Day Trips & Excursions in Central Valley

Discover orchid gardens, colonial architecture, and a magnificent volcano on this full-day trip to Orosi Valley from San Jose. Admire Irazu Volcano - the tallest in the country - and wander the historic streets of Orosi's town center. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and take a leisurely stroll through the gorgeous Lankester Botanical Gardens.

Get a bird's-eye view of Arenal's amazing biodiversity on a hanging bridges hike. Cross a series of 15 suspended and swinging walkways engineered for safety, moving at a leisurely pace to observe native wildlife including lizards, snakes, monkeys, sloths, and hundreds of bird species. You'll get the vantage point of a canopy tour while being able to slow down and really appreciate life in the Costa Rican rain forest.

Explore the pitch-black maze of an underground river on an extreme caving adventure from Arenal. Grab a flashlight and strap on boots and a helmet to enter the Venado Cave system, where a guide leads you on a wet and winding route deep inside the labyrinth. Get ready to squeeze through passages, encounter bats, and pass through mysterious waterfalls while learning about Costa Rica's ancient geologic history.

Explore different levels of Costa Rica's vibrant rain forest on a Sky Walk canopy tour near Arenal. The 3-hour route allows you to slow down and observe the forest's rich plant, animal and bird life while being up close yet unobtrusive. Cross a series of hanging bridges and pass tropical waterfalls, stopping to cool off and relax at the natural pools below one of the cascades.

Find your bliss with a classic Costa Rican experience that combines a seismic dose of adventure and relaxation! On this full-day trip from San Jose, visit the very active Arenal Volcano and explore its base with a guided nature hike. Then, unwind with a soak in a variety of geothermal pools at the luxurious Tabacón hot springs. The tour also includes a stop at the artisan town of Sarchí, plus delicious lunch and dinner.

By booking this zipline and cultural tour in La Fortuna, you can split the day between exploring Costa Rica's famous rain forests and learning about one of the native groups that keep Costa Rica culturally rich. Safety-minded guides lead you on an exhilarating zipline course and then bring you to a Maleku community for an uncommon chance to learn about one of Costa Rica's few remaining indigenous groups.

Complete your trip to one of Costa Rica's top attractions with ease and efficiency on this trip to Arenal Volcano from the Guanacaste region. Travel on a small-group tour of 15 people or fewer to explore Arenal before relaxing in the nearby hot springs. This tour includes all transportation, activities, lunch, and dinner.

Get an up close look at Costa Rica's hidden natural wonders with this Rio Celeste and Llanos de Cortes waterfall tour from Tamarindo. Follow an expert local guide through breathtaking scenery, rugged trails and truly beautiful attractions. This is the perfect way to explore outside the city and see what makes Costa Rica a top attraction for nature lovers.

Ascend into the enchanting cloud forest of Costa Rica with a full-day tour to Monteverde (Curi Cancha Reserve) including its famous butterfly garden. Trek through the rain forest with a naturalist-guide who helps you spot the abundance of wildlife and tropical birds that live among Monteverde's diverse ecosystems. Stroll through a beautiful butterfly garden and hummingbird gallery for up-close views of these winged creatures. After this pleasant immersion in nature, finish your day with a tour at Don Juan's coffee plantation. Lunch and hotel transport included.

Costa Rica is famous for its rugged volcanic landscapes, rich biodiversity, and well-preserved colonial history. This tour allows you to experience all three highlights in a single day - while your guide navigates and drives, you can admire the steaming craters of Irazú Volcano, visit the Virgin of the Angels Basilica in Cartago, stroll through Lankester Gardens, and see centuries-old colonial churches in the Orosi Valley.

Escape the ordinary on this immersive bike-riding day trip to the charming town of Cartago. Experience the Costa Rican rail system with a short train ride, and then hop on your bike for a two-wheeled tour around Cartago's historic streets. Learn about the town's colonial history with your expert guide, and visit a local market to sample delicious produce and traditional treats before heading back to San Jose by bus. A small group limit of 12 people provides a personalized experience on this half-day tour.

Indulge in nature, culture and food during this full-day retreat to the Casona Río Private Reserve with lunch included. Nestled in La Fortuna near the Arenal Volcano this private, traditional estate is where travellers come to see country life Costa Rica style. Learn about the surrounding wildlife and vegetation and cook a traditional meal on a wood-burning stove before soaking in hot springs made warm by the nearby volcano.

In just a day, you can learn a lot about Costa Rica's hospitable culture and famous natural attractions on this day trip to Casona Rio Fortuna from the Guanacaste area. Tour the traditional country estate with a guide to learn about local life in the La Fortuna area - including a chance to make your own tortillas - and then relax in natural thermal hot springs in the rain forest.