Costa Rica zip line canopy tours are undoubtedly one of Costa Rica’s best known (and most loved) outdoor adventures. It figures, given the thrilling sport was actually invented here by nature researchers, who wanted to reach the remotest parts of the Costa Rica wilderness back in the 1970s. It also figures that the country that invented it is the very best country that offers it still.
Zip lining in Costa Rica has been at the core of Costa Rica’s eco-tourism movement since the early 1990s. The country’s best zip line trails are set in pristine wilderness and, because this is Costa Rica, that precious wilderness is inhabited by some of the most unique and exotic wildlife on earth.
For the intrepid Tarzans and Janes among us, zip lining is an exciting venture: not quite as death-defying as skydiving yet with just as much adrenalin-pumping fun. What’s more, taking a zip-line tour in Costa Rica is always about immersing yourself in exceptional nature and, given the family-friendly nature of the local culture, options abound for adults and children to join in on the fun.
Enjoy the best zipline in Costa Rica experience and you can start here. Here are the most AMAZING zip lines you need to discover in Costa Rica:
Diamante Superman – Diamante Eco Adventure Park, Guanacaste
If you’re looking for the best ziplining in Costa Rica, Diamante is the Central America’s (and Costa Rica’s) second-longest dual zip line, which means you can soar like a superhero alongside your partner, friend or intrepid offspring. For almost a whole, seemingly endless mile, you can fly like a toucan, soaking up spectacular views of the Pacific (upside down, if you wish!) the whole way across. The 2-hour course is suitable for anyone over the age of 5 (the minimum weight limit is 60lb) which is fantastic for families with thrill-seeking kids and, of course, anyone who wants bragging rights.
With bilingual expert guides, world-class safety equipment and added COVID-precautions this year, Diamante’s outstanding thrill is bound to get your Costa Rica adventure vacation to a FANTASTIC flying start.
Sky Adventures, Arenal Volcano National Park, La Fortuna
At the crossroads between a semi-active volcano, luscious rainforest and high-altitude cloud-forests, Sky Adventures enjoys the most idyllic setting. If you’re looking for best zip line in costa rica this is indeed the poster-child for Costa Rica zip line tours. Sky’s popularity is no big mystery: the convenience of its location, the ease of access and the ridiculously beautiful views, let alone the fact that you’ll be at the doorstep of one of Costa Rica’s top 2 national parks.
Sky is well set up and what we love is the sheer variety of choice – here, you can walk along a trail of suspended bridges, take an open-air gondola ride (the Sky Tram) and enjoy the thrills of a multi-active tour that combines rappelling with bridge swings, a high-rope course, canyoning and much more. The Arenal zip line tour is the return tramway trip and includes half a dozen cables set up over 650’ in the air, reaching speeds of up to 44mph. Children aged 5 and 6 will need to zip line with a guide and older kids (7-10) have the option of riding together if a guide is not available.
This is the best and most convenient choice for families adventuring together in Costa Rica for the first time. There’s an option to ‘bail out’ after the first two zips so if you’re hesitant about trying zip lining, this is a wonderful and safe first-option for you to try.
Selvatura Adventure Park, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Just next door to Arenal but high amongst the ethereal clouds, Selvatura offers an altogether different sensory overload. This is the kind of place you can spend an entire day exploring. The zipline comprises more than a dozen cables (one that is over half a mile long) and 15 platforms, with a Tarzan Swing that’ll make you wish you hadn’t overindulged at breakfast. Unreal fun! The only zip line to be stationed within the world-famous cloud forest of Monteverde, Selvatura is a nature-lover’s dream. At Selvatura, you’ll get over two miles of fox-flying fun and a canopy walking tour that serves up the best close-up encounters with the unique ecosystem here.
The combination zipline, hike and swing tour at Selvatura is suitable for kids (4+) and adults alike, although weight restrictions apply (as they do on all zip line tours).
El Santuario Canopy Adventure, Manuel Antonio National Park
El Santuario’s dual Costa Rica zip line adventure is the longest in the country (and the whole Central American region) and located merely 20 minutes from Manuel Antonio, that spectacular pocket of wilderness treasure that tumbles into the Pacific, in the province of Puntarenas. The park is one of the best wildlife spotting destination given it’s so small and compact yet even at El Santuario, set across 500 acres of magnificent nature, your animal spotting chances are huge.
The twin zip line tour at El Santuari is phenomenal and staffed by some of the most passionate guides you’ll meet in your entire trip. They take the time needed to get everyone comfortable in their gear, abate their fears and continuously enlighten guests with info on surrounding nature and wildlife. The tour is open for anyone aged 4+, groups tours are possible (what an AMAZING wedding party activity idea!) and return transport is included in a visit.
Pacuare River Zipline, Turrialba
Turrialba is the best whitewater rafting and kayaking base in Costa Rica (and our home!) and it’s here that you can combine the best thrill-seeking adventures the country has to offer, on the shores of the world-famous Pacuare River. This is one of the least known, and most fun, zip line options in Costa Rica because it’s enjoyed in conjunction with world-class rafting. If it’s a multi-sport adventure you’re after then this is the option you shouldn’t miss!
The in-house zip line course at the Pacuare Lodge is wonderful and includes a stunning half-hour hike through the rainforest to reach the starting point. From here, tackle a maze of zip-lines for an hour, all the way back to the front steps of the lodge. This is one of Pacuare’s best hidden secrets and an absolute delight to discover when staying overnight.
If zip lining is a new concept for you, here’s your Complete Guide to Zip Lining in Costa Rica, where we discuss the safety aspects, what you should wear and other things to keep in mind.
The wonderful thing about the zip lining in Costa Rica is that it’s such a popular and iconic activity that for every ‘famous’ course, there are several lesser-known options, located wherever verdant forests grow. And, in Costa Rica, that’s almost the entire country!
Love to give zip lining a go? Then join us! At Costa Rica Rios, we’ve been running award-winning adventure tours in this magical playground for 25 years and have perfected the art of combining the best the country has to offer. We create bespoke itineraries for families, couples and groups of friends who want to share an unforgettable experience, and a jaw-dropping zip line adventure, in the most beautiful country on earth.
The Costa Rican government has just released details on its latest wave of border openings and the news is looking GOOD for US tourists! The country’s Tourism Minister announced that US tourists will be welcomed back to Costa Rica as of 1st September – however, restrictions do apply.
Read on to find out more!
The world’s most beloved eco-tourism and adventure hub, Costa Rica is internationally praised for its handling of the coronavirus pandemic
PHOTO TAGLINE: The world’s most beloved eco-tourism and adventure hub, Costa Rica is internationally praised for its handling of the coronavirus pandemic
Adding to the ever-growing list of allowed tourists (namely citizens and residents of the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Uruguay, and several Asian countries) Costa Rica is preparing to welcome back US tourists in September, as long as they are from 6 select States.
They are:
Connecticut
Maine
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New York
Vermont
Tourists will be required to show their valid driver’s license to prove residency (or government-issued ID equivalent) and authorities will also need license-plate verification. According to the government, these measures are needed to ensure only genuine residents of States with (currently) the lowest COVID infection rate are allowed entry into the country.
*We’re currently waiting on a go-ahead to also be given to residents of Colorado, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania – we hope this will be announced shortly
All US tourists wishing to travel to Costa Rica will have to:
Fill in an online health form – you can select to view it in English from the drop-down menu on the top, RHS. The form is to be filled out no sooner than 48hr before traveling. You’ll get a QR code upon completion, which you are to show at the airport on arrival. You can also print out the confirmation
Present a negative COVID-19 test – the only accepted test is the RT-PCR test, taken no sooner than 48hr prior to traveling
Present COVID-specific travel health insurance – which covers all medical assistance should test positive for the virus whilst in the country. If you prefer to play it safe, you can purchase insurance directly from Costa Rica. The government has nominated a few agencies and pre-approved their policies, so you know you’ll be getting the right one)
Costa Rica, right now, is not placing any quarantine restrictions of tourists who satisfy the above-mentioned requirements and enter from approved countries/States.
Needless to say, we would love to announce a full reopening of Costa Rica to every resident of every country, as that would mean this COBID-19 nightmare would be well and truly behind us. But alas, we’ll take the small wins when we can get them and, right now, this is already amazing news.
Flights to Costa Rica are expected to increase, both in frequency and points of departure. New York is tipped to be the main springboard for Costa Rica flights and, on our end, we expect both the San Jose and Liberia International Airports to be fully operational. See the official San Jose Airport Website for details on expected incoming flights.
Costa Rica’s Tourism Minister said the 6 States in question have shown a “positive evolution of the pandemic” meaning they are making great strides forward and handling the current level of infection, keeping it at a manageable level. Given that US-based tourism is such a critical component of Costa Rica’s economy, it’s wonderful to see the authorities taking a logical approach: reopening the country but doing so slowly and safely.
According to the Health Ministry, the country has recorded just over 33,820 COVID-19 cases as of August 23.
It is also important that you know what restrictions your place of residence has introduced for tourist returning from Costa Rica.
We expect more concrete details about these latest developments to be announced shortly. Usually, the government makes a general announcement and then follows with greater details after a few days.
We’ll endeavor to keep you informed as news comes in.
What’s life like in Costa Rica, right now?
This month, we’ve seen a reopening of outdoor restaurants and cafés, as well as beaches, in so-called yellow zones. Of course, we’re all required to wear masks in indoor public places, except eating establishments where social distancing restrictions are in place (but staff still must wear them.
By and large, everyone seems to be getting used to the new normal: whipping on the mask, dabbing hand disinfectant when going out and keeping distance. The latter is arguably the hardest part: Costa Ricans are warm and huggy people. Like all Latinos, not being able to hug and give a peck on the cheek when meeting is the most painful part of this whole messy ordeal for Ticos.
During the month of August, more and more businesses opened although we had a short hiatus of shut-downs in the middle of the month. This gave businesses a chance to reboot the country’s economy whilst taking a short pause, half-way through the month, in case health services needed to catch up. Daily infections did increase, as expected, but this latest easing of border restrictions means the increase is still under control.
Costa Rica adventures await!
The best news of all, however, is that outdoor tourist activities have also recommenced and here at Costa Rica Rios, we’ve been busy planning and booking our most popular Week of Adventure Package starting from September. We’re meticulously planning for our tours to comply with all the directives, ensuring our valued guests have the time of their life and still keep safe.
All the country’s most beloved areas are open for tourists and given the cap on daily visitors (down 50% from the usual) it means you can come and explore world-famous sites like Arenal, Manuel Antonio and Turrialba and experience an uncrowded, unblemished paradise.
At the moment, we are only running private &bespoke adventure tours for couples and families travelling within their own social bubble. We recently blogged about the benefits of bespoke tours, especially in COVID-times. Creating your own social bubble means you can double up on the fun and leave the stresses of 2020 behind you, as you kayak, raft, zipline and mountain bike in our pristine, unspoiled Costa Rican backyard.
Remote adventure vacations are what we’re all about here, at Costa Rica Rios, and we think our usual adventure style will fit post-COVID tours to perfection. The country is chock-full of exquisite remote lodges for that romantic getaway you’ve been waiting all year for, and insanely thrilling wild rivers and mountains for those high-adrenaline sports you can’t wait to get back into.
Even though we don’t really expect everything to get back to normal until 2021, this further reopening step and the welcoming of US tourists is a heaven-send for everyone involved in tourism here. Traditionally, September and October are low-tourist months in the country so the opening is indeed very well-timed. Turning the country into a free-for-all, like we’ve seen happening in Europe, will likely just prolong the lockdown-agony and no-one wants to see that happening.
With this tentative, staggered opening, we’re hoping Costa Rica will be ready to welcome bigger numbers, and deliver bigger adventures, by the time high-season starts in December.
Ready to start planning your return to travel-freedom in the most exhilarating country on earth?
You know what to do! Call us or use our live chat and let us help you plan your own private and bespoke adventure tour to the incredible, nature-filled adventure playground that is Costa Rica. Because if there’s ever been a year when we need a once-in-a-lifetime, totally unforgettableadventure vacation in Costa Rica, this is surely the one!
Costa Rica’s hanging bridges are among the most coveted of the country’s many highlights. Although you may well want to visit them all whilst here (who wouldn’t?!) it’s safe to surmise you’d want to home in on one, primarily, so you have enough time, energy and funds to also try out everything else on offer in this adventure-packed country, activities like kayaking, whitewater rafting, canyoning, mountain biking, horseback riding and SO much more.
First up, if you have absolutely NO idea what we’re talking about…
What is a Hanging Bridge in Costa Rica?
Wind back the history-clock a few decades and you’d see a bunch of curious scientists studying unique flora and fauna in the remotest nooks of Costa Rica’s virgin jungles. They concocted these ‘hanging bridges’ in order to reach the highest points of the luscious canopy and, back then, they were nothing more than haphazardly tied-together ropes, swung between trees and interspersed with wooden planks. The death-defying ‘heavenly highways’ certainly did their job, and the tradition of using suspension walking bridges to enjoy superlative wilderness experiences has now become an unmissable part of all adventure vacations in Costa Rica.
What is so Magical about Hanging Bridges?
Hanging bridges get you up close and personal with what is, essentially, impenetrable wilderness. When you leave the walking trails behind (or rather, below), you enter a whole different kind of natural kingdom, one that you wouldn’t otherwise ever get to see. Hanging bridges often stretch across deep valleys and gorges, places you’d need hours of hard hiking to even reach, if at all possible. It is up in this startling remoteness that monkeys swing and toucans rest, where sloths hang out and where the essence of the jungle is intensified, ten-fold. Moreover, this is where the views really get out of this world, where the horizon is not blocked by an impermeable layer of thick forest foliage. Hanging bridges offer vistas that span across the jungle, something you simply won’t ever get to see, any other way.
Oh, and don’t worry: modern-day hanging bridges in Costa Rica are some of the best, safest and most famous in the world.
Here, you can swing to your heart’s delight with peace of mind.
Are All Hanging Bridges Tours Created Equal?
Canopy tours with hanging bridges in Costa Rica can vary quite a bit, mainly in length and agility-requirement which means some are better for families with smaller children, for example, whilst others offer exhilarating extras like zip-lining, ideal for adrenaline seekers. Some also include a fair bit of walking in between the bridges; however, they are still considered the least strenuous way to immerse yourself in pristine wilderness here. If you’re on a family adventure vacation in Costa Rica, for example, and want to bring your elderly parents along for the amazing ride, they can enjoy a stunning day on a hanging bridge trail whilst you battle out on a whitewater river. Alternatively, they simply make for amazing family excursions you can all enjoy together.
Each of Costa Rica’s best hanging bridges is located in a very special forest, be it a wilderness and wildlife reserve, rain forest or cloud forest. Entrance fees allow varying organisations to continue to maintain and protect all these incredible corners of paradise so whilst you’re up there having the time of your life, you’re also contributing to precious and very necessary causes.
It’s also worth remembering that some hanging bridges offer night-time wildlife-spotting tours and these are some of the most rewarding animal-watching tours you can take. This offers a totally distinct experience so, if you have time, you should consider doing one daytime and one night-time visit.
Knowing a little about every option will help you decide which hanging bridge course is right for your next adventure vacation in Costa Rica.
Where are Costa Rica’s Best Hanging Bridges?
Every single one of Costa Rica’s best hanging bridges offers something unique and, for many, the choice simply comes down to convenience. Where you choose to base yourself, or travel to, will likely have a big impact on your ultimate choice. Having said that, some people specifically seek the longest trail or the one with the most bridges or, in the case of two options below, the one with the most ‘extras’ like zip-line, hummingbird garden and so forth.
Here’s a quick lowdown of the options – we’ll include one ‘point of note’ for each that makes it stand out from the rest. Please note that each one offers refreshments (café/restaurants) and the option of a private tour as well.
#1 Sky Adventures Park, Arenal
About half an hour’s drive from downtown La Fortuna, the Arenal Sky Adventures Park offers a spectacular walking trail that crosses eight bridges (four of which are suspended) as well as two observation decks and two gorgeous waterfalls. This is a leisurely 3-hour excursion but can also be combined with an aerial tram and canopy tour. There’s a lovely café that serves food (YES!) and although you have the option of taking a guide along and going self-guided. This Sky Adventure Park doesn’t offer night-time tours, unfortunately, but is perfectly suitable for all ages.
NB – This option offers some of the most magnificent canopy views of all plus you pass two waterfalls
Practical Details
Open daily from 8:00 AM to 3:15 PM (last entry). A prior reservation is required for all tours at Sky Adventures Arenal. Self-guided entry costs approximately $38 USD per adult and $27 USD per child. Guided hanging bridges tours start at $41 USD per adult, $34 USD for students (with ID), and $28 USD for children ages 5 to 12.
During peak season (Christmas/New Year and Easter), add approximately $10 per person. Transportation from La Fortuna hotels is available for an additional $22 USD per person round trip. The park is located about 30 minutes southwest of La Fortuna town, near El Castillo. A range of accommodation options from boutique lodges to full resorts is available for those planning an overnight stay in the Arenal area.
A high clearance vehicle is recommended for the final stretch of road. Visitors based in the area can find a full guide to planning their time in Arenal and La Fortuna to build the perfect itinerary around this visit.
The Skywalk features 5 suspension bridges and a 4 km (2.5 mile) circuit trail through primary rainforest. The longest bridge reaches 143 meters (469 feet) in length and sits 70 meters (229 feet) above the ground.
For those combining activities, the park also offers the Sky Trek zip-line (7 cables up to 750 meters in length, reaching speeds of 70 km/h) and the Sky Tram aerial gondola. The trail itself follows narrower, more rustic pathways and includes some steeper sections and tree roots underfoot, making it feel more like a genuine forest adventure than a manicured park.
Best For: Visitors seeking a more rugged, adventurous feel on the bridges. The combination of volcano views, aerial tram, and zip-lining in one location makes this the top choice for those who want to pack maximum activity into a single day at Arenal.
Wildlife to Watch For: Sloths, eyelash pit vipers, coatis, howler monkeys, toucans, and multiple bird species have all been reported on the Skywalk trail.
#2 Mistico Hanging Bridges Park, Arenal
Right by Lake Arenal is where you’ll find Mistico, a trail that offers night-time tours and very early morning bird-spotting tours as well. This trail should take about two hours to complete, is suitable for all ages and will guide you over 16 bridges (six of which are suspended) as well as a lovely waterfall. Both guided and self-guided options are available here too, as well as a great little restaurant so you can really take your time.
NB – This is the park with the most bridges (16 in total) and offers outstanding canopy views. Moreover, there is an ‘easily accessible’ trail that’s perfect for those with limited mobility and although it does skip a chunk of the whole trail, it at least offers the experience to absolutely everyone
Practical Details
Open daily from 6:00 AM to 4:30 PM (last entry at 3:50 PM). Tickets are strongly recommended to be purchased in advance online, as the park operates on time-slot entry and can reach capacity during peak season. Self-guided entry costs $32 USD per adult, $26 USD for seniors aged 65 and over, $21 USD for teenagers aged 11 to 18, and free for children aged 10 and under.
Guided Natural History Tours depart at 8:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM, and 2:00 PM. An early morning birding tour departs at 6:00 AM. The park is a 30-minute drive from downtown La Fortuna along Route 142, heading west toward Lake Arenal. No 4×4 is required as the road is fully paved, though the final stretch past the dam is steep and winding.
The main trail is 3.2 km (2 miles) and includes 6 suspension bridges and 10 fixed bridges, for 16 total. The tallest bridge, known as the Arenal Bridge, stands approximately 55 meters (180 feet) above the forest floor. The park also features the Blue Morpho Waterfall (accessible on the longer loop), a hummingbird garden, clean restrooms, a café, a gift shop, a children’s playground, and a kids’ playground. For visitors with mobility challenges, the park offers a shorter, accessible paved trail as well as electric scooter rental ($26 USD plus tax) and stroller rental ($12 USD plus tax). A maximum of 15 people are allowed on any suspension bridge at one time.
Night and Twilight Tours: Mistico offers a twilight tour at 4:30 PM and a full night walk at 6:00 PM. These after-hours experiences are unlike anything seen during the day. Nocturnal animals become active after dark, including kinkajous, red-eyed tree frogs, owls, raccoons, and margays. Many of Costa Rica’s national parks also run organized night tours for this same reason, rewarding patient observers with a side of the country that most visitors never see.
Guides use red-light torches to spot animals without disturbing them. Flowers that remain closed all day open only at night, and the number of butterfly species visible after dark is double that of the daytime count. For visitors who want to see the most wildlife possible, the night walk is often the most productive experience in the entire park.
Best For: Families with young children or elderly members, visitors with mobility needs, and travelers who want the highest number of bridges in one location. Mistico is also the best choice for those interested in combining a daytime hike with a night wildlife walk on the same property. After the trail, many visitors head to the famous hot springs of La Fortuna to round out the day in complete relaxation
Wildlife to Watch For: During the day, expect howler monkeys, capuchin monkeys, agoutis, coatis, toucans, over 350 species of birds, and the occasional fer-de-lance snake visible in the trees near the trail. At night, kinkajous, red-eyed tree frogs, tarantulas, owls, and various amphibians are commonly spotted.
#3 Sky Adventures Park, Monteverde (now Treetopia Park)
Over in the ethereal cloud forests of Monteverde is the Sky Adventures Park, a multi-adventure center that combines hanging bridges with canopy tours, aerial trams and even a herpetarium that showcases some of Costa Rica’s most unique reptiles and amphibians and a splendid hummingbird garden. A two-hour visit will see you walk over five suspension bridges amongst breathtaking clouds. SAP Monteverde offers guides, self-guided and night-time tours and is open to all ages.
NB – This is the park with the longest suspension bridge – 774 feet!
Important Update: Sky Adventures Monteverde has rebranded as Treetopia Park. Both names are still in wide circulation online, and if searching for either, visitors will land at the same park.
Practical Details
Open daily from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with tours departing hourly from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Advance reservation is required as walk-ins without a reservation are not permitted. Self-guided hanging bridges entry (Sky Walk) costs approximately $49 USD for adults. Guided tours cost more and depart at set times.
Optional round-trip hotel transportation from Santa Elena is available for approximately $12 USD per person. The park is located 15 to 20 minutes from downtown Santa Elena. A high clearance vehicle is recommended; 4×4 is advised during the rainy season. Travelers planning a multi-day stay will find a curated selection of hotels in Monteverde suited to all budgets and travel styles.
The Sky Walk circuit includes 6 hanging bridges on a 2.5 km (1.5 mile) trail. Uniquely, this is the only hanging bridge park in Monteverde with two loop options: a shorter inner loop covering 4 bridges in 1 to 1.5 hours, and the full outer loop covering all 6 bridges in approximately 2 hours.
This makes it particularly practical for visitors with young children or limited time. The longest bridge measures 236 meters (774 feet) and reaches up to 50 meters (164 feet) above the forest floor, making it the longest hanging bridge in Costa Rica. The park operates across nearly 300 acres, of which only 5% has been developed, with the remaining land maintained as protected cloud forest habitat.
Established in 1997, this was the original hanging bridge park in Costa Rica. The park also offers zip-lining (7 cables with automatic braking), a Tree Tram aerial gondola, and a tree climbing course.
Best For: Visitors who want the longest hanging bridge in Costa Rica, families who appreciate flexible trail options, and those who want to combine bridges with zip-lining and a gondola ride all in one park. The two-loop structure makes it easier to cut the experience short if needed.
Wildlife to Watch For: Resplendent quetzals have been spotted by lucky visitors near this park. Monkeys are frequently heard and occasionally seen on the bridge cables. Hummingbirds, sloths, and various cloud forest bird species are common sightings with a guide.
#4 Selvatura Park, Monteverde
Not to be outdone, Selvatura also offers a myriad of experiences, combining its hanging-bridge-trail with a thrilling zip-lining course, as well as a butterfly, hummingbird and herpetarium enclosure. It should take you about 2.5 hrs for a visit and you should expect to cross eight stunning hanging bridges. Self-guided and guided tours are available and open to all ages although, unfortunately, there are no night-time visits offered here.
NB – There’s something magical about the cloud forest views here and, what’s more, an entry ticket included round-trip transport, which is handy. If that; snot enough, you also have the option to add a zip-line tour!
Practical Details
Open daily from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Self-guided hanging bridges entry starts at $43 USD for adults, $39 USD for those under 18, and $30 USD for children aged 4 to 12, with children under 4 entering free. Guided Natural History Walk tours cost $77 USD per adult and $53 USD for children ages 4 to 11 (2025 to 2026 pricing). Guided tours depart at 8:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 2:30 PM and last approximately 2.5 hours.
Complimentary hotel transportation from Monteverde area properties is included with the purchase of the guided tour or zip-line tour. The park is located approximately 15 minutes from Santa Elena by car. The first half of the road is paved; the second half is an unpaved road with some stones and potholes, though no 4×4 is required.
Selvatura features 8 suspension bridges on a 3 km (1.9 mile) trail. The bridges range from 57 to 157 meters in length and between 17 and 34 meters in height, offering some of the most varied bridge heights of any park in Monteverde. Selvatura sits at the highest elevation point in the Monteverde region, just before the entrance to the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve.
This elevation produces the most dramatic cloud coverage and panoramic canopy views of any bridge park in the area. The park is certified by the Federated College of Engineers and Architects of Costa Rica, ensuring bridge structural integrity.
Each bridge is designed to hold 50 to 80 people at once. In addition to the bridges, Selvatura is home to one of the largest butterfly gardens in Central America, a sloth sanctuary center, a herpetarium, and a hummingbird garden. El Jardín Restaurant on site serves traditional Costa Rican cuisine.
Best For: Families who want the widest variety of nature attractions in one place (bridges, butterflies, sloths, reptiles, ziplining, hummingbirds), and visitors who prioritize the most spectacular cloud forest canopy views in Monteverde. The free hotel pickup also makes logistics easier for those without a rental car.
Wildlife to Watch For: Owing to its position next to the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, Selvatura offers some of the best chances to spot the resplendent quetzal in this region, particularly from January through April. Guided hiking through the adjacent reserve is one of the most reliable ways to increase quetzal sighting chances at this elevation.
Monkeys, sloths (visible in the sanctuary), hummingbirds, and over 900 species of birds inhabit the surrounding reserve.
#5 100% Aventuras, Monteverde
This remarkable nature reserve offers half-day guided visits that combine both ground-level trails with eight hanging bridges, for a very comprehensive forest experience. The trail is about 2-mile long and although it does require moderate fitness, it isn’t too demanding. You also have the option of a 10-line zip-line tour, as well as ATV, rappelling and rope swings.
NB – You can go nuts with all the adrenaline-packed adventures here OR simply take a leisurely walk along the hanging bridge trail, which is suitable for all ages. The choice is yours!
Practical Details
Located approximately 4.5 km (2.8 miles) from Santa Elena town center on the road toward Arenal, a 15-minute drive. Daily tour slots are offered at 8:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 2:00 PM. Advance reservation is required. The park combines 8 hanging bridges with nature trails across a 3 km (1.9 mile) guided circuit.
In addition to hanging bridges, 100% Aventuras is home to one of the longest single zip-line cables in Latin America and also offers ATV tours, rappelling, and rope swing activities, making it the most activity-diverse park in the Monteverde area.
Best For: Travelers who want to combine hanging bridges with the most adrenaline-intensive activity lineup in Monteverde. This is the park for groups with mixed interests, where some members want a peaceful walk on the bridges while others want to launch down a record-length zip-line cable.
Wildlife to Watch For: Cloud forest bird species, howler monkeys, and a variety of insects and amphibians are common on the trail. As with all Monteverde parks, mornings offer the best wildlife visibility before the clouds thicken mid-afternoon.
Montezuma Waterfall Canopy Tour Trail, Nicoya Peninsula
Head west to Nicoya and you can take a walking trail to Montezuma’s beautiful waterfalls on a short but rewarding excursion. The three-tiered falls are just lovely, immersed in wilderness whilst also offering a great chance for a swim. This is a local hang-out and totally off the commercialized-trail. There are two ways to reach the falls: one along a riverside trail and the other (the one you’ll want) is on a canopy trail that’s easily accessible. The Sun Trails canopy tour isn’t just a super easy way to reach the top falls (so you don’t need to tackle the steep climb up from the riverside trail) but it also guides you over a couple of outstanding hanging bridges. A thrilling zip-line tour is also available if you want to add an adrenaline-rush to your visit. This no-bling option is perfect for nature-lovers who prefer a more rustic hanging bridge experience and, obviously, those who are planning an adventure vacation over on the Nicoya Peninsula.
NB – This is probably the cheapest way to experience hanging bridges because you can access the canopy trail for just a few dollars. Take a guide with you, however, and you’re likely to spot a lot more wildlife than you otherwise would, on your own.
Rainmaker Conservation Park (near Manuel Antonio)
Located approximately 30 to 35 minutes from Manuel Antonio National Park and Quepos, Rainmaker is one of the most underrated nature experiences in Costa Rica. This private biological reserve was originally established for scientific research and is credited with the rediscovery of the Atelopus varius humpback toad, a species that had been declared extinct. Today, it is open to visitors who want a genuine off-the-beaten-path rainforest experience.
The trail system at Rainmaker covers approximately 2.5 km (1.5 miles) through primary rainforest that has never been cleared. Visitors walk alongside the Rio Seco before ascending steep stairs into the forest canopy, where the trail reaches the Canopy Bridge system. This system consists of 6 suspension bridge sections totaling 250 meters, built to U.S. engineering standards.
The bridges are suspended between platforms attached to massive old-growth hardwood trees, giving the experience a distinctly different character from the concrete-path parks in Arenal and Monteverde. From the highest point on the trail, an ocean view of the Pacific coast is visible on clear days.
Self-guided admission is approximately $20 USD per adult, with children 5 and under entering free. Guided tours with round-trip transportation from Manuel Antonio or Quepos hotels are available for approximately $69 USD per person. Night tours are also available starting around 6:30 PM for approximately $60 USD per person and offer an entirely different set of wildlife encounters compared to the daytime experience.
The reserve is typically open from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Reservations can be made by contacting the reserve directly. Note that Mondays should be avoided during high season, as Manuel Antonio National Park is closed on Mondays and Rainmaker is frequently busier as an alternative on those days.
Rainmaker is home to Morpho butterflies, poison dart frogs, squirrel monkeys, howler monkeys, toucans, and over 360 bird species. The reserve also has natural waterfall swimming pools on the lower trail, making this one of the few places in Costa Rica where hanging bridges and waterfall swimming are combined in a single visit.
Best For: Visitors staying near Manuel Antonio or Quepos who want a quieter, more adventurous alternative to the main national park. Rainmaker consistently delivers a more solitary, authentic rainforest experience even in peak season.
Tirimbina Rainforest Reserve (near La Virgen de Sarapiquí)
Located in the Caribbean lowlands north of San José, Tirimbina Reserve features a long suspension bridge over the Sarapiquí River as one of its primary highlights. The reserve covers 345 hectares of primary rainforest and is well regarded for bird watching, chocolate tours, and bat research programs.
Entry fees and hours can be confirmed directly with the reserve, and guided tours are available in multiple languages. This region sees fewer international visitors than Arenal or Monteverde, making Tirimbina a genuinely quiet experience.
Night Tours: A Whole Different World
Several of the parks above offer night tours, and these deserve special attention for visitors who have the flexibility to do one. The hanging bridges at night are a fundamentally different experience from the daytime version.
During the day, the bridges offer canopy views, bird activity, and the occasional mammal sighting. After dark, the entire cast of characters changes. Nocturnal species become active, including red-eyed tree frogs, glass frogs, kinkajous, tarantulas, fer-de-lance snakes, owls, margays, and a range of insects and moths that are never visible in daylight. Certain flowers throughout the parks only open at night.
Guides use specialized lighting equipment to locate animals without causing stress or disorientation to wildlife, and the experience tends to move at a slower, more intimate pace than daytime tours.
Of the parks covered in this guide, Mistico Hanging Bridges Park in Arenal and Rainmaker Conservation Park near Manuel Antonio both offer organized night tours. At Mistico, twilight tours depart at 4:30 PM and full night walks begin at 6:00 PM. At Rainmaker, guided night tours begin around 6:30 PM. Advance booking is essential for both.
One practical note: the stunning views of the Arenal Volcano and the cloud forest canopy that are a highlight of daytime visits are not visible on night tours. Visitors who want both should plan for a daytime visit to one park and a night tour at another, which is entirely achievable within a standard Arenal itinerary.
When to Go and How to Beat the Crowds
Dry Season (December to April) is considered the peak season across Costa Rica. Skies are clearer, making volcano views from Mistico and Skywalk more likely, and trails are drier underfoot. However, this is also when tour vans fill the parking lots at Mistico and other popular parks from mid-morning onward. During peak months like Christmas, New Year, and Easter week, entry slots at Mistico can sell out days in advance.
Rainy Season (May to November) brings lush green vegetation, smaller crowds, and lower accommodation prices. While rain is more frequent, most hanging bridge parks remain open in light rain and the forest is visibly more vibrant. The rainy season is also the best time for bird sightings, as many species are more active. The many advantages of visiting in the rainy season are covered in depth in this guide to the delights of Costa Rica’s green season. Morning visits in the rainy season typically offer a window of clear skies before afternoon showers arrive.
The single best piece of crowd advice: At Mistico, arriving for the 6:00 AM or 6:30 AM slot means walking the bridges in near-complete solitude. By 8:00 AM, the first tour groups have already arrived and the trail atmosphere is noticeably busier.
At Selvatura and Treetopia Park in Monteverde, the 8:00 AM and 8:30 AM tours are the quietest of the day. At all parks, booking at least several days in advance during high season is essential, as capacity limits apply at every property.
Visiting in the Rainy Season: Closed-toe shoes with grip are non-negotiable. Bridge decks and wooden platforms become slippery when wet, and some trails have steep or root-covered sections. A lightweight packable rain jacket is more practical than an umbrella on bridge trails.
What to Bring
Preparation makes a meaningful difference on hanging bridge trails, particularly during the rainy season or for multi-hour walks. The following packing list applies to all parks in this guide:
Closed-toe shoes are mandatory at several parks and strongly recommended at all of them. Sandals are not suitable and some parks will turn visitors away at the gate without proper footwear.
Shoes with rubber grip soles are the best choice for wet bridge decks and forest paths. Footwear recommendations for hanging bridge trails overlap closely with general hiking footwear guidelines for Costa Rica Light, moisture-wicking clothing works best in the heat and humidity of Arenal; in Monteverde’s cloud forest, a light layer and long trousers are advisable due to the higher elevation and cooler temperatures.
Insect repellent is important on all forest trails, particularly near water. Sunscreen is necessary for open bridge sections above the canopy. A packable rain jacket is essential for the rainy season and useful year-round in Monteverde. Binoculars dramatically improve wildlife spotting and are especially valuable with or without a guide.
A refillable water bottle is important as single-use plastic bottles are discouraged at most parks. A camera or smartphone is obviously worthwhile, but remember that bridge decks can sway slightly underfoot, so securing any handheld device with a strap is recommended. No single-use plastic items should be brought into most of the parks.
Wildlife to Watch For
One of the most common questions visitors ask before a hanging bridge visit is what animals they should realistically expect to see. The answer depends on the location, the time of day, the season, and whether a guide is present. Here is a realistic overview by park location.
Arenal (Mistico and Skywalk): Howler monkeys, white-faced capuchin monkeys, spider monkeys (occasionally), agoutis, coatis, sloths (most common early morning and late afternoon), toucans, over 350 bird species, eyelash pit vipers, fer-de-lance snakes, and iguanas.
Arenal is genuinely good for wildlife viewing compared to many Costa Rican parks. A naturalist guide at Mistico increases sighting success significantly because guides know which trees are frequented by particular species on any given day.
Monteverde (Treetopia, Selvatura, 100% Aventuras): The cloud forest is denser and wildlife is harder to spot without a guide. However, the resplendent quetzal is the standout target from January through April and is seen most reliably at Selvatura and Treetopia, particularly early in the morning.
Three-wattled bellbirds, hummingbirds (abundant at all parks), emerald toucanets, howler monkeys, sloths, glass frogs, and leaf-cutter ants are among the most commonly observed species. Monteverde is home to approximately 400 bird species and 100 mammal species. For dedicated bird watchers, a specialist birding tour in Costa Rica significantly increases sighting success across all of these parks.
Rainmaker (Manuel Antonio region): Squirrel monkeys, howler monkeys, scarlet macaws, poison dart frogs, Morpho butterflies, toucans, lizards, and a remarkable diversity of amphibians. The reserve is particularly well known for its frog biodiversity, and night tours here offer some of the best frog-viewing opportunities in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are hanging bridges in Costa Rica safe?
Yes. All commercial hanging bridge parks in Costa Rica are inspected and maintained to high engineering standards. Selvatura Park is certified by the Federated College of Engineers and Architects of Costa Rica (CFIA). Mistico Park limits a maximum of 15 people on any bridge at one time. The bridges are steel-cable suspension structures, not rope bridges, and are designed to sway minimally even with multiple people crossing at once. Visitors who are nervous about heights typically find the experience more comfortable than expected once they are on the bridges.
How long does a hanging bridge visit typically take?
Most parks require between 1.5 and 3 hours for a self-guided walk. With a naturalist guide, most tours run 2.5 to 3 hours. Mistico’s full main trail takes 2 to 3 hours at a comfortable pace. Treetopia’s Sky Walk takes 1 to 2 hours depending on which loop is selected. Selvatura’s self-guided walk runs approximately 1.5 hours, while the guided Natural History Walk runs up to 3 hours.
Can hanging bridges be done without a guide?
Yes, at most parks. Mistico, Skywalk (Treetopia Monteverde), Selvatura, and Rainmaker all offer self-guided entry. Trails are clearly marked with maps available at the entrance. However, a naturalist guide is strongly recommended for anyone prioritizing wildlife spotting, as guides identify animals that most self-guided visitors walk directly past without noticing.
Do hanging bridges move or sway?
Yes, slightly. The metal floor panels of suspension bridges shift under footsteps, producing a gentle teetering sensation rather than dramatic side-to-side swaying. Walking in the center of the bridge, holding both handrails, and moving slowly minimizes movement.
Crossing when fewer other people are on the bridge also reduces swaying. The bridges at Selvatura are described as among the firmest, with movement only noticeable if multiple people jump simultaneously, which is not permitted.
Are hanging bridges suitable for children?
Yes, and most parks welcome all ages. Mistico has a particularly family-friendly layout with paved accessible paths, stroller rentals, and a children’s playground. Children aged 10 and under enter Mistico free of charge. Treetopia’s inner loop option is ideal for families with very young children who may not complete the full circuit. Selvatura is slightly less suitable for very young children on the full guided walk due to some steeper trail sections.
Are hanging bridges accessible for visitors with limited mobility?
Mistico is the most accessible option. It has a paved universal access trail covering approximately 1.5 km with one suspension bridge, and offers electric scooter rentals for visitors who cannot walk the full trail. Selvatura and Treetopia’s trails are generally flat between bridges but have some elevation changes that may be challenging without prior notice. Always contact parks directly in advance for the most current accessibility information.
What is the best time of day to visit wildlife?
Early morning is consistently the best time for wildlife viewing at all parks. Animals are most active in the first two hours after sunrise. At Mistico, the 6:00 AM and 6:30 AM entry slots are the quietest and most wildlife-productive of the day. In Monteverde, the 8:00 AM and 8:30 AM slots offer cooler temperatures and more active bird behavior than midday visits.
Do hanging bridge tours run in the rain?
Yes, at all parks. Wet weather does not close the trails. The rainforest is often at its most atmospheric and wildlife-rich after rainfall, particularly for amphibians and reptiles. Bringing waterproof shoes and a rain jacket is strongly recommended for any visit during the rainy season (May to November) and for Monteverde visits year-round.
Is advance booking required?
For Mistico Hanging Bridges Park, advance booking is strongly recommended and practically essential during peak season, as entry is organized by time slot and capacity is limited. Tickets have sold out on popular dates. Treetopia (Monteverde Sky Walk) does not permit walk-ins without a reservation.
Selvatura recommends advance booking, particularly for guided tours and zip-lining. Sky Adventures Arenal also requires prior reservation. Rainmakers are generally more flexible but contacting them ahead of visit is advisable.
Which hanging bridge park is the best overall?
There is no single answer, as the best choice depends entirely on travel priorities. For the most bridges in one location and the best accessibility: Mistico. For the longest single bridge and a historic pedigree: Treetopia Park Monteverde. For the most dramatic cloud forest views and the best wildlife extras: Selvatura.
For the most activity variety in a single park: Sky Adventures Arenal or 100% Aventuras. For the most authentic, uncrowded experience: Rainmaker near Manuel Antonio.
Costa Rica’s Best Hanging Bridges – Summary
Although we’ve detailed the most famous and popular hanging bridges in Costa Rica, do note that suspension trails are actually found all over the country, and in almost all provinces. Some have even been constructed within the boundaries of private eco-lodges and these lesser-known options can be among the most rewarding.
At Costa Rica Rios, we incorporate hanging bridges tours in many of ouradventure vacation packages and, besides our very popular group tours, we also organize bespoke private tours if you want to have dedicated itinerary and expert guides for you and your loved ones alone. In Costa Rica (and with Costa Rica Rios) everything is possible!
Tortuguero is the most famous and popular destination on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, in the province of Limon, and is the name of both the spectacular turtle reserve (the Tortuguero National Park) and its namesake base town (Tortuguero village). Although only 60-odd miles from the capital, San Jose, Tortuguero is still considered one of the country’s hidden treasures given it’s nestled in the heart of untarnished wilderness and getting there is a little time consuming than would normally be. Yet what makes reaching Tortuguero slightly more hassle is the primary reason it is such an exceptional place: lacking all the major mod-cons of more visited (and easier to reach) hubs like Manuel Antonio and Arenal, makes this a true nature lover’s paradise, clichéd as that may sound. There may not be much in terms of glitz and glamour here but, in return, you get unparalleled biodiversity, exquisite wildlife watching and a nature-enriched experience that you simply won’t find anywhere else.
Tortuguero’s most revered asset is its wilderness, made up of fertile wetlands, dense forests and wild beaches that attract nesting sea turtles. ‘The Place of Turtles’, as the name translates, is turtle watching haven and considered one of the world’s foremost nesting site for four distinct species, namely Leatherback, Loggerhead, Hawksbill and the endangered Green Sea turtles, for which Tortuguero represents the largest nesting site on the planet. Learn more about Turtle Spotting in Costa Rica if that’s your primary reason for visiting Tortuguero.
If all this bounty isn’t enough, there’s also the nifty bonus of Tortuguero enjoying its driest season when the rest of the country is deluged by rain. This is considered the best destination in all of Costa Rica during rain season.
Ready to get to know Tortuguero better? Here are the top things to do there!
Take an early morning canoe trip through the canals
Want the highest chances of spotting wildlife in Tortuguero? Better be an early sloth! Enjoy an early morning guided canoe or kayak trip through the glorious canals and you’ll magically feel the stresses of life just slide right off your back. Spot (and hear) howler and spider monkeys, a cacophony of birds including colorful toucans, macaws, woodpeckers and owls, as well as caimans, river otters, turtles and tapirs and, if you’re exceptionally lucky, even Jesus Christ lizards (yes, the ones that walk on water), jaguars and manatees. The three main priorities here are to paddle yourself (motorized vessels scare off the wildlife), go with an experienced local guide (these guys can spot elusive animals where we see only foliage) and make sure you’re out there by sunrise, when most animals are at their most active. Being Tortuguero village lies a complex maze of canals through the lush wetlands. Tours last about three hours.
Hike up to Cerro Tortuguero
The highest point in Tortuguero is 1,280 feet high and is the collapsed caldera of a now-dormant volcano, the one that has given the area its incredible biodiversity. It may seem like a ‘short stroll’ and in many ways it is, however, the hike can be steep and adrenaline-pumping nonetheless. The reward? All-encompassing and astonishing views across the wetlands and canals. The trail is called Sendero Cerro Tortuguero and is just a 10-minute canoe-ride from town center. It is well marked and you can expect to see plenty of birds and even larger wildlife. As always, you’ll get the most of your visit (and wildlife spotting) by taking a guide with you although it’s not strictly necessary. If you’re happy to enjoy some ‘me’ time and ‘see what you see’ then, by all means, go for it. Boat services are plentiful here as it’s the main mode of transport.
Enjoy walking through the National Park
Walking isn’t really the best way to soak up the wonders of Tortuguero but the national park boasts some lovely trails if you’d love to stretch your legs nonetheless. All trails start from the Visitor Center, range in length and also water levels. Sometimes, you’ll have to wade through water that’s ankle or calf-deep so ask beforehand, especially if travelling with children. Do note that walking alone through this kind of rain-forest is not recommended, so if you don’t want to take a guide then buddy up with other visitors, perhaps from your lodge.
Visit the Sea Turtle Conservancy Visitor Center
This amazing interpretation center is part of the Sea Turtle Conservation Program which studies and protects Tortuguero’s #1 guests. The passionate staff offers great information about the work that’s carried out here, as well as everything related to the nesting habits of the turtles. If visiting during nesting season, best to head here first and foremost. Entrance is just a few dollars and includes a small but information-packed museum and a really fascinating video.
Go for a night-time guided walk to spot Green Turtles and other wildlife
Between the end of June and the first week of October, you’ll have the highest chances of spotting turtles nesting in Tortuguero, one of the most awe-inspiring experiences you can have in all of Costa Rica. Visitors aren’t allowed on the nesting beach past 6 pm during season so you’ll need (and will want) to go with a guide. Another very special spectacle is watching hatchlings zooming down the beach to reach the sea, which happens between seven and 10 weeks after nesting. Given that different species nest at different times, there are some occasions where nesting and hatching overlap. Nocturnal tours are very rewarding even outside nesting season, when you’ll see a multitude of snakes, frogs and other reptiles, as well as sloths and opossums.
Hike in the Tortuguero National Park by day
A gorgeous activity reserved for the driest months, guided walks through Tortuguero are absolutely amazing and offer a different (and much slower) perspective on the local flora and fauna. What makes walking through the park special is the fact that it’s not something you can do all year long – the landscape is quite flat and prone to flooding after rains so it’s very much a dry-season highlight.
One of our four recommended lodges in Tortuguero, Aninga Lodge, boasts a super fun 1 km-long canopy trail that includes half a dozen cables, 11 platforms, several suspension bridges and one exhilarating Tarzan swing. It may not be as hard-core as some of the more famous zip-line sin the west but it is unique in the area and offers a wonderful 1.5 hr-long thrill
Follow our Airport Guide to Costa Rica to see the best entry into the country, whether you’re visiting Tortuguero first or last on your adventure vacation itinerary. No matter where you come from, however, you will need to take a combination of road and boat transport to reach the town and the national park. Getting here is definitely half the adventure!
Who is Best Suited to an Adventurous Tortuguero Experience? Things to Keep in Mind!
Tortuguero isn’t for everyone, as is the case with every destination, all over the world. Some people just don’t enjoy their adventure vacation without at least some glitzy comforts (which is totally understandable) and others automatically envisage idyllic beaches whenever they see any pin mapped on a stretch of Tico coast. But Tortuguero, in all its immense splendorous, doesn’t offer that kind of seaside experience. This ain’t THAT kind of beach. Due to strong tides, this is the least suitable stretch of coast for swimming so although the beach and coastline are magical to admire and photograph, don’t head here expecting an array of water-based sports, because there just aren’t any at all.
To better appreciate and enjoy your journey to Tortuguero, it helps to really understand the uniqueness of this place. If you’re an adventure seeker who doesn’t mind foregoing some creature comforts in order to really immerse yourself in pristine nature (something which isn’t a given everywhere, nowadays) then Tortuguero is for you. If you know that the Limon coast is volcanic and doesn’t boast the ‘dreamy blinding white sands’ of the Pacific, then you will also not be disappointed. Tortuguero isn’t for beach bumming, it’s for those looking for a truly immersive wilderness experience. If you’re a lover of raw wilderness and the excitement of never really knowing what wildlife you’ll see; if you love bird-watching and just want to get away from it all (modernity included) then Tortuguero will definitely tick all your boxes. Want to experience Costa Rican eco-tourism at its very best? Then Tortuguero it is!
Now, having said all that, don’t go imagining a torturous experience! There may not be many gorgeous eco-lodges in Tortuguero, but there are certainly enough to find the one that suits you best. We’ve homed in on the four best Tortuguero hotels that we think suit our clientele best and if you’re dreaming of an unforgettable adventure vacation in Costa Rica, be it for your honeymoon, family or solo trip, we know you’ll find your personal gem among these four excellent options.
Pack accordingly for Tortuguero
Boat travel to and through Tortuguero will greatly limit your luggage capacity so if you’re planning on this being a side trip in Costa Rica, you’ll have to organize luggage storage somewhere else, with the most convenient place being the capital given that’s probably where you’ll be arriving.
At Costa Rica Rios, we can help you plan a unique and memorable adventure vacation in Tortuguero and all over Costa Rica. We run award-winning multi-adventure tours for honeymooners, families and solo travelers. This is our home and our favorite playground and after decades om the business, we’ve perfected the art of planning tailor-made and group tours that soak up the very best this magnificent country has to offer.
So why not come discover Costa Rica with us? See our most popular adventure vacation packages and contact us to know more.
Safety is usually a huge priority for anyone planning an adventure vacation in Costa Rica. And if it isn’t then it definitely should be. The country of a million adventure sports is an active traveler’s dream with such exciting activities as zip-lining, whitewater rafting, abseiling, horseback riding and mountain biking appearing on the daily itinerary of all adventure seekers heading our way. Yet as exciting as all this may be, it’s easy to often overlook the safety aspect of such endeavors.
To this end, here are a few recommendations to help you plan your unforgettable (and safe!) adventure vacation in Costa Rica:
Do Your Research Before…So You Don’t Have To Worry During Your Vacation
The main reason so many people overlook the safety aspect of adventure-filled vacation is because it’s a totally boring subject to contemplate, especially at a time when one is fantasizing about swinging between jungle treetops and rappelling down raging waterfalls. Yet although the chances of something going awry is minuscule, endeavoring to ensure your utmost safety before you even get on the plane means you need not worry about DURING your trip. This is what everyone should be aiming for: make safety a priority during the planning stage (ensuring you are able to actually partake in some extreme sports and choosing the right adventure travel company) and you need not question yourself during the trip.
Choose An Adventure Company You Know You Can Trust. Once You Do, Listen To Them and TELL Them of Any Health Issues
The adventure travel company you choose should be well-renowned and boast an excellent safety record and plenty of client reviews. Once you’ve made your pick, trust them wholeheartedly. These are the guys that know best.
There are certain health issues that may prevent you from partaking in some of Costa Rica’s most coveted activities. You may not know what they are but your tour company definitely should, so disclose any issues you may have (including medication you may be taking) and let them guide you towards the right activities for you. Moreover, trust that your guides know their job and have your safety (and that of your travelling group) as their top priority, above and beyond anything else. Sometimes, they’ll ask you to wear specific shoes for certain activities or remover jewelry and leave your camera behind. Some activities have age restrictions. All of this is done purely for safety reasons so, please, listen to the recommendations of your guide and, even if you don’t understand the reasons behind certain restrictions, always follow them. By all means, do ask for explanations if you so wish and if you’re not in a situation of immediate danger (in which case follow directions first and ask questions later) as guides do appreciate explaining their safety protocols. The best agencies will have top-notch equipment of the highest standard and experienced and well-trained guides that know their chosen pocket of wilderness like the back of their hands. They’ll know to continually check the weather forecast and have contingency plans in place should anything negatively impact the day’s intended activity.
Make Sure You’ve Had No Alcohol and Are Well Rested Before Attempting Any Outdoor Activity in Costa Rica
When having a blast in Costa Rica’s wilderness, it’s imperative that you – just like your guides – be at the top of your game and that means you should be well rested and not suffering under the influence of alcohol or drugs of any kind. You’d be surprised at just how uncoordinated you can be being only a little bit tired, let alone a little bit hungover. Your reaction times are delayed and your overall physical performance will suffer greatly if you aren’t feeling 100%. If in doubt, speak to your guide about what’s required of you on the day and take a rain check to rest instead. This way, your safety will never be compromised.
Make Sure You Have Comprehensive Health Insurance That Covers All The Activities You Want To Do
No matter how many precautions you may take when travelling to Costa Rica, something can always happen and for that reason it is imperative you arrive with a fully comprehensive travel insurance policy to cover you for all eventualities. Should you suffer an injury during your adventure tour of Costa Rica (rare but not impossible), the last thing you’ll want to worry about is whether or not your travel insurance will cover all of your expenses. As we love to say: if you can’t afford insurance, you can’t afford to travel! Make sure your insurance policy will cover your intended activities specifically. Many standard travel policies will not cover for adventure sports, for example, so make sure you have a policy that does.
At Costa Rica Rios, we take your safety seriously and that’s part of the reason National Geographic voted us one of the Best Adventure Travel Companies (on Earth). We’ve been running fully-guided adventure tours in Costa Rica for over two decades, using world-class equipment and employing the best guides in the business. For your unparalleled safety and peace of mind, we are your safety guides for Costa Rica adventures. When only the best will do!
You’d have to be hailing from another planet to not know that Costa Rica adventures is one of the best playgrounds in the world if adrenaline-pumping adventure vacations are what you seek.
Yet for many first-time visitors, the options seem a little overwhelming. What does one do in Costa Rica? And does one need to be an expert athlete to enjoy all these adventure sports everyone raves about? These are the kind of questions we often field here at Costa Rica Rios so we thought we’d compile a concise guide to introduce newcomers to Costa Rica’s most phenomenal adventures.
The main thing that should be highlighted is the fact that the primary reason Costa Rica is so revered as a sport-lover’s paradise is that all its most exhilarating activities are actually gradual and there are always options for beginners, intermediates and experts. This means you can SUP and surf if you don’t even know which end of the board is front, raft if you’ve never held a paddle in your hand and hike if you’ve never been on a wilderness trail. You can snorkel with the kids, learn a new sport with them and take grandma on a leisurely walk in a rain forest following a perfectly-kept trail. Costa Rica in this, and many other regards, is just ideal.
And given the fact that all of the best activities are offered by almost all of its amazing resorts, lodges and hotels, it also means you can book a group vacation even if one of your friends only wishes to sunbathe by the pool. On an organized group adventure tour, you can whitewater-raft whilst your friend hikes, surf whiles they snorkel and hike when they mountain-bike ride, still enjoying plenty of time together yet still relishing the activity you enjoy most.
The perfect vacation destination, for anyone?
Yes…we think so too!
Here are just some of the top activities Costa Rica offers to adrenaline-lovers:
Whitewater Rafting & Kayaking
The country’s #1 adventure sport offers two of the best aspects for which Costa Rica is so revered: super fun sports and insanely pristine wilderness. On a white-knuckle adrenaline-rush rafting expedition, you’ll be immersed in nature for as long, and as deeply, as you wish. What makes rafting here so special is that the country’s multitude of rivers offers a kaleidoscope of options. Raft for 2 hours or 2 days, choose Grade I rapids if you’re a novice or Grade V challenges if you’re a pro. Stay in a stunning resort, camp in the jungle or choose a remote eco-lodge stay instead. The variations and possibilities are simply so many. On a whitewater rafting adventure vacation, you’ll come across endemic wildlife and enjoy an exhilarating adventure in some of the world’s most revered forests and jungles, all the while having the absolute time of your life. Sound fun? You’re right!
Check out our Whitewater Rafting page to know more. Wish to try whitewater-kayaking instead? Oh yeah…we’ve got you covered too. Costa Rica is renowned as one of the best whitewater sports’ destinations on the planet. This is the place you need to tick off if whitewater-rafting and kayaking have been on your bucket list for years.
Zip Lining
You’ve no doubt heard about Costa Rica’s zip line canopy tours, even if you’re not an avid sporty adventurer. The country’s immense swaths of pristine forests, and propensity for fun, has spawned an industry on which its reputation for adventure vacation was built. Zip lining is what most visitors want to try in Costa Rica, first and foremost and the totally safe and crazy fun activity is suitable for those with no prior experience, making it suitable for people of all ages who want to try something ‘out there’ and add some serious oomph to their vacation.
Given the popularity, zip line tours are offered in various locations, all of which will see you reach dizzying heights and fly (gravity assisted) over rivers, gorges and luscious wilderness. Many zip lining trails include aerial trams, hanging bridges and walks through glorious nature reserves. Different zip line tours also offer varying levels of death-defying flying, some of which are perfect if you’re a consummate thrill-seeker. Check out our Zip line Guide to learn about the exciting options you and your family will love.
Mountain Biking
A multitude of hiking trails in Costa Rica are dubbed ‘the best mountain biking trails on the planet’ and we couldn’t help but agree. From cloud forest ascents to volcano descents, jungle discoveries and seaside exploring: this entire country just screams to be discovered on two wheels! Our favorite best mountain biking trails span the width and length of Costa Rica, from a colossal 250-mile challenge that’ll stretch the abilities of the pros to more leisurely (and much shorter!) single-track trails that offer fabulous views the entire way. If you love pumping those legs and discovering a new country under the power of your own steam, check out our Mountain-biking Guide for inspiration.
Hiking
Hiking may not, at first, appear to be an adrenaline sport but let us tell you: hiking to the crater of a vertiginous dormant volcano in Costa Rica will set your pulse racing like few other activities! In a country whose prime aim is to preserve wilderness and make it accessible to visitors, hiking is, by far, the single most popular thing to do.
There are places you can reach on foot that simply can’t be reached in any other way, all the while indulging in wildlife spotting, soaking up the stunning scenery and stopping in remote villages seemingly removed from civilization. Hiking is splendidly rewarding in Costa Rica and, due to the sheer concentration of reserves and national parks, offered everywhere. Well-kept trails and good signage make hiking safe and fun and the variety of trails suits everyone: from those looking for a leisurely stroll to avid trekkers wanting to head off for days on end.
Hiking removes barriers with the pristine nature of Costa Rica and the slow speed allows you to stop, admire, spot and enjoy. This country is home to secret trails and famous ones, walks that are suitable for families and arduous trails best attempted by experienced hikers. No matter what kind of hiking experience you’re after, you’ll definitely find your ideal destination here.
Surfing
Just because you’re an adventure seeker and adrenaline-lover, it probably doesn’t mean you won’t enjoy spending at least a portion of your Costa Rica vacation lazing in one of its most pristine beaches. Because who wouldn’t? Well, you’ll be happy to know that when it comes to adventure vacations in this gloriously sunny land, there’s still plenty of action to be had at the beach.
Revered as a surfing mecca and favored by some of the world’s best pro-surfers who head here to practice and chillax in equal measure, Costa Rica’s coasts are tailor-made for surfing. The best spots are along the Pacific Coast, where many wicked stretches of surf are renowned for their strong currents and barrel waves, which make them ideal for surfing but not for swimming or snorkeling. What that means is that once you hit the waves, you’ll only be sharing them with fellow surfers.
Although home to some of the most challenging and dangerous surfing beaches on the planet, there are still bucketloads of calmer coves where surfing schools have set up camp with the aim to help newbies get acquainted with the sport. This translates into a kaleidoscope of options for everyone, whether you’ve never been on a board, can somewhat stand up or can surf with a blindfold. Check out our Guide to the Best Surfing Locations in Costa Rica for options and our general Surfing Guide to learn how easy it is to include a day (or week) of surfing in your adventure vacation itinerary.
But wait…there’s more! From fishing trips to bird-watching excursions, SUP lessons, canyoneering, ATV riding, hot-spring soaking and even culinary-feasting (if you do it like us it IS an adrenaline sport!) Costa Rica offers adventure-seekers a world of fun, rewarding and totally unforgettable options. That’s why at Costa Rica Rios, we’ve designed award-winning multi-sport adventure tours whose sole aim is to shake you right out of your routine-boots, give you a titillating taste of all the exhilarating fun you can have here and offer as comprehensive an adventure as humanly possible. A little bit of everything with plenty of cultural flavors thrown in for good measure and overnight stays in some of the most charming lodges you’ll ever see.
We like to pride ourselves in offering the most comprehensive week-long adventure vacation packages in all of Costa Rica. Because we believe that if you work hard you also like to play hard. We dig that! Although to be fair, we probably shouldn’t take all the credit for concocting adrenaline-pumping itineraries that blow the socks off our guests, time and again. After all, coming up with dozens of ways to totally enjoy the country’s dramatic landscapes, like kayaking, zip-lining, mountain biking, canyoning, whitewater rafting, snorkeling, surfing, and trekking, is child’s play. But offering up such phenomenal backdrops? That’s the real skill.
And Costa Rica does that with unabashed abandon.
The most exhilarating, varied and enticing country in Central America is a playground the likes of which you simply won’t see anywhere else. In any other region of the world, you’d have to travel thousands of miles, and rack up multiple passport stamps, in order to do all THAT, in a single vacation.
So fine, let’s call it a draw. Costa Rica provides the breathtaking wilderness, and we’ll pack the gear.
Now the only thing that’s missing is you.
Rafting, Kayaking, and Canoeing Fun
Enjoying the kaleidoscope of Costa Rica’s whitewater rivers is about as much fun as you can have in the water, without actually drowning. But don’t worry, there are rapids and waters to suit all skills and death-wishes, so if you have neither nor, you could always opt to explore a secluded mangrove or pristine seaside inlet instead.
No matter where you go, you’ll always be accompanied by pristine rain forests teeming with wildlife, although perhaps only on the more sedate outings will you have the steel nerves to actually take a pause, and spot the sloth. Seriously, this is the most enthralling adventure activity in the country, absolute bucket-loads of fun in a group, and arguably the main reason why we’d include three days in your week-long vacation to Costa Rica dedicated to these water-based extreme sports. And we were just kidding about the death wish! Believe it or not, we’ll have you conquering grade IV rapids even if you have absolutely no prior experience at all. Now doesn’t that sound like a tempting challenge?
Canyoning
If you thought that rapids and waterfalls are scary enough to face on a raft, wait till we politely coerce you to jump off them! Canyoning is the term used to describe an insanely fun ‘hike’ through a canyon. Except the hiking is replaced by rappelling, scrambling over rocks, and jumping down waterfalls. And said canyon is filled with raging crystalline waters. But aside that, it’s really just a walk through a remote and remarkable canyon. Nothing more, nothing less. Wear water shoes and quick dry clothing and you’ll be totally fine. Promise. Who wouldn’t be, sliding headfirst down a vertiginous waterfall?
Zip-lining
Think your pulse will stop racing once you’re out of the water? Think again! As soon as you’re dry and have caught your breath, we’ll tie you safe, hoist you up the tree tops and send you flying at breakneck speed through some of the world’s most ancient rain forest.
Your challenge will be to see how many toucans, hornbills, monkeys and sloths you can spot as you zoom above and beside them all. With a collection of zip-lines and suspension bridges, you can explore the Costa Rican wilderness from a totally different angle. This is the most famous zip-lining destination in the world, a place where you could almost fly from one side of the country to another, Spiderman-style, without ever touching the ground. With its impeccable safety record and outstanding scream-value (yes, you will scream like a 12yo girl at a Justin Bieber concert and it’s ok, everybody does) zip-lining is your ultimate adrenaline-packed adventure in paradise.
Mountain Biking
Perhaps you’ll feel more comfortable on two wheels. Then how about some mountain biking? That would be gravity-assisted downhill biking, on a speedy descent over 9,000 feet long, from the top of Irazu Volcano to the luscious depths of the cloud forest below.
Past verdant valleys teeming with gorgeous villages and outstanding scenery of wild-flower covered hills. This one doesn’t even hurt the legs (due to the lack of pedaling needed) so it can almost be considered a very relaxing pursuit. Almost.
Snorkeling & Surfin’
Just when you thought it was safe to get back in the water…
Ending your adventure-filled week in Costa Rica and indulging in a few relaxing days on a simply perfect beach is heaven on earth. No, really. We won’t be feeding you to sharks or anything! Snorkeling and surfing are the favored pursuits for beach bums who can’t sit still. There is really no better way to work on the tan and enjoy the water than by picking up a new skill, whether that be to stand on a surf or paddle board, or gaining a deeper understanding of the endemic sea life that inhabits the country’s premier reefs. Stunning seaside resorts and eco-lodges allow you the luxury of indulging in incredible comforts while still feeling immensely close to nature.
From single adventurers to groups of friends, extended families, and honeymooners: our week-long adventure vacation packages can be tweaked to suit all tastes, ages and fitness levels. So if you think it’s impossible to fit in that much fun in a single week…we really do need to have a chat.
Adventure, culture, pristine wilderness and amazing wildlife: a vacation in iconic Costa Rica is an incredible kaleidoscope of unique experiences found nowhere else on earth.
It’s about discovering an amazing culture that’s warm and welcoming, about finding a slice of unspoiled paradise close to home, and about creating unforgettable memories.
Whether it’s the first time you’re visiting Costa Rica – or the 100th – you’ll find a myriad of iconic experiences and activities in which to indulge.
Here are our favorite five:
Overnight in an Eco-Lodge
Costa Rica is considered to be the birthplace of the eco-lodge and it’s indeed here that you’ll find some of the most amazing jungle lodges in the world, built with recycled local materials and run with environmental sustainability, resourcefulness and conscientiousness in mind.
The most famous lodges in the country have won multiple awards, thanks to their commitment to conservation of the local wilderness, support of local indigenous communities and relentless protection of the endemic wildlife. Spending at least one night in one of these awe-inspiring lodges is about as iconic as Costa Rica can get, and a chance for you to experience pure Costa Rican wilderness in comfort and luxury, all the while knowing you’re contributing to a truly amazing side of tourism.
Check out: Lapa Rios for superb luxury, Pacuare Lodge for adventure (want to white water raft to reach the lodge? You can!) and Luna Nueva, on the base of Arenal Volcano, for breathtaking views.
Soak in a Natural Hot Spring
If there’s one thing this country is renowned for, aside eco-lodges, it would have to be therapeutic natural hot springs. Coast Rica is literally bursting with them! While some, like the über-famous Tabacón Hot Springs, have become bona fide tourist meccas and boast a multitude of facilities, others still offer remote, wild, and unspoiled soaks. Stumbling upon these by pure chance is priceless. Due to the country’s volcanic landscape, there are a near infinite number of small natural spring and mud pools strewn about. It’s always worthwhile asking in a village for the local thermal pool, as this is how you’ll discover the least touristy sites.
Check out: Tabacón for a soak with a view and delectable cocktails, Vandara if you want to add a horseriding and ziplining adventure to your jaunt, and Eco Termales for a much more intimate experience.
Learn to Surf
Few places in the world offer the chance to learn a new skill while enjoying superlative, unique and unspoilt scenery. Head to Costa Rica a swimmer and you can well come home a bona fide surfer! You’ll find easily accessible beaches here, along with professional surfing crew and plenty of options; from all inclusive learn-to-surf vacations (where accommodation, meals and daily surf lessons are included in the price) to random one-off lessons you can take at any time and at short notice. Costa Rica has it all!
Check out: the various surfing schools in Nosara if you want a mix of surf lessons and amazing yoga classes on the side (this is Costa Rica’s yoga central!), the über-popular Witchs’ Rock Surf Camp in Tamarindo for a full-immersion experience, and head to Pointbreak Surf School in Guanacaste for one-on-one and group lessons, especially aimed at novices.
Go on a Kayaking & White Water Rafting Adventure
Costa Rica is all about adventures out in nature, and if you’re one of those people who love to be thrown in the heart of the action, all at once, then a combo kayak & rafting adventure is for you. This country boasts the kind of landscape that’s just perfect for waterborne activities whether out to sea or along a pristine river, so you’ll find the ideal spot to rappel down waterfalls, raft class V rapids, kayak or canoe for days on end.
Check out: The best in the game, of course! Join us on an 8-day kayak and canoe adventure over class II, III, IV and V rapids, as we show you how adventurous and exciting ‘our’ home is. For an incredibly comprehensive week-long adventure, then how about our Week of Adventure, where we promise to put you through your paces as we zipline, kayak, surf, snorkel, mountain bike ride and raft over a tremendously varied landscape.
Watching Turtles Nesting
There’s something utterly mesmerizing about watching colonies of sea turtles coming to shore to nest, and colossal waves of tiny hatchlings trying to find their way to the sea. To animal lovers the world over, this is one of the most unforgettable spectacles of Mother Nature. Time your visit just right and you can admire the nesting or hatching of sea turtles, under the light of a full moon. Turtles absolutely love Costa Rica, its idyllic waters and prime nesting spots so here you’ll find numerous nesting sites, country wide.
Check out: Tortuguero National Park is the unrivalled headquarters of nesting and if you visit here between March and October you’ll see four different turtle species digging new homes for their babies. Head to the Las Baulas National Park from October until March and you’ll see Tamarindo awash with these incredible creatures.
You might be surprised to know that Costa Rica Rios isn’t just in the vacation travel business. They take their role in your adventure much more seriously than that. Costa Rica Rios is raising the stakes by offering breathing room, well deserved time off, family bonding time, courage, confidence and long lasting memories.
When you book with Costa Rica Rios, get ready to choose your own adventure amidst breathtaking scenery and heart pounding activities. Turn your next vacation into the trip of a lifetime including luxurious lodging, thrilling activities and delicious local flavor. They’ve put together the perfect team, the best tours and the most exciting adventure imaginable. But what is it that really sets them apart from any other exotic vacation destination?
Dedicated Staff
Costa Rica Rios receives more compliments regarding their staff than anything else. All staff are English-speaking customer service professionals with a passion for adventure and putting smiles on people’s faces. With a strong emphasis on training, on-going education and a positive company culture, Costa Rica Rios can confidently say they have world-class employees who put safety first.
Choices, Choices and More Choices
There are many types of vacation packages available, including an option to customize every aspect to your personal taste. With an abundance of exhilarating activities available, you are sure to find something that appeals to everyone in your group. If you like to relax, soak up the sun and gaze on the gorgeous tropical landscape, you can enjoy an afternoon at the beach, horseback riding, guided tours and more. If adventure runs through your veins then try zip lining, white water rafting or kayaking. Make your vacation the perfect blend of thrills and chills.
Sustainable Travel
Costa Rica Rios wants to make sure that future generations get to enjoy this land and all of its majestic beauty just as you are about to. That is why they have dedicated themselves to the idea of sustainable travel. This dedication includes not only supporting the environment but the local residents as well. Providing a share of their profits to 1% for the planet is just one way Costa Rica Rios gives back. They also have many processes put in place to reduce, reuse and recycle in everything they do. This includes staff training as well. In doing so, they are ensuring the your great grandchildren can come vacation in Costa Rica someday.
If your future vacation plans are taking you to Costa Rica then you’re in for some amazing meals! Known for their mild yet flavorful cuisine, the food in Costa Rica is both homey and healthy. For many vacationers the main attraction to a specific area is the food (and special dishes do make up a larger portion of our identifying cultures). You’ll enjoy many meals with your family and fellow travelers as you enjoy the beautiful land of Costa Rica.
The City of Costa Rica has put millions of dollars into its tourism and since people from all over the world vacation there, you can find and taste just about any type of food you want. But, if you’re looking for authentic cuisine you’re going to love the local fare as well. Rice and beans are a staple that are served at just about every meal, including breakfast! You’ll also find a heavy use of plantain, from the banana family, which can be fried, mashed, cooked into chips or made into soup.
A typical breakfast features rice and black beans, eggs, tortillas, fried plantains and a big cup of coffee! Main meat dishes use pork or beef but you can also get chicken and fish (especially along the coast).
Although the meals can be starchy, the use of an abundance of fruits and vegetables and lack of dairy products make this a fairly healthy nutritional region. The tropical fruits and veggies found in Costa Rica will make meal time fun and educational for the whole family, not to mention delicious! You’ll have plenty of fresh papaya, guava, watermelon and coconut to eat! In fact, coconut is another “Tico” favorite and is featured in many dishes.
Costa Rica’s main export is coffee, and rich bold coffee is available everywhere you look. It’s a caffeine lover’s dream vacation! Served black or with milk, the fresh beans are hard to beat. Another local special you can enjoy while shopping in the tourists districts is Agua de pipa (quite literally a young green coconut with a straw). Suffice to say, you will be well feed during your Costa Rica Rios Adventure Vacation!
Wind back the history-clock a few decades and you’d see a bunch of curious scientists studying unique flora and fauna in the remotest nooks of Costa Rica’s virgin 
Hanging bridges get you up close and personal with what is, essentially, impenetrable wilderness. When you leave the walking trails behind (or rather, below), you enter a whole different kind of natural kingdom, one that you wouldn’t otherwise ever get to see. Hanging bridges often stretch across deep valleys and gorges, places you’d need hours of hard 
Every single one of Costa Rica’s best hanging bridges offers something unique and, for many, the choice simply comes down to convenience. Where you choose to base yourself, or travel to, will likely have a big impact on your ultimate choice. Having said that, some people specifically seek the longest trail or the one with the most bridges or, in the case of two options below, the one with the most ‘extras’ like zip-line, hummingbird garden and so forth.
Head west to Nicoya and you can take a walking trail to Montezuma’s beautiful waterfalls on a short but rewarding excursion. The three-tiered falls are just lovely, immersed in wilderness whilst also offering a great chance for a swim. This is a local hang-out and totally off the commercialized-trail. There are two ways to reach the falls: one along a riverside trail and the other (the one you’ll want) is on a canopy trail that’s easily accessible. The Sun Trails canopy tour isn’t just a super easy way to reach the top falls (so you don’t need to tackle the steep climb up from the riverside trail) but it also guides you over a couple of outstanding hanging bridges. A thrilling zip-line tour is also available if you want to add an adrenaline-rush to your visit. This no-bling option is perfect for nature-lovers who prefer a more rustic hanging bridge experience and, obviously, those who are planning an adventure vacation over on the Nicoya Peninsula.
Tortuguero is the most famous and popular destination on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, in the province of Limon, and is the name of both the spectacular turtle reserve (the Tortuguero National Park) and its namesake base town (Tortuguero village). Although only 60-odd miles from the capital, San Jose, Tortuguero is still considered one of the country’s hidden treasures given it’s nestled in the heart of untarnished wilderness and getting there is a little time consuming than would normally be. Yet what makes reaching Tortuguero slightly more hassle is the primary reason it is such an exceptional place: lacking all the major mod-cons of more visited (and easier to reach) hubs like Manuel Antonio and Arenal, makes this a true nature lover’s paradise, clichéd as that may sound. There may not be much in terms of glitz and glamour here but, in return, you get unparalleled biodiversity, exquisite wildlife watching and a nature-enriched experience that you simply won’t find anywhere else.
Tortuguero’s most revered asset is its wilderness, made up of fertile wetlands, dense forests and wild 
Want the highest chances of spotting wildlife in Tortuguero? Better be an early sloth! Enjoy an early morning guided canoe or kayak trip through the glorious canals and you’ll magically feel the stresses of life just slide right off your back. Spot (and hear) howler and spider monkeys, a cacophony of birds including colorful toucans, macaws, woodpeckers and owls, as well as caimans, river otters, turtles and tapirs and, if you’re exceptionally lucky, even Jesus Christ lizards (yes, the ones that walk on water), jaguars and manatees. The three main priorities here are to paddle yourself (motorized vessels scare off the wildlife), go with an experienced local guide (these guys can spot elusive animals where we see only foliage) and make sure you’re out there by sunrise, when most animals are at their most active. Being Tortuguero village lies a complex maze of canals through the lush wetlands. Tours last about three hours.
Walking isn’t really the best way to soak up the wonders of Tortuguero but the national park boasts some lovely trails if you’d love to stretch your legs nonetheless. All trails start from the Visitor Center, range in length and also water levels. Sometimes, you’ll have to wade through water that’s ankle or calf-deep so ask beforehand, especially if travelling with children. Do note that walking alone through this kind of rain-forest is not recommended, so if you don’t want to take a guide then buddy up with other visitors, perhaps from your lodge.
This amazing interpretation center is part of the Sea Turtle Conservation Program which studies and protects Tortuguero’s #1 guests. The passionate staff offers great information about the work that’s carried out here, as well as everything related to the nesting habits of the turtles. If visiting during nesting season, best to head here first and foremost. Entrance is just a few dollars and includes a small but information-packed museum and a really fascinating video.
Between the end of June and the first week of October, you’ll have the highest chances of spotting turtles nesting in Tortuguero, one of the most awe-inspiring experiences you can have in all of Costa Rica. Visitors aren’t allowed on the nesting beach past 6 pm during season so you’ll need (and will want) to go with a guide. Another very special spectacle is watching hatchlings zooming down the beach to reach the sea, which happens between seven and 10 weeks after nesting. Given that different species nest at different times, there are some occasions where nesting and hatching overlap. Nocturnal tours are very rewarding even outside nesting season, when you’ll see a multitude of snakes, frogs and other reptiles, as well as sloths and opossums.
Tortuguero isn’t for everyone, as is the case with every destination, all over the world. Some people just don’t enjoy their adventure vacation without at least some glitzy comforts (which is totally understandable) and others automatically envisage idyllic beaches whenever they see any pin mapped on a stretch of Tico coast. But Tortuguero, in all its immense splendorous, doesn’t offer that kind of seaside experience. This ain’t THAT kind of beach. Due to strong tides, this is the least suitable stretch of coast for swimming so although the beach and coastline are magical to admire and photograph, don’t head here expecting an array of water-based sports, because there just aren’t any at all.
You’d have to be hailing from another planet to not know that Costa Rica adventures is one of the best playgrounds in the world if adrenaline-pumping adventure vacations are what you seek.
The country’s #1 adventure sport offers two of the best aspects for which Costa Rica is so revered: super fun sports and insanely pristine wilderness. On a white-knuckle adrenaline-rush rafting expedition, you’ll be immersed in nature for as long, and as deeply, as you wish. What makes rafting here so special is that the country’s multitude of 
We like to pride ourselves in offering the most comprehensive week-long 
Enjoying the kaleidoscope of Costa Rica’s whitewater rivers is about as much fun as you can have in the water, without actually drowning. But don’t worry, there are rapids and waters to suit all skills and death-wishes, so if you have neither nor, you could always opt to explore a secluded mangrove or pristine seaside inlet instead.
If you thought that rapids and 
Think your pulse will stop racing once you’re out of the water? Think again! As soon as you’re dry and have caught your breath, we’ll tie you safe, hoist you up the tree tops and send you flying at breakneck speed through some of the world’s most ancient rain forest.
Perhaps you’ll feel more comfortable on two wheels. Then how about some mountain biking? That would be gravity-assisted downhill biking, on a speedy descent over 9,000 feet long, from the top of Irazu Volcano to the luscious depths of the cloud forest below.
Ending your adventure-filled week in Costa Rica and indulging in a few relaxing days on a simply perfect beach is heaven on earth. No, really. We won’t be feeding you to sharks or anything! Snorkeling and surfing are the favored pursuits for beach bums who can’t sit still. There is really no better way to work on the tan and enjoy the water than by picking up a new skill, whether that be to stand on a surf or paddle board, or gaining a deeper understanding of the endemic sea life that inhabits the country’s premier reefs. Stunning seaside resorts and eco-lodges allow you the luxury of indulging in incredible comforts while still feeling immensely close to nature.
Adventure, culture, pristine wilderness and amazing wildlife: a vacation in iconic Costa Rica is an incredible kaleidoscope of unique experiences found nowhere else on earth.
Costa Rica is considered to be the birthplace of the eco-lodge and it’s indeed here that you’ll find some of the most amazing jungle lodges in the world, built with recycled local materials and run with environmental sustainability, resourcefulness and conscientiousness in mind.
If there’s one thing this country is renowned for, aside eco-lodges, it would have to be therapeutic natural 
Few places in the world offer the chance to learn a new skill while enjoying superlative, unique and unspoilt scenery. Head to Costa Rica a swimmer and you can well come home a bona fide surfer! You’ll find easily accessible 
Costa Rica is all about adventures out in nature, and if you’re one of those people who love to be thrown in the heart of the action, all at once, then a combo kayak & rafting adventure is for you. This country boasts the kind of landscape that’s just perfect for waterborne activities whether out to sea or along a pristine river, so you’ll find the ideal spot to rappel down 
There’s something utterly mesmerizing about watching colonies of sea turtles coming to shore to nest, and colossal waves of tiny hatchlings trying to find their way to the sea. To animal lovers the world over, this is one of the most unforgettable spectacles of Mother Nature. Time your visit just right and you can admire the nesting or hatching of sea turtles, under the light of a full moon. Turtles absolutely love Costa Rica, its idyllic waters and prime nesting spots so here you’ll find numerous nesting sites, country wide.
