Top Activities on the Ground in Guanacaste and Northwest

Discover hidden waterfalls and jungle trails around the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano on this affordable guided hike from Liberia. Remove the guesswork and see the area’s best-kept secrets with a local guide who knows the way through rain forest, canyons, and rivers. The moderate hike reaches a stunning waterfall and natural swimming pool where you can go for a refreshing swim.

Get an up-close look at Costa Rica's hidden natural wonders on this Rio Celeste and Llanos de Cortes waterfall tour. Follow an expert local guide through breathtaking scenery, rugged trails, and truly beautiful attractions. This is the perfect way to explore outside the city and see what makes Costa Rica a top attraction for nature lovers.

Immerse yourself in the wild volcanic landscapes of the Rincon de la Vieja National Park on this full-day trekking tour. Set out on a moderate 3-hour hike through the jungle and keep a lookout for Howler monkeys, Capuchin monkeys, Toucans, and Coatis along the way. Pass hissing fumaroles, volcanic craters, and bubbling mud pools, then cool off with a swim beneath the Oropendola Waterfall. After re-fuelling with a delicious lunch of Costa Rican cuisine, enjoy a soothing soak in the hot springs and volcanic mud baths of Rio Negro.

La Leona Waterfall is a natural wonder located close to the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano, and it’s the ideal spot to cool off from the heat. With this tour, enjoy a scenic hike through the rainforest to reach the waterfalls, take a swim beneath the mighty falls, and have fun exploring the natural caves, rock formations, and waterfall slides.

Head to the rainforest from Tamarindo on this private all-day excursion with a naturalist guide. Hike to the impressive Rio Celeste waterfall and then go tubing down the river, stopping along the way to swim and spot wildlife including sloths. A local lunch is included. Plus, stop to admire the Tree of Peace, which is more than 500 years old.

Experience the thrill of hiking near one of the most active volcanoes in the Western Hemisphere! On this full-day trip from Guanacaste, get an up-close view of Costa Rica's famous Arenal Volcano and the surrounding tropical landscape. Rejuvenate with a dip in volcanic hot springs and enjoy stellar evening views of the volcano and emerging stars. Round-trip hotel transport from Guanacaste included.

Enjoy the thrill of this all-day adventure that includes some of the best outdoor fun. Get your adrenaline pumping on an exciting zipline tour, horseback riding through epic landscapes, and tubing along a flowing river. This memorable tour includes a visit to natural hot springs, a volcanic mud bath, and a full buffet lunch. It's the best way to experience the natural wonder of Costa Rica!

Grab your passport and head over the border for a whistle-stop tour of Nicaragua’s best bits from Costa Rica. Take in the views from Catarina Volcano, haggle over handicrafts at the Masaya Artisan Market and visit the active Masaya Volcano. After a delicious lunch of typical Nicaraguan cuisine, explore the colonial town of Granada, where you can marvel over the historic architecture and admire views of Mombacho Volcano. Finally, set sail across Lake Nicaragua for a 1-hour sunset cruise, stopping to meet the friendly monkeys of Monkey Island along the way.

Saddle up for a thrilling 2-hour horseback riding adventure from Playa Flamingo and soak up the scenery from the back of a beautiful horse! Look out for Howler monkeys, iguanas, magpie blue jay and parakeets as you amble along rainforest trails or let loose with a gallop along the beach. Best of all: there are a range of horses and trails suitable for all levels, from complete beginners to experienced riders.

Explore the sandy beaches, secluded bays, and jungle-clad shorelines around Playa Hermosa on this afternoon catamaran cruise. Admire the views as you sail along the coast, look out for dolphins and whales, and stop to swim and snorkel in a picturesque bay. While onboard, enjoy a tasty BBQ chicken lunch, grab yourself a drink from the open bar, and watch the sunset as you cruise back to shore.

Watch the sun slip into the Pacific Ocean on a 4-hour sailing tour from the Guanacaste to a white sand beach with remarkable snorkeling. Enjoy unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks as you cast off, and watch for the dolphins, whales and turtles that thrive along the scenic coastline. Drop anchor to explore with a guide or at your own pace, swim alongside brilliant fish and bright coral, then watch the first stars appear as you steer back towards the shore.

Explore Tamarindo’s beaches and dry forest on an off-road ATV tour with river crossings, mountain views, and stunning tropical scenery. Learn to maneuver your vehicle, then follow your guide along a rugged circuit. Take in the sights and sounds of the Costa Rican forest and watch for birds and monkeys as you steer beneath coastal trees. Upgrade your tour to include other activities such as snorkeling, driving a UTV, ziplining, or even exploring other areas by ATV.

Set sail in the afternoon and take in views of the Costa Rican coastline on this tour. On board a comfortable catamaran, you’ll have the chance to spot local sea life such as whales, dolphins, turtles, rays, and seabirds. The tour also includes time to swim and snorkel or simply relax on the boat. On the sail back to Playas del Coco, you’ll catch sight of the sunset from the water.

Explore one of the world’s most diverse collections of species gathered in one place with a visit to the animal sanctuary at Diamante Eco Adventure Park in Guanacaste. From adorable three-toed sloths to scaly reptiles and sleek jungle cats, see an amazing array of animals rescued by the Costa Rican Ministry of Wildlife, and learn about the park’s conservation projects. The naturally designed habitats include hummingbird gardens and a large butterfly observatory teeming with jewel-toned beauties.

Spend a day in the wilderness that makes Costa Rica famous on this guided ATV tour from the Guanacaste coast. Follow your guide over rivers, through thick jungle foliage, past waterfalls, and more, all while learning about the native wildlife along the way. This tour includes all equipment and safety instructions as well as hotel pickup from your Guanacaste lodging.

Experience Tamarindo’s perfect breaks with a 2-hour surf lesson at a legendary beachside shop. Get in the water for the first time and practice paddling, popping up and riding in a forgiving beach break. More experienced surfers can hone their skills by surfing alongside an expert instructor, learning to read the breaking surf while improving technique and form. Riders of all skill levels can soak up the sun on the Pacific Coast and enjoy the security of an experienced surf school that places the emphasis on safety and fun. 

Take a ride aboard the Dream Chaser catamaran, with plenty of opportunities to snorkel in the sea, with this small-group tour, limited to 16 passengers. You'll also get the chance to dine on an included lunch with a variety of vegetable and meat options or order drinks from the onboard tiki bar.

Explore Costa Rica’s wild side on a 2-hour guided ATV tour in the Guanacaste region. Venture through forests, forge rivers, and comb the beach in search of wildlife sightings and a dose of adventure.

Make the most of your time (and your money) with an all-day pass to Diamante Eco Adventure Park, which includes access to ziplines, hanging bridges, ocean activities, a native botanical garden, and the largest animal sanctuary in Guanacaste Province — all in one location near the region’s most popular cities. This pass also includes lunch, fruit drinks, and coffee so you can stay all day.

Horseback riding through the jungle might sound too good to be true, but this tour certainly isn’t. Saddle up for a relaxed ride through a private jungle ranch outside of Tamarindo—well-trained horses make this tour suitable for beginner and advanced riders alike. As follow your guide through forests and pastures en route to waterfalls, vista points, and natural springs, look out for wildlife like iguanas and monkeys in their natural habitat.

Enjoy a day with multiple adventures, including a Tour of Rio Celeste, visiting the Llanos de Cortes Waterfall and the beautiful Sloth habitat at the finca verde private farm. This is about a 10 hour day with a half hour hike through the rain forest, and then observing the wildlife like monkeys, sloths, and exotic birds. You’ll also get to take a dip in the blue river

Get your adrenaline pumping on a whitewater rafting trip down the Tenorio River, located in a red-rock canyon in the Guanacaste mountain range. Depart from Tamarindo for a day trip to Costa Rica’s nearby forests, including lunch.

There’s a good reason why Tamarindo is known as a top surf destination for beginners. In just one lesson, you can pop up on your board and ride a wave when you take a private or group lesson. Or, even upgrade to a 3-day mini-surf camp—the choice is yours when you book. No matter what you choose, hang easy knowing that all equipment and a qualified instructor are included with all packages.

Set sail on the big blue Pacific with this deluxe catamaran cruise from Tamarindo or Playa del Coco. Sunbathe on the spacious deck and stop to swim and snorkel in the warm tropical waters. Enjoy lunch freshly prepared onboard by an attentive crew, and stay hydrated with unlimited drinks from an open bar. Cruise back into port just as the sun is setting for a memorable end to a another day in paradise.