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Guanacaste National parks

Our most recommended Guanacaste National parks

La Fortuna: Waterfall, Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs Tour

1. La Fortuna: Waterfall, Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs Tour

Escape into the nature of the La Fortuna on a guided hike. Walk by the river and follow a trail to a panoramic viewpoint. Have a delicious lunch at a Maluku Indian village and trek through forest, lava fields, and farmlands before relaxing at a natural hot spring resort with a drink. Be collected at your accommodation and be driven to the beginning of the forest walk. Trek on the easy track along the crystal clear La Fortuna river. En route, hop on a tractor cart uphill to a panoramic viewpoint. Spot the next location from a distance then begin the return walk down a jungle staircase. Halfway down is a high suspension bridge to cross. The trail leads further down the huge canyon, which was shaped by a volcanic mega-eruption. Encounter the spectacular La Fortuna waterfall. Be amazed by the lush vegetation on its 70-meter high walls, the huge volcanic rocks at its foot, and the water splashing down in its massive pool. Bask in its beauty or even take a refreshing dip. Return to the viewpoint then walk down to the little village of the Maluku Indians. Seated in their Palenke (main house), enjoy a rest while listening to an interesting story about their culture, art, and history.  After being active for a few hours, the time has come to relax and enjoy a typical hot lunch. Next to the restaurant is a butterfly garden and frog pond that you can explore until your food is served.  Reenergized, take a 15-minute ride to the park at the foot of the Arenal volcano. Being the trek through the primary forest where you can see huge trees with giant roots. Besides a variety of birds, the forest is host to monkeys, sloths, and coati. Leave the forest and each the highest viewpoint that exists around the volcano and absorb the most spectacular panoramic views of Lake Arenal, the jungle, the valley, the lava fields, and most of all the Arenal that towers over you.  Conclude your tour at the natural hot spring resort. Relax in its soothing warm water for about an hour and enjoy a volcanic mud facial and a complimentary cocktail. Afterward, you will be taken back to your accommodation.

From La Fortuna: Arenal Volcano & Hotsprings Afternoon Tour

2. From La Fortuna: Arenal Volcano & Hotsprings Afternoon Tour

On this nature adventure, you will see all the stunning beauty of the Arenal area. Right at the foot of the Arenal volcano, make your way into a beautiful park. Enjoy the most impressive primary rainforest where you can admire the huge trees and complex ecosystem that surrounds them. Leaving the forest, get to the lava fields. Here, follow a trail through the enormous black lava rocks that were deposited there by the massive 1968 eruption. The reward is definitely worth the effort. With the impressive Arenal looming over you, you really get an idea of the immensity of this now silent giant and the violent force with which it erupted. All along the way, your bilingual guide will tell you about the history, the ecosystem, and the wildlife you may encounter. After a coffee break, go on the way to get some well-deserved relaxation. End the tour at a small hot spring resort, here you can soak in the soothing hot water while enjoying a complimentary cocktail.

La Fortuna or Monteverde: One-Way Boat Transfer

3. La Fortuna or Monteverde: One-Way Boat Transfer

Add a little adventure to your transportation needs between Monteverde and La Fortuna and avail of a transfer that includes an informative boat tour across Lake Arenal. Get spectacular views of Arenal Volcano and the cloud forests of Monteverde as you travel by van and boat. Choose from a morning or afternoon departure in either direction to suit your schedule, and relax in the knowledge that your luggage will be taken care of on every step of the journey. Depart La Fortuna and travel to Lake Arenal by van. Then, take a 30-minute boat ride to the town of Río Chiquito before continuing to Monteverde by van. For departures from Monteverde, travel to Lake Arenal by van. Cross Lake Arenal on an enlightening 30-minute boat ride to the earthen dam, and then continue to La Fortuna by van for drop off at your hotel.

Rio Celeste: Tubing Tour with Snacks and Drinks

4. Rio Celeste: Tubing Tour with Snacks and Drinks

Expereince the rush of spilling over the rapids of the turquoise Celeste River on this tubing tour in Katira. Spot colorful birds, monkeys, and frogs as you float safely along with the provided safety helmet and life vest. Refuel with some delicious fruit and drinks that are included in the tour.  Meet your guide and get set up with your well-maintained tubing gear. Set off down the river through dense jungle over the blue water. Keep an eye out for local birds like toucans, bear-necked umbrella birds, woodpeckers, and hummingbirds.  Awaken your inner adrenaline junkie as you glide over rapids on this family-friendly adventure. Relax and get some incredible photos of this area that is just outside the Tenorio National Park. 

Tamarindo: Boat Safari at Las Baulas National Park

5. Tamarindo: Boat Safari at Las Baulas National Park

Embark on an adventure and experience the mangrove swamps and bays protected by Marino Las Baulas National Parl. Spend your afternoon exploring on a boat trip.  See frigate birds, brown footed boobies, pelicans, and other waterbirds that are the main attraction. Witness also monkeys, but as conservation takes hold, it is becoming easier to spot ocelots, crocodiles, and anteaters. Find big iguanas and different species of wading birds, amidst the mangroves, orchids, and trees lining the river. Experience Las Baulas that includes in its habitats beach, coral reef, and mangrove, with wildlife from green marine iguanas, bottle-nosed and common dolphins, leatherback sea turtles, sponges, anemones, lobsters, trunkfish, frigate birds, brown footed boobies, to pelicans.  Sail up the waters of Las Baulas National Park, in a 2-hour tour, where you'll be able to watch crocodiles sunning on the banks or swimming alongside the boat while green parrots call from the above and howler monkeys play among the treetops.

Guanacaste: Sensoria Luxury Walking and Thermals Tour

6. Guanacaste: Sensoria Luxury Walking and Thermals Tour

Discover all the sensations that our luxury experience has to offer, surrounded by the impressive rainforests and their gigantic trees near the Rincón de la Vieja volcano. Rediscover the meaning of relaxation while living the luxury experience in our thermal pools that arouse the emotions of all the senses, imagine yourself enjoying the treasures of the forest, while learning about the wonders that the foliage of the forest hides and its thousands of secrets together with our certified guides that will guarantee an experience of knowledge, adventure and contact with nature. An exclusive experience that begins with an impressive view of the rainforest from our platform, here you will be able to see the immensity of Sensoria from its highest point, with views of Lake Nicaragua and our most famous neighbor, the Rincón de la Vieja volcano. Continue taking advantage of the experience with a walk through our trails to explore the incomparable waterfalls of celestial water that cross the 100 hectares of this natural paradise, we are talking about the majestic falls, Buenos Aires and Aguilar. Exercise body and mind immersed in the tranquility of the forest and its world of sounds, while walking the 4 miles of trails that take you to enjoy the different pools that Sensoria offers to all its visitors. Your entry ticket not only includes access to five of our thermal pools, but also the unbeatable opportunity to enjoy the romantic privacy of our luxury pool: the Sanum Per Aqua Pool. Lounge with an on demand butler, surrounded by pristine rainforest; as you delight yourself in a thermal pool and massage your body with a water stream. Enjoy our cheese platters and our selection of wine; as you unwind in the rainforest. Before the end of your trip, enjoy lunch in our main house and please yourself with our special service.

Jaco: Arenal Volcano, Fortuna Waterfall, & Hot Springs Tour

7. Jaco: Arenal Volcano, Fortuna Waterfall, & Hot Springs Tour

Tour the best locations of the Arenal Volcano area and learn about the nature of this unique destination. Swim in La Fortuna Waterfall, hike over lava trails, visit a look-out point to get the best views of the volcano on clear days, and soak in the hot springs at the base of Arenal Volcano. Take the scenic route to the Arenal Volcano area and visit La Fortuna Waterfall, the most iconic of Costa Rica. Swim in its refreshing waters and admire the beautiful rainforest vegetation that surrounds this natural wonder, where wildlife can sometimes be observed. Stop for an authentic Costa Rican lunch in a restaurant located near the town of "La Fortuna." Then, prepare to take a hike over the lava trails from the volcano’s big eruption of 1,968. Take in the views at the volcano’s main look-out point and get the best views of this beautiful conic-shaped mountain on clear days. Arrive at “Paradise Hot Springs and Gardens” and relax for a couple of hours in the multiple hot spring pools surrounded by beautiful tropical gardens, which also provide great views of the volcano on clear days. Finish this great adventurous day with a delicious dinner on the route back to your hotel.

Guanacaste: Palo Verde National Park Jungle River Cruise

8. Guanacaste: Palo Verde National Park Jungle River Cruise

Palo Verde National Park encompasses one of the most important wetlands of Central America. You’ll have the opportunity to explore its varied habitats on this half-day jungle river cruise. Throughout the year resident and migrant water birds sharing the mangroves and marshlands with white- tailed deer, coyote, white-nosed coatimundi, howlers, white-faced monkeys, iguanas, and crocodiles. Wildlife is plentiful here, from tiny hummingbirds feeding at heliconia flowers, to the huge and flamboyant Roseate Spoonbills. Enjoy the countryside as it changes from savannah to plantations and small villages as you make your way to the pontoon boat, which is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to explore Palo Verde. You’ll travel by boat along the Tempisque River, which borders the National Park. You’ll pass through a wide variety of habitats, including pastureland and mangroves. Observe huge crocodiles resting in the sunshine and monkeys moving rapidly through the trees. You’ll see diverse bird species such as the Anhinga, Roseate Spoonbill, Wood Stork, the rare and endangered Jabiru, Blue Heron, White Ibis, and more.

Guanacaste: Sensoria Rainforest Walking and Thermals Tour

9. Guanacaste: Sensoria Rainforest Walking and Thermals Tour

Enjoy an eco-luxury rainforest experience at Sensoria in the Costa Rican rainforest on Rincon de la Vieja Volcano. Walk through the exotic jungle, see the fluorescent Aguilar Waterfall and swim in Pilon Thermal Pool, before ending your visit with a delicious lunch of local produce.  On arrival, your guide is waiting to take you on a trek through the beautiful tropical rainforest on the northern slope of the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano. The 6km trail is alive with a vibrant ecosystem and there is plenty of wildlife and plants to be seen along the way.  Feel the strength of the fresh wind channeled through the canyon at Buenos Aires Waterfall. See continuously running fresh water at Danta Pool and Waterfall, a natural magnet for wildlife which can often be seen drinking and bathing here. Walk to Aguilar Pool and Waterfall, rich in silicon which covers the river stones in a smooth white layer. The sun’s reflection produces a magical fluorescent blue color that is hard to resist.  Explore the magnificent Jicara Pool and Waterfall, named after a very special tree - Jicaro de Danto. This unique tree is endemic to the Guanacaste and Tilaran mountain ranges and its fruit which looks like giant pickles is loved by tapirs and bats. Take a dip in the warm, curative volcanic waters of Pilon Thermal Pool. These waters are widely known for their healing and nourishing properties for the skin and hair. If weather permits, your guide can take you to the canopy of the Rincon de la Vieja National Park, where on a clear day you can see the Lake of Nicaragua and the majestic Rincón de la Vieja Volcano. Finish your rainforest experience with lunch. Select from a menu offering vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and omnivorous options. Enjoy delicious Costa Rican coffee afterward along with locally made sweets.

From Monteverde or Santa Elena: Cloud Forest Canyoning

10. From Monteverde or Santa Elena: Cloud Forest Canyoning

Embark on a canyoning tour through the Monteverde Cloud Forest with round-trip transfers from your hotel in Monteverde or Santa Elena. Enjoy support from your guides as you rappel down six waterfalls and look out for a variety of local wildlife. Begin with a convenient pickup from your hotel and meet your guides. Put on your safety equipment before following your guides into the beathtaking Monteverde Cloud Forest. Identify rare birds with the help of your guides and if you're lucky, you might see a monkey. On your way to the waterfall, admire delicate orchids and massive ferns growing among the tangled foliage. After a brief walk, your guides will give you a safety briefing on how to use the equipment before you start. Once you feel comfortable, make your way to the edge of the first waterfall located in the beautiful canyon of the Cañas River's source. Rappel down six waterfalls in total, the tallest of which is 40 meters high. Enjoy support from your guides throughout the activity as you gain confidence with each descent. After your activity, be transferred back to your accommodation.

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What people are saying about Guanacaste

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 15 reviews

It was a very educational day with our guide Max who was extremely knowledgeable on the plants, animals, and history of the area. He treated it as a lesson on how to survive in the jungle which made it more interesting. There is a good bit of walking and the hike back up from the waterfall can be strenuous but well worth it! The soak in the hot springs was a perfect way to end the day.

Johnny was FANTASTIC. and our driver David was always ready to help. The scenery and wildlife was incredible but the guides made the trip fantastic. We saw so much wildlife and Johnny have us as much information as we wanted! This activity is a MUST DO in LA Fortuna

What a wonderful adventure! We saw at least 30 crocodiles, 10 white face monkeys and 7 howling monkeys. And on top of that we saw so many exotic birds. The trip to the ranch for a fruit and juice break was lovely. I highly recommend this tour!

It’s was super nice!!! Very fun and enjoyable. Food was delicious too. Chris (guide tour) and Chacha (driver) were very kind. We really enjoyed this tour.

Jose, the guide. Was personable and very knowledgeable Even before getting on the river, he told us about agriculture in that part of Costa Rica