Costa Rica rainforest tour - 5 unique itineraries

Costa Rica, often referred to as the "Rich Coast," is a biodiversity hotspot that boasts lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and abundant wildlife. If you're an adventurer seeking an unforgettable experience in nature, a Costa Rica rainforest tour should be at the top of your travel bucket list. In this article, we'll explore five unique itineraries that will take you deep into the heart of Costa Rica's stunning rainforests. 

How to plan a rainforest tour of Costa Rica

Planning a rainforest tour of Costa Rica can be an exciting and rewarding experience. The country is known for its rich biodiversity, stunning landscapes, and diverse rainforests. 

You’ll want to determine what you want to experience in Costa Rica's rainforests. Are you interested in wildlife, hiking, birdwatching, or simply enjoying the lush natural beauty?

Decide how you'll get around Costa Rica. You can rent a car, use public transportation, or hire private shuttles and drivers. Ensure you have a reliable means of transportation between your chosen rainforest destinations.

Pack lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for a tropical climate. Don't forget essentials like insect repellent, sunblock, comfortable hiking shoes, a rain jacket, and a good pair of binoculars for wildlife viewing.

Consider allowing a professional to plan your trip for you. Our taillor-made trips allow you to go on the trip of your dreams without the hassle of planning and booking. Our trips are created by local travel experts and are completely customisable.

Best destinations for a Costa Rica rainforest tour

When planning your Costa Rica rainforest tour, it's crucial to select the right destinations to explore. Here are some of the best places to include in your itinerary:

Osa Peninsula (Corcovado Rainforest)

The Osa Peninsula is a pristine wilderness located on the southern Pacific coast of Costa Rica. It's home to Corcovado National Park, often regarded as one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. You can encounter jaguars, tapirs, and vibrant tropical birds amidst lush jungle landscapes.

Manuel Antonio National Park

Manuel Antonio National Park, on the Pacific coast, offers a unique blend of rainforest and beach landscapes. Hike through verdant trails and spot monkeys, sloths, and exotic butterflies. Afterward, cool off with a swim in the Pacific Ocean.

Tortuguero National Park

Known as the "Land of Turtles," Tortuguero National Park on the Caribbean coast is a sanctuary for sea turtles. Witness the nesting and hatching of these incredible creatures and explore the network of canals surrounded by dense rainforest.

Carara National Park

Located between the dry forests of the north and the lush rainforests of the south, Carara National Park is a birdwatcher's paradise. Keep an eye out for the iconic scarlet macaw and various other bird species.

Cahuita National Park

Cahuita National Park, on the Caribbean coast, offers a unique blend of rainforest and coral reefs. Explore hiking trails through the jungle, then snorkel in the vibrant underwater world of the park's coral reefs.

Tenorio Volcano National Park

Tenorio Volcano National Park in northern Costa Rica is known for the stunning Rio Celeste, a river with turquoise waters. Hike to the volcano and witness the mesmerizing natural phenomenon that gives the river its distinctive colour.

Looking for a short yet fulfilling holiday in Costa Rica? Find out how to spend 5 days in Costa Rica.

What wildlife can you encounter on a Costa Rica rainforest tour?

One of the most enchanting aspects of a Costa Rica rainforest tour is the diverse range of wildlife you can encounter. 

Sloths

Costa Rica is renowned for its slow-moving inhabitants, both two-toed and three-toed. These slow-moving creatures can often be spotted hanging from trees, making them a must-see for wildlife enthusiasts.

Crocodiles

In the wetlands and rivers of Costa Rica, keep an eye out for the formidable American crocodile. Boat tours are a great way to observe these ancient reptiles safely.

Monkeys

The treetops come alive with capuchin monkeys, howler monkeys, and spider monkeys, each with their own captivating antics.

Many bird species

With over 900 species of birds, Costa Rica is a birdwatcher's utopia. Keep your binoculars handy for encounters with the magnificent resplendent quetzal, toucans, parrots, and countless other avian treasures.

Just starting to plan your trip? Find out how many days are best to spend in Costa Rica depending on your goals.

Costa Rica wildlife tour #1: coast to coast

This 12-day Costa Rica wildlife tour touts an array of attractions, from stunning coastal paradises and serene narrow waterways to enchanting rainforests. Journey east to find tranquility by the Caribbean Sea, or venture west to experience the vibrant Pacific Ocean and a haven for surfers.

Itinerary overview

This itinerary offers a diverse wildlife experience, from exploring coffee plantations and volcanoes to witnessing the natural beauty of Tortuguero National Park's canals and Arenal's hot springs. 

You'll also discover the rich biodiversity of Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and end your journey with a coastal adventure in Tamarindo, complete with sailing, snorkeling, and beach exploration.

Check out this Costa Rica wildlife tour itinerary:

Day 1:

• Arrival and transfer to your hotel in San José.
• Free time to explore 

Day 2:

• Breakfast at Doka Coffee Estate.
• Coffee plantation tour.
• Explore Poás Volcano National Park.
• Lunch and tour at La Paz Water Fall Garden.

Day 3:

• Departure for Tortuguero National Park.
• Breakfast in Guápiles.
• Travel by boat to Tortuguero through canals.
• Visit the village of Tortuguero.
• Dinner at the hotel.

Day 4:

• Morning boat tour in Tortuguero.
• Enjoy nature and sunrise.

Day 5:

• Transfer to Arenal.
• Visit Tabacon Hot Springs.
• Relaxing soak in natural thermal springs.

Day 6:

• Arenal Volcano National Park hike.
• Sky Tram and Sky Walk tour in Arenal Park.

Day 7:

• Departure to Monteverde.
• Bat Jungle Night Tour.

Day 8:

• Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve Tour.
• Trapiche Tour - Sugar and Coffee.

Day 9:

• Relax at your hotel in Monteverde.
• Prepare for your next adventure.

Day 10:

• Morning Open Sailing Tour in Tamarindo.
• Snorkeling and beach exploration.

Day 11:

• Drive back to San José.
• Approximately a 5-hour drive.

Day 12:

• Departure day.
• Return to the airport for your departure flight.

Costa Rica rainforest tour #2: eco-adventure

Visit Costa Rica on this 12-day rainforest tour to explore its condensed jungles, tropical coastlines, lush forests, abundant wildlife, and national parks. Although a small country, it boasts remarkable natural diversity, making it an ideal setting for an exciting eco-adventure

Itinerary overview

On this itinerary you’ll experience the natural wonders of Costa Rica, beginning with a visit to Poás Volcano and La Paz Waterfall Gardens. Fly to Puerto Jiménez for an Osa Peninsula adventure, including rainforest hikes and night explorations. 

Explore Manuel Antonio National Park and enjoy ocean adventures like kayaking and snorkeling before returning to the Central Valley for a tranquil stay at a local spa. Conclude your trip with a cloud forest adventure and a private transfer to the airport for departure from Costa Rica.

Check out this Costa Rica wildlife tour itinerary:

Day 1

• Welcome to Costa Rica! Private transfer to your hotel

Day 2

• Explore Poás Volcano and La Paz Waterfall Gardens

Day 3

• Flight to Puerto Jiménez
• Transfer to your hotel
• Begin Osa Peninsula adventure

Day 4

• Rainforest Hike and Night Exploration

Day 5

• Early Nature Tour

Day 6

• Transfer to Manuel Antonio
• Optional visit to Manuel Antonio National Park or enjoy the beach

Day 7

• Nature Walk in Manuel Antonio National Park
• Spot wildlife and explore the park

Day 8

• Iguana Tours Ocean Kayak & Snorkeling adventure

Day 9

• Ocean King Catamaran Adventures
• Enjoy the ocean, sunset, and marine wildlife

Day 10

• Return to the Central Valley
• Check-in at local spa

Day 11

• Cloud Forest Adventure
• Explore pristine creek, waterfalls, and organic farm

Day 12

• Private transfer to the airport
• Departure from Costa Rica

Don't have a lot of time? Our 7-day itineraries in Costa Rica may be right for you.

Costa Rica rainforest tour #3: northern Costa Rica

Embark on a self-drive adventure to uncover the captivating attractions in Central and Northern Costa Rica, ranging from the dynamic Arenal volcano to the enchanting Monteverde cloud forest and the sun-kissed beaches of Guanacaste. Immerse yourself in the essence of "Pura Vida," the pure and vibrant life that defines this remarkable land.

Itinerary overview

This 12-day Costa Rican rainforest adventure starts with the exploration of Poás Volcano and La Paz Waterfall Gardens. Journey to the Osa Peninsula for rainforest hikes and night explorations, then continue to Manuel Antonio for nature walks in the national park, ocean kayaking, and snorkelling adventures. The trip ends with a cloud forest adventure before departing from Costa Rica.

Check out this Costa Rica wildlife tour itinerary:

Day 1:

• Arrival in Costa Rica.
• Pick up your rental car at the airport.
• Drive to La Fortuna.

Day 2:

• Explore Arenal Volcano area.
• Visit La Fortuna Waterfall.
• Enjoy a traditional lunch.
• Explore Arenal Volcano National Park.

Day 3:

• Drive from La Fortuna to Rio Celeste.
• Visit a local village in Monterrey.
• Continue driving to Rio Celeste.

Day 4:

• Visit Tenorio Volcano National Park.
• Explore the park with a local guide.
• Drive to Nosara in Guanacaste.

Day 5:

• Free day in Nosara.
• Options to go surfing, practice yoga, or relax at the beach.

Day 6:

• Another leisure day in Nosara to enjoy the beach and activities.

Day 7:

• Drive from Nosara to Monteverde.
• Explore Monteverde's shops, eateries, and attractions.
• Evening night walk at Valle Escondido Preserve.

Day 8:

• Adventure day in Monteverde.
• Canopy tour or hanging bridges walk.
• Coffee, chocolate, and sugar cane tour.

Day 9:

• Drive from Monteverde to Alajuela.
• Optional stop in Sarchi to explore and shop for souvenirs.

Day 10:

• Drop off your rental car at the airport in San Jose.
• Departure from Costa Rica.

Costa Rica rainforest tour #4: tropical Costa Rica

On this 10-day trip, you’ll explore volcanoes, indulge in the soothing warmth of hot springs, leisurely navigate the country's waterways, and embark on wildlife encounters in the lush lowland forests of Costa Rica. This diverse ecosystem holds a multitude of precious natural wonders waiting to be discovered.

Itinerary overview

Embark on a Costa Rica rainforest adventure, starting with a visit to the Arenal Volcano area, La Fortuna Waterfall, and Arenal Volcano National Park. 

Then, journey to Rio Celeste, explore Tenorio Volcano National Park and drive to Nosara for beach relaxation. Continue to Monteverde for canopy tours, coffee, chocolate, and sugar cane experiences before concluding your trip in Alajuela from Costa Rica

Check out this Costa Rica wildlife tour itinerary:

Day 1:

• Arrival in Costa Rica.
• Pick up your rental car at the airport.
• Drive to La Fortuna.

Day 2:

• Explore Arenal Volcano area.
• Visit La Fortuna Waterfall.
• Enjoy a traditional lunch.
• Explore Arenal Volcano National Park.

Day 3:

• Drive from La Fortuna to Rio Celeste.
• Visit a local village in Monterrey.
• Continue driving to Rio Celeste.

Day 4:

• Visit Tenorio Volcano National Park.
• Explore the park with a local guide.
• Drive to Nosara in Guanacaste.

Day 5:

• Free day in Nosara.
• Options for surfing, yoga, or beach relaxation.

Day 6:

• Another leisure day in Nosara to enjoy the beach and activities.

Day 7:

• Drive from Nosara to Monteverde.
• Explore Monteverde's shops, eateries, and attractions.
• Evening night walk at Valle Escondido Preserve.

Day 8:

• Adventure day in Monteverde.
• Choose between a canopy tour or hanging bridges walk.
• Coffee, chocolate, and sugar cane tour.

Day 9:

• Drive from Monteverde to Alajuela.
• Optional stop in Sarchi for exploring and shopping for souvenirs.

Day 10:

• Drop off your rental car at the airport in San Jose.
• Departure from Costa Rica.

Costa Rica rainforest tour #5: tropical Costa Rica

This 16-day Costa Rica rainforest tour covers all the bases. Begin with a few days exploring the Arenal volcano and the enchanting Cloud Forest of Monteverde. 

Then, venture to the stunning coast, where a luxurious Gulf of Papagayo hotel offers relaxation and exciting water activities. Conclude your journey with a visit to the Poás volcano in the Central Valley before returning home.

Itinerary overview 

Discover the beauty of Costa Rica on this 16-day journey, beginning with cultural exploration in San José and a riverboat journey to Tortuguero National Park. Witness wildlife along the Tortuguero Canals, and then immerse yourself in the Arenal Volcano area's hot springs and natural wonders. 

Continue to Monteverde for canopy tours and hanging bridge adventures, and relax on the beaches of Papagayo. The trip concludes with visits to Volcano Poás, a coffee tour, and La Paz Waterfall Garden before departing from San Jose.

Check out this Costa Rica wildlife tour itinerary:

Day 1:

• Arrival in San José, Costa Rica.
• Private transfer to your hotel, Hotel Grano de Oro.

Day 2:

• San José Pura Vida Day Tour, including visits to historical churches, traditional Costa Rican cuisine, and a mask-making experience.
• Accommodation at Hotel Grano de Oro.

Day 3:

• Private transfer and riverboat journey from San José to Tortuguero National Park.
• Arrival at Laguna Lodge Tortuguero.
• Explore the Tortuguero area.

Day 4:

• Full-day exploration of the Tortuguero Canals.
• Visit Tortuguero town and the green turtle museum.
• Accommodation at Laguna Lodge Tortuguero.

Day 5:

• Shuttle transfer from Tortuguero to La Fortuna.
• Explore the Arenal Volcano area.
• Enjoy the Arenal Hot Springs.
• Accommodation at Arenal Manoa & Hot Springs.

Day 6:

• La Fortuna Waterfall visit.
• Arenal Volcano National Park hike.
• Accommodation at Arenal Manoa & Hot Springs.

Day 7:

• Travel from La Fortuna to Monteverde, including a boat transfer across Arenal Lake.
• Explore Monteverde's attractions.
• Accommodation at Ocotea Boutique Hotel.

Day 8:

• Explore Monteverde with a Hanging Bridges Tour.
• Accommodation at Ocotea Boutique Hotel.

Day 9:

• Transfer to the Gulf of Papagayo with stops at the Corobici River, Las Pumas Rescue Center, and more.
• Accommodation at Papagayo Golden Palms Beachfront Hotel.

Day 10:

• Free day to relax on the Pacific Ocean beach or at the hotel in Guanacaste.
• Accommodation at Papagayo Golden Palms Beachfront Hotel.

Day 11:

• Sunset sailing and snorkeling tour.
• Accommodation at Papagayo Golden Palms Beachfront Hotel.

Day 12:

• Horseback riding on the beach (Half Day).
• Accommodation at Papagayo Golden Palms Beachfront Hotel.

Day 13:

• Another leisure day to enjoy the beach and warm waters.
• Accommodation at Papagayo Golden Palms Beachfront Hotel.

Day 14:

• Transfer from the Gulf of Papagayo to Alajuela with optional stops, such as Sarchi.
• Accommodation at Villa San Ignacio.

Day 15:

• Visit Volcano Poás, Coffee Tour, and La Paz Waterfall Garden.
• Accommodation at Villa San Ignacio.

Day 16:

• Private transfer to the airport in San Jose for your departure.

Book your Costa Rica rainforest tour today

Costa Rica is waiting for you, and our local experts are here to plan your dream trip. Get in touch with us whenever you're ready to travel, and we'll create a personalised itinerary that you can fine-tune until it aligns perfectly with your preferences. Don't forget to explore our existing Costa Rica itineraries for inspiration!