Top San Jose Outdoor Activities

Prepare to get wet and wild as you tackle the class III and IV rapids of the Sarapiqui River on this half- or full-day white-water rafting adventure from La Virgen. Marvel over the dramatic scenery and lush rainforest of the Sarapiqui canyon as you hurtle downstream, then re-fuel with lunch (full-day tour only) or refreshments by the waterfront. Best of all: the rapids are suitable for all abilities, including complete beginners, and anyone over 14 can give it a go!

Only 20 minutes from San José Downtown, enjoy the majesty of the Rain Forest at the Carpintera Hills, gliding between trees hanging from steel cables . All along the travel through the forest reserve you will be able to watch sloths, birds and an exuberant flora . You will also be able to enjoy a panoramic view of the Central Valley, Poás Volcano and Irazú Volcano, and the Tres Marías Hills. The Canopy Tour includes 3 acivities: a short hike (15 minutes), 19 platforms, 13 cables, the longest cable has a length of aprox. 1500 ft (500 meters), and 2 rappels (40 & 10 meters).

Feel the thrill of one of Costa Rica's most popular outdoor adventures with a zipline tour from San José. Soar through the rain forest canopy and above the Moliente River on a state-of-the-art zipline system boasting advanced safety features and an easy, controlled braking system. Choose a tour option including lunch and transportation from San José for a hassle-free day flying through the treetops of Costa Rica's famed natural playground.

Experience a fun-filled day in the jungle at the Rainforest Adventures Costa Rica Atlantic eco-reserve. Your multi-pass gives you access to six different activities throughout the beautiful tropical park. Get a bird’s-eye view of the rainforest canopy with an aerial tram ride, encounter native critters at a butterfly and frog garden, cross a hanging bridge, and explore the jungle on a nature hike. Get your adrenaline pumping as you soar through the treetops on ziplines, including one of the longest and fastest in the country.

Experience a high-flying adventure on a rain forest zipline course near San Jose. Journey from the Costa Rican capital to a private ecotourism reserve, where you’ll soar through the lush jungle canopy and above the rushing Molinete River. Glide across 10 different zipline cables, including the 2,297-foot (700-meter) Adrena-Line, and walk across a hanging bridge. Expert adventure guides will accompany you throughout the day to ensure your safety and help you spot native rain forest critters.

Explore three levels of lush Costa Rican rain forest from the floor to the canopy on a guided tour tour of Braulio Carrillo National Park. Learn about local flora and fauna as you walk along nature trails, explore specialty gardens, and glide over treetops in an aerial tram, all narrated by a guide with extensive knowledge about the local ecosystem. Optional upgrade includes pickup and drop-off from your lodging in San Jose and a typical lunch.

Spend a full day discovering the beauty of Costa Rica’s rain forest on this guided combo tour to Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí. Cruise down the Sarapiquí River on a riverboat, and then delve deeper into the jungle on a horseback ride while learning about native plants and wildlife from your knowledgeable guide. Round-trip hotel transport from San Jose and an authentic Costa Rican lunch are included.

Test your paddling skills on the roaring Class III rapids of Costa Rica’s Chirripó River with this whitewater rafting adventure. Led by an expert guide, you’ll navigate the exciting twists and turns of the river while surrounded by a beautiful tropical forest. Select a morning or noon departure to suit your schedule. Round-trip hotel transport and lunch at a local restaurant are included.

Appease your appetite for adventure during an exhilarating 3-hour rafting session on the Sarapiqui River from Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui . With an experienced guide, conquer the Class II and III rapids on the river’s most intense section and feel your adrenaline levels surge. During calmer periods, marvel at the abundance of exotic wildlife on the banks of the Sarapiqui River and listen to fascinating commentary from your guide. All rafting equipment and round-trip transportation from Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui is included on this tour.

Explore the natural beauty and protected wildlife of Costa Rica’s Tortuguero National Park with a full-day guided tour from San Jose. Cruise through freshwater rivers on a boat — the only way to access the inner reaches of this beautiful nature reserve. Learn about the park’s incredible biodiversity from your naturalist guide, and visit a green sea turtle nesting site. Take a break from your exploration to savor lunch at the eco-chic Evergreen Lodge surrounded by views of a lush tropical forest.

Safely immerse yourself in Costa Rican nature and wildlife on a 7-hour tour to La Paz Waterfall Gardens. Leave the busy streets of San Jose behind in comfortable air-conditioned transportation from your hotel. Discover more than 100 species at the sanctuary, including titi monkeys, 2-toed sloths, pumas, and margays. You can even feed hummingbirds by hand. Have your camera ready for the cloud forest, waterfalls, and aviary.

Experience a thrilling white-water adventure on a guided rafting trip along the Reventazón River. After a convenient hotel pickup, head to the river’s “El Carmen” area: a 10-mile (16-kilometer) run divided into two sections, one with intense rapids and one with mellow waters and scenic jungle views. Enjoy a picnic lunch on a riverside beach included in the tour price.

The best and most complete day tour in Jacó! Satisfy your desires for total adventure and adrenaline in the tropical forest of Costa Rica. Located very close to the sea, our eco-adventure park opens its doors for an incomparable experience: the 5 in 1 Extreme tour! A perfect combination of all the activities you can find in our private reserve.

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.

Discover many beautiful attractions of Costa Rica on this Combo Tour from San Jose. Fly over the Rainforest Canopy on a zip lining course and rappel down 50 meters (150 feet). Visit 2 beautiful waterfalls in the Rainforest; admire wildlife of Costa Rica at the exotic birds’ viewing point and the Iguanas Center. Learn about coffee of Costa Rica and taste the delicious local cuisine. Participate of a native tribe presentation. Relax in thermal mineral hot springs pools at the base of Arenal Volcano. Lunch and dinner are included.

Sail away to the tropical paradise of Tortuga Island on this full-day trip from San Jose. Enjoy a cruise across the Gulf of Nicoya to the white sandy beaches and aquamarine waters of this postcard-perfect island. Soak up the sun on the beach, snorkel among tropical fish, or explore the island’s forested trails for a memorable escape. Savor a tasty beachside lunch buffet and relax on the round-trip ride from your San Jose hotel.

Discover one of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica on this full-day trip from San Jose to Manuel Antonio National Park. After a scenic drive along the Pacific coast, arrive at this protected reserve that features lush tropical rain forest, unspoiled stretches of white sandy beach, and coral reefs teeming with marine life. Relax on the shore or explore the jungle with a guided nature hike, where you have a chance to spot birds, sloths, monkeys, and other resident wildlife.

Combine six popular rain forest activities into a single day jam-packed with adventure on this tour to Braulio Carrillo National Park from San Jose. Fly down ziplines over the rain forest canopy, visit a terrarium and butterfly garden, walk along nature trails, and more, all with hassle-free round-trip transportation from your San Jose hotel and a typical Costa Rican lunch to keep you going.

Horseback Riding feels different when surrounded by deep greenery, abundant wildlife and the sights and sounds of a vibrant community. On this day, our Hacienda is yours to discover! Come to Aquiares and learn all about coffee, from the seed to your cup! We provide authentic, unique and personalized tours. You can come with your entire family because we have options for everyone! /!\ PLEASE MAKE A RESERVATION BEFORE COMING /!\

Explore the Sarapiquí River on a guided white-water adventure from Puerto Viejo. After a convenient hotel pickup, embark on your journey to La Virgen de Sarapiquí. Plow through class-II rapids that are ideal for both a beginner and an experienced paddler. Enjoy incredible jungle scenery and wildlife on your 10-mile (16-kilometer) trip downriver. 

Discover the amazing treetop ecosystems of Costa Rica’s rain forest on this aerial tram tour near San Jose. Glide through the lush jungle canopy on a 90-minute gondola ride that offers a bird’s-eye view of beautiful hanging gardens and native wildlife not often seen from the forest floor. Optional lunch and transportation add-ons are available for a stress-free wait to explore Costa Rica’s famous biodiversity right from the capital.

This 5-day adventure tour combines recreational mountain biking with white-water rafting in Costa Rica. The itinerary includes guided rides on scenic secondary roads, while exploring active volcanoes, coffee plantations, tropical rivers, lowland rainforests, and beaches along the way. Biking distance is about 50 miles (80 kilometers), with 70% of the travel involving gravel and dirt roads, 20% paved roads, and 10% single track. You’ll also go white-water rafting in the Pacuare River, which boasts Class III and IV rapids.

With its cascading waterfalls and abundant wildlife, the Pacuare River is rightfully famous for its natural beauty. Paddle through the river gorge, navigating 52 Class II-IV rapids as you go, on this 12-hour trip from San Jose. Take in views of the tropical rain forest and wildlife such as sloths, parrots, and toucans as you ride the river (and your adrenaline rush) over the course of the day.

Sail to Tortuga Island aboard a catamaran for on this full-day trip from San Jose. Go swimming and snorkeling, then refuel with a 4-course gourmet lunch. There is plenty of time to relax on the island before heading back. Use of all equipment is included, as is round-trip transportation from your hotel and a hot breakfast before departure.