Costa Rica adventure tours have a unique balance of attractions and highlights. It offers all-inclusive resorts and white sand beaches in the north, and wildlife, nature, and rainforest further south. One feature that is consistent throughout the country, however, is the opportunity for world-class adventure. This sets Costa Rica above many other one-trick tropical destinations, proving that you can lounge on the beach and get your adrenaline fix all in one vacation.
Canopy Zipline Tour
Canopy zipline tours are available throughout Costa Rica. If you haven’t experienced the feeling of swinging from tree to tree, Costa Rica is the place to do it. This is where the zipline was invented after all! Scientists created the first canopy zipline system as a tool to better observe the rainforest. Our Expert-approved canopy zipline tours can be arranged from Arenal Volcano, Manuel Antonio, Guanacaste, and the Monteverde Cloud Forest. That bird’s eye view over Arenal Volcano, Lake Arenal, and the Arenal Reserve takes the cake for me though.
Related Article: 9 Best Zipline And Canopy Tours
Canyoning and Waterfall Rappelling
Canyoning is a popular adventure activity accessible in the Arenal region. A series of picturesque gorges and waterfall rappels impress even the most adventurous travelers. Canyoning tours typically start out with a hike alongside a river or creek to waterfalls or rock faces, where your adventure begins!
Related Article: Best of Costa Rica Canyoning and Waterfall Rappelling
Mangrove Kayaking
Gulfo Dulce Kayaking from Lapa Rios Ecolodge on the Osa Peninsula
Tropical mangrove ecosystems are plentiful along the warm coastal waters of Costa Rica. Cruise through thick jungle estuaries with a professional naturalist guide. You’re bound to see an abundance of wildlife while paddling along without a motor such as: shorebirds, snakes, monkeys, crocodiles, and anteaters. Popular mangrove kayaking destinations include Manuel Antonio, Tortugero National Park, and the Gulfo Dulce.
Related Article: 7 Best Costa Rica Kayaking Excursions
Jungle Night Hike
If you haven’t explored the rainforest at night, you’re missing half the wildlife. A jungle night hike is your ticket. Again, a guide is a must here. Their senses have been fine-tuned to hear each distinct chirp, ribbit, and rustle. Plus, it’s safer. Your guide will point out a variety of nocturnal insects, amphibians, and mammals including the nocturnal sloth! Jungle night hikes can be arranged from nearly everywhere from Monteverde to the Osa Peninsula.
Mountain Biking at Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio, on the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica, is known for its gorgeous beaches and abundant wildlife, but great adventure can be found there too. Mountain biking is a fantastic option because of the region’s varied topography. Biking enthusiasts are often pleasantly surprised with the adventure biking tours in Manuel Antonio, which vary in intensity.
Related Article: Costa Rica Mountain Biking & Cycling Tours
Expert Pick: Pacuare River Rafting
Adrenaline junkies make the Pacuare River a first priority during their stay in Costa Rica. Accessible from San Jose, overnight rafting trips on the Pacuare give travelers a truly unique retreat that combines serious adventure and raw nature. Not your typical rafting tour, this excursion sends you down the roaring Pacuare River on the way to your rainforest eco-lodge. With riverside lunches, stunning natural scenery, and the rush of the rapids, Pacuare overnight rafting tours give travelers a lot to brag about back home.
Related Article: Experience World Class Rafting on the Pacuare River
Rio Perdido Canyon Adventure, Guanacaste
The Canyon Adventure Tour at Rio Perdido Hotel puts an adventurous spin on canopy ziplining. Traverse the Rio Blanco Canyon on a cable adventure with 15 platforms, a 50 foot Tarzan swing, a pendulum cable, 5 ziplines, a challenge bridge, and 4 via ferratas for rock climbing. The professional photographer and cold water stations are a nice addition to an exciting day!
Related Article: Rio Perdido Hot Springs Hotel Review
Other Adventure Tours:
- Hike to Rio Celeste Waterfall
- Caving
Read for your Costa Rica adventure? Browse our Adventure Vacations.
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