Luxury Costa Rica Active & Adventure Tours made for you
Cloud forest treks
Hike through the misty foliage of the central highlands
Whitewater rafting
Embark on exhilarating Rio Pacuare rafting expeditions
Volcano hikes
Scale the slopes of the now dormant Arenal Volcano
Aquatic adventures
Set out on snorkelling tours in Manuel Antonio National Park
Outdoor adventures through green forests and along two remarkable coastlines
Costa Rica is a dream destination when it comes to adventure travel. With the Pacific on one side and the Caribbean on the other, you can enjoy two very different coastlines in one trip: world-class surfing, spectacular sunsets and rainforest-backed beaches. As well as rich marine life and coral reefs for some of the country’s best snorkelling and scuba diving. Between the two coasts, find waterfalls, volcanic landscapes and dense green forests to explore.
You can soar through the treetops of Tamarindo on a zip line or brave the rapids of the Pacuare River by raft or kayak. We especially recommend hiking to waterfalls along the Guanacaste Coast, where dry forest trails, ocean views and refreshing swimming spots make the experience feel wonderfully peaceful.
There is also extraordinary wildlife on the Osa Peninsula and in Tortuguero National Park. Look out for howler monkeys, sloths, toucans, scarlet macaws and, depending on the season, nesting sea turtles along the Caribbean coast.
The Arenal region is brimming with opportunities for active adventure. You can trek across old lava fields, follow trails to crater lagoons and walk between the trees on hanging bridges. Sink into natural hot springs before returning to your lodge for privacy, comfort and time to properly restore.
Our travel designers are experts in crafting bespoke Costa Rica adventure holidays that are perfectly adapted to your interests and priorities. Speak with us to start designing an itinerary with just the right mix of exhilarating activities and well-earned relaxation.
Highlights
Rappel down waterfalls, climb canyon walls and zip line into a natural pool in Arenal
Step aboard a private boat to cruise across the Golfo Dulce; spot dolphins and whales, meander through mangrove swamps and snorkel in coral reefs
Embark on a canopy tour of the Nicoya Peninsula for far-reaching views of the ocean, mountains and Montezuma Waterfalls
Kayak across Lake Arenal, down the wildlife-rich Rio Esquinas or along the coast of Manuel Antonio to a secluded beach
Take a private surf lesson on the Guanacaste Coast or the Osa Peninsula with expert instructors who will tailor the experience to your level
I find it hard to imagine a better destination for adventure tours than Costa Rica. Its rainforests, volcanoes, rivers and beaches are filled with exciting experiences, each of which can be tailored around your itinerary, pace and personal preferences.
Jennifer Richt
Senior Travel Designer
Luxury accommodation for Costa Rica adventure tours
There are many incredible places to stay in Costa Rica. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:
Why book with Jacada?
Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.
Responsible travel
Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.
Trip inspiration
Get inspired with our Costa Rica example trips and then get in touch to plan your own adventure.
Where to go for active adventures in Costa Rica
Arenal
The dormant Arenal Volcano and its surroundings are ripe for adventure, offering hiking trails, crater lagoons, hot springs, zip lining, white water rafting and much more.
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Corcovado and Osa Peninsula
The remote Osa Peninsula is home to Corcovado National Park and the Golfo Dulce. You can head out on wildlife expeditions and snorkelling or diving trips.
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Dominical
Set on the southern Pacific coast, Dominical is a fantastic place for novice and experienced surfers. There are plenty of surf schools offering lessons.
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Manuel Antonio
The coastal Manuel Antonio National Park is packed with adventurous activities such as waterfall hikes, rock slides, sea kayaking and snorkelling.
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Nicoya Peninsula
The Nicoya Peninsula is known for water sports like surfing, paddleboarding and kayaking. It’s also a great place to go hiking, wildlife spotting and swimming in natural pools.
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Pacuare Reserve
The main attraction here is the Pacuare River: a world-class destination for whitewater rafting. You can also go hiking, climbing and rappelling in the surrounding canyons.
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Puerto Viejo
Located on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, Puerto Viejo offers quiet beaches ideal for surfing and snorkelling. Alongside day trips to Panama’s Bocas del Toro archipelago.
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Rio Celeste
This inland area is delightfully remote and replete with outdoor activities; think hiking, biking, horse riding, rafting, zip lining and wildlife spotting.
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San Jose
Though Costa Rica’s capital is decidedly urban, it’s a great home base for day trips to the Poás Volcano – known for its massive crater – and nearby coffee plantations.
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The Central Cloud Forests
Some of the country’s most singular scenery can be found in its perpetually misty central cloud forests, including Monteverde. This is among the best places to hike in Costa Rica.
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The Coffee Valley
In addition to touring traditional coffee plantations, here you can trek through volcanic terrain and go river rafting, horse riding or birdwatching.
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The Guanacaste Coast
This gorgeous stretch of coastline attracts surfers, sunseekers and animal lovers in search of an ideal balance of outdoor activities and seaside relaxation.
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Tortuguero
Named for the sea turtles you might be lucky enough to spot, Tortuguero National Park offers a plethora of hiking trails, wildlife excursions, boat trips, kayaking and other activities.
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When to visit Costa Rica for adventure activities
The best time for adventure activities in Costa Rica is generally during the dry season from December to April. Most of the country and the Pacific coast are sunny and warm during these months.
That said, certain parts of the country follow a different pattern. The Caribbean coast is relatively rainy throughout the year, but September and October tend to bring a respite from the heaviest showers. There’s also the veranillo: a short dry period that often occurs across the country in July.
What’s more, the rainy season (May–November) can bring ideal conditions for certain activities like whitewater rafting and surfing – if you’re looking for rushing rapids and big waves, that is.
Ultimately, the best time to visit depends on what sort of adventures you’re hoping to have.
Ideal hiking weather
December–April
Thundering waterfalls
May–November
Excellent diving conditions
Year round
Travel guides
Plan your adventure tour in Costa Rica
Your trip, your story
We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.
Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.
