6 ways to explore Costa Rica’s rainforests

Updated November 18, 2024

I know we're not supposed to pick favorites, but you really can't beat Costa Rica when it comes to nature. I mean, there's a reason pura vida is at the heart of the country's ethos. The rainforests and cloud forests here are unmatched—and it seems like you can see them from every way imaginable. Want to fly over the forest? Hop on a zip-line tour. Don't mind getting wet? Go whitewater tubing down roaring rapids. Dream of spotting sloths and other animals in the wild? Join an expert, eagle-eyed guide. With virtually endless opportunities, I've narrowed down the top tours and experiences to make it easy for you (you're welcome). Now, let's get exploring.

Costa Rica is best seen from up high, IMHO—soaring over the treetops on an aerial tram or zooming between verdant valleys on a zip-line. Though Monteverde is perhaps the most popular place for these thrilling activities, you'll be battling crowds and tours. I like going to Jacó, a beach town on the Pacific that's rather under-the-radar in the adrenaline department. Here, the best outfitter is Rainforest Adventures. They can arrange a full-day, guided five-in-one eco-adventure tour. You'll be zip-lining, rappelling down waterfalls, jungle trekking, and crossing swaying bridges. Plus, the guides double as photographers, so you'll get the perfect shots in-action.

Tip: Prefer a calmer option? Book an aerial tram tour, starting from the rainforest floor and ascending to magnificent heights, with panoramic views of the ocean.

Waterfalls, hikes, and butterflies, oh my! The Veragua Rainforest is equal parts adventure park and nature reserve, with a whopping 3,200 acres of protected forest. Sign up for a shore excursion to ride the Rainforest Tram and see animals like reptiles and frogs as well as tour a beautiful butterfly garden. You can also check out the INBio research station to learn about the important work the scientists are doing to protect the rainforest. They're still discovering new species here on a regular basis.

Tip: Veragua Rainforest is on the Caribbean side of the country, three hours from San José. You can either fly to Limon (LIO) airport, about an hour away from the rainforest, or take a bus from San José. (Grupo Caribeños runs this route multiple times per day.)

I often find that the hard-to-reach destinations tend to be the most spectacular and worth the trek. Take Tenorio National Park—it's a four-hour drive from Tamarindo (or "Tamagringo" as locals jokingly call it). It's challenging to get here by public transportation, but because of that, the park has remained relatively untouched. The best way to see it—especially for those without a rental car—is to book a guided day trip. This rainforest tour is one of my favorites as they pick you up right at your hotel's front door. The knowledgable guides will point out sloths hidden in their natural habitat and lead the way on a short hike to an eco-farm and waterfall at El Llano de Cortez.

Guanacaste, a peninsula on the Pacific side, has something for everyone. This diverse region is home to wide, windswept beaches (a surfer's paradise), dense rainforests, and cultural attractions. Want to see it all? Lucky for you, there are tons of tour companies that offer various activities packed into one epic day.

I love the Palo Verde National Park tour, which includes a two-hour river cruise, a visit to a potter's studio, and a local coffee tasting. Or, daredevils can try this high-octane combo tour that starts with a horseback ride through the rainforest followed by zip-lining, rock climbing, and tubing on class II and III rapids.

Tip: Bring your swimsuit on the combo tour. At the end of the heart-pounding day, you can sit back and relax in a natural volcanic spring.

Avoid the crowds and go to this family-owned nature reserve, instead. At the base of Rincón de la Vieja volcano in Guanacaste, Sensoria offers several guided tours that spotlight the rainforest's gems: thermal pools (heated by the aforementioned volcano), thundering waterfalls, and rare wildlife viewing from the treetop observatory. I recommend taking the full-day tour because it comes with included perks like a walking stick, lunch, and refreshing tropical juice.

Tip: Ask the staff about their jaguar program, which was created in partnership with the National University of Costa Rica to study and protect these wild cats.

The humble, jungle-grown cacao bean is considered "a gift from the gods" in Costa Rica. If you want to taste it for yourself, venture to La Fortuna—a small town that acts as the gateway to Arenal Volcano National Park—where you can join a two-hour tour to be guided through the history and techniques of chocolate-making. With Arenal Volcano as a postcard-perfect backdrop, you will be treated to unlimited chocolate tastings (I repeat: unlimited chocolate tastings) and learn how to make a traditional ancestral hot chocolate. Save room for, well, more dessert.