Hiking Tours in Costa Rica: Exploring Paradise on Foot

Experience the perfect blend of culture and nature on this invigorating combo tour! Your journey begins at the Don Juan Farm, where you’ll immerse yourself in the rich traditions of crafting pure chocolate and coffee. Next, venture to the iconic La Fortuna Waterfall, descending nearly 500 steps through the lush rainforest to earn a refreshing swim in the pristine waters below. Guided by a knowledgeable bilingual expert who shares insights into the local wildlife and history, your half-day adventure concludes with a delicious lunch at Rancho Perla Restaurant. This all-inclusive package covers tastings, lunch, and round-trip transportation from the greater La Fortuna area; please bring a reusable bottle to fill at our complimentary dispenser, as we proudly uphold a sustainable zero-plastic policy.

Immerse yourself in the ultimate rainforest trilogy with the Sky Tram, Trek, and Walk adventure, a comprehensive journey that explores the jungle from the forest floor to the highest clouds! Your expedition begins with a breathtaking ascent on the Sky Tram, a gondola-style cable car that smoothly lifts you 1,250 meters up through the canopy to a jungle-covered summit, offering unrivaled face-to-face views of the imposing Arenal Volcano. Once at the top, the adrenaline kicks in for the Sky Trek: after a safety briefing, you will clip in and fly back down the mountain, zipping from platform to platform across seven exhilarating cables that crisscross the canyon. But the discovery continues on the Sky Walk, where you will slow the pace to explore the ecosystem on a moderate 2.2-mile guided hike, crossing suspension bridges that offer a spectacular bird’s-eye view deep inside the rainforest. This immersive 6-hour tour includes round-trip transportation and an expert guide, but please be aware of strict safety protocols: guests must present valid proof of age for children (minimum age is 5 years old), meet the required minimum height of 3.69 feet, and weigh no more than 300 lbs; additionally, due to the physical nature of the trek and hike, this tour is not recommended for individuals with mobility issues, recent surgeries within the last year, or existing knee, back, heart, or muscle conditions.

Discover the rainforest from two breathtaking perspectives on this immersive combo tour of the Mistico Hanging Bridges and La Fortuna Waterfall! Your adventure begins as you traverse a dynamic network of trails and 15 suspended bridges varying in height and length, offering a unique canopy-level vantage point where your guide will use a spotting scope to search for monkeys, sloths, and toucans. Next, you’ll visit the iconic La Fortuna Waterfall to admire the power of the cascade from the observation deck or challenge yourself with the steep 70-meter (225-foot) descent to the base for a revitalizing swim. Please be aware that this active tour requires fully enclosed shoes (no sandals), is not recommended for children under 5 or those with health conditions affecting hiking ability, and adheres to strict conservation policies starting August 1, 2025: single-use plastics and general bags are prohibited on the trail (with exceptions only for essential medical or baby care items), so please bring a reusable bottle and utilize the on-site lockers ($1) for your gear.

Witness one of nature’s most surreal spectacles on this trekking adventure to the Rio Celeste Waterfall, renowned for its mesmerizing electric-blue waters! Your journey leads you deep into Tenorio National Park on a moderate rainforest hike, building anticipation until you face the ultimate challenge: descending 526 steep steps to the base of the canyon. While the climb is physically demanding, every step is worth the reward of standing face-to-face with the magnificent turquoise river crashing into the pool below. Your exploration continues beyond the falls to the mystical Blue Lagoon and, time permitting, the volcanic thermal vents, creating a full day of discovery that includes round-trip transportation, a bilingual naturalist guide, park entrance fees, and lunch. Please remember that swimming is strictly prohibited within the park to preserve this natural wonder, and we uphold a strict zero-plastic policy—so please bring a reusable bottle to refill at our station, but leave the swimsuits and single-use plastics behind. The trip to the waterfall and then back again to your hotel is usually over an hour in duration through beautiful rural Costa Rican countryside. If you'd like a shorter drive, ask us about visiting La Fortuna Waterfall.

Explore the secrets of the rainforest from every angle on the Sky Walk and Hanging Bridges Tour, a sensory journey that takes you from the forest floor to the very top of the canopy! Your adventure follows a scenic 3.6-kilometer trail where an expert naturalist guide leads the way, helping you spot elusive wildlife and sharing fascinating insights about the lush jungle ecosystem and the looming volcano. This immersive half-day experience comes complete with round-trip transportation and professional guiding; to ensure a safe and smooth entry, please remember that sturdy closed-toe shoes are mandatory (no open sandals permitted) and valid proof of age is required for all children upon arrival at the park.

Embark on an unforgettable hiking adventure at Rincón de la Vieja National Park, where you will witness steaming fumaroles, bubbling mud pots, and geysers before unwinding in the natural hot springs on the Rio Negro at the end of your trek. You will be picked up in an air-conditioned bus and guided through the volcanic terrain, followed by a visit to the historic city of Liberia for a hearty lunch and a chance to shop for souvenirs. This comprehensive tour spans 6.5 to 8.5 hours—including 1 to 2.5 hours of travel time depending on your location—and includes a bilingual guide, park fees, lunch, drinks, and round-trip transportation from Rincón de la Vieja, Flamingo, Tamarindo, Papagayo, or Playa Grande. Please come prepared for very warm weather by wearing lightweight protective clothing, a hat, and comfortable enclosed walking shoes, and be sure to pack sunblock, insect repellent, rain gear, a camera, binoculars, plenty of drinking water, and a swimsuit for the thermal waters. 

Today you will go on a 3 to 4 hour guided hike at the The Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge. This is one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful wildlife conservation areas with remarkable trails that will lead you on an expedition through the lush rain forests, up to a scenic overlook, then down along the beach surrounded by live coral reefs. You will also pass by some hotels and rental homes. This tour includes local bilingual nature guide, snack, bottled water and transportation from Cahuita, Puerto Viejo and Punta Uva. It can take from 20 minutes to 1.5 hours to get from your hotel to the the wildlife refuge, depending on your pick-up location. Combined time of hiking tour, beach break and round trip transportation is typically between 5 and 6 hours. Please wear hiking shoes and a swim suit under your clothes if you would like to swim at the beach; plus bring insect repellent, sun screen, camera, binoculars and a towel. This hike is suitable for people over the age of 12 who are in good physical condition.

Visitors must pay a donation to enter the National Park (recommendation 3000 colones or $5).

Immerse yourself in the untamed beauty of the "most biologically intense place on Earth" on this full-day expedition to Corcovado National Park, a must-do for true nature lovers. Your adventure begins with a rugged and scenic 3-hour round-trip boat ride across the open Pacific, whisking you to the remote shores of this pristine reserve where the jungle meets the sea. Once on land, an expert naturalist guide will lead you on a trek through ancient forests and coastal trails, offering the chance to spot rare wildlife like tapirs, scarlet macaws, and all four of Costa Rica's monkey species. The tour includes a box lunch and bottled water to keep you fueled for the journey. However, because this expedition relies on small boats navigating open ocean swells, the ride is dynamic and constantly moving; we advise those prone to motion sickness to reconsider this specific tour, as the movement is continuous and medication can be ineffective against the conditions. (Note: An extra transport fee applies for guests staying in the Dominical and Manuel Antonio areas).

Leave the golden landscapes of the tropical dry forest behind and immerse yourself in the vibrant, emerald-green world of the rainforest on our "Rainforest, Waterfall, Sloths & Finca Verde Cultural & Nature Tour" adventure! Your journey begins at Finca Verde, an inspiring family-run eco-project where local culture meets wildlife conservation; here, you will wander through lush organic gardens to spot Costa Rica’s most iconic creatures, including sleepy sloths high in the canopy and brilliant, colorful frogs hidden among the leaves. After soaking up the nature and culture of this rainforest haven, the excitement continues at the breathtaking Llanos de Cortes Waterfall, a spectacular natural oasis where a shimmering curtain of water cascades into a refreshing pool perfect for a swim. This fun-filled escape offers the best of both worlds and includes round-trip transportation, a delicious traditional lunch, entrance fees, and expert guiding, so simply pack your swimsuit, hiking shoes, camera, and sense of adventure for an unforgettable day in the jungle. Transportation to the rainforest can take anywhere between 1.5 - 3 hours as this tour takes you to an entirely different climate and life zone, showing you the true diversity of our amazing country!