Wine, Beer, and Mead Tour and Tasting offers just that – a chance to explore the local beverage scene. Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars by 32 travelers, this tour visits the Costa Rica Meadery, where you’ll learn about mead-making and sample unique offerings like the Caribeño Sparkling Ginger Mead and Et Tu Brute Sparkling Honey Wine.
The tour also includes a stroll through the meadery’s botanical gardens and orchards. With a maximum group size of 15, this experience provides an intimate and informative look at the region’s drink culture.
Priced at £49.66 per person, the tour is accessible to most travelers and features a flexible 24-hour cancellation policy. Whether you’re a foodie or simply curious about local beverages, this Central Valley tour is sure to delight.
Read our full review: Costa Rica Central Valley Wine, Beer, and Mead Tour and Tasting Review
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Relaxing Hotsprings and La Fortuna Waterfall Tour
Exploring the natural wonders of Costa Rica’s Arenal region, the Relaxing Hotsprings and La Fortuna Waterfall Tour takes visitors on a journey to unwind in the soothing thermal waters and marvel at the stunning La Fortuna Waterfall.
With an impressive 5.0 out of 5 rating and 100% traveler recommendation, this tour offers a truly relaxing and scenic experience.
The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, a bilingual guide, and entrance fees to the hot springs. Travelers can expect pickup from selected hotels, with a minivan bearing the Arenas Travel logo approaching the hotel lobby.
The tour guide and driver will provide all necessary information to ensure a secure and efficient experience.
Starting at 7:00 am, the tour has a maximum of 18 travelers, allowing for an intimate and personalized adventure.
With the option to cancel up to 24 hours before the experience, travelers can enjoy the flexibility they need.
Priced from $150 per person, this tour offers a lowest price guarantee and the option to reserve now and pay later.
Read our full review: Relaxing Hotsprings and La Fortuna Waterfall Tour Review
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Coffee Experience and Poas Volcano Half Day Tour From San José
Combining the exploration of Doka Estate Coffee Plantation and the captivating Poás Volcano, this half-day tour from San José offers visitors an engaging immersion into Costa Rica’s renowned coffee culture and natural wonders.
The tour includes breakfast, transportation, and a bilingual guide, catering to a minimum of two and a maximum of 99 passengers.
At the Doka Estate Coffee Plantation, guests will learn about the coffee cultivation, harvesting, and roasting processes. Then, they’ll visit Poás Volcano to admire the main crater and fumaroles.
Despite not being wheelchair accessible, the tour is suitable for travelers with moderate physical fitness, with suggested items like hats, jackets, and insect repellent.
While visibility at the volcano can be mixed, the tour has earned an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 from 31 reviews, with positive feedback on the coffee knowledge and guide expertise.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours prior, this tour offers a well-rounded Costa Rican experience.
Read our full review: Coffee Experience and Poas Volcano Half Day Tour From San José Review
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La Paz Waterfall Gardens Day Tour From San José
This La Paz Waterfall Gardens day tour from San José immerses visitors in the lush, biodiverse landscapes of Costa Rica. The tour earns high praise, with 91% of travelers recommending it and a Badge of Excellence. Priced at $129 per person, it includes lunch, transportation, and a certified bilingual guide, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Departing from San José, the 6-hour tour first stops at a coffee farm and store before reaching the stunning La Paz Waterfall Gardens. Here, travelers can observe an abundance of birds, animals, reptiles, and sloths in well-maintained gardens, while taking in the breathtaking waterfalls.
The buffet lunch offers a variety of delectable options. Though not wheelchair accessible, the tour is suitable for those with moderate physical fitness.
Travelers consistently praise the knowledgeable guides, such as Diego, Mario, Alejandro, and Donald, as well as the overall memorable experience and scenic beauty. Suggestions include providing bottled water and allowing more time for detailed observation in certain areas.
Read our full review: La Paz Waterfall Gardens Day Tour From San José Review
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Birdwatching Tour in Tapantí National Park
Tapantí National Park, located in the heart of Costa Rica, offers a unique opportunity for avid birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. This 3-hour birdwatching tour is highly recommended, with 100% of travelers raving about their experience.
Explore over 400 bird species in diverse habitats, including rainforest and cloud forest, and spot endemic highland species like toucanets, barbets, tanagers, wrens, euphonias, warblers, and flycatchers.
The small-group tour, limited to 5 participants, is suitable for both beginner and advanced bird watchers. Binoculars and a field guide are provided, and a knowledgeable naturalist guide will lead the way.
The tour includes transportation, park entrance fees, and access to wheelchair-friendly and stroller-accessible areas. With a 5.0 overall rating from 10 reviews, this birdwatching experience in Tapantí National Park is a must-do for anyone visiting Costa Rica.
The tour is available for $59.00 per person, with the option to reserve now and pay later.
Read our full review: Birdwatching Tour in Tapantí National Park Review
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Manuel Antonio National Park Full Day Tour From San José
Exploring the natural beauty of Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, the Manuel Antonio National Park Full Day Tour from San José offers a comprehensive experience for visitors.
The tour highlights include a delicious breakfast, the chance to spot crocodiles, guided hiking with a naturalist, and relaxation at the stunning Playa Espadilla beach. With a minimum of two passengers, the tour operates in an air-conditioned vehicle, providing round-trip transportation from San José hotels.
Included in the tour are all fees, taxes, and a professional bilingual guide. Guests can expect a confirmation at booking and should bring hats, sunblock, insect repellent, and other essentials.
Park regulations prohibit plastic bottles, prepared food, and snacks, so travelers are advised to bring only single-use drink bottles.
The tour has received excellent reviews, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 7 reviews, highlighting knowledgeable guides, beautiful scenery, and comfortable transportation.
This full-day excursion promises an unforgettable exploration of Costa Rica’s natural wonders.
Read our full review: Manuel Antonio National Park Full Day Tour From San Jose Review
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Canopy / Zipline + 2hrs ATV Adventure Tour NOW Available From San Jose
Travelers seeking an exhilarating multi-activity adventure can now embark on the Canopy / Zipline + 2hrs ATV Adventure Tour from San José. This full-day tour offers a thrilling combination of zip lining through the canopy next to Carara National Park and an ATV expedition to a waterfall and beach.
Participants will experience 10 zip lines as they soar through the lush treetops, taking in breathtaking views. The ATV portion of the tour promises an adrenaline-fueled journey through the jungle, culminating in a stop to see the famous crocodiles of Tárcoles.
Lunch is included, and the tour is accessible by comfortable, air-conditioned transportation. While the tour isn’t recommended for those with certain medical conditions or limited mobility, a moderate fitness level is required.
Participants must have a valid driver’s license to operate the ATVs. With a maximum of 12 travelers per tour and flexible cancellation policies, this adventure offers an unforgettable way to explore Costa Rica’s stunning natural landscapes.
Read our full review: Canopy / Zipline + 2hrs ATV Adventure Tour NOW Available From San Jose Review
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Private Tour in a 4×4 Land Rover Vehicle Through the Athens Mountains
Departing from Hospedaje Coffee Mountain in Atenas, the Private Tour in a 4×4 Land Rover Vehicle takes adventurers on an exhilarating journey through the Athens Mountains of Costa Rica.
For $30 per person, you’ll explore the picturesque landscapes in a private group setting. The tour includes private transportation, a souvenir bag, and refreshments.
The meeting point is easy to find – just 500 meters west of Calixto Vargas mini-supermarket, where you’ll see the Hospedaje Coffee Mountain sign. The tour returns to the same location after the adventure.
While the activity isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s suitable for most travelers, except for pregnant women. Infant seats are available.
This tour offers a unique opportunity to discover the beauty of the Athens Mountains in an intimate, private setting.
With confirmation upon booking and a lowest price guarantee, it’s a convenient and affordable way to explore Costa Rica’s stunning natural landscapes.
Read our full review: Private Tour in a 4×4 Land Rover Vehicle Through the Athens Mountains Review
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Sum Up
Costa Rica offers a diverse array of tours for visitors to explore the country’s natural wonders. From wine tastings to waterfall hikes, there’s something for all. Whether you’re interested in wildlife, adventure, or cultural experiences, Costa Rica’s top tours provide an intimate look at this remarkable destination. With so many options, travelers can curate their perfect Costa Rican adventure.