Hiking Tours in Costa Rica: Exploring Paradise on Foot

The Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges offer an amazing glimpse into the canopy of the rainforest! The hike includes terrestrial trails and bridges through the tree tops allowing you to view the forest from all perspectives. All of the 15 bridges vary in height and length and provide an interesting way to observe the rainforest canopy. In addition to learning about the jungle, you may also be fortunate enough to see wild animals such as monkeys, sloths, toucans, or iguanas. Wildlife observation is not guaranteed on this tour but often occurs and your guide will be ready with a spotting scope should animals decide to make an appearance. It is important to mention that open sandals or shoes are NOT permitted on this tour. Then you will visit the famous La Fortuna Waterfalls. A professional bilingual guide will accompany you to the observation platform at the top of the falls. You can then choose to take the 70 meter (225 foot) hike down to the base of the falls for a refreshing swim, or just relax and enjoy the view from above. Please be sure to inform us of any health conditions that may affect your ability to participate in the hike. NOTE: This activity is not recommended for children under 5 years old and parents will need to stay with all children throughout the hike. 

IMPORTANT: Starting August 1, 2025, only reusable water bottles will be allowed on the trail—single-use plastics are banned. Bags are generally not permitted, except for essential items (e.g., medication or baby care). These policies aim to protect wildlife and the environment. Lockers are available for $1, and exceptions for bags will be briefly checked to ensure compliance.

The Rio Celeste Waterfall is one of the most beautiful in the world! The day starts with a moderate hike through Tenorio National Park on semi groomed trails. When you hear the roar of the falls, look down into the valley and you will see the magnificent turquoise blue colored Rio Celeste waterfalls and river. The hike down is difficult, but well worth it! Following the falls, you will have the opportunity to visit the lagoon and if there is time, the natural hot springs. This fun filled full day adventure includes transportation, bilingual naturalist guide, park entrance fee, and lunch.
This supplier maintains a zero-plastic policy, so no water bottles will be offered, only a refrigerated water dispenser for visitors to refill their own reusable bottles. You cannot swim beneath the waterfall or in the national park.

The Sky Walk and Hanging Bridges Tour is an amazing way to observe the rainforest from both ground level and right in the tree tops! The hike is along a 3.6 kilometer trail where a naturalist guide will help you to spot wildlife and tell you about the surrounding jungle and volcano. This half day adventure includes transportation and guide. Open sandals or shoes are NOT permitted, make sure you bring sturdy closed toe shoes.  Important: Guests must present a valid document or photo verifying the age of children upon entering the park.

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).

IMPORTANT: It is important to consider that if you do not have experience traveling in small boats in the open sea where the boat is constantly moving, you may feel sickness and dizzy. This is not the responsibility of the provider and a pill will not prevent you from feeling this way, please take this into consideration before taking the activity as it is at your own responsibility.

Embark on a captivating adventure in Costa Rica with a hike to the Rio Celeste waterfall and an exciting tubing experience downstream on the same river. The journey begins with a scenic hike through Tenorio Volcano National Park's lush rainforest, offering glimpses of diverse wildlife. At the majestic Rio Celeste waterfall, take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters. Afterward, get ready for tubing as you float down the turquoise-blue river, surrounded by picturesque landscapes and calming surroundings. Experienced guides accompany you, sharing insights about the region's flora and fauna. This combined hiking and tubing adventure allows you to embrace the wonders of Costa Rica from different perspectives, creating an unforgettable and immersive experience in nature. Please note that this tour may take up to an hour and a half of driving in each direction, though often less, depending on the location of your hotel. In total, the expected amount of time including transportation is around 8 hours but there are a variety of things that can change the expected time, due to the location and logistics of the activity. You cannot swim beneath the waterfall or in the national park.