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Arenal Volcano above Lake Arenal
EASYCOSTARICA · THE COSTA RICA GATEWAY

Things to do in Costa Rica, made easy.

Eight verified Costa Rica tours and day trips from Arenal to Tortuguero, 11 destination guides, and one gateway to real estate, coffee and relocation research.

See Top Tours ↓ View Live Options · #1 Pick ↗ Free Costa Rica Insider Guide (2026)
✓ 8 Vetted Local Operators · Named Meeting Points ✓ Free 24h cancellation on 7 of 8 picks ✓ Secure checkout with trusted booking partners
SECTION 01 · HANDPICKED & VERIFIED EXPERIENCES

Costa Rica Tours & Day Trips Worth Booking

Eight Costa Rica tours across five regions, each with a live 'From' price, the real meeting point and the fine print. Filter by type:

La Fortuna waterfall near Arenal
01 · MOST BOOKED DAY
Verified · Viator
ARENAL · 11 HRS From $89.25

La Fortuna Waterfall, Arenal Volcano & Hot Springs Full Day

The classic Arenal day in one booking: hanging bridges, La Fortuna waterfall, lava-rock fields, an Arenal viewpoint, a Costa Rican lunch and an evening soak, with park and hot-springs entry included.

Departs: Red Lava office opposite Relax Termalitas, La Fortuna; hotel pickup in the La Fortuna area only
Check: Pickup is for central La Fortuna hotels only, not San José or the coast.
✓ Free cancellation Secure checkout · Viator
Book Now · See Availability ↗ Details →
View Live Options ↗
Manuel Antonio National Park
02 · WILDLIFE WALK
Verified · Viator
MANUEL ANTONIO · 4 HRS From $49

Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Walk with a Naturalist

A small-group walk (8 to 10 people) through Manuel Antonio with a nature specialist and a spotting scope, looking for monkeys, sloths, toucans and lizards.

Departs: Ask for Jade Tours at the park entrance gate; pickup included only in Manuel Antonio and Quepos
Check: The park ticket is not included. Manuel Antonio National Park is closed on Tuesdays.
✓ Free cancellation Secure checkout · Viator
Book Now · See Availability ↗ Details →
View Live Options ↗
Monteverde cloud forest
03 · CLOUD FOREST
Verified · Viator
MONTEVERDE · 2–3 HRS From $38

Monteverde Cloud Forest Guided Nature Walk

A small-group walk in the Monteverde reserve with a local naturalist and an HD spotting scope, searching for quetzals, hummingbirds and monkeys, plus a hummingbird gallery stop.

Departs: Monteverde reserve reception (arrive 20 minutes early to buy entry tickets)
Check: Reserve entrance and transport are not included; buy entry tickets online in advance.
✓ Free cancellation Secure checkout · Viator
Book Now · See Availability ↗ Details →
View Live Options ↗
The blue Río Celeste waterfall in Tenorio Volcano National Park
04 · BLUE RIVER
Verified · Viator
TENORIO · 8 HRS From $89

Río Celeste Full-Day Hike from La Fortuna

A medium-tough hike in Tenorio Volcano National Park to the blue Río Celeste waterfall, a lookout and the point where the river changes colour, with lunch and a river dip.

Departs: Red Lava office, La Fortuna; pickup from La Fortuna-area hotels
Check: The hike is medium-tough and takes about 4 hours. Moderate fitness needed.
✓ Free cancellation Secure checkout · Viator
Book Now · See Availability ↗ Details →
View Live Options ↗
The crater of Poás Volcano
05 · NEAR SJO
Verified · Viator
CENTRAL VALLEY · 10 HRS From $185

Coffee Farm, Poás Volcano & La Paz Waterfall Gardens

A full day from San José: a coffee plantation, the Poás Volcano crater and La Paz Waterfall Gardens with rescued sloths and hummingbirds, with entry fees and lunch included.

Departs: Pickup 7:30–8:30 am from San José, Alajuela and hotels in between
Check: Breakfast and bottled water are not included.
✓ Free cancellation Secure checkout · Viator
Book Now · See Availability ↗ Details →
View Live Options ↗
A beginner surf lesson in the whitewater (representative)
06 · LEARN TO SURF
Verified · Viator
TAMARINDO · 1 HR 30 MIN From $69

Surf Lessons in Tamarindo

A 90-minute lesson from Tamarindo's original surf shop (since 1989), right in front of a beginner-friendly beach break, with a soft-top board, rash guard, locker and shower.

Departs: The surf shop on the beach in Tamarindo; no hotel pickup
Check: Non-refundable. Children under 12 must book a private lesson.
All sales final · check date Secure checkout · Viator
Book Now · See Availability ↗ Details →
View Live Options ↗
A sailing catamaran at Playas del Coco (representative)
07 · SUNSET SAIL
Verified · Viator
GUANACASTE · 5 HRS From $104

Catamaran Snorkel & Sunset Cruise, Tamarindo or Playas del Coco

An afternoon on the Guanacaste coast with snorkelling, lunch cooked on board and an open bar, watching for dolphins and sea turtles before the sunset.

Departs: Bar El Ancla on the beach at 1:15 pm (Playas del Coco departure)
Check: Hotel pickup is not included. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
✓ Free cancellation Secure checkout · Viator
Book Now · See Availability ↗ Details →
View Live Options ↗

More Costa Rica day trips

Other good tours in the same regions. Each opens live dates.

ARENAL · COMBO

La Fortuna Waterfall, Hanging Bridges, Arenal Volcano Combo Tour

From $154 · Waterfall, bridges and volcano with lunch.

See Availability ↗
TÁRCOLES · CROCODILES

Jason Crocodile Tours

From $49 · On the way to Jacó or Manuel Antonio.

See Availability ↗
ARENAL · CHOCOLATE

Don Olivo Chocolate Tour

From $30 · Don Olivo family cacao farm.

See Availability ↗
SAN JOSÉ · FOOD

San Jose: Bites and Sights Walking Food Tour including Markets

From $37 · Markets and bites walking tour.

See Availability ↗
TAKE COSTA RICA HOME

Favourites from our Costa Rica gift store and snack pages.

Salsa LizanoSee details on Amazon ↗Chiky cookies from Costa RicaSee details on Amazon ↗Tronaditas snacksSee details on Amazon ↗Imperial beer giftsSee details on Amazon ↗
MORE LIVE OPTIONS

Want to compare more options? These are live GetYourGuide results for Costa Rica tours.

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FULL CATALOG & LIVE CALENDAR

Want every tour type? Browse the full Costa Rica tours page or compare the seven regions first.

All Costa Rica Tours → 7 Regions Compared
SECTION 02 · DAY-BY-DAY FIELD PLANS

Curated Costa Rica Itineraries That Actually Work

Switch between our 1-Day, Weekend, 3-Day, Family, and Couples blueprints. Each block is sequenced around real transfer times and links directly to the bookable experience.

One Day from San José

Coffee, a volcano crater and waterfalls without changing hotels.

01 · MORNING

Coffee plantation

Pickup in San José or Alajuela.

Verified on Viator · From $185 Book the Day ↗
02 · MIDDAY

Poás Volcano crater

Entry included.

Verified on Viator · From $185 See the Tour ↗
03 · AFTERNOON

La Paz Waterfall Gardens

Sloths and hummingbirds.

Verified on Viator · From $185 Book the Day ↗
SECTION 03 · NEIGHBORHOODS, PORTS & STARTING HUBS

Where to Go in Costa Rica: 6 Destinations to Start With

Knowing which neighborhood, pier, or region your tour departs from saves hours in transit. Click any area below for our dedicated sub-guide:

Arenal Volcano AREA 01
Best for: volcano & hot springs

Arenal & La Fortuna

Waterfalls, hanging bridges, hot springs and Río Celeste day trips.

Explore Area Guide & Departures →
The main beach in Manuel Antonio National Park AREA 02
Best for: wildlife & beaches

Manuel Antonio

A small national park with beaches, monkeys and sloths.

Explore Area Guide & Departures →
A hanging bridge in the Monteverde cloud forest AREA 03
Best for: cloud forest

Monteverde

Guided reserve walks, night tours and hanging bridges.

Explore Area Guide & Departures →
Sunset at Playa Tamarindo AREA 04
Best for: surf & sunsets

Tamarindo

Beginner waves, an estuary and Guanacaste sunsets.

Explore Area Guide & Departures →
Sunset at Playas del Coco AREA 05
Best for: sailing & diving

Playas del Coco

Catamarans and dive boats near Liberia airport.

Explore Area Guide & Departures →
The National Theatre in San José AREA 06
Best for: city & coffee

San José & Central Valley

Coffee farms, Poás and food markets near SJO.

Explore Area Guide & Departures →
SECTION 04 · SEASONALITY & TIMING

When to Visit Costa Rica: Month-by-Month Guide

December to April is the dry season on the Pacific side and the busiest time to visit. May to November is the green season, with quieter trails and afternoon rain; September and October are the wettest months on the Pacific, when the Caribbean coast (Tortuguero, Puerto Viejo) is often drier.

BOOKING URGENCY RULE

Arenal combos, Monteverde reserve entry and sunset sails fill first from December to April. The Tamarindo surf lesson is non-refundable; the other seven offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

Check Live Dates & Availability ↗
Month Typical Weather Crowd & Demand Level Best Experiences & Seasonal Events
Jan Dry (Pacific) High Coffee harvest in the Central Valley
Feb Dry High Book Arenal and sailing early
Mar Dry, hot High (Holy Week some years) Easter week is busy
Apr Transition Medium-High Quieter after Easter
May Rains begin Medium Green-season prices
Jun Rainy afternoons Low-Medium Morning tours
Jul Short dry spell (Pacific) Medium-High Turtle season in Tortuguero
Aug Rainy Medium Lush cloud forest
Sep Very wet (Pacific) Low Try the Caribbean side
Oct Wettest (Pacific) Low Quietest month
Nov Rains easing Medium Good value
Dec Dry season returns High (holiday peak) Holiday weeks book out
SECTION 05 · SLEEP NEAR YOUR MORNING DEPARTURE

Where to Stay in Costa Rica (3 Vetted Tiers)

Three stays at three price points. These are Agoda partner properties; rates change daily, so check today's price.

Best Hotels in Costa Rica →
Tabacón hot springs near Arenal (area view, not the hotel)
TIER 01 · HOT SPRINGS RESORT Live rates on Agoda

Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa

📍 Arenal · La Fortuna

Listed on Agoda as a thermal hot-springs resort near La Fortuna.

Recommended Stays: Tabacón (Agoda partner property)
Check Rates at Tabacón →
Playa Manuel Antonio near Quepos (area view, not the hotel)
TIER 02 · RAINFOREST HOTEL Live rates on Agoda

Si Como No Resort & Wildlife Refuge

📍 Manuel Antonio (Quepos)

Listed on Agoda as a resort with a wildlife refuge in Manuel Antonio.

Recommended Stays: Si Como No (Agoda partner property)
Check Rates at Si Como No →
La Fortuna town below Arenal Volcano (area view, not the hotel)
TIER 03 · TOWN VALUE Live rates on Agoda

Hotel San Bosco

📍 La Fortuna town

Listed on Agoda as a hotel in central La Fortuna, walking distance to tour offices.

Recommended Stays: Hotel San Bosco (Agoda partner property)
Check Rates at San Bosco →
SECTION 06 · E-E-A-T EDITORIAL METHODOLOGY & VERIFICATION

One gateway, checked by hand.

Every tour on this page was pulled from the operator's live listing on 1 November 2026: price, duration, cancellation terms and meeting point. We do not invent ratings, and we say when a park ticket or pickup is not included.

VERIFIED EDITORIAL RECORD
EasyCostaRica Travel Editorial Desk
Last updated & link-audited: Nov 1, 2026
Affiliate Disclosure Plan Your Trip 7 Regions Compared

✓ Live 'From' prices

Each price comes from the live Viator listing on the date shown.

✓ Fine print up front

Park tickets, pickup zones and the one non-refundable pick are on the cards.

✓ Meeting points named

Red Lava (La Fortuna), Jade Tours (Manuel Antonio), Bar El Ancla (Coco), Tuanis (Tortuguero).

✓ Verified links only

Every Book Now and stay link opens a live listing.

Photography & License Attribution: Photography sourced via Wikimedia Commons contributors under CC BY / CC BY-SA licenses (see full image credits & source files).

SECTION 07 · FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Costa Rica Tours & Travel FAQ

Direct, practical answers to the questions travelers ask most before booking Costa Rica tours, day trips, and transfers.

Plan Your Trip →

What are the best things to do in Costa Rica?

+

For a first trip: the Arenal volcano, waterfall and hot springs day, a guided walk in Manuel Antonio National Park, the Monteverde cloud forest, the Río Celeste hike, a surf lesson in Tamarindo and a sunset catamaran in Guanacaste.

Which Costa Rica tours can I do from San José?

+

The coffee farm, Poás Volcano and La Paz Waterfall Gardens day picks up from San José and Alajuela hotels, and the San José food walking tour meets downtown.

Do I need a guide in Manuel Antonio?

+

No, but a guide with a spotting scope finds far more wildlife. Buy the park ticket separately, and remember the park is closed on Tuesdays.

Is the Monteverde reserve entry included?

+

No. On the guided walk, you buy the reserve entry ticket yourself, ideally online in advance.

How long is the Río Celeste hike?

+

The hike itself is medium-tough and takes about 4 hours in Tenorio Volcano National Park, with lunch and a river dip afterwards; pickup is from La Fortuna-area hotels.

Which tours are refundable?

+

Seven of the eight offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before. The Tamarindo surf lesson is non-refundable.

When is the best time to visit Costa Rica?

+

December to April is dry on the Pacific side. May to November is greener and quieter; in September and October the Caribbean side is often drier.

Does EasyCostaRica also cover real estate and relocation?

+

Yes. See the real estate gateway for area pages from Escazú to Tamarindo, and Plan Your Trip for move and travel planning.

Where should I stay?

+

See the three stays above: a hot-springs resort near Arenal, a rainforest hotel in Manuel Antonio and a value hotel in La Fortuna town.

SECTION 08 · FREE 2026 INSIDER FIELD GUIDE

The Costa Rica Insider Guide (2026)

A printable planner: eight verified tours with terms and meeting points, five itineraries and the best months for each region.

  • ✓Eight tours with cancellation terms
  • ✓1-day, weekend, 3-day, family and couples plans
  • ✓Best months by region
INSTANT PDF / HTML ACCESS

Send me the Costa Rica Insider Guide

Or open the printable guide directly right now →
Beyond the tours

More from EasyCostaRica

Costa Rica Real Estate →Regional guides to buying and renting, from Escazú to Tamarindo.7 Regions Compared →Which region fits your trip, budget and travel style.Plan Your Trip →Timing, routes and the practical checklist before you fly.Costa Rica Coffee →Farms, regions and the beans worth bringing home.Gift Store →Salsa Lizano, snacks and souvenirs from Costa Rica.Picture of the Day →A daily look at Costa Rica's wildlife and landscapes.
Costa Rica Top Vetted Tours
Arenal Waterfall, Volcano & Hot Springs · From $89.25
Top 8 Book #1 Pick ↗