costa rica animal tours

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Wildlife Tours in Costa Rica

Whether you want to see wild animals in their natural habitat or learn about wildlife protection, with 138 wildlife adventures in Costa Rica lasting from 3 days up to 20 days, you're sure to find a wildlife holiday that will astound you.

138 Costa Rica wildlife tour packages with 1,188 reviews

• Christmas & New Year

Highlights of Costa Rica

Amazing country made all the better for visiting by an 5 guide.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Costa Rica Escape

Costa Rica is a magnificently beautiful country. A wonderful place to visit. We traveled on a beautiful new bus complete with WiFi. Jorge, our tour guide, was very knowledgeable and helpful as was Roberto, our bus driver. I felt I was in very capable hands throughout the trip. The hotels were very nice and served excellent breakfasts. Optional excursions were excellent. I especially like the hot springs and dinner excursion and the rafting river excursion.

Exotic Costa Rica, Self-drive

The packaged tour saved us a lot of time deciding where to travel to and where to stay with the limited time we had. Service by Tour Radar was excellent, answering questions quickly and professionally. The lodges we stayed at were superb and driving around Costa Rica (about 600 miles) was no more difficult than driving in Vermont (I drive on plenty of dirt roads with potholes, and the paved roads in CR are good). We recommend that you book ahead national park registrations during the busier months.

Costa Rica Escape with Tortuguero

Too much free time in some of the days

Best of Costa Rica

Great tour you really do get to experience the best of Costa Rica.

Costa Rica Adventure

Lau was an incredible tour leader, her enthusiasm, knowledge, commitment and obviously love of the country made it such a great experience! I honestly could not have asked for a better leader, she went above and beyond to make sure all requests/needs were catered for and that we got the best possible experience of Costa Rica and everything the amazing country had to offer! She was always willing and keen to help with anything we needed and made sure we all knew everything we needed to about the day and plans, and more! There was so much to do and offered to us throughout the 10 days - it was amazing! Thank you for a brilliant 10 days!!

• Hiking & Trekking

Classic Costa Rica

Our Classic Costa Rica tour was wonderful!! Leo, our guide, was the best, and sooo knowledgeable! The tour accommodated every age group, and I made some new friends from all over the world. What a great trip! I will recommend Intrepid to all of my friends. Hope to see you again soon!

Costa Rica's Coastal Secrets

Lovely vitas and fabulous guide Edudardo Lopez, but tour descriptors sometimes lacking in detail and level of strenuous activities was minimized. One accommodation was impossible to endure in Cahuita do to level of mildew and mould in rooms. Had to go to a different accommodation for those three nights -for 2 couples - at own cost ($400 US per couple). We would not unconditionally recommend Exodus Tours to anyone in future. If you need more details contact us in person via email. [email protected] Our Tour guide was instrumental in helping to find last minute accommodation for the 2 couples. His efforts were exemplary!

Costa Rica Wildlife Exploration

Guides were professional, drivers on-time, hotels were nice, and locations were beautiful. Saw lots of animals. We had a great 2 weeks!

Birdwatching Experience in Costa Rica

Costa Rica Eco Essential

Costa Rica: Beaches, Wildlife & Wild Times

It was a great time and I enjoyed my CEO and the people in my group a lot.

• Jungle Trekking

Essential Costa Rica - Package with Manuel Antonio National Park

Overall Our trip went great with only a few concerns. I had to ask for the itinerary 3 days before the trip and a temporary one was provided. But the final was presented to me at the airport upon arrival. We booked the superior hotels and they were wonderful and food was great. All the transportation worked out, but the land to boat transfer to Torteguerro was confusing. Better communication would have been helpful. The guides were all fabulous! We saw wildlife at all the parks. Our Destination Services agent was helpful. Although, there was a misunderstanding when I requested an extra day at Manuel Antonio and she booked us at San Jose instead. I also learned that the "Optional Activities" are Completely on your own--as in-- 'find you own activity and outfitter and reserve it'. Given what I know now, I would have built in 2 extra days in the schedule due to hours of long ground travel between the destinations.

Costa Rica Family Journey: From Rainforest to Coast

• In-depth Cultural

Organization and guide and itinerary great. Weather did not cooperate - perhaps understandable given the calendar.

What people love about Wildlife Tours in Costa Rica

Our group of six enjoyed the trip. We were happy to see the monkeys, sloths, and different insects, but were disappointed that we only saw one toucan and one parrot. Our guide, Juan Carlos, was very knowledgeable and he, along with our great driver, Gustavo, tried very hard for find animals for us. The itinerary changed and because we did not know when we would be at different sites we could not make advanced reservations for things like parasailing or white water rafting which were listed as optional activities that we could book on our own. We found your website very frustrating since we had to enter the same information in numerous times. The hotels and buffets were okay, nothing special. We are not sure we would book with this company again.

Our tour director and bus driver were excellent. Our hotel in San Jose was excellent and the one in LA Fortuna very good. However the one in Monteverde was not so good. The beds were uncomfortable, there was no air conditioning and no fans. If this hotel was better my rating would have been 5 stars.

National Park

• Tortuguero National Park (17)
• Manuel Antonio National Park (15)
• Rincon de la Vieja National Park (5)

Regions in Costa Rica

• Monteverde (38)
• Tortuguero National Park (19)
• Northern Lowlands Costa Rica (18)
• Costa Rica Caribbean Coast (5)

Travel Styles

• 10 Amazing Wildlife Tours & Trips 2024/2025
• Costa Rica Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
• Best 7 Day Costa Rica Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)

Costa Rica Eco Vacation Packages for Nature & Wildlife Lovers

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Our Costa Rica vacation packages can be purchased as-is or customized to create your perfect escape:

Sloths and Treehouses

Visit the South Caribbean coast to see sloths in rehabilitation and overnight in a rainforest treehouse. Venture to Tortuguero to explore the jungle canals and see sloths in their natural habitat. Finally, head to the Arenal Volcano region to stay in a luxurious rainforest casita with a family of sloths living right on the property!

$3250 per adult, double occupancy $750 per child 11 & under *Max 2* Single Adult supplement add $5325.

Price valid until: October 31, 2024

Destinations Visited

Arenal Volcano, Santa Juana Mountain, Manuel Antonio

9 days / 8 nights

Show Me The Wildlife

Getaway from the busy world on this nature-focused vacation on the Osa Peninsula. Surround yourself with monkeys leaping from tree to tree, scarlet macaws flying overhead and dolphins playing in warm turquoise waters.

$3335 per adult, double occupancy $5565 per adult, single occupancy

San Jose, Osa Peninsula

8 days / 7 nights

Sloth Safari

Set out on the path of plentiful sloth and wildlife encounters on this spectacular sloth safari in search of one of Costa Rica’s most beloved creatures!

$3895 per adult, double occupancy

Heredia, Arenal Volcano, Manuel Antonio

Costa Rica Highlights

Our Costa Rica Highlights vacation package includes all the must-see destinations and tours you don’t want to miss!

$3850 per adult, double occupancy $7535 per adult, single occupancy

Arenal Volcano, Monteverde, Guanacaste

Wildlife Safari

Our Wildlife Safari vacation package takes you to some of the most remote eco loges on the Osa Peninsula, a rainforest region teeming with wildlife.

$7995 per person, double occupancy

San Jose & Osa Peninsula

11 days / 10 nights

Costa Rica Birding North

Bird to your heart’s delight and make some real progress on your birding bucket list in a variety of habitats at different times of the day. You’ll also get an up-close look at tropical birds’ habits and quirks from day to day and get unique insights from local naturalist guides!

$6125 per person, double occupancy

Central Valley, Monteverde Cloud Forest, Arenal Volcano, Poas Volcano, Tortuguero National Park

13 days / 12 nights

Costa Rica Birding South

Explore some of the most biologically intense regions on earth looking for unique exotic southern bird species in a variety of ecosystems and times of the day with a local naturalist!

$8500 per person, double occupancy

Southern Mountains, Drake Bay, Puerto Jimenez, Gulfo Dulce

4 Awe-inspiring Wildlife Tours You Can't Miss While in Costa Rica

Hiking in osa peninsula rainforests, birding in the monteverde cloud forest, whale watching from the whale’s tail sand bar, sea turtle nesting at tortuguero national park, playa ostional, or playa grande, costa rica nature tours, ecotourism in costa rica, you deserve a vacation planned by experts., us headquarters, costa rica office.

Barrio La California, Calles 27 & 29, Ave 2, Ed #2798 Oficina #8 San Jose, Costa Rica 10104

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Costa Rica Wildlife Tour - 5 Unique Itineraries

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Our trip has been amazing. This is our third time in Sri Lanka and possibly my favourite trip. I am already planning my next one.

Costa Rica , often hailed as the "Rich Coast," is a biodiverse paradise that beckons wildlife enthusiasts from around the globe. Join us as we unveil the secrets to planning an extraordinary Costa Rica wildlife tour in this vibrant Central American gem.

• How to plan a wildlife tour of Costa Rica

Best places in Costa Rica for a wildlife tour

What animals can i see on a costa rica jungle tour, costa rica wildlife tour #1: eco-adventure, costa rica wildlife tour #2: tropical costa rica, costa rica wildlife tour #3: wild south, costa rica wildlife tour #4: express animals & beaches, costa rica wildlife tour #5: coast to coast, book an effortless costa rica wildlife tour, tailor-made travel itineraries for costa rica, created by local experts.

12 days  / from 2980 USD

Costa Rica: Coast to Coast

From paradise beaches, scenic narrow waterways and magical rainforests, Costa Rica has much to offer. Head east and discover the tranquil Caribbean Sea, head west for the tumultuous Pacific Ocean and surfer’s paradise.

10 days  / from 1825 USD

Discover Northern Costa Rica

This self drive itinerary allows you to explore the Central and Northern highlights of Costa Rica: from the active volcano Arenal to the cloud forest of Monteverde and the beaches of Guanacaste with plenty of surf & yoga - discover why they call it the land of Pura Vida - pure life!

10 days  / from 1440 USD

A self drive Caribbean adventure

It's time to discover Costa Rica's Caribbean coast in your own rental car: From Boca Pacuare, where the turtles come to lay their eggs, to the unique culture of Cahuita and the beaches of Puerto Viejo! Your trip will finish in Turrialba, home of the main archaeological monument in our country.

How to plan a wildlife tour of Costa Rica 

Embarking on a wildlife expedition in Costa Rica is an adventure worth savouring. Begin by honing in on your wildlife passions, whether it's birdwatching, jungle trekking, or immersing in marine marvels. Timing is key, with the dry season, spanning from December to April, offering prime wildlife viewing opportunities.

Select lodgings thoughtfully, favouring eco-conscious accommodations and guided tours that promise up-close encounters with Costa Rica's remarkable fauna.  Build an itinerary that blends wildlife-focused escapades, from guided hikes to nocturnal safaris, while leaving room for relaxation amidst nature's wonders.

With our tailor made trip service, we offer expert crafted wildlife tours, allowing you to customise your adventure according to your preferences. We take care of all the logistics, while you focus on immersing yourself in Costa Rica's breathtaking natural wonders. Don't forget to also check our customisable Costa Rica itineraries .

A spider monkey climbs high trees of the rainforest in the Corcovado © Kit Korzun/Shutterstock 

Costa Rica is brimming with stunning natural landscapes and incredible biodiversity, making it a prime destination for wildlife tours. Here are some of the best places to explore.

Tortuguero National Park

Known as the "Amazon of Costa Rica," Tortuguero National Park is a wildlife enthusiast's dream come true. This remote and pristine area is a critical nesting site for sea turtles, including the endangered green turtle. Explore the intricate network of canals and rivers while observing a wide range of wildlife, from caimans to river otters.

Manuel Antonio National Park

Nestled along the Pacific coast, Manuel Antonio National Park offers a blend of lush rainforests and pristine beaches. Hike through well-maintained trails to witness the park's rich biodiversity, including three species of monkeys, sloths, and an array of colourful birds. Don't forget your swimsuit for a dip in the park's crystal-clear waters.

Corcovado National Park

For the ultimate jungle adventure, Corcovado National Park is a must-visit destination. As one of the most biodiverse places on the planet, this park teems with wildlife. You may encounter jaguars, pumas, tapirs, and a variety of monkeys while exploring its rugged terrain.

Monteverde Cloud Forest

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is a paradise for birdwatchers and those seeking unique flora and fauna. Walk along suspended bridges through the misty canopy and get up close to resplendent quetzals, hummingbirds, and the elusive three-wattled bellbird.

Tortuguero canals, Costa Rica © Shutterstock

Costa Rica's jungles and rainforests are home to an astonishing array of wildlife. Here are some of the incredible creatures you might encounter.

Costa Rica boasts both two-toed and three-toed sloths, and these enchanting creatures are often spotted lazily hanging from tree branches. With a keen eye or the guidance of an experienced guide, you can marvel at their unhurried, charming existence.

Costa Rica's coastline plays host to several species of sea turtles, including the green turtle and leatherback turtle. Nesting season, when these ancient creatures come ashore to lay their eggs, is a particularly awe-inspiring event. Witnessing the nesting or hatching of these majestic creatures is a moving and unforgettable experience.

Howler monkeys

Known for their distinctive guttural calls that echo through the treetops, howler monkeys are a common sight and sound in Costa Rica's forests. Observing these primates in their natural habitat is a thrilling experience.

Costa Rica is a birdwatcher's paradise, with over 900 avian species. From the vibrant quetzal, often considered one of the world's most beautiful birds, to toucans, hummingbirds, and the resplendent scarlet macaw, the country offers a stunning variety of birds. 

Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica © PAUL ATKINSON/Shutterstock

Venture through Costa Rica's natural wonders on a captivating 12-day  Costa Rica Exo Adventure . Encounter volcanic craters, explore dense rainforests bustling with wildlife, and bask on picturesque beaches. 

Dive into thrilling snorkelling escapades and immerse yourself in sustainable agriculture experiences. Bid adieu to this extraordinary Costa Rican expedition at San José's SJO Airport, cherishing the memories of your remarkable adventure.

Monteverde cloudforest, Costa Rica © Simon Dannhauer/Shutterstock

Itinerary overview

There is plenty of wildlife you will see on this 12-day Costa Rica wildlife tour. Begin at Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Plantation Resort, exploring the rainforest and spotting monkeys, butterflies, and more. Continue to El Remanso Lodge for night hikes and early nature tours featuring sloths, monkeys, and diverse birdlife.

Transfer to Manuel Antonio for beach relaxation and visits to Manuel Antonio National Park to see monkeys, sloths, and reptiles. Enjoy kayaking and snorkelling, looking for marine life. Then, return to the Central Valley for cloud forest walks, waterfall exploration, and sustainable agriculture lessons.  Read more .

• Arrive in Costa Rica 
• Spend the rest of the Day exploring 
• Accommodation at Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Plantation Resort
• Begin with a visit to the active Poás Volcano, featuring a massive crater and sulfur fumaroles
• Continue to La Paz Waterfall Gardens for a buffet lunch and nature hike
• Explore lush rainforests, waterfalls, birds, butterflies, monkeys, and more
• Take a domestic flight to Puerto Jiménez and transfer to your hotel
• Stay at El Remanso Lodge within the Osa Peninsula National Refuge
• Embark on a night rainforest hike led by local guides
• Experience a night exploration to discover nocturnal creatures in a controlled environment
• Accommodation at El Remanso Lodge
• Enjoy an Early Nature Tour, spotting wildlife in a picturesque pastureland
• Look out for monkeys, sloths, peccaries, coatis, and various bird species
• Transfer to Manuel Antonio
• Relax on the white sand beaches
• Accommodation at Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort
• Visit Manuel Antonio National Park with a naturalist guide
• Observe wildlife like monkeys, sloths, raccoons, reptiles, and birds in their habitat
• Experience open-seat kayaking and snorkeling along the Manuel Antonio coastline
• Paddle towards nesting islands near Manuel Antonio National Park
• Conclude with a beachside lunch
• Join an afternoon catamaran adventure with opportunities to spot humpback whales, dolphins, and marine wildlife
• Transfer back to the Central Valley, near Poás Volcano
• Stay at El Silencio Lodge & Spa surrounded by lush rainforests and national parks
• Embark on a cloud forest adventure, walking along paths to discover soothing waterfalls
• Participate in the Plant-a-tree experience to support reforestation
• Learn about organic and sustainable agriculture at the hotel's organic farm
• Accommodation at El Silencio Lodge & Spa
• Say goodbye to Costa Rica and transfer to SJO Airport in San José

Ready for this trip? Our tailor-made service lets you travel without the need to plan or book anything.

Poas volcano © Shutterstock

Explore Costa Rica's stunning landscapes on this7-day   Tropical Costa Rica trip . You’ll experience volcanic peaks, relaxing hot springs, leisurely river journeys, and wildlife encounters in lush lowland forests. This biodiverse paradise offers a wealth of natural wonders waiting to be discovered.

La Paz Waterfall © Shutterstock

Embark on a wildlife-rich journey in Costa Rica. Begin by exploring Tortuguero National Park's canals teeming with turtles and other wildlife. Then, unwind at Tabacon Hot Springs near Arenal National Park. 

In Manuel Antonio, glide through treetop canopies on the Canopy Titi Tour and observe wildlife with telescopes in Manuel Antonio National Park. This adventure concludes with a transfer to San José airport, leaving you with unforgettable encounters with Costa Rica's diverse fauna, including turtles, monkeys, and more.  Read more.

• Your journey begins at Juan Santamaría International Airport in San Jose.
• Transfer to accommodation
• Early morning departure 
• Pass through the impressive Braulio Carrillo National Park
• Breakfast at a Guápiles restaurant
• Boat journey to Tortuguero National Park
• In the afternoon, explore Tortuguero village
• Caribbean Conservation Corporation’s visitor centre and turtle museum
• Morning boat outing through the canals of Tortuguero
• These waterways connect rivers and lagoons and are rich in wildlife
• Transfer to the relaxing Tabacon Hot Springs
• Enjoy a soothing soak followed by dinner
• Your night is spent near Arenal National Park
• Embark on the Canopy Titi Tour
• Glide through the treetop canopies, spotting wildlife
• Accommodation near Manual Antonio National Park
• Join a guided tour of Manuel Antonio National Park
• Telescopes are available for close wildlife observation
• Your journey concludes with a transfer from Manuel Antonio to San José airport

How about embarking on this adventure? You can travel hassle-free with our tailor-made service , with no planning or booking required.

Squirrel monkey in Manuel Antonio © Shutterstock

The untamed southern region beckons to hikers and nature enthusiasts seeking adventure off the conventional trails. It's an ideal destination to venture into the heart of Corcovado, a lush tropical rainforest and a vital sanctuary for endangered wildlife worldwide.  This Costa Rica wildlife tour is seven days and explores southern Costa Rica.

Hummingbird, Rara Avis Reserve, Costa Rica © Shutterstock

Itinerary overview 

This 7-day trip includes plenty of wildlife experiences. From bird-watching in the cloud forest with over 170 bird species in Savergre to taking in panoramic views of various landscapes in Los Quetzales National Park. 

On this trip, you’ll find yourself kayaking in Hatillo Mangrove Forest and exploring diverse ecosystems in Corcovado National Park with various animal species. From there, you’ll go on anCaño Island boat tour for scuba diving and snorkelling.  Read more.

• Arrive in San Jose
• Explore the area at your own pace
• Transfer to Savergre
• Bird-watching in the cloud forest
• Over 170 bird species, including endemics
• Explore Los Quetzales National Park
• Panoramic views of Talamanca Mountain Range, Pacific coast, and more
• Transfer to Uvita
• Kayaking on Hatillo Mangrove Forest
• Explore Corcovado's diverse ecosystems with the Corcovado National Park hike
• Home to numerous species of birds, mammals, and amphibians
• Caño Island boat tour
• Visit Caño Island Biological Reserve
• Scuba diving and snorkelling
• Pickup from Uvita hotel
• Approximately 4-hour drive to San José airport

Yellowfin Surgeonfish on a Coral Reef, Cano Island, Costa Rica © Shutterstock

Experience this 7-day Costa Rica wildlife tour , starting at Arenal volcano for waterfalls, hot springs, and hanging bridges. Then, venture to Monteverde's distinctive cloud forest for adventure, including canopy, zip-lining, and wildlife encounters. Conclude your journey on the beautiful beaches of Manuel Antonio.

Arenal volcano © Shutterstock

This itinerary is a wildlife enthusiast's dream journey through Costa Rica. Each day brings new opportunities to witness the country's incredible biodiversity. 

On this trip, you'll connect with Costa Rica's nature. You'll have the chance to spot 170+ bird species, mammals, reptiles, and endangered animals. All in stunning natural settings, from Savegre's lush cloud forests to Corcovado National Park and the vibrant marine life around Caño Island.  Read more .

• Arrival in La Fortuna
• Explore La Fortuna and enjoy the hot springs
• Visit La Fortuna Waterfall
• Explore Arenal Volcano National Park
• Explore the rainforest on hanging bridges
• Visit the famous hot springs of Arenal Volcano
• Enjoy the natural hydro-massage in the thermal pools
• Travel from La Fortuna to Monteverde
• Scenic boat transfer across Arenal Lake
• Arrive in Monteverde and explore the town
• Canopy tour with stunning views
• Explore Santa Elena and its artisan shops
• Coffee, chocolate, and sugar cane tours
• Night tour of Monteverde Cloud Forest
• Witness the nocturnal wildlife
• Use provided flashlights for better visibility
• Private transfer to Manuel Antonio
• Optional stopovers along the way
• Relax on the beautiful beaches of Manuel Antonio
• Nature walk in Manuel Antonio National Park
• Observe abundant wildlife in its natural habitat
• Enjoy the beaches or explore more trails
• Afternoon catamaran trip
• Sunset views on the Pacific Ocean
• Chance to spot humpback whales and dolphins
• Departure from Costa Rica
• Transfer to San Jose International Airport

Book this trip today for an easy, hassle-free holiday using our tailor-made trip service.

La Fortuna waterfall © Shutterstock

Costa Rica boasts a wealth of attractions, from idyllic beaches and enchanting rainforests to picturesque narrow waterways. Venture east to explore the serene Caribbean Sea or head west for the lively Pacific Ocean and a haven for surfers. This 7-day  Costa Rica Coast to Coast trip covers country's most important highlights. 

Sirena Rio in Corcovado, Costa Rica © Shutterstock

Set off on a remarkable expedition across Costa Rica, a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, where every day promises exhilarating rendezvous with the nation's diverse and lively animal life.

This trip covers exploring the lush Monteverde Cloud Forest and its unique inhabitants, to sailing along the coast and spotting marine life like turtles and dolphins. This itinerary promises a rich tapestry of wildlife experiences that will leave you with cherished memories of the natural wonders of Costa Rica.  Read more.

• Arrival in San Jose
• Free time to explore
• Begin with a visit to Doka Coffee Estate and enjoy breakfast
• Explore Poas Volcano National Park and its ecosystems
• Lunch and tour at La Paz Waterfall Gardens
• Depart from San Jose in the early morning
• Travel through Braulio Carrillo National Park
• Breakfast in Guápiles and transfer to Caño Blanco dock
• Boat ride through canals to Tortuguero National Park
• Village visit and dinner at the hotel
• Early morning boat tour through picturesque canals
• Opportunity to witness a stunning Caribbean sunrise
• Transfer to Arenal
• Relax at Tabacon Hot Springs
• Enjoy the natural thermal springs' healing properties
• Evening dinner at the resort
• A morning hike around Arenal Volcano
• Explore the volcano's recent lava flows and lush landscapes
• Afternoon Sky Tram and Sky Walk in Arenal Park
• Transfer to Motenverde
• Nocturnal Bat Tour: explore the captivating world of bats
• Educational tour with interactive sculptures
• Listen to live bat sounds
• Morning exploration of the renowned Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
• Discover diverse flora and fauna
• Visit the unique habitat of the Golden Toad
• Afternoon Trapiche Tour showcasing sugar and coffee production
• Enjoy a leisurely morning at your hotel
• Transfer to Tamarindo
• Set sail from Tamarindo Beach for a morning adventure
• Opportunity to spot marine life like turtles, dolphins, and more
• Snorkel among rocky reefs
• Lunch on board and access to an open bar
• Begin your journey back to San Jose
• Approximately 5-hour scenic drive
• Transfer to the airport for your departure

Beautiful aerial view of Tamarindo Beach and Town in Guanacaste Costa Rica © Shutterstock

Let our team of Costa Rica travel experts curate amazing  Costa Rica journeys just for you. Whenever you're ready to travel, get in touch with us , and we'll create a personalized itinerary that you can fine-tune until it meets your exact preferences. Take a look at our pre-existing Costa Rica itineraries for ideas, and remember that all our planned routes can be adjusted to cater to your individual needs.

The Rough Guides to Costa Rica and related travel guides

In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

Travel advice for Costa Rica

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Costa Rica

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• How to get from San Jose to Puerto Viejo
• How to get from San Jose to Tortuguero
• How to get from San José to La Fortuna
• How to get from San José to Tamarindo

Find even more inspiration here

written by Dre Roelandt

updated 26.09.2023

Dre Roelandt is originally from the United States but lives and works in Berlin, Germany. Dre is a freelance writer and artist with a passion for travelling. They are an in-house Content Editor at Rough Guides.

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Why Travel With Adventure Life

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Experience the sights and sounds of Costa Rica Wildlife!

Close to Jaco Beach and Los Suenos, Costa Rica , experience lush nature and beautiful wildlife that Costa Rica has to offer you and your family. With something for everyone, Adventure Tours makes it easy to find the right wildlife adventure for your group! Discover our most popular tours below including: National Parks, The Crocodile Mangrove and the magical Monkey Mangrove Tour.

Crocodile Mangrove

• Carara, Jaco, Los Sueños, Costa Rica
• 2 Hours Starting From $49

VIP Carara National Park

• Half Day Starting From $79

Per Person (4 person minimum)

Crocodiles & Carara

• Full Day Starting From $125

Monkey Mangrove

• Manuel Antonio, Jaco, Los Sueños, Costa Rica
• 2 Hours Starting From $59

Arenal Volcano Hanging Bridges

• La Fortuna, Costa Rica
• Half Day Starting From $75

Per Person (2 person minimum)

La Fortuna Combo Tour

• Full Day Starting From $159

Sloth Sanctuary & Butterfly Gardens

• Monteverde, Costa Rica
• 2 Hours Starting From $79

Per Person (minimum 2 people)

Monteverde Zipline and Hanging Bridges

• Half Day Starting From $129

Manuel Antonio Jet Ski Tour

• Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
• 2 Hours Starting From $149

Monteverde Coffee & Chocolate Tour

Ocean Kayaking

Full Day Waterfall Tour

• Full Day Starting From $119

Sloth Territory Hike

• 2 Hours Starting From $60

Manuel Antonio Catamaran Tour

• Half Day Starting From $89

Tenorio Rafting Tour

• Full Day Starting From $129

Tree Climbing Experience

• 2 Hours Starting From $39

Birding Tour from Manuel Antonio

• Full Day Starting From $169

Jungle Night Walk

• 2 Hours Starting From $75

Isla Damas Mangrove Kayak Tour

VIP Manuel Antonio Park

Manuel Antonio Park Tour

• Full Day Starting From $99

Arenal Safari Float

• Half Day Starting From $85

Manuel Antonio & Monkeys

Arenal Venado Cave Spelunking

• Half Day Starting From $110

Arenal Volcano Hike

• Half Day Starting From $65

La Fortuna Waterfall Hike

Frequently asked questions, will we see animals on the [manuel antonio, monkey mangrove, crocodile, atv, zipline, carara, etc.], tour.

While we do not guarantee that you will see animals on any of the tours we offer, our tours have been designed to maximize your chances by putting you in the right place at the right time. The animals you might see on the tours we offer are wild. Although we make no direct promises, we enjoy a rich variety of wildlife in Costa Rica, so seeing animals and/or rare birds while you are in the rainforest is subject to the whims of nature. This applies to our tours of Manuel Antonio National Park , The Monkey Mangrove tour , Crocodile tours , ATV's , Zipline Canopy tours and any other tours that offer the chance to see flora and fauna in the wild.

Are all of your national parks closed on Monday?

Manuel Antonio national park is the only park in the Jaco/Los Suenos area that is closed on Mondays for routine park maintenance. Carara national park is open on Mondays.

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Tour Review: National Geographic Expeditions’ Costa Rica Wildlife and Conservation Tour Walks on the Wild Side

Experience incredible biodiversity on this nat geo costa rica tour..

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• I went on National Geographic Expeditions’ Costa Rica Wildlife and Conservation Tour. Here’s what I learned along the way—about the country and the tour company.
• This tour’s strengths include incredible chances to see wildlife in the wild, expert guides, and beautiful accommodations along the way.

I’m only a few days into a nine-day wildlife and conservation tour of Costa Rica with National Geographic Expeditions , but already the monkeys seem to have gotten the message: When Nat Geo comes to town, it’s time to show off. That’s really the only way to describe what the White-faced Capuchins are doing as our river boat cruises by on the Rio Frío inside the Caño Negro National Wildlife Refuge. They’re dangling from branches, swinging through the treetops, and dipping their toes in the water all around us, sometimes just inches from our boat. 

Over the course of this National Geographic trip, it becomes clear to me that witnessing this sort of animal behavior up close isn’t just some happy accident or stroke of good fortune—it’s the kind of thing that happens again and again because our expert guides are just that good at locating Costa Rica’s diverse wildlife. From rivers and wetlands to cloud forests and volcanoes, National Geographic Expeditions’ naturalist guides demonstrate an almost supernatural knack for finding, showcasing, and explaining the incredible diversity of the country’s flora and fauna. 

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That alone should be enough to recommend the Costa Rica: Wildlife and Conservation guided tour from National Geographic Expeditions, but in some ways it’s just the tip of the iceberg. National Geographic trips are all about access, knowledge, and giving back, and all three are on full display during this Costa Rica tour too. Evenings are spent learning from subject matter experts. Day trips to scientific research stations afford an opportunity to discover the important work being done in the field. And there are multiple chances to support local field work with hands-on service projects that help with reforestation, sea turtle rescue, and bird monitoring. 

Oh, and as for those monkeys? There are actually several unique species living along the Rio Frío—White-faced Capuchin, Mantled Howler Monkey, and Central American Spider Monkey—and they all make up-close-and-personal appearances before the end of my river boat cruise. It’s the Spider Monkeys who steal the show, though, with an impromptu Cirque du Soleil -style performance dangling just above the water as our group waves goodbye. As a lasting image of what it’s like to visit Costa Rica with National Geographic Expeditions, it’s pretty hard to beat. 

Things to Know about National Geographic’s Costa Rica Wildlife and Conservation Tour

• In 2024, there are scheduled departures in January, March, November, and December, with prices starting at $6,495. 
• Like all of National Geographic’s Signature Land experiences, the Costa Rica Wildlife and Conservation Tour is a high-end and education-focused tour. An Expedition Leader and a National Geographic Expert accompany every activity on this trip, while local guides join along the way for additional expertise. 
• The Expedition Leader and local guides carry spotting scopes on most walks. The scopes offer enhanced views of the wildlife beyond what you could see with your own eyes. The guides also use laser pointers to reveal the location of various animals you would certainly miss on your own. 

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• Traveling with National Geographic Expeditions helps fund the National Geographic Society’s important research efforts around the world. A portion of proceeds from every booking goes directly to the National Geographic Society.
• National Geographic Expeditions always books high-end or best available accommodations, and it’s no different on the Costa Rica Wildlife and Conservation Tour. The hotels selected all have swimming pools, elegant dining, and remarkable views. 
• Airport transfers, ground and river transportation, and meals and activities are included in the trip price. All gratuities except for the Expedition Leader are also included. Alcoholic beverages, airfare, and optional travel insurance is not included.
• If you wish to arrive earlier or stay longer than the trip dates, National Geographic can also arrange pre- and post-trip accommodations at additional cost.

Important Details about National Geographic’s Costa Rica Wildlife and Conservation Tour

Tour highlights.

• See Costa Rica’s incredible biodiversity up close and with the guidance of trained naturalists.
• Volunteer and conduct field work with researchers at critical scientific stations in Costa Rica, including the Monteverde Institute and La Selva Biological Station and Reserve.
• Learn about Costa Rica’s pura vida philosophy through the lens of sustainability and conservation.
• Explore Lake Arenal, the waterways of the Tamarindo Wildlife Refuge, and the Caño Negro National Wildlife Refuge by boat.
• Cross swinging suspension bridges and spot unique wildlife in the misty cloud forests of Monteverde.

Itinerary Overview

Arrival day is a relaxed as tour participants start arriving. A free airport transfer is provided from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San José. Since some flights arrive early and others late, the group does not assemble until dinner, when the Expedition Leader greets everyone and delivers opening remarks about the upcoming trip. There’s time before or after dinner for a dip in the hotel pool.  

The first full day takes the group north from San Jose via a luxury air conditioned tour bus to the La Selva Biological Station and Reserve . I loved getting to go immediately deep on nature and wildlife on a naturalist-led walk through a forest that’s home to hundreds of unique species of birds, mammals, and other wildlife—a sloth and a colorful poison dart frog were among the highlights spotted on my visit—followed by lunch at a local restaurant. 

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Following a short post-lunch drive, you’ll arrive at your home for the next several days,  Arenal Kioro Suites and Spa at the base of the famed Arenal Volcano. Dinner at the hotel is preceded by an informative talk and presentation from one of National Geographic’s experts about their fieldwork.

Remember all those monkeys I talked about earlier? Day three is when you’ll meet them (and countless other species) on a covered riverboat excursion to Caño Negro National Wildlife Refuge, one of the world’s most diverse river habitats. Home to everything from spectacled caimans and two-toed sloths to herons, egrets, and the Emerald Basilisk (also called the “Jesus Christ Lizard” because it seems to walk on water), Caño Negro is a true nature lover’s paradise. 

The river cruise is a full-day experience, at once relaxing and edge-of-your-seat, followed by a luxuriously fresh lunch right along the shoreline. A late afternoon return to the hotel gives you time to relax before dinner, perhaps with a dip in the hotel’s pool or hot springs. 

You’ve been traveling in the shadow of Arenal Volcano National Park for a few days now, but on day four you’ll finally get up close with a naturalist-led morning hike on the slopes of this active volcano. The payoff is a spectacular view of manmade Lake Arenal followed by lunch and a free afternoon to explore the local shopping area or relax at the hotel. At dinner you’ll learn to mix a guaro sour , a delicious Costa Rican cocktail made with a local sugarcane spirit.

One of the hallmarks of National Geographic Expeditions’ Signature Land Tours is that even the travel days are packed with memorable experiences. That’s the case on day five of this Costa Rica Wildlife and Conservation Tour, which starts with an exhilarating private boat ride across Lake Arenal and continues on with a tour of a family-run coffee, cacao, and sugarcane plantation, complete with samples. After a local lunch, the day concludes with your arrival at a new hotel, Fondavela Monteverde Hotel in the cloud forest mountains of Monteverde.

A trip with National Geographic Expeditions is both a vacation and an opportunity for education and giving back. Both are on full display during the sixth day of this tour, which involves a specially arranged excursion to the Monteverde Institute , where you’ll learn about and participate in the important conservation work being done there. Hands-on volunteer opportunities include bird mist netting and tagging as well as helping with reforestation efforts. 

And in the afternoon, another trip highlight: After lunch and a short drive, you’ll hike in the cloud forest and cross a series of high suspension bridges, Indiana Jones-style, over yawning chasms and through the shrouded canopy. 

Having already explored rivers, lakes, rainforests, volcanos, and cloud forest, the focus now turns to Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast and the province of Guanacaste. On a guided visit to Santa Rosa National Park , you’ll discover a rare tropical dry forest that reaches all the way to the beach. Then it’s off to El Mangroove , a beachfront hotel, to unwind and learn from local experts from Las Baulas National Marine Park with a lecture about sea turtle conservation efforts in the area before dinner and bed.

The last full day of National Geographic Expeditions’s Costa Rica Wildlife and Conservation Tour showcases Guanacaste’s coastal splendors alongside the importance of ongoing conservation efforts in the region. The first half of the day is spent on a boat exploring the brackish waterways of the Tamarindo Wildlife Refuge, where you’ll spot crocodiles, monkeys, iguanas, and many different bird species up close among the crowded mangroves. 

In the afternoon, you’ll volunteer at Las Baulas National Marine Park. Your volunteer field work here includes an eye-opening beach cleanup project that reveals the role of plastics in the local marine ecology. As the sun sets back at your hotel, the group gathers for a farewell dinner.

The Costa Rica Wildlife and Conservation Tour ends with breakfast by the beach and a complimentary shuttle transfer to Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Guanacaste for your flight home. 

Route Notes 

National Geographic Expeditions’ Costa Rica Wildlife and Conservation Tour hits a bunch of geographically unique areas in Costa Rica, so by necessity there are several long travel days on which you spend hours on the tour bus. The bus is comfortable and equipped with both a bathroom and wi-fi. 

Long stretches are often broken up with stops at local restaurants or other attractions, so it never feels like you’re on the bus for too long. Over the course of nine days you’ll also travel by small boat on several occasions. 

National Geographic lists the activity level for its Costa Rica Wildlife and Conservation Tour as “light to moderate.” I found it to be on the lighter side of the scale. There’s some walking and some short hiking, but for the most part the walks are deliberately slow—better to take in and observe the wildlife—and with multiple guides available, everyone is able to move at their own pace. Guests are encouraged to remain quiet during hikes so as not to disturb the animals. 

The Costa Rica Wildlife and Conservation Tour from National Geographic visits many different corners of the country, and you’ll stay at four different hotels over the course of the nine-day guided tour. As with all National Geographic tours, the accommodations are upscale and best-in-class for the area.

Upon arrival, you’ll spend your first night at Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen , followed by Arenal Kioro Suites and Spa on the slopes Arenal volcano, Fondavela Monteverde Hotel in the cloud forest region, and El Mangroove on the beach in Guanacaste. 

Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Go on National Geographic’s Costa Rica Wildlife and Conservation Tour

National Geographic’s Costa Rica Wildlife and Conservation Tour is best suited to curious travelers with a passion for learning and an interest in wildlife photography. While there are a few long travel days, the activities are not psychically rigorous and the pace is suitable for education and exploration. National Geographic’s Signature Land tours generally attract an older audience, however the tour company does partner with G Adventures for family tours that can include children and teens. 

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• Wildlife Safaris

Costa Rica Nature Vacations & Safari Packages

Discover the unparalleled wonders of Costa Rica, the ultimate destination in the Americas for observing exotic wildlife in its pristine natural habitat. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of avian wonders through world-class birdwatching expeditions, set amidst enchanting cloud forests, lush rainforests, or serene mangroves. Embark on extraordinary journeys to Corcovado or Tortuguero, where the chance to encounter endangered species such as monkeys, sloths, majestic wild cats including the elusive jaguar, tapirs, and a myriad of other fascinating creatures awaits. Bask in the sheer beauty of Manuel Antonio, Cahuita, or Gandoca Manzanillo, where stunning beaches seamlessly merge with extraordinary wildlife encounters. Our fully customizable Costa Rica nature vacations encompass the pinnacle of eco-lodges, expert nature guides, and seamless transportation, ensuring that you experience the very best that Costa Rica has to offer. Explore the curated sample itineraries below, envision how you would like to tailor your adventure, and let us commence the planning of your remarkable Costa Rica safari today!

Osa Explorer

Osa Peninsula

The Osa Expolorer is an incredible safari that will take you to the wilds of Corcovado National Park, which is known as one of the wildest places on the planet! This amazing nature tour includes great hotels, excellent tours and most meals. Similar to all of our amazing vacations, this value-packed itinerary can be 100% customized to your budget and needs. Check pricing notes for details. Take Advantage of Green Season Discounts of up to $120!

• 1 nights at Country Inn and Suites
• 4 nights at Pirate Cove Hotel
• Cano Island Tour and Snorkeling
• Corcovado National Park Tour Sirena Station - Pirate Cove Hotel

*Sample rates are per person, double occupancy [Oct dates]

Leatherback and Lava Pac

Tortuguero & Arenal Volcano

The Leatherback and Lava Pac is one of our most popular Costa Rica nature vacations. This exciting safari starts off in the wilds of Tortuguero where you'll have a chance to get up close and personal with exotic wildlife in one of the most remote regions of Costa Rica. Then you'll be headed to Arenal Volcano for fun filled adventure by day and soothing hot springs by night. Similar to all of our amazing vacations, this value-packed itinerary can be 100% customized to your budget and needs. Check pricing notes for details. Take Advantage of Green Season Discounts!

• 1 nights at Hotel Presidente
• 2 nights at Mawamba Lodge
• Tortuguero Town Tour - Mawamba Lodge
• Tortuguero Canal Tour - Mawamba Lodge
• 3 nights at Magic Mountain Hotel and Spa
• Arenal Hanging Bridges

Costa Rica Safari

Tortuguero, Arenal Volcano & Monteverde

The Costa Rica Safari is a wonderful choice for anybody interested in the biodiversity of Costa Rica. Your adventure begins with a visit to one of the most remote locations in Costa Rica, Tortuguero National Park, where you'll be able to observe exotic wildlife in an unique habitat. Then you're off to Arenal Volcano where you'll explore the canopy of the rainforest and enjoy volcanic hot springs. Your adventure ends in Monteverde where you'll discover and explore the magical cloud forest. Similar to all of our amazing vacations, this value-packed itinerary can be 100% customized to your budget and needs. Check pricing notes for details. Take Advantage of Green Season Discounts!

• 1 nights at Hotel Grano de Oro
• Arenal Volcano and Ecotermales Hot Springs
• 2 nights at Sibu Lodge
• Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve Guided Hike

Turtles Macaws and Dart Frogs

Tortuguero, Osa Peninsula & Costa Ballena

An amazing safari vacation, Turtles Macaws and Dart Frogs will bring you to the wildest places in Costa Rica on an incredible adventure that includes outstanding excursions, informative nature guides, top ecolodges, most meals, transportation and much more! Your adventure begins in Tortuguero where you'll explore the canals of the famous Tortuguero National Park. Then you're off flying across the country to the exotic and remote Osa Peninsula where Corcovado National Park is located. Your adventure will wind down at Hacienda Baru, which is world famous for bird watching and eco adventure. Similar to all of our amazing vacations, this value-packed itinerary can be 100% customized to your budget and needs. Check pricing notes for details. Take Advantage of Green Season Discounts of up to $220!

• 3 nights at Pirate Cove Hotel
• Corcovado National Park Tour San Pedrillo Station
• 3 nights at Hacienda Baru
• Rainforest Bird Watching Hike

Rainforest Safari

Tortuguero, Arenal, Monteverde & Manuel Antonio

The Rainforest Safari is an amazing two week safari adventure that will take you to some of the best destinations in Costa Rica. This fun filled getaway includes great lodges, wildlife observation tours and much more! You'll visit the remote village of Tortuguero for a chance to observe exotic wildlife. Arenal Volcano is up next for hot springs and adventure. Then you're off to explore the mysterious canopy of the cloud forest. You'll wind down at Manuel Antonio where there is even more incredible wildlife, lush jungles and gorgeous beaches. Similar to all of our amazing vacations, this value-packed itinerary can be 100% customized to your budget and needs. Check pricing notes for details. Take Advantage of Green Season Discounts of up to $300!

• 3 nights at Arenal Springs Resort and Spa
• Arenal Volcano Nature and History Tour
• Safari Float on Rio Penas Blancas
• 3 nights at Sibu Lodge
• Hanging Bridges Guided Hike- Aventuras
• 4 nights at La Vela Boutique Hotel
• Manuel Antonio National Park

Rainforest Volcano and Beaches

Arenal Volcano & Manuel Antonio

The Rainforest, Volcano and Beaches vacation is an amazing trip to Arenal Volcano and Manuel Antonio Park and beaches. This fabulous getaway includes volcanic hot springs, rainforest, excellent wildlife observation opportunities and more while you stay at gorgeous eco-resorts! Similar to all of our amazing vacations, this value-packed itinerary can be 100% customized to your budget and needs. Check pricing notes for details. Take Advantage of Green Season Discounts!

• Choice: Canopy Hanging Bridges or Zipline
• 3 nights at Los Altos Resort

Rainforest Explorer

Turrialba, San Gerardo, Osa Peninsula & Costa Ballena

The Rainforest Explorer will take you through some of the most incredible nature and archaeological sites in Costa Rica. This fun filled travel plan includes amazing tours, great ecolodges and everything you need to have an amazing experience in Costa Rica! Similar to all of our amazing vacations, this value-packed itinerary can be 100% customized to your budget and needs. Check pricing notes for details. Take Advantage of Green Season Discounts!

• 3 nights at Hotel Villa Florencia
• Guayabo Archeological Site
• 2 nights at Trogon Lodge
• Early Morning Birdwatching
• 4 nights at Hacienda Baru
• Damas Island Riverboat Safari
• 1 nights at Hilton Doubletree Cariari Resort

Photographers Fantasy

San Gerardo, Osa Peninsula & Costa Ballena

The Photographers Fantasy vacation is exactly that! This is an amazing travel plan that will take you to top birdwatching and wildlife destinations with excellent guides, great hotels and everything you need to have an amazing experience! Similar to all of our amazing vacations, this value-packed itinerary can be 100% customized to your budget and needs. Check pricing notes for details. Take Advantage of Green Season Discounts!

• 2 nights at Savegre Mountain Hotel
• Birdwatching Tour - Full Day
• 3 nights at Aguila de Osa
• Cano Island Tour and Snorkeling - Aguila de Osa
• Corcovado National Park Tour - San Pedrillo Station - Aguila de Osa
• 3 nights at La Cusinga Eco Lodge
• Whale and Dolphin Watching Marino Ballena National Park - Dolphin Tours

Costa Rica Highlights

Tortuguero, Arenal Volcano & Manuel Antonio

The Costa Rica Highlights vacation is a fabulous introduction to Costa Rica and all it has to offer. This fun filled getaway includes excellent wildlife observation opportunities as well as light adventures. It all starts off in Tortuguero where you'll have the opportunity to see exotic wildlife in one of the most remote regions of Costa Rica. Then you're off to Arenal Volcano for adventure by day and hot springs by night. Your vacation will wind down in Manuel Antonio which is home to an amazing national park that is loaded with wildlife and beautiful beaches. Similar to all of our amazing vacations, this value-packed itinerary can be 100% customized to your budget and needs. Check pricing notes for details. Take Advantage of Green Season Discounts of up to $280!

• Choice: Riverboat Safari or Rio Balsa Rafting
• 3 nights at La Vela Boutique Hotel

Planning your Costa Rica nature vacation is easy with us!

Indulge in the remarkable beauty of Costa Rica, where dreams come alive amidst the vibrant calls of Scarlet Macaws and the enchanting sight of a three-toed sloth slumbering above you as you embark on your morning jog. Unparalleled wildlife encounters await you and your family on this tropical escapade. Nestled in the neotropical climate of Central America, Costa Rica occupies a unique position between North and South America, offering a haven for an astonishing array of species.

With over 500,000 species, Costa Rica proudly stands among the top 20 countries with the highest biodiversity on Earth, an ecological gem. Remarkably, this paradise, comparable in size to the United States' West Virginia or Europe's Denmark, harbors 4% of the world's species, many of which are endemic, found exclusively within its borders. From captivating frogs to iridescent hummingbirds, from majestic lizards to the famously relaxed sloths, Costa Rica's wildlife panorama is simply awe-inspiring. This extraordinary biodiversity is a direct result of the country's diverse ecosystems. Rainforests, deciduous forests, cloud forests, two breathtaking coastlines, majestic mountains, volcanic landscapes, winding rivers, and captivating mangroves create a tapestry of habitats that allow thousands of mammal, reptile, amphibian, and bird species to thrive. Crafting your dream Costa Rica safari vacation is effortlessly realized with our expertise. We take pride in ensuring the utmost satisfaction of our visitors, offering eco-lodge accommodations deeply immersed in the tropical rainforest or beachside resorts where you can witness the mesmerizing spectacle of thousands of sea turtles partaking in their annual nesting rituals. No matter your interest, when you choose Costa Rica for your next vacation and our services to plan it, you can immerse yourself in one of Mother Nature's most incredible gifts: the untamed wilderness.

Where should I go for my Costa Rica safari?

For an unforgettable Costa Rica safari vacation, there are several exceptional destinations to consider. Here are some of the top choices:

Corcovado National Park : Located on the Osa Peninsula, Corcovado is a true gem for wildlife enthusiasts. It boasts one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet, offering incredible opportunities to spot monkeys, sloths, jaguars, tapirs, colorful birds, and countless other species.

Tortuguero National Park : Situated on the Caribbean coast, Tortuguero is famous for its sea turtle nesting sites. Take a boat tour through the park's intricate network of canals, where you can encounter monkeys, caimans, toucans, and other wildlife.

Manuel Antonio National Park : This park, located on the Pacific coast, combines stunning beaches with abundant wildlife. Explore the trails to observe monkeys, sloths, iguanas, and various bird species. Afterward, relax on the pristine beaches and swim in the turquoise waters.

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve : Known for its mystical cloud forests, Monteverde offers a unique safari experience. Walk along hanging bridges, explore the trails, and keep an eye out for the elusive quetzal, colorful hummingbirds, sloths, and other cloud forest inhabitants.

Arenal Volcano National Park : The Arenal region offers a diverse array of activities and wildlife encounters. Hike through the national park to witness the volcano's impressive presence, and keep an eye out for monkeys, toucans, and other fascinating creatures. Don't miss the chance to relax in the nearby hot springs.

These destinations provide exceptional opportunities to immerse yourself in Costa Rica's wildlife and natural wonders. Consider your preferences, desired activities, and the specific wildlife you'd like to encounter to choose the perfect safari vacation destination in Costa Rica.

What are the benefits of planning my Costa Rica nature vacation with Pacific Trade Winds?

When planning your Costa Rica nature vacation, partnering with Pacific Trade Winds offers numerous benefits that enhance your overall experience. Here are some key advantages of planning your trip with Pacific Trade Winds:Local Expertise: Pacific Trade Winds is a Costa Rica-based travel agency with extensive local knowledge and expertise. Their team of professionals possesses in-depth understanding of the country's destinations, attractions, and logistics, allowing them to provide valuable insights and recommendations tailored to your preferences.

Customization : Pacific Trade Winds specializes in creating fully customizable itineraries to suit your specific needs and interests. They take the time to understand your preferences, whether it's wildlife encounters, adventure activities, relaxation by the beach, or a combination of experiences, and design an itinerary that matches your desires.

Exclusive Accommodations : The agency has established relationships with a curated selection of ecolodges, boutique hotels, and resorts that provide exceptional experiences. They can recommend and arrange accommodations that align with your preferences, ensuring comfort, quality, and immersion in nature.

Guided Tours and Activities : Pacific Trade Winds can arrange expert-guided tours and activities to enhance your nature vacation. Whether it's guided hikes through national parks, wildlife spotting excursions, birdwatching tours, or adventure activities like zip-lining and rafting, they connect you with experienced guides who can provide informative and engaging experiences.

Seamless Logistics : Planning a vacation involves various logistical aspects such as transportation, airport transfers, and coordination between different destinations. Pacific Trade Winds takes care of these details, ensuring smooth transitions and minimizing any potential stress or hassle during your trip. They can arrange private transportation or domestic flights, allowing you to relax and fully enjoy your vacation.

Peace of Mind : By entrusting your Costa Rica nature vacation to Pacific Trade Winds, you gain peace of mind knowing that you have a dedicated team of professionals available to assist you throughout your journey. They provide support, address any concerns or questions, and ensure your trip unfolds seamlessly.

Overall, planning your Costa Rica nature vacation with Pacific Trade Winds offers the advantage of local expertise, customization, exclusive accommodations, guided tours, seamless logistics, and peace of mind, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the wonders of Costa Rica's nature and wildlife while enjoying a well-planned and unforgettable experience.

Unsure of what to do? Let us make you a free custom trip plan!

A Costa Rica birding tour with Naturalist Journeys is bird watcher’s dream! Few places boast so many different birds in such a small area — 820 species (more than all of the United States and Canada combined) have been reported in Costa Rica, including 75 different families, like 51 species of hummingbirds, 48 warblers, and 45 tanagers. Protected by a world-renowned national park system, and well-studied by scientists from around the world, the land bridge of Costa Rica is where the fauna of two continents meet and mingle, making its wildlife exceptional and exciting. We just love Costa Rica and are pleased to offer Costa Rica birding tours and Costa Rica nature tours throughout much of the year. Contact us today for more information on our Costa Rica tours and other Central American birding tours .

Guided Group Tours

Group travel is rewarding and fun! With more eyes you see more species. Travel Planners of Naturalist Journeys and Caligo Ventures have been creating memorable journeys for 40+ years. We offer you small-group birding and nature tours, limited to just 8-10 persons led by expert guides. Learn and explore with like-minded people, enjoy local food and culture, and immerse yourself in birding and nature.

Conservation Corner

We value conservation – it is at the heart of our work. All Naturalist Journeys’ tours support local conservation projects. Browse the links below to learn more about positive local work to save and conserve the wildlife and landscapes we visit.

Land Conservation Over a quarter of the land mass in Costa Rica is protected as national parks, refuges, sanctuaries, and reserves. Five percent of the world’s biodiversity can be found in this small country! Few countries have put so many resources into environmental protection. The Costa Rican Embassy's website provides a summary. However, forest protection remains a critically important conservation goal. One of many non-profit organizations that operate in Costa Rica, the local group Apreflofas offers a short video about a woodcutter who learns the value of forests. Renewable Energy In 2015, Costa Rica produced 99% of its electricity from renewable resources. Wow! La Selva Biological Station La Selva Biological Station is run by the Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS) , a consortium of nearly sixty universities, colleges, and research institutions from around the world. Long-term research projects on site range widely — a sampling examines the effects of climate on tropical rain forest productivity and dynamics, roosting ecology of neotropical bats, and cooperation in Ocellated Antbirds. Guayabo National Monument Guayabo National Monument is home to the largest archeological site in Costa Rica. Pre-Columbian in age, ancient trails, bridges, watertanks, home sites, and petroglyphs are found throughout the site. In 2009, the American Society of Civil Engineers declared the Guayabo Ceremonial Center an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. Sarapiqui Conservation Learning Center The Sarapiqui Conservation Learning Center works to educate future environmental leaders, support local communities’ organizational capacity and sustainable land use, and to connect tourists to the indigenous community. The Organization for Tropical Studies The Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS) operates both Las Cruces Biological Station and the Wilson Botanical Garden , the most famous botanical garden in Central America and with the second-largest collection of palms in the world. Osa Conservation The biologically rich Osa Peninsula and Golfo Dulce are under increasing pressure for development. Osa Conservation , a nonprofit organization, works to balance appropriate small scale development with sound environmental practices in the areas around the protected national parks of Corcovado and Piedras Blancas. The Ara Project Wild bird trade, hunting, and habitat loss have reduced the populations of Costa Rica’s two native macaws: the Scarlet Macaw and the Great Green Macaw. The Ara Project works to restore both species to their former ranges throughout Costa Rica.

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Ultimate wildlife 9-day adventure, $5,298 group departures.

4 person minimum

$5,898 Go On Your Own

2 person minimum

Please call for pricing

See Departures Tab below for special holiday pricing

A Little More Info

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT Single travelers staying in a room by themselves will be charged this additional single supplement fee, as all of our regular prices are otherwise based on double occupancy.

SINGLE SHARE OPTIONS (if available) If you are traveling alone and wish to share a room, we will make every effort to find you a roommate of the same gender, in which case you will not have to pay the single supplement fee. The single supplement will be charged until we are able to confirm a roommate for you. If we are able to match you with a roommate, the single supplement will be refunded. In the event that we cannot find a share for you, you will be required to pay the single supplement fee.

New: Click the Singles Find a Share' icon below or check our " Community " page to connect with other single travelers looking to share.

Destinations

• Bird & Wildlife Viewing in over 6 National Parks and Wildlife Preserves

Cloudforest Canopy Tour

• Whitewater Rafting
• Flatwater Wildlife Float Trips
• Sloth Wildlife Sanctuary
• Day-Hiking, Hot Springs
• Night Hikes for Nocturnal Animals
• Expert Naturalist Guides
• Breathtaking Rainforest Lodges

Itinerary at a Glance

• DAY 1 Cahuita - Nocturnal hike
• DAY 2 Cahuita National Park, Sloth Rescue Center
• DAY 3 Sarapiqui - La Selva Biological Preserve
• DAY 4 Sarapiqui River Rafting
• DAY 5 Arenal - Volcano, Hot Springs
• DAY 6 Monteverde Cloudforest
• DAY 7 Monteverde Canopy Tour, Ecological Farm
• DAY 8 Carara / San Jose
• DAY 9 San Jose / USA

More Value! Compare our Itineraries!

Compare Wild Planet Adventures award-winning Costa Rica Ultimate Wildlife to any other adventure travel company offering trips in Costa Rica. We include more destinations. More activities. More park admissions. All meals. We create special activities so you see more wildlife, for longer periods, at closer range. Our high-end biologist and naturalist guides accompany you throughout the entire tour and run our exclusive activities. There is no fine print indicating "free days" requiring you to pay more money for activities. We do not have lodges run our tours (lodge-run tours are more commercial because they visit the same places every day, often with large groups. With a captive audience they have no need to hire high-end guides with the depth of wildlife expertise offered by Wild Planet's high-end biologist and naturalist guides.)

A shorter version of our most popular itinerary emphasizing wildlife and bird-watching "off the beaten path." This is our signature wildlife adventure, with many of Wild Planet's special touches, including: . More value than any other professional wildlife tour, including over 6 paid admissions to national parks, wildlife refuges, private wildlife reserves, and adventure activities such as canopy tours and hot springs. . Expert Local Naturalist Guides Even biologists in some places. . Breathtaking Rainforest Lodges Each specially chosen for the unique access they offer to our unique wildlife destinations, as well as their distinct level of comfort. Many have been featured in top magazines and guidebooks for excelling in quality and comfort. . Specifically designed to optimize the chances of seeing more wildlife by visiting a variety of different eco-systems, with no commercial "filler" activities.

Detailed Itinerary

DAYS 1-3 Cahuita National Park, Toucan Rescue Ranch Highlights: Jungle Beach, Canoeing on Virgin Wetlands, Rainforest Hiking, Sloth Sanctuary, Bird and Wildlife Watching.

Wildlife: sloths, white-faced monkeys, anteaters, otters, caiman, morpho butterflies, poison-arrow frogs, and over 300 species of exotic tropical birds.

Start your adventure  with a visit to Toucan Rescue Ranch wildlife rescue center, a beautiful sanctuary for rescued sloths and other wildlife. On your tour you may have an opportunity to witness the feeding of the baby sloths!  This sloth rescue experience is far superior to the Sloth Sanctuary on the Caribbean coast, which we included in our itinerary for many years but is now servicing a huge cruise ship clientele and no longer offers the opportunity for a more personal and intimate experience with the sloths. We learned about the Toucan Rescue’s sloth program through the sloth veterinarian at the Sloth Sanctuary, who is also the veterinarian for the sloths at Toucan Rescue. We’ve been thrilled to discover that Toucan Rescue offers exactly the same quality of intimate sloth program that the Sloth Sanctuary used to offer in the past. You will love their sloths!

Upon arrival we’ll have some free time to relax from our journey and explore the grounds of our lodge. After dinner, we may embark on a short night hike looking for kinkajou, sleeping monkeys and sloths, caiman and other nocturnal animals such as red-eyed tree frogs or poison-arrow frogs. Then canoe in a private wildlife refuge through virgin wetlands where rainforest canals (similar to Tortuguero, but without the crowds!) are habitat for exotic colorful birds such as the purple gallinule, boat-billed heron and northern jacana.    

In the afternoon, we'll hike in Cahuita National Park, a crowd-free rainforest beach teeming with monkeys, sloths, toucans and more. We'll usually see 5-12 troops of monkeys of 2 species (with 3-30 individuals in each troop) as well as 5-20 sloths of 2 species, and a wide variety of other wildlife common to the Caribbean lowlands. This easy-paced hike ends with relaxing on the beach before heading into Cahuita for a fresh-caught seafood dinner at one of the most acclaimed restaurants on the Caribbean coast.

DAYS 3-4 La Selva Biological Reserve, Sarapiqui River Highlights: Whitewater rafting, flat-water wildlife expedition on a rainforest river, hiking in a biological station with biologists studying the rainforest.

Wildlife: Extreme biodiversity including 400 species of birds, rare rainforest frogs, river otter, agouti, coati, monkeys, anteaters, and more.

The Sarapiqui is one of the highlights of every paddler's "dream trip." Passing directly through La Selva Biological Reserve, the river is surrounded by old-growth rainforest and exotic birds. The next day we'll run the Puerto Viejo River, a remote river that rarely sees any humans besides us!

Wild Planet Adventures Exclusive

Choose from rafts or inflatable kayaks for both whitewater and flat-water segments. More boats spread out along a wider stretch the river exposes us to more wildlife habitat, which means we see more wildlife! And in the flat-water sections we can stop, get out of our rafts and observe wildlife for a more intimate experience of the rainforest and wildlife than any other conventional tour.

DAY 5 Arenal Volcano, Hot Springs, Wildlife Interaction In the morning we visit Mirador el Silencio, a Wildlife Reserve located 12 km from the center of La Fortuna and only 5 km from the Arenal Volcano National Park. The Reserve comprises 225 hectares of protected land that cover more than 100 hectares of primary forest. There are some particularly interesting animals that can sometimes be seen here, due to the uniqueness of the eco-system. Sightings have included oncilla, grison, peccary, coati, armadillo, paca, 3 species of monkeys and 2 species of sloth, as well as many birds, amphibians and reptiles.

Later, we'll enjoy soaking in a spectacular hot springs at the base of the Arenal Volcano, with spectacular views of the volcano, right from our lodge!

DAYS 6-8 Monteverde Cloud Forest Highlights: Cloud forest, Canopy Tour, Naturalist-guided Hiking and Birding.

Wildlife: Resplendent quetzals, trogons, rare hummingbirds and hundreds of birds unique to the cloud forest. Howler monkeys and other small mammals.

The bio-diversity and exuberance of life in the cloudforest is a result of clouds drifting in and dripping constant moisture on the dense canopy tops. A naturalist guide points out a stunning array of plant and birdlife, perhaps even the endangered resplendent quetzal. Later, a series of suspended bridges and platforms offers an unforgettable glimpse of life high amongst the canopy and the transcendent sensation of walking amongst the clouds.

EVE 8 Carara National Park Highlights: Evening scarlet macaw migration, rare wildlife, giant exotic hardwoods.

Wildlife: Crocodiles, scarlet macaws, anteater, ocelot, peccaries, white-faced and spider monkeys, poison-arrow frog.

An old growth forest of striking complexity and density, Carara's giant trees include 10 of the rarest hardwoods in Costa Rica. The unique combination of ecosystems is habitat for many rare and endangered animals, including one of the largest populations of scarlet macaws in the country, which migrate twice daily from the inland rainforest to the coastal mangrove swamps.

Transfer back to San Jose for the overnight.

DAY 9 San Jose / USA At the appropriate time, transfer to the airport for your ownard flight.

Extensions:

Manuel Antonio National Park

See our 10.5-Day Ultimate Wildlife EcoTour itinerary.

Manuel Antonio National Park / Golfito Bay / Corcovado National Park

See our 14-Day Ultimate Wildlife EcoTour itinerary.

Bocas Del Toro - Snorkeling, Islands & Beaches

Much of Costa Rica's coral reef has been destroyed due to polluted run-off from banana plantations, which means the snorkeling is poor at best. However, the nearby archipelago of Bocas del Toro just across the border in Panama is world renowned for some of the best snorkeling in all of Central America, even better than that of Belize's renowned barrier reef. Bocas has coral of every imaginable color, teeming with marine life, as well as dolphins and turtles. On islands such as Bastimentos you can visit an authentic indigenous village and hike with indigenous guides to see the endemic strawberry poison arrow frog and rare night monkeys, neither of which exist in Costa Rica.

Tortuguero National Park

A natural network of scenic jungle canal navigable only by boat, Tortuguero protects over 350 species of birds and mammals, including endangered great green macaws and jaguars. It is one of the most important nesting sites for green sea turtles. Enjoy boating, canoeing and wildlife watching from your waterfront lodge. Call for different price options.

Explore Osa's wild northern end. Hike Corcovado National Park with local naturalist guides, boat to Cano Island for a day of snorkeling, or just relax at one of Costa Rica's best jungle lodges. Call for different price options.

Costa Rica Lodging

Our Ultimate Wildlife itinerary specializes in small, one-of-a-kind rainforest and jungle lodges, many of which have been featured on the Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, and in top travel magazines such as Travel & Leisure and Conde Naste Traveler. Great care has gone into our selection of lodging partners, with particular emphasis on lodges that offer outstanding wildlife viewing opportunities. These breathtaking lodges offer all the comforts of home, including hot & cold water, flush toilets, tastefully decorated beds (often orthopedic with Guatemalan fabrics), and delicious home cooked meals, sometimes extravagant, always healthy, and catering to special dietary needs.

Xandari Resort & Spa is a fabulous upgrade option ~ a tropical paradise of 24 individually designed villas nestled on a 40 acre plantation overlooking the Central Valley of Costa Rica just 20 minutes from the San Jose International Airport. An ideal option for those who dream of a luxury spa day to start or end their tour, and for botanical enthusiasts. Stroll through botanic gardens interspersed with sculptures, hike over 4 kilometers of private scenic trails to intimate river vistas and dramatic waterfalls, or visit the orchid house and greenhouse.

Trapp Family Lodge Alajuela

The Trapp Family Country Inn is located only 1 mile from Juan Santamaria International Airport. They offer comfortable accommodations along with genuine family service in a peaceful atmosphere. This colonial style hotel is surrounded by beautiful gardens with centenary fig trees. From the private balcony of your room, in the terrace or by the pool, you will enjoy nature and relax with the musical sound of the birds. A true oasis in the middle of the city.

Hotel Buena Vista

A lovely boutique resort located 15 minutes from the San Jose International Airport. Set in lush mountains, with incredible views of the Poas, Barva and Irazú volcanoes, the Central Valley, tropical forests and coffee plantations, you’ll feel like your Ultimate Wildlife EcoTour has already begun with birdwatching right from your window or balcony!

Adventure Inn

This is a family-friendly hotel with bilingual babysitters, family rooms with 3 Queen beds, as well as a romantic couple’s destination with in-room Jacuzzi tubs and King beds. Family-owned and operated, it is located beside the quiet and safe neighborhood of Ciudad Cariari, only a five minute walk from the National Convention Center, and a ten minute drive from the SJO airport.

Bungalows Malu (Alternate Lodge)

Located in Cahuita, Bungalow Malú Lodge is a rustic hotel facing the sea with a swimming pool, restaurant, WiFi, TV, and A/C surrounded by flora and fauna and just 1.5km from Cahuita National Park.

El Encanto (Alternate Lodge)

Located in Cahuita, a few meters from the Caribbean beaches and five minutes from Cahuita National Park, El Encanto offers an intimate setting from which to begin your Costa Rican adventure!

All rooms offer a wardrobe with safe, screens in the windows, desk, bathroom with hot water, terrace with armchairs, and seiling fans. You can choose if you want a double bed, two double beds, or a double and a single bed.

Goddess Garden Resort (Alternate Lodge)

Our retreat center in Costa Rica offers a unique blend of yoga, meditation, and plant medicine practices to help you achieve greater balance and clarity. Nestled in the lush jungle and a few steps from the Caribbean Sea, our intentional space is perfect for disconnecting from the busy world and reconnecting with your true self.

Hotel La Diosa is a wonderful place to stay in Cahuita. They have 10 cabins designed in Caribbean style and painted in vibrant colors. A beautiful beach awaits just a few steps from the hotel. A swimming pool surrounded by coconut palm trees also provides a place in which to relax.

Magellan Inn (Alternate Lodge)

Magellan Inn is a unique boutique hotel in a magical jungle setting. It offers comfort, elegance & tranquility with a tropical paradise just outside your door. 

Suizo Loco Lodge (Alternate Lodge)

Enjoy the swiss quality under the caribbean sun in a charming eco-friendly boutique hotel! The hotel offers a sense of peace and security on a small piece of land where you are lulled by the music of nature. The place is green year round, ideal for nature lovers.

La Quinta de Sarapiqui

La Quinta is an eco-lodge nationally certified by the Costa Rican Tourists Board with its Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST). La Quinta has 5 Leaves level, being 5 Leaves the maximum qualification. The CST is a comprehensive program that categorizes and certifies each tourism company to the degree they comply with the model of sustainable tourism.La Quinta strives to have little, to no negative impact on its immediate environment. Every effort is taken to co-exist harmoniously with our surroundings. Our ten acres are composed of regenerating agriculture, a reforested area with native trees, an old-growth forest on the riverside and tropical gardens.We will always treat our environment with the utmost care and responsibility, and would greatly appreciate your help in upholding these practices while you are here. Please consider this your home, and your family, during your visit, and help protect what we have held sacred for so many years. We hope you enjoy the natural beauty of this place as so other guests have done before you.

Arenal Volcano Inn

The ideal location for those who want to discover the many diverse natural attractions that La Fortuna of San Carlos offers. You’ll find here all you need for a relaxing stay! Enjoy a unique view of the Arenal Volcano which can be admired from the tranquility of your room and your own private terrace.

Arenal Springs (Alternate Lodge)

Each distinctive Junior Suite comes with direct views to the beautiful Arenal Volcano. Each room is surrounded by exotic gardens, and beautiful flowers, where Costa Rica's native species of birds and animals are readily seen.

Arenal Paraiso (Alternate Lodge)

Hotel Arenal Paraiso offers spectacular views of the Arenal Volcano. The accommodations are surrounded by lush tropical gardens and walking paths, and guests will enjoy using the hotel’s swimming pools and hot springs.

Hotel Lomas del Volcan (Alternate Lodge)

Located on the slopes of Arenal Volcano, this farm turned eco-hotel offers design inspired by traditional local architecture, luxury bungalows, restaurant, pool, and jacuzzi. Driven by values of teamwork, respect, honesty, and passion to deliver an unforgettable experience.

Hotel Los Lagos

Located in the Arenal region, this is an exclusive resort with its own 13 platform Canopy Tour, private hot springs, and a spectacular observation point on the property. You can enjoy five different pools of natural hot water and regular pools tucked away in their own enclaves. The views offered here are complimented by stunning grounds and great attention to detail throughout. Los Lagos received a Trip Adviser Certificate of Excellence in 2012.

Trapp Family Lodge Monteverde (Alternate Lodge)

The closest lodge to the Monteverde Reserve, Trapp is built in a classic mountain lodge style, with rich hardwoods and magnificent cloudforest views. Inside, you'll feel like you're in the Swiss Alps, as its mountain decor and spacious suites showcase one of the newest lodges in Monteverde. Owned and operated by Costa Ricans, you can't get any closer to the cloudforest reserve than this acclaimed lodge. Recent Wild Planet trips were delighted by a nesting pair of Resplendent Quetzals only 50 meters from our panoramic windows!

Hotel Montana

Located on a ridge with spectacular views of the Gulf of Nicoya, this recently remodeled mountain lodge features spacious, comfortable rooms, many with jacuzzi tubs. Behind the lodge is a pond that attracts bellbirds and many of Monteverde's most famous animals and birds -- a wildlife lover's delight!

Costa Rica Activities

At a glance.

As wildlife travel experts, one of our greatest advantages are some of the specially arranged activities we've created just for wildlife lovers. These exclusive, wildlife-focused activities - and our top guides - are the reasons why you maximize your chances of seeing more volume of wildlife and more rare and endangered species when you travel with Wild Planet Adventures than with any other travel company.

Hiking, Wildlife Viewing, Birdwatching

• Whitewater and Flatwater River Running
• Volcano & Hot Springs
• Beaches/Ocean

Exclusive Wildlife Activities

Sarapiqui River Rafting

Other activities.

Our hiking philosophy is simple: "The slower you go, the more wildlife you see." Most of our hikes last anywhere from 2 to 4 hours and the pace is a relaxed meander. with frequent stops to observe nature and wildlife. We may even spend intimate time with a troop of wild monkeys, especially if we observe exciting behaviors such as teaching a newborn to walk, a conflict involving an alpha male, or anything else that has what we call a high "wow" factor.

The bio-diversity and exuberance of life in the cloudforest is a result of clouds drifting in and dripping constant moisture on the dense canopy tops. A series of suspended bridges and platforms offers an unforgettable glimpse of life high amongst the canopy and the transcendent sensation of walking amongst the clouds.

Volcano & Hotspring

Enjoy soaking in a spectacular hot springs at the base of the Arenal Volcano, with spectacular views of the volcano, right from our lodge!

Costa Rica Wildlife

Prolific sightings.

Wild Planet's wildlife eco-tours are designed for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Our "Ultimate Wildlife" eco-adventures are specially designed for maximum wildlife viewing. We take care to seek out wildlife that is rare, off the beaten path, and in greater numbers than you will see on conventional tours. Our expert naturalist guides will educate you in the field so your experience is intimate and unparalleled. Still, wildlife viewing can unpredictable and requires patience and sensory awareness. A partial list of some of the animals you are likely to see is below.

Primates : Howler Monkeys, White-Faced Capuchin Monkeys Other Mammals : Three-Toed Sloth, Two-Toed Sloth, Coatimundi, Bats Reptiles & Insects : Crocodiles, Caiman, Blue Morpho Butterflies, Basilisk (Jesus Christ Lizards), Poison Arrow Frogs Birds : 600 species including Parrots, Trogons, Mot-Mots, Tanagers, Montezuma's Oropendolas, Hawks, Squirrel Cuckoos, Owls, Herons, Kingfishers, 60 species of Hummingbirds and much more.

Likely Sightings

Primates : Squirrel Monkeys Other Mammals : Tamandua (Anteater), Kinkajou, Agouti, Dolphins, Tayra, Peccaries (collared & white-liped) Reptiles, Amphibians & Insects : Red-Eyed Tree Frogs, Walking Sticks, Eyelash Pitviper, Fer-de-lance, Leaf-Cutter Ants Birds : Resplendent Quetzals, Scarlet Macaws, Lovely Cotingas, Scarlet-thighed Dacnis, Green Honeycreepers, Roseate Spoonbill, Woodstorks, Crested Caracara, Purple Gallinule, Northern Jacanas, Great Curassow

Rare or Endangered Possible Sightings

Other Mammals : Jaguar & other cats, Tapir, Porcupine, Silky Anteater, Grey Fox, Olingo, Paca, Grison Reptiles : Caiman, Fleishman's Glass Frogs (see-through), Leatherback Turtles, Green Turtles, Hercules Beetles Birds : Ornate Hawk-Eagle, Harpy Eagle, Great Green Macaw, King Vulture, White Hawk, Great Potoo, Scissor-Tailed Flycatcher, Royal Flycatcher, and many more

Costa Rica Guides

Josh Cohen Wild Planet's Director

Josh personally hand-crafts all of Wild Planet's itineraries to reflect his own love of wildlife and the transformational power of nature. The Costa Rica Ultimate Wildlife itineraries remain his favorite after guiding them for nearly a decade. A dedicated wildlife enthusiast and conservationist, his keen eyes and love of nature still make him Wild Planet's most requested guide.

Rayner Araya

Rayner Araya Biologist & Naturalist Guide

I grew up in the forest where I spent my time exploring and discovering nature, playing with poison dart frogs, ants, butterflies, beetles and many other jewels, soon I became fascinated about natural history and science. Since very early in life I Knew I wanted to spend my time doing something that involved nature. I think I was very lucky because I happened to be in one of the hotspots for biodiversity and international conservation efforts, this combined with the educated and friendly Costa Rican people make a suitable destination for travelers from all over the world. As a Naturalist Guide I get to share my passion for wildlife and conservation and I get to explore many different ecosystems constantly in my trips. I went to school for Tourism and Biology, I think this makes a great combination to work in the always growing tourism industry. Before working as a Naturalist Guide I worked for OTS, a worldwide known organization dedicated to Tropical Biology Research which is featured in Wild Planet Adventures' Ultimate Wildlife eco-tour. It was here that I met Josh Cohen and began guiding for Wild Planet Adventures.

I love traveling and travelers, I truly believe that by traveling and being exposed to different cultures, languages and life styles we become more tolerant, we learn to accept our differences and that can only make the world a better place!

Koky Porras

Koky Porras Legendary Master Naturalist

Koky's amazing ability to accurately call birds to him has made him the "guide of choice" for scientists researching Monteverde's famous quetzals and bellbirds. Koky has also helped to train many of Monteverde's world-class guides. The cloudforest where Koky has lived his whole life is widely known as the hardest place to guide in all of Costa Rica. Here it requires extremely sharp eyes to spot wildlife because the foliage is more dense than anywhere else in the country. In addition, many species have slight differences in their appearance with as little as 150 meters of elevation change, so it requires an enormous amount of experience to identify birds and wildlife instantaneously. Koky's fascination with the symbiotic relationships in nature is as contagious as his love of laughter.

Costa Rica Departures

Costa rica-ultimate wildlife 9-day adventure.

Costa Rica FAQ

Costa rica facts for visitors.

Climate/Best Time to Go:

Costa Rica boasts 12 climatic zones, surprising travelers with a wide variety of temperature and rainfall conditions year-round. In general, temperatures in the lowlands range from the low 70's to the high 80's, cooler at elevation. The temperature on top of the continental divide can vary from the mid 50's to low 80's in Monteverde to the 30's on Chirripo, with enveloping clouds drifting over the mountains and bringing mist and occasional rain. December through May is the dry season in most places except the Caribbean coast, which is dryer January through March, but has no real dry season. The "green season" begins very slowly in June and tapers off in July for about 3 weeks which native Costa Ricans call "Little Summer". So don't let rain scare you away from the rainforest! Even in the green season there is plenty of sunshine and great weather for your vacation. Best time to go: late December through early August

Government:

A stable democracy for more than 100 years, Costa Rica is a peaceful nation in the midst of a region that has been troubled by turmoil for centuries. Costa Rica also has the highest standard of living of any Central American country, including literacy rates, medical standards and facilities are all quite high. Costa Ricans are extremely proud that they do not have an army.

Costa Rica lies on the southern part of Central America, bordered on the south by Panama and on the North by Nicaragua. It's land mass is referred to as an isthmus, which is bordered by the sparkling waters of the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean and contains the mountains of the continental divide.

Approximately 51,100 square mile--about half the size of the state of Kentucky. Only 120 km wide in some points, Costa Rica would be easy to traverse were it not for the extreme variation in ecosystems and the continental divide. Over 27% of the country's 12 distinct ecological zones are in protected areas.

Population:

The population of Costa Rica is approximately 5 million, mostly of Spanish descent. Costa Rican people call themselves "ticos" (male) or "ticas" (female.) They are extremely friendly, polite, well educated, and enthusiastic about their country. Costa Rica is home to a large international community as well.

Spanish is the official language and is spoken, thankfully, at a speed that is much easier to understand than many other countries. English is widely understood, especially in tourist areas, hotels, lodges and restaurants.

Entry Requirements:

A passport and return ticket is required to enter Costa Rica. No visas are required for citizens of the US, UK, Canada, Japan and many others.

US residents are permitted a $400 per person (or $1,100 per family) duty-free tax exemption upon returning to the US

Departure Tax:

Approximately US $35.00

Local currency is the Colon. One US dollar is worth approximately 375 Colon. US dollars are accepted in many places in Costa Rica. Credit Cards/Travelers Checks: Nearly all hotels, restaurants and shops in the major towns and tourist areas take all major credit cards. Street vendors and smaller establishments in remote areas may accept only cash or travelers checks. Its important to keep travelers checks in a waterproof pouch, as they are considered void if they get wet.

Telecommunications:

All telecommunications services (direct dial phones, fax, telex, cable) are available; but calls from Costa Rica are much higher than an equivalent call to Costa Rica. The country code for Costa Rica is (506) Remote jungle lodges usually have short wave radio communications linked to cellular service.

Costa Rica is in the Central Standard Time zone, and does not utilize daylight saving time. There is very little seasonal variation between dawn and dusk due to the proximity to the equator, dawn is usually 6:00 am and dusk 6:00 pm.

Sales Taxes:

Costa Rica has high taxes, roughly 15% sales tax and there may be 15% service charge in many hotels and restaurants.

Tipping is voluntary; tips of 15% are acceptable; more if the service is exceptionally good. Some hotels and restaurants add a 15 percent service.

While the water is said to be safe in most of Costa Rica, we recommend bottled water in most places. Do not eat fruit you have not pealed yourself, stay away from leafy vegetables like lettuce, and avoid ice cubes. These are common causes of amebic dysentery and giardia, both of which are unpleasant enough to be worth avoiding at all costs.

This Trip's Exclusive Wildlife Features:

• Unparalleled Wildlife Viewing - It's normal for us to see 10-25 sloths and 5-15 troops of monkeys, plus rare wildlife - in one hike on our second day!
• Remote & Less-Traveled Destinations - For the widest variety of wildlife experiences and best chance for up-close encounters, without crowds.
• Interact with Animals, Wildlife Experts & Scientific Researchers - Special Sloth Rescue Program and La Selva Biological Preserve.
• Special Arrangements for Exclusive Access

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Welcome to Wildlife Tours Costa Rica

Wildlife Tours Costa Rica! – a locally owned tour operator In La Fortuna Costa Rica welcomes you to the Arenal Volcano – we offer Rainforest hikes, guided walks through the forest canopy at Místico Hanging Bridges Park, Sloth tours, as well as World Class Bird Watching near the Arenal Volcano. We are expert Naturalist certified guides with years of training to offer you the best wildlife tour in La Fortuna and near the Arenal Volcano. We also offer tours to the famous “La Fortuna Waterfall”, Coffee and Chocolate Tours, and the very popular Arenal Volcano Night Tour.

Great guiding service in English, Spanish and French. If you want to explore the area with local experts, we are happy to share this amazing place with you and your family.

Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges

Arenal Volcano Night Walk

Arenal Volcano Volcano Hike

Unique Arenal Volcano Sloth Tour

Arenal Volcan Bird Watching Tour

Arenal Combo All in One Tour

• +506 87951420
• [email protected]
• La Fortuna - Costa Rica

Visitors meet the sanctuary residents while learning about their history, biology, and conservation needs. We offer refuge to a wide variety of animals including spider monkeys, capuchin monkeys, squirrel monkeys, a two-toed sloth, an anteater, different species of parrots, scarlet macaws, a toucan, an ocelot, and a crocodile, amongst others. The majority of these animals have been confiscated from the pet trade.

We do not allow any handling or touching of any wildlife

We ensure that our tours will offer the best educational experience through talks on Costa Rica’s biodiversity and the threats our wildlife are facing. Visitors are not allowed to feed or touch the animals in accordance with Costa Rican law. Many of the animals in our sanctuary have had traumatic experiences at the hands of humans before they came to us, so we try to create the most natural environment for them. This hands-off policy allows guests to observe some rare species up close whilst ensuring that these animals are living in a low-stress but naturally enriched environment.

Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary is proud to support the #StopAnimalSelfies movement. We encourage guests to become ethical wildlife tourists.

The donations from these tours are applied 100% to running the sanctuary and rescue center.

Book Your Tour Today!

Prices (including taxes) Adults – $33 Children (3-12) – $17 Adult Nationals – $11 Children (3-12) Nationals – $5

• Closed Mondays
• Guided Tours Only
• Reservation required
• Tours are in English only
• Spanish tours can be arranged with advance notice. Please call +506 8609 5363 to arrange your tour in Spanish
• Tuesday to Sunday
• 9:00 am, 11:00 am, and 1:00 pm
• Duration: 1-1.5 hours

Please arrive 10 minutes before your tour time begins

For more information about the tours, cancellations or if  you would like to do a tour in Spanish  (write us a few days in advance). You can send an email to [email protected]   or call +506 8609 5363 between 7am and 3pm.

Home » Travel Planning and Inspiration » Wildlife in Costa Rica: 25 Must-See Animals and Where to See Them!

Wildlife in Costa Rica: 25 Must-See Animals and Where to See Them!

By Author Costa Rica Travel Life

Posted on Last updated: March 17, 2024

This blog may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy for more info.

As you might expect from a country with such beautiful beaches and lush rainforests, the wildlife in Costa Rica is truly next level. It’s one of the reasons why we love this country so much!

From the majestic jaguar to sloths, anteaters, macaws, and butterflies, Costa Rica is home to a truly incredible amount of wildlife. In fact, it has over 500,000 species, which means that roughly 4% of the world’s species can be found in this small Central American country! 

Of course, with so many amazing wild animals in Costa Rica, it can be difficult to know where to start. Some animals can be seen all over the country, while others only inhabit certain areas. 

That’s why we’ve put together this handy guide to the 25 must-see animals in Costa Rica, as well as where to find them. Make sure you add seeing some of these incredible creatures to your Costa Rican itinerary !

1. Two-toed sloths 

One of my favorite things to do in Costa Rica is looking for sloths! They can be found all over the country in national parks, wildlife rescue centers , or even in towns.

Sloths are one of the world’s slowest mammals – so when you do see one, chances are they won’t be moving very fast! In fact, two-toed sloths are so slow that algae actually grows on their fur! This then acts as a camouflage and a convenient food source for the sloths, so although it may seem gross, it’s actually a win-win situation. 

Interesting fact: All sloths have 3 toes on the back legs. However, two-toed sloths only have two “toes” on their front legs.

Moths, beetles, and insects also often take up residence within the sloth’s fur, so you probably don’t want to pet them. It is, however, super cool to get a glimpse of these super-slow mammals. 

Hoffman’s two-toed sloths are the most common sloths in Costa Rica and can be found in forests throughout the country. Two-toed sloths are not as seriously endangered as their three-toed counterparts, but they are threatened by loss of habitat and hunting in certain countries, such as Brazil. 

The best place to stay in Costa Rica to see these creatures is in Manuel Antonio National Park . This is one of Costa Rica’s most popular national parks , and it even has a dedicated sloth trail! 

La Fortuna , a small town in the northern highlands, is also a popular place to see sloths, as they often come down from the trees to feed on the mineral-rich volcanic soil. 

If you take a sloth watching tour in La Fortuna , your chances of spotting some two-toed sloths are pretty high.  

In La Fortuna, you can take  a tour to “Sloth’s Territory” , where you’re almost guaranteed to see some sloths in the wild! This private nature reserve is located less than 10 minutes away from La Fortuna and you can tour it for only $35 USD. You’ll also spot plenty of other Costa Rican wildlife, such as hummingbirds, toucans, and porcupines. Plus there’s a tasty snack of local fruit after your hike!

Sloth-spotting tours are also available in Manuel Antonio National Park, where there are literally hundreds of species of animals to see.  This tour  takes you along a fairly easy hiking trail where you’re likely to see plenty of sloths. The $110 USD cost includes hotel pickup and drop-off, lunch, admission to the park, and some time to relax on the beach!

2. Three-toed sloths 

Costa Rica is also home to the brown-throated three-toed sloth . These creatures love to sleep upside down in the trees, which they do for up to 18 hours a day! 

There are three main types of three-toed sloths in the world, and although the other two varieties are considered as endangered or threatened, the brown-throated sloth is not. Although their habitat is in danger in some areas of the world due to deforestation.

Again, you can spot these babies in La Fortuna or Manuel Antonio National Park. Although they’re fairly common, you’re more likely to see them if you’re visiting with a guide because their coloring makes them difficult to spot with an untrained eye when they’re chilling in the treetops. 

When it comes to wildlife in Costa Rica, seeing at least one sloth is a must!

Related Read : We loved seeing sloths, monkeys and reptiles galore while exploring Cahuita National Park ! Plus it’s super affordable with admission by donation.

3. Tapirs 

Tapirs are large, forest-dwelling animals that look kind of like a cross between an anteater and a pig. They’re actually related to horses and rhinoceroses, and they’re the only animals in their family that live in the Americas. 

Baird’s tapirs are some of the most famous wildlife in Costa Rica. They’re actually the largest native land mammal in Central America!

Baird’s tapirs have very few natural predators due to their size, but they’re sadly endangered as a result of deforestation and fires. It’s estimated that there are only around 4,500 left in the wild, so it’s a real privilege to see one while you’re in Costa Rica. 

These animals are nocturnal, although it is possible to spot one at any time of day. The best place to see them is Corcovado National Park , which you have to visit as part of a tour (you are not allowed to enter the park without a guide.) They’re most likely to be spotted near Sirena Station, the park’s main ranger station. 

You can visit Sirena Station on  a full-day tour  from Drake Bay. Corcovado National Park is really remote, so this tour is handy as it takes care of all the transportation from your hotel and the boat ride along the coast of the Osa Peninsula . Then you’ll have a wildlife guide along who knows all the best spots to look for tapirs and other animals. For $110 USD, the tour includes 5 hours in the park and a lunch to keep you fueled while you explore.

While there’s no guarantee of spotting a tapir, you can increase your chance by staying in the park overnight. We highly recommend  this overnight tour  if Baird’s tapirs are one of your bucket-list animals to see in Costa Rica. You’ll get to spend a night at the Sirena Station so you’ll have extra time in the park to spot wildlife. Plus, you’ll get a sunrise hike and breakfast in the forest when you wake up – how cool is that? The tour is $582 USD and includes all the meal costs, transportation, and accommodation.

4. Jaguar 

The jaguar really needs no introduction. This beautiful animal has been listed as “near threatened” by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) since 2002. It’s estimated that there are around 173,000 left in the wild. 

Jaguars are the largest cats in the Americas and they’re actually pretty similar in size to leopards. They can be found all over Costa Rica, usually in national parks and protected zones. However, their patterned fur can make them difficult to spot unless you’re with a guide. 

The best place to see jaguars in Costa Rica is Corcovado National Park, and ideally, you should stay overnight to increase your chances since, like many big cats, jaguars are nocturnal. 

There are  single-night tours  to Corcovado available, where you’ll bunk at the Sirena Ranger Station. But to really maximize your chances of seeing these elusive animals, it’s best to  book a multiple-day tour . This not only gives you a greater chance of spotting jaguars, but also other big cats such as pumas and ocelots. 

The multi-day tour includes 3 days and 2 nights in the park with a small group of up to 6 people. All your meals and entry fees are included in the $866 USD cost and you’ll have a naturalist guide to show you around.

Related Read: Check out our guide to the best multi-day tours in Costa Rica for more tours that are great for spotting wildlife!

5. Macaws 

Scarlet macaw 

If you’re a sucker for a comeback story, you’ll love the scarlet macaw .  

This beautiful bird was once on the brink of extinction in Costa Rica, but thanks to some determined conservation efforts, there are now plenty to be seen. 

Scarlet macaws are easily recognizable thanks to their brilliant red, blue, and yellow plumage. They can be seen throughout the country, but two of the best areas to spot them are Corcovado National Park and Carara National Park .

If you don’t have room in your budget to visit Corcovado, check out this wallet-friendly tour to Carara National Park . For only $31 USD, you’ll get to explore one of the best birdwatching sites in the country. The park here combines tropical rainforest with dry forest, so the variety of birds is top-notch. Bring your camera along for this one!

Great green macaw 

The great green macaw has also made a pretty impressive comeback, although the population size is still pretty small. These massive birds can be seen in the same areas as scarlet macaws, although they’re a little more difficult to spot. 

Maquenque National Wildlife Refuge is considered the best place to see great green macaws, and it’s well worth spending a few days here if you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of these beautiful birds. 

6. Howler monkeys 

Howler monkeys are some of the most memorable animals in Costa Rica. You’ll hear them before you see them because, as their name suggests, they have a pretty loud call which can travel up to 3 miles (5 kilometers)! 

Howler monkeys can be found all over Costa Rica. You can even spot them on the beaches or on the side of the road in areas such as the Osa Peninsula and Guanacaste ! 

Related Read : See howler monkeys from the top of Turrialba Volcano, one of the must-visit volcanoes in Costa Rica !

7. Squirrel monkeys 

Squirrel monkeys are small and very, very cute. 

Sadly, this cuteness means they’re in demand in the illegal pet trade, which has contributed to their dwindling population size. Today, there are only around 5,000 left in the wild. 

These little guys can be spotted along the South Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Corcovado National Park, Osa Peninsula, and Manuel Antonio National Park are among the best places to see them. 

8. Spider monkeys 

One thing that surprised us about spider monkeys was how big they are! They’re actually one of the biggest New World monkeys and weigh between 6-9 kilograms (13-20 pounds). 

Spider monkeys are endangered due to deforestation and can now mostly be found in remote areas. Corcovado National Park and the surrounding Osa Peninsula are considered the best places to see them. 

It’s also possible to catch a glimpse of them in Monteverde Cloud Forest , Sarapiqui, or Rincon de la Vieja National Park , but you’ll need luck on your side. 

9. White-faced capuchin monkeys 

“Friends” fans will remember Marcel, Ross’s white-faced capuchin monkey . 

Marcel was very cheeky and wasn’t shy about stealing things, which is typical of these animals. Therefore, make sure that you hang on tight to your sunglasses, cameras, and other valuables when these mischievous monkeys are around. 

White-faced capuchin monkeys are currently classified as “least concern” by the IUCN. You can spot them in several reserves and national parks across the country, including Manuel Antonio and Palo Verde National Park , and Monteverde Cloud Forest. Hanging bridges in places like Monteverde or La Fortuna also offer an opportunity to get closer to these monkeys.  

10. Crocodiles 

There are two main types of crocodiles in Costa Rica: saltwater crocodiles and American crocodiles. 

You’re likely to spot American crocodiles in the lowlands and along the coasts of Costa Rica, as they prefer freshwater habitats. If you visit Corcovado, you’re likely to see some crocs swimming in the park’s many swamps, mangroves, and lagoons. 

As for the slightly larger saltwater crocodiles, the Crocodile Bridge has become an unlikely tourist attraction in recent years. It’s a bridge across the Tarcoles River along the Pacífica Fernández Oreamuno highway. It’s about an hour’s drive west from San Jose or 25 minutes north of Jaco . As you walk across, you can see crocodiles swimming or basking in the sun along the riverbanks. 

There’s no entry fee to the bridge so you can drive yourself. There’s free parking nearby, but it can get pretty busy. If you can’t find a spot, you’ll have to buy a meal at a nearby restaurant in exchange for the use of their parking lot. When I was there, we made a deal with a guy that we would come back and buy a smoothie after we saw the crocodiles.

However, if you really want to get up close and personal with the crocs, you can take  a crocodile safari tour  from Jaco. This 3-hour tour includes a boat ride along the Tarcoles River, as well as hotel pickup and drop-off for $89 USD. In addition to the crocodiles, you’ll also see a variety of birds, including pelicans and ospreys. 

11. Hummingbirds 

Costa Rica is home to around 50 different species of hummingbirds , making it one of the best countries in the world to see these jewel-colored little creatures. 

Hummingbirds are most commonly found in Costa Rica’s four main cloud forests, which are:  Monteverde , Los Angeles , Bajos Del Toro , and La Paz Waterfall Gardens . La Paz is one of the best day trips from San Jose and the hummingbird garden is beautiful. The cloud forests will let you see tons of hummingbirds flying through the air, flitting around the flowers, and drinking nectar.

However, you’re likely to see hummingbirds wherever you travel in Costa Rica, just not in such large numbers. 

12. Iguanas 

Green iguanas can be found in several parts of Costa Rica, including the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, and the Northeastern lowlands. They love living in warm, wet areas, so Costa Rica’s tropical climate is ideal for them. 

Iguanas are excellent swimmers and they can actually hold their breath for up to 30 minutes underwater. They can also fall up to 15 meters (50 feet) without injuring themselves and are great tree jumpers – in this regard, they’re very similar to cats, despite their reptilian nature! 

13. Whales 

One of the things Costa Rica is known for is its whales. The South Pacific Coast is one of the best places in the world to see humpback whales .  

Every year, these giant creatures migrate from the cold waters of Antarctica to the warmer waters of Costa Rica to mate and give birth. Fortunately, most types of humpback whales are no longer considered endangered and are still protected under Costa Rican law. 

There are two peak whale watching seasons in Costa Rica . One from July to November (the best season) and the other from December to March.

I highly recommend visiting Uvita as it’s one of the top places in Costa Rica to see whales . Seeing whales in Uvita is easily one of the best tours in Costa Rica that you can go on!

To maximize your chance of spotting these magnificent creatures,  this whale watching tour  of Marino Ballena National Park is a great option. In addition to humpback whales, your guide will help you to spot bottlenose dolphins, turtles, and pelicans. 

Plus, when the water is warm, you’ll also be able to grab a snorkel and explore the park’s crystal-clear waters. You might even get the chance to swim alongside some turtles! The 3-hour tour is $95 USD.

14. Dolphins 

Costa Rica is home to a large variety of dolphins . If you stay in Drake Bay , you’ll be in one of the best places in the entire country to witness these amazing creatures in their natural habitat. 

We think that  this tour  offers one of the best dolphin-watching experiences in Costa Rica. Not only do you get to see dolphins and snorkel alongside them, but the tour also provides a hydrophone, which allows you to hear the dolphins’ underwater clicks and squeaks. It’s a really incredible experience!

On this tour, you’re also likely to spot whales, and you’ll also be able to use the hydrophone to listen to them. If you’re lucky, you might even see a humpback whale breaching! This 6-hour tour is $128 USD.

Dolphins are sadly endangered animals, so it’s important to only take tours with reputable companies who follow best practices for dolphin watching. 

Related Read : Another great place to spot dolphins is on the boat ride out to Tortuga Island !

15. Turtles 

Come on, who doesn’t love turtles? These gentle creatures have been around for millions of years and there are 13 native species in Costa Rica. 

There are lots of places to see turtles in Costa Rica , but one of the best is in Tortuguero National Park . Every year, between July and October, hundreds of Green Sea and Hawksbill turtles come here to lay their eggs on the beach. 

In order to see this natural phenomenon, you’ll have to visit Tortuguero as part of an organized tour. These tours leave at night time, when the turtles are most active, and they’ll take you to see the turtles laying their eggs. This small group tour  is a great and relatively inexpensive option for only $40 USD. 

Tortuguero tours are heavily regulated to ensure that tourism doesn’t disturb the turtles. So, when you take a tour, you can be sure that you’re not harming these animals in any way. 

We, unfortunately, missed the sea turtles laying eggs because we visited in December. However, we still got really lucky and watched baby turtles make their journey into the ocean. It was still really special!

Alternatively, Cano Island , which is accessible from Drake Bay, is one of the best places in Costa Rica to go snorkeling with turtles. On  this tour , you’ll not only get to swim alongside turtles, but you’ll also have the chance to spot an octopus or two, manta rays, and a huge variety of tropical fish. The $107 USD tour includes snorkeling in two different spots and some time to relax on a beautiful beach.

16. Manta rays 

Manta rays are one of the largest marine animals in Costa Rica, and I find them to be one of the most graceful and elegant, too. They really are mesmerizing to watch. 

Costa Rica is home to many different types of manta rays, including giant manta rays, which are endangered. There’s actually a pretty large population of giant manta rays in Costa Rica but their numbers are dwindling overall because they are hunted for medicinal purposes in other parts of the world. 

There are plenty of places where you can see manta rays in Costa Rica, including Tortuga Island, Blanco Nature Reserve, Osa Peninsula, Coco Island, and the waters around Las Catalinas. 

I loved seeing manta rays while scuba diving around the Nicoya Peninsula . I’ve been diving all around the world and the dive sites in Costa Rica are amazing! It’s best to stay in Santa Teresa if you want to dive around here. Visit sometime between January to April for the best chance of seeing huge manta rays.

17. Blue jeans poison dart frogs 

Ironically, blue jeans poison dart frogs are mostly red in color but their lower legs are denim blue, hence their name. They’re also sometimes called strawberry poison arrow frogs, due to their scarlet hue. 

These little frogs are actually one of the most toxic animals in Costa Rica and their toxins can be deadly to humans if ingested or come into contact with an open wound, so you should be safe. Just don’t try to eat them! 

Happily, these little guys are not endangered. They can usually be found in Costa Rica’s lowlands, in places like Puerto Viejo or Tortuguero . Often, you’ll see them on the forest floor, but they’re also known to climb trees. 

18. Toucans 

Toucans are one of the most iconic birds in Costa Rica. These beautiful birds are actually quite common throughout the country and you’ll find them in most of Costa Rica’s national parks.

They tend to live in pairs or small groups, so if you see one toucan, there’s a good chance there are more nearby. 

There are six different species of toucans in Costa Rica, including the Keel-billed toucan, which is probably the most famous. This rainbow-colored bird is often used as a symbol of the country and you’ll find it on everything from t-shirts to souvenirs. 

You’ll generally see keel-billed toucans and most other types of toucans on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica. They’re commonly spotted in Monteverde Cloud Forest , as well as the Central Valley and Arenal Mountains, and the Cartago province. 

The very best places for birdwatching include Tortuguero National Park and the Osa Peninsula. I also like visiting Carara National Park, which is one of the best cheap things to do in Jaco to spot lots of tropical birds.

19. Coatimundi 

Coatimundi is another one of our favorite wild animals in Costa Rica. These furry creatures look like a cross between a monkey and a raccoon and they’re really pretty cute. 

The white-nosed coatimundi is the most common type of coatimundi in Costa Rica and you’ll find them all over the country. They live in forested areas, be it rainforests, dry forests, or cloud forests.  

They are most frequently seen in Manuel Antonio National Park and near the Arenal Volcano , but you’ll spot them on many wildlife tours. 

20. Blue morpho butterfly 

The blue morpho butterfly is one of the most beautiful animals in Costa Rica. These brightly colored insects are a sight to behold and they’re one of the most popular insects for wildlife lovers to spot. 

However, this pretty critter’s wings aren’t technically actually blue – they just appear that way because of the way the light reflects off them. 

You’ll find blue morpho butterflies all over Costa Rica but they’re especially common at the butterfly gardens in La Paz Waterfall Gardens or in Manuel Antonio National Park.

Related Read : After seeing the butterflies and waterfalls at La Paz Waterfall Gardens, make sure to check out some of the other amazing waterfalls in Costa Rica !

21. Eyelash viper 

The eyelash viper is named for the scales over its eyes that make it look like it has eyelashes. This venomous snake is actually quite common in Costa Rica, and you’ll find them throughout the country. 

Although this species of snake certainly can pose a big threat to human health, they don’t attack unprovoked, so there’s no need to be too worried about them. Just be sure to keep a safe distance when you spot one and don’t try and make it angry! 

Eyelash vipers are not endangered and they can be spotted throughout the country, usually in forestland. They especially like vines, shrubbery, and low-hanging branches. They come in a variety of colors, but yellow is the most common. 

22. Quetzals 

Quetzals – or resplendent quetzals , to give them their proper title – are one of the most beautiful animals in Costa Rica. These stunning birds have brightly colored feathers and a long tail, and they’re really something to behold. 

Sadly, quetzals are quite rare and they’re actually an endangered species. They used to be found throughout Costa Rica but now they’re only spotted in a few remote areas of the country.  

The best place to see them is in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve , which you can visit as part of  this birdwatching tour . This 2.5-hour tour takes you through the cloud forest where there are an astonishing 450 species of birds! If luck is on your side, you’ll get a glimpse of the beautiful emerald green quetzal! Transportation and an expert guide are both included in the $75 USD fee.

23. Red-eyed tree frogs 

Red-eyed tree frogs are one of the most iconic animals in Costa Rica. These little amphibians are absolutely everywhere and they’re a real national symbol.

One of the best things about red-eyed tree frogs is that they’re really easy to spot. They’re most commonly found in the lowland tropical rainforests of Costa Rica, and they love to hang out on leaves near water sources.  

You’ll see them all over Manuel Antonio National Park, Corcovado National Park, and Tortuguero National Park . You can also see them on night tours in places like Monteverde or La Fortuna .

24. Anteaters 

There are three types of anteaters found in Costa Rica – the lesser anteater, the silky anteater, and the giant anteater.  

Of these, the silky anteater is the most common, while the giant anteater is endangered. 

Giant anteaters are one of the largest wild animals in Costa Rica and they can grow up to 2.5 meters (8 feet) in length! These animals are mostly found in grasslands, rainforests, and dry forests of low to medium elevation. 

The Osa Peninsula is the best place to see giant anteaters, as they mostly dwell within this area. However, it’s possible to spot silky and lesser anteaters across Costa Rica in many of the country’s national parks. 

25. Margays 

Margays are a type of wild cat that’s native to Costa Rica. They’re actually quite common in the country and they can be found throughout its forests. Margays are nocturnal animals, so they’re mostly active at night. 

They closely resemble ocelots and are related to leopards. They’re considered threatened in Costa Rica and endangered in several other countries. 

These animals are very shy and blend in well with their surroundings thanks to their coat. Because they’re nocturnal, the best way to spot them is on a night tour of one of Costa Rica’s national parks.  

You’ll have the best chances of seeing one in Corcovado National Park, Monteverde Cloud Forest, or Santa Rosa National Park . 

The BEST Things to do in Costa Rica

While there are so many fun things to do in Costa Rica , a couple of specific attractions and activities stand out amongst the rest. They are:

Explore Volcanoes

There are some impressive (and beautiful!) volcanoes that you’ll want to check out while you’re here.

Poas Volcano is known for its bright blue crater lake. Poas Volcano is most commonly visited on a day trip from San Jose. This Poas Volcano tour from San Jose is one of the best you can do since it also includes a visit to the La Paz Waterfall Gardens as well as a coffee farm.

Arenal Volcano is also one of Costa Rica’s top attractions. Arenal Volcano is located closest to the town of La Fortuna. You can book this full-day tour from La Fortuna that takes you to the volcano to hike, the famous La Fortuna Waterfall and even a hanging bridge – it’s a full day of adventure!

Chase Waterfalls

La Fortuna Waterfall is one of our favorite waterfalls in all of Costa Rica. You can easily visit it on this full-day tour in La Fortuna that also visits hot springs.

Rio Celeste is another beautiful waterfall that is famous for its bright blue water. Rio Celeste is a popular attraction to visit from Guanacaste Province and this particular tour includes transport from there. Alternatively, you can book this tour from La Fortuna or this tour from San Jose .

See the wildlife

Costa Rica is the place for wildlife lovers! One of the best places to see lots of animals in their wild habitat is at Manuel Antonio National Park . With the help of a guide you will see plenty of birds, monkeys, and even sloths! This particular tour is super popular and also has amazing reviews, so you really can;t go wrong.

There are also lots of wildlife rescue centers around the country that are worth visiting. The Jaguar Rescue Center in Puerto Viejo is one of our favorites as well as Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center in San Jose where you can book this private tour.

Getting Around Costa Rica

How you choose to get around Costa Rica is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when planning your holiday here! How you do it depends on your budget, travel style, and comfort level. 

Renting a Car

Without a doubt, the number one way to explore Costa Rica is in a rental car. We book rental cars on the Discover Cars website as we have had good experiences with them in the past.

One of the things you need to watch for when renting a car in Costa Rica is the mandatory insurance that the government requires you to have. There are a lot of very cheap rentals that don’t include this mandatory insurance (TPL) in the original booking price, but there are also ones that do. To avoid additional surprise charges when you pick up your rental car, be sure to rent a car that includes the mandatory insurance when you book.

Thankfully, on Discover Cars it’s easy to tell apart the companies that include the mandatory insurance and those that don’t. The trick is you can’t pick any car on their website. In the picture below, you can see this rental car, with pick up in Jaco, includes the TPL. That means the mandatory insurance is included in the price. Any cover you get above that is extra.

Of course, I still suggest getting the full coverage offered by Discover Cars, which covers you even more.

You can  browse cars on Discover Cars here .

Book Shuttles

If renting a car isn’t in your budget, you don’t feel comfortable driving in Costa Rica , or you just don’t like driving, shuttles are the next best option. There are hundreds of shuttle routes available all over the country, and they are very affordable.

Shuttles in Costa Rica are specifically for tourists and often include pick up and drop off at your selected hotels and airports. The drivers also speak some English, and the vehicles have air conditioning. You’ll also be guaranteed a seat when you book a shuttle (which isn’t the case with the public bus system.)

To get the best price, use the website  Bookaway . They compare all the offers and prices of shuttle companies in Costa Rica so you get the best price! Honestly, we have saved so much money using Bookaway! 

You can search for shuttles online on Bookaway here.

Lastly, you can use the public bus system. On short journeys, such as from San Jose to La Fortuna or Uvita to Manuel Antonio, this system is great. However, the longer the journey the more hassle and time spent on a bus. It’s undoubtedly best to save the public bus in Costa Rica for short and straightforward trips!  

The public buses are definitely the cheapest way to get around Costa Rica, but they are not always very reliable and schedules often change without notice and delays are to be expected. The buses can also be very crowded and hot – so just be prepared!

It’s also good to speak some Spanish if you plan on riding the public bus since most drivers and ticket booth operators don’t speak English.

The wildlife in Costa Rica is truly incredible – there are literally hundreds of thousands of species of animals here to discover. While this list covers only a few, seeing any of this wildlife while exploring the country will definitely be among the highlights of your trip!

Now that you know some of the best spots to see wildlife, make sure you browse around our site for more ideas on places to stay, where to eat, and the top activities to experience while you’re here. Check out some of these in-depth guides including:

Guide to seeing sloths in Costa Rica

Is Costa Rica Safe? Travel scams, safety advice & more

BEST Hot Springs in Costa Rica (and which ones you should visit!)

BEST Breweries in Costa Rica that you’ll love

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Costa Rica Wildlife Tour

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For a tiny country, Costa Rica packs a huge wildlife punch. Containing 5% of the world's biodiversity, its thick forests teem with life, from brightly coloured toucans to slow-moving sloths. With adventure and beautiful beaches to boot, this two-week trip won't disappoint.

• Tortuguero - Cruise the jungle waterways and explore the rainforest of this 'mini Amazon'
• Adventure - Included white water raft on the Pacuare river, or opt to fly through the canopy on a zip wire
• Manuel Antonio - Share the stunning white-sand beaches with sun-bathing iguanas and capuchin monkeys

Included meals

Breakfast: 14

Explore Tour Leader

Accommodation

9 nights comfortable hotel

5 nights comfortable lodge

Group Size:

Trip maximum 16 Explore Average 11

Itineraries on some departure dates may differ, please select the itinerary that you wish to explore.

Arrive in San Jose. The cosmopolitan Costa Rican capital lies in a fertile valley at an altitude of 1150 metres. Coffee and sugar cane are big industries here and coffee is even planted between new buildings and along the roadside on the outskirts of the city.

For those arriving on time our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 7pm for the welcome meeting, and for those that wish there is the chance to go out for dinner. There are no other activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in San Jose at any time. If you would like to receive an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into San Jose's Juan Santamaria International Airport (airport code SJO) which is 18km, around thirty minutes from our hotel. Should you miss the welcome meeting, your Leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.

If your flight arrives earlier in the day, perhaps you might choose to head out to explore the city which is easy to navigate with a grid pattern of avenues and streets. The National museum (Museo Nacional De Costa Rica) is also well worth a visit.

Accommodation:

Autentico Hotel (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available, meals provided: none.

This morning, an hour's drive will take us to the Poas Volcano National Park, where the smoke from one of Costa Rica's most active volcanos rises majestically from the tropical rainforest. At almost a mile in diameter, the main crater is one of the largest in the world. Due to recent volcanic activity, time at the crater viewpoint is restricted to 20 minutes. If activity increases again the authorities may choose to close the park, and in that case you'll visit the Doka coffee estate, including a tasting session of Costa Rica's finest export.

After our visit to Poas we'll return to San Jose, calling first at a Toucan Rescue Ranch located just outside the city. Here we'll get our first insight into the wide spectrum of Costa Rican wildlife, learning about rescued species including parrot, macaw, sloth, spider monkey and toucan. The centre does not permit visitors to handle wildlife, and they concentrate on rescue and rehabilitation as a priority. After our visit we'll spend some time visiting San Jose, stopping by some of its main architectural highlights and ending at the large Central Market, frequented by both locals and tourists alike.

This evening you may like to take a taxi out to the gastronomic area around the Barrio Escalante, where craft beer pubs and quirky restaurants are a growing trend.

Meals Provided: Breakfast

This morning we drive south out of San Jose, down to the wild cloud forest of Savegre, famously one of the best places in Costa Rica for sightings of the elusive Resplendent Quetzal. The peace of the region is an outstanding introduction to Costa Rica's natural beauty. Hikers will enjoy the forest trails and the journey through the alpine-like hills, while nature lovers visit for its biodiversity - the area around San Gerardo de Dota contains around 200 species of bird and countless plant types including various orchid species.

This afternoon we explore the trails around our lodge, perhaps crossing the path of the river, as we delve into the surrounding cloud forest.

Trogon Lodge (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Lodge

We have an early start to get out into the trails surrounding our lodge this morning, in the search for the quetzal. The males of the species are vivid, with a red breast, green crest and the iconic long green tail that dangles from the branches. Despite the bright colours, they are very effective at camouflage and are surprisingly difficult to pick out among the greens of the trees. Binoculars are a useful addition to your kit here, as our Leader will be diligently attempting to find us one of these famous birds.

After returning to the lodge for breakfast, we have the rest of the day free to spend as we wish. There are enough walks and trails around the lodge to spend a day here easily. The forest is rich in flora and fauna, and the mountainous cloud forest landscapes are perfect for keen photographers to make the most of.

The fertile land around Turrialba makes it an important agricultural region for coffee, sugar and Macadamia nuts, as well as dairy production, with its cheese being famous throughout the country. Our journey takes approximately three hours, and we'll arrive in the afternoon, taking time to explore the small town of Turrialba before dinner. This evening, we will be visiting a typical 'finca' (farm), for a traditional meal - the local cheese will certainly be on the menu!

Guayabo Lodge (or similar)

Meals Provided: Breakfast and Dinner

One of Costa Rica's most scenic rivers, the Pacuare is a perfect place for both rafting aficionados and enthusiastic newcomers. Calm stretches between the class III-IV rapids allow time to appreciate the passage through rainforest-topped canyons and tumbling waterfalls. Macaws and blue morpho butterflies wheel past as we raft through the steep, green walls of the canyon.

The first section of the canyon is mainly II-III rapids, giving us a chance to test the skills that our experienced rafting guides will teach us, gaining confidence as we go. We then move into the III-IV rapids. You don't need previous rafting experience, as our guides will give us all the knowledge necessary. This river is not difficult to raft, but provides a lot of rapids in a short stretch of water, giving us the perfect mix of adventure and fun. It can be rafted year-round, but is of course subject to weather and river conditions. If the water levels on the Pacuare are low, there is another section of the river called 'Finca de la Cruz' that we will raft instead - this is a four mile stretch of Class III rapids again interspersed with calm sections, creeks and waterfalls.

We'll have lunch on the river before finishing the trip in the early afternoon and returning to our hotel, giving us the evening free to relax.

If you're not a confident swimmer, or the thought of rafting isn't for you, then don't worry. Instead of rafting we can organise a trip to CATIE and their huge botanical garden, or alternatively a visit to the community-led Aquiares coffee plantation where you'll learn about the coffee-making process as well as some of the culture and traditions of the area. The Tour Leader will ask your group on the first day or two of the tour to confirm whether you want to raft or not, so that they can make the reservations.

Meals Provided: Breakfast and Lunch

This morning, our drive to Costa Rica's Caribbean coast takes us through extensive banana plantations. From either Cano Blanco or Pavona, a boat will take us to our spectacular lodge in the Tortuguero National Park, where we will spend the next two nights. As we travel through a fascinating network of jungle waterways, it is easy to understand why this area is often described as a 'mini Amazon'. Its complex canal system and narrow lagoons link small isolated settlements and are rich in fish, including rainbow bass and grouper. They also support an abundance of birds, such as heron, stork and kingfisher as well as 60 species of mammal with howler and spider monkeys in the treetops.

Upon arrival at our lodge, we will take a short walking tour of the car-less village of Tortuguero. Our lodge is in an idyllic setting, perched on a small slither of land between the Caribbean Sea and the waterway.

Turtle Beach Lodge (or similar)

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today we will be exploring some of this spectacular national park. To kick off our day, there is the option of a bird watching trip by boat at dawn, where we have the opportunity to spot some of Costa Rica's spectacular birdlife. Water birds such as herons, egrets and kingfishers are among the birds that may be spotted, although other species of birds such as toucans may be found in the area.

Later this morning we will go on a nature walk to understand more about the area's unique ecosystem. This afternoon, we will take to the waterways for further exploration. On our travels, we may come across the howler monkey, aptly named by the way it noisily protects its territory. Much shyer animals in this area include ocelots, tapir and the incredibly elusive jaguar.

Throughout the year, you may be lucky enough to see different species of turtle nesting close to our lodge. The best time to see this spectacle is between June and September when over five-thousand green turtles come ashore to nest on Tortuguero's beaches. At this time of year, there is the option of an evening turtle walk in the company of experienced guides.

Leaving our lodge this morning, we travel by boat back to either Cano Blanco or Pavona, before heading on to Puerto Viejo Sarapiqui. This journey will take approximately 4 hours.

After lunch, we plan to visit La Tirimbina for a chocolate tour. This two and a half hour tour will open the secrets and wonders of one of mankind's favourite foods: chocolate. Originally from Central America, this plant has an extraordinary history; it was one of the most important products for the Mayan and Aztec cultures. The discovery of America led to the introduction of chocolate in Europe, transforming it into the product we all know today.

We start by taking a short hike over a suspension bridge and through a forest to a former cacao-growing plot, learning about the cacao tree along the way. Upon arrival at the plot, the artisanal process by which cacao fruit is transformed into chocolate will be demonstrated. There is ample opportunity to taste different kinds of chocolate, prepared on the spot in the traditional way.

This evening we will have a night walk in the Selva Verde Rainforest, in search of nocturnal species such as snakes and tarantulas.

Selva Verde Eco Lodge (or similar)

The lodge has many onsite trails in secondary rainforest, leading right into the Selva Verde Reserve. This morning we will take a short walk on some of the trails, through a tropical paradise of towering almendro trees and keel billed toucans.

Later on, we drive to Arenal, skirting around the great central volcanic massif, passing through fertile farmlands that are rich with tropical crops. Arenal is a classic conical volcano, famous for its nightly eruptions until finally going quiet in 2010. We will be exploring the national park on foot, taking a walk on the flanks of the volcano, which are covered by a tangled mass of vegetation on one side and starkly barren on the other. Our leader will point out interesting flora and fauna and provide more information about the science and history of the volcano, before taking us to a viewpoint for a closer look.

Our accommodation for the next two nights is in La Fortuna. The town was renamed after a huge 1968 eruption that decimated the small towns around the volcano's western flanks, when it was seen as being 'fortunate' that it was located on the eastern side of the volcano.

Hotel San Bosco Inn (or similar)

Today has been left free to explore the Arenal area as you choose. There are local treks to waterfalls and along lava trails whilst those keen to relax can enjoy spa treatments with volcanic mud. For wildlife lovers there is the option to join a wildlife spotting tour, seeking the famous sloth, the poisonous blue jeans dart frog and the multi-coloured toucan among other species. There are also hanging bridges and zip wire adventures in Arenal, which give you the opportunity to discover the rainforest at canopy height, either by flying through it or taking a walk across suspension bridges, with a birds-eye view.

Your Tour Leader will be able to provide information on all the options.

Leaving the volcano behind us this morning, we descend to the Pacific Coast, enjoying staggering views over the Gulf and Peninsula of Nicoya. Heading south, we pause at Carara Biological Reserve, famed for the scarlet macaws and abundant birdlife which populate this transitional forest. Finally, we continue along the Pacific Coast to Manuel Antonio National Park, where we will spend the next three nights.

La Foresta Resort (or similar)

This morning we explore the Manuel Antonio National Park, famed for its beautiful beaches and rich wildlife. During our time in the park, we are likely to see white-faced capuchin monkeys, coatimundi (part of the raccoon family) and the tiny squirrel monkeys. This is also one of the best places in Costa Rica to see sloths. The majority of a sloth's diet comes from buds and leaves. As leaves provide little energy, sloths move only when necessary and even then very slowly so they are easy to spot.

The remainder of the day can be spent relaxing on the white sandy beaches, enjoying a swim in the warm azure waters. The sunsets from this coast are spectacular and have to be seen to be believed.

Today is free to relax in Manuel Antonio. You could choose to revisit the park, or relax on the beaches around the town of Manuel Antonio. There are also lots of other activities on offer if beach time isn't for you, including rafting or snorkelling trips.

Departing Manuel Antonio this morning we drive 160km, approximately four hours, back to San Jose's Juan Santamaria International Airport (airport code SJO), where we will arrive at about 11am and this is where our trip ends. The earliest time your flight can depart is 1pm.

Trip information

Seasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. Up-to-date information on the weather worldwide can be found by following the BBC weather link on this page. Costa Rica has a tropical climate with high temperature humidity and rainfall. The average temperature is 21°C in the highlands and variable in the lowlands. The rainy season is from May to October and the summer from December to April, but it does still tend to rain, usually in short bursts. Bear in mind that Costa Rica has 12 microclimates and weather can vary significantly in one day.

Time difference to GMT

Christian, Roman Catholic

Optional activities The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these tour notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations. Please note: These activities are booked and paid for locally and do not form part of your Explore holiday contract.

Turrialba- CATIE entrance with guide & lunch US$60 Tortuguero- Turtle Watching at night (June-September) US$49; Bird/wildlifewatching tour US$32; Spa Treatement (subject to lodge policies) US$43-72 Arenal- Hot Springs Entrance and dinner US$77; Sky Adventure Sky Tram & Zipline with transportation US$134; Sky Adventure Sky Tram Zipline & Suspension bridge walk with transportation US$163; Waterfall Walk Entrance US$20; Sloth Tour Entrance with transport US$78; Safari Float - Peñas Blancas River US$71 Manuel Antonio- Isla Damas Boat Trip (Transport Included) US$90; Catamaran & Sunset Tour (Transport Included) US$101; White Water Rafting Grade III - savegre River (Transport Included) US$119; Surf Lessons (Transport Included) US$90; Horseback riding + lunch (Transport Included) US$97; Whale watching (Min 4 passengers) Only runs Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays from July 15th to October 15th US$170 Please note all optional activities in Costa Rica can be paid for by card (with exception of CAITE), or USD Cash only.

Lightweight clothing is essential in midsummer though a warmer jumper is advisable for cooler evenings in the highlands (San Gerardo de Dota can be very cool at night). A good waterproof is essential, and you could consider waterproof trousers. The jungle lowlands are hot and muggy, and it can rain at any time of year. Long trousers and long-sleeved shirts are recommended on jungle walks. For your rafting excursion, take water shoes with a securely closed heel (not flip flops). Open toes are OK, but they should be securely fastened.

Lightweight trail/walking boots for jungle walks, comfortable shoes/trainers and sandals. In the rainy season waterproof boots are recommended.

Luggage: On tour

One main piece of luggage and a daysac. Remember, you are expected to carry your own baggage - don't overload yourself.

We recommend a sunhat, sunscreen, a small umbrella, a torch, insect repellent, a travel adaptor and a water bottle. Binoculars are essential for bird and animal spotting, and, for those interested, we also recommend bringing snorkelling equipment for your time at Manuel Antonio National Park.

Food and drink The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.

Foreign exchange, transport information, accommodation notes.

The accommodation in Costa Rica is largely very small, locally-run and wonderfully located. We opt for a mix of jungle lodges and small family-run hotels, avoiding large chains as much as possible. Due to the size of the accommodation, and its popularity, we may use a number of different hotels in various locations. Some of the alternative properties are as follows: Tortuguero - Tortuguero Beachfront, Evergreen Lodge, Pachira Lodge, Aninga Lodge, Laguna Lodge, Turtle Beach. San Gerardo de Dota - Trogon Lodge, Savegre Lodge, Suria, Suenos del Bosque or Mirador de Quetzales. All of these lodges provide a stay in the cloud forest, surrounded by nature. At 2,200 metres of altitude, it can be extremely cold here at night, so bring warm layers! Arenal - San Bosco Inn, Arenal Country Inn or Arenal Montechiari. These La Fortuna-based inns have views to the Arenal Volcano and easy access to all of the activities in the surrounding areas Manuel Antonio - La Foresta, Karahe, Hotel Manuel Antonio. The small town of Manuel Antonio has slowly started spreading up hill towards the neighbouring town of Quepos. On this tour we may use accommodation that is in either Manuel Antonio or in Quepos, just 10 minutes away. Hotels are typically wooden lodges, set in tropical gardens, bringing the nature in to you. We may also use other hotels in these and other locations on the tour, in order to secure availability. If you'd like more information about your specific departure date, don't hesitate to ask.

Food and drink

Can you drink the water?  The water quality is poor and therefore it is recommended to avoid drinking tap water during your trip.   

Government Travel Safety Advice

Under 18 immigration guidance.

Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information. Booking Conditions  

Visa and Passport Information

Costa Rica: Citizens from the UK, US, Canada and most EU countries do not require a visa for a stay up to 90 days. Citizen of Australia, New Zealand and the Republic of Ireland do not require a visa for stays up to 30 days. All other nationalities must enquire at their own embassies. USA: If your flights pass through the USA, even if only in transit, you will require either a visa or an ESTA (an e-visa). Please read on for more information. Citizens of the UK, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and passport holders from several EU countries can apply for an ESTA under certain conditions. This applies if you enter the country by sea or by air, and this must be done online via https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov, no later than 72 hours prior to travel. Travellers who have not registered before their trip are likely be refused boarding. You must have a biometric passport to apply for an ESTA. UK passports which are biometric feature a small gold symbol (camera) at the bottom of the front cover. If you have visited Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen since 2011 or are dual nationals of these countries, you cannot travel with an ESTA and instead you will need to apply for a visa from the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. If you are unable to provide a valid visa before boarding flights to the US, or entering via another method, you may not be permitted to travel. You should also be aware that if you have travelled to or have been in Cuba since the 12th of January 2021, you will not be eligible for an ESTA visa waiver and will need to apply for a US visa. You should consult the US State Department website to determine which you will need. Your ESTA application will ask for Point of Contact information. Please note that if you're only transiting through the USA then this is not required. If you're visiting or staying in the USA on an Explore trip, then our USA contact information will be listed on your final documentation which you will receive approximately 3-4 weeks before departure. Entry requirements for the USA can change regularly, therefore, please ensure you have the most up to date information before you travel by checking the US embassy website. Visa applications - http://london.usembassy.gov/niv/apply.html Canada: An electronic travel authorisation (ETA) is required by British citizens transiting via Canada. For more information see the official Canadian government website: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/eta.asp Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office

If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846 . It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.  

Booking conditions

Minimum age restrictions, your safety and enjoyment on tour, your tour leader, find out more about trip transfer terms and conditions before you book. booking a land only package with explore.

Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information.  You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.

Joining Tour Abroad

Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both. The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.  

Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.

If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.   For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here

It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom. Read more information about what travel insurance is required.

Flight information

Flight information.

You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.

Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore

We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.

On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

Ability to swim

An ability to swim is essential for your safe enjoyment of the water based activities on this trip. If you wish to participate in these activities then we insist that you are able to swim.

Vaccinations

Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against typhoid, infectious hepatitis and polio. Please consult your travel clinic for the latest advice on Malaria, Dengue and Zika Virus. Please take preventative measures to avoid mosquito bites - these include mosquito repellent as well as long trousers and long sleeve shirts to cover up when necessary. Please note many countries in Central America, South America and the Caribbean require a yellow fever vaccination certificates if travelling from infected areas. A detailed list of these countries can be found on the NaTHNaC website - http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries. Also on the NaTHNaC site there is a list of Countries (and specific areas within a country) which are at risk of infection and a vaccination is therefore recommended. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at Explore Travel Health and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

Dates, prices and booking

Add a flight with explore.

• Full Explore refunds in the event of FCDO cancellations or major disruption at your UK departure airport
• Carbon neutral flights – Gold Standard offsetting included
• Rearranged flights and transfers in the event of delays, missed connections, or cancellations (including accommodation overseas)
• ATOL protected
• No surcharge guarantee

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Costa Rica wildlife tours to explore this small but incredibly diverse Central American country. Costa Rica has long been a favourite with wildlife enthusiasts due to the combination of easy logistics, superb wildlife sanctuaries, incredible diversity and of course. the famous Costa Rica eco-lodges. Costa Rica was at the forefront of developing a sustainable wildlife tourism industry which other countries have tried to replicate; what does this mean to you and your Costa Rica wildlife tour?

After a night in a great Costa Rica hotel in the capital San Jose you will be picked up by your private guide and vehicle to start your Costa Rica wildlife holiday. It is refreshing that most of the car journeys are short and you can easily combine classic Costa Rica wildlife sanctuaries such as Arenal Volcano, Monterverde cloud forest, Cano Negro wildlife reserve, Osa Peninsula and Caño Island Reserve; as part of a circular Costa Rica wildlife tour.

The Costa Rica beaches are world famous and there are some wonderful beach resorts to stay at on both the Caribbean and Pacific Coasts. The Caribbean side is more famous for its corals and diving and snorkelling opportunites. While it is the large consistent waves found on the Costa Rica pacific coastline which attacts the surfers. Whatever your choice for a beach extension we will make sure your bespoke Cost Rica wildlife tour is a holiday of a lifetime.

If you’re looking to visit Costa Rica and unsure when to go, check out our dedicated blog post, about the  best time to visit Costa Rica  here.

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Experience MORE of Costa Rica's Astounding Diversity with Nat Hab

• The Most Diverse, All-Encompassing Costa Rica Itinerary You'll Find We don't know of another itinerary that covers the broad range of terrain and habitats this one does. From jungle canals in the lowlands of Tortuguero National Park on the Caribbean coast to the high-altitude cloud forest of the central highlands and down to the remote rain forest of the Osa Peninsula on the Pacific Ocean—plus Arenal Volcano—you'll see more of Costa Rica's stunning biodiversity.
• Small Groups—Just 10 Max!—Make a Big Difference Imagine following a narrow trail through the rain forest with 20 or 30 other travelers. Footsteps and voices drown out the delicate sounds, and a sense of solitude in nature is impossible. Yet many tour companies run groups this size. With that much human company, there is simply no chance for a quiet sense of wonder when you spot the rare resplendent quetzal or listen to a troop of howler monkeys in the canopy. You won't be able to hear your guide whisper details about the animals to you. That's why we cap our groups at 10!
• Chartered Flights Maximizes Your Time in Nature We charter a private plane to Tortuguero, then from Tortuguero to Drake Bay on the remote Osa Peninsula, and back to San Jose from Corcovado, cutting out domestic flights that waste numerous hours when you should be experiencing more of Costa Rica's nature and wildlife. Plus, no need to transfer planes in San Jose when we can fly direct from Tortuguero to Osa on a private charter and gain precious time in the wild.
• Private Boat Tours of Tortuguero National Park & Lake Arenal We include four private boat cruises! Three through the canals of Tortuguero National Park, one of Costa Rica's top wildlife destinations, and one on Lake Arenal in view of the famous volcano. Most travel operators and lodge-based tours have you sharing boats with guests from other lodges—not us! As ever, a secluded experience of nature is paramount on our trips. 
• The Most Intimate Wildlife Viewing Opportunities We’ve been taking guests to Costa Rica for many years, and our goal has always been to share the country’s best wildlife locations with our guests. Our itinerary is designed in conjunction with WWF to facilitate the richest wildlife encounters in the closest proximity, away from crowds. From sea turtles to sloths to scarlet macaws, you're more likely to see them all when you go with us.
• A Rare Chance to Visit Corcovado National Park Corcovado National Park in southwest Costa Rica is described by National Geographic  as the “most biologically intense place on Earth.” It lies off the standard tourist itinerary even though it occupies more than 100,000 acres, encompasses 13 different ecosystems and protects a host of endemic wildlife and plant species. On privately guided hikes, explore coastal trails and inland paths that traverse this biodiversity stronghold as we search for toucans, parrots, monkeys, tapirs, elusive jaguars and more.
• Distinctive Lodgings Immerse You in Nature While other trips are often based at large, centrally located lodges in more developed areas, our accommodations are typically more remote, chosen to create a seamless experience in nature. Our deluxe jungle ecolodge in Tortuguero features individual cabanas tucked within the rain forest, surrounded by birds and monkeys. And at Arenal, you'll stay at the famous Arenal Observatory Lodge, secluded in the rain forest on a private reserve.
• A Chance to "Adopt" Endangered Sea Turtles Tortuguero National Park is famous for its green sea turtles, which nest here from July to October. Guests traveling during those months may be able to book an optional excursion to see them on the beach late at night. Though we can't book this activity in advance or guarantee availability, your Expedition Leader may be able to arrange it on arrival through the lodge, if there is space. All Nat Hab travelers are also given the complimentary opportunity to "adopt" a sea turtle, regardless of when you visit Costa Rica. The adoption process includes material about the conservation program, an adoption form and a free 1-year membership to the Sea Turtle Conservancy. Participants  are able to track the status of their turtle, but they can also adopt a turtle without becoming a member if they do not wish to receive information from the conservancy.
• Special Green Season Departures During the wet months of July and August, our  “green season” departures take advantage of Costa Rica’s peak natural abundance brought on by tropical rains—at this time of year you'll be here for the height of turtle nesting in Tortuguero, whale watching off the Osa Peninsula, and some of the best opportunities to see resplendent quetzals feasting on fruiting trees in Monteverde.
• The Finest Naturalist Guides  Natural Habitat Adventures is known worldwide for employing the best naturalist guides on the planet. This is so important in places like Costa Rica, where spotting wildlife in the tropical forest requires finely honed skills. Rather than using less-qualified local lodge guides at each stop or a single driver-guide as a trip escort, our highly trained Expedition Leaders guide our groups from start to finish. Each averages nearly 20 years' experience and receives exclusive resources from WWF scientists. We also travel with an experienced driver/assistant guide, enabling us to divide into even smaller groups for more intimate nature encounters.  See Expedition Leader bios with traveler comments regarding the quality of our leaders.
• The Most Comfortable Vehicles Our deluxe Toyota Coaster mini buses are ultra-spacious, with high ceilings, large windows, a wide aisle and ample space between seats. And of course, since we never fill our vehicles to capacity, every guest has a window seat plus plenty of room for your gear. Our vehicles offer the smoothest ride you'll find over Costa Rica's sometimes rugged roads in natural areas. Thanks to long, tapered rear leaf springs and independent front suspension with double wishbones and upper torsion bar, the Coaster delivers a comfortable, stable ride.
• Our Quality-Value Guarantee Ensures Your Superior Costa Rica Experience With Natural Habitat Adventures, you receive our exclusive guarantee, which clearly states that we will meet the lofty expectations we set in our promotional materials. To our knowledge, this is the most ambitious guarantee made by any adventure travel company. Read our important promise.
• Feel Good About Your Carbon-Neutral Journey We care deeply about our planet, as we know you do. When you travel with us, the carbon emissions from your trip are 100% offset—including your round-trip flights from home. Natural Habitat Adventures has been the world’s first carbon-neutral travel company since 2007.

Read what travelers are saying about our Natural Jewels of Costa Rica trip:

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Monteverde Tours Costa Rica.

COSTA RICA DAY TOURS & SHUTTLES.

Animal Sanctuary Tour Guanacaste

Self Guided Tour

Guests can interact with animals with up close viewing and even attend a feeding. We are  home to the largest variety of species in one location. The residents in the animal sanctuary are all rescue animals and include: Sloths, Monkeys, Pumas, Jaguars, Toucans and more. Our Recue Center has dozens of species of frogs, snakes, birds and a world-class butterfly observatory.

All rescue animals were donated by MINAE, the Costa Rican Ministry of Wildlife. In many cases the animals were held in less than adequate facilities and faced difficult circumstances. Our Wildlife Rescue Center is against the capture or trade of illegally confiscated animals and along with our partners at Waterfall Gardens; we are working to release offspring of some of the animals into protected zones across Costa Rica.

• World Class Butterfly Observatory
• Up Close Viewing and Educational
• Professional Guides
• Largest variety of Animals - Sloths, Monkeys, Jaguars, Pumas and more
• Toucans and a large variety of small birds, frogs and reptiles
• Butterfly Observatory
• Exotic birds
• Exotic Birds

See all Guanacaste Tours, Things to do & Hotels 

Animal sanctuary tour guanacaste | guanacaste tours costa rica | things to do guanacaste | diamante adventure park guanacaste.

• Prices Adult: $42 - Child: $34

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Open 8:30am to 4:30pm 

Self Guided Tour | Animal Sanctuary is Guanacastes's largest and home to the largest variety of species in one location. The animals are rescued by MINAE, the Costa Rican Ministry of Wildlife and includes Sloths, Monkeys, Jaguars, Puma, Toucans, Snakes and more. The habitats are designed to provide a natural setting for the animals while allowing guests to learn and enjoy a unique, safe experience.

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Tropical Costa Rica

About this tour.

Lush forests and stunning waterfalls… rumbling volcanoes and endless coastlines… Costa Rica is a paradise teeming with exotic plants and incredible animals. Enjoy the tranquil views of Arenal Volcano from your hotel. Explore part of the 20,000-acre nature preserve of Cano Negro on a riverboat adventure. Spend two nights in Monteverde’s lush cloud forest. Experience the forest canopy on your choice of a hanging bridges nature walk or an exhilarating zip lining tour. Luxuriate at a resort for two nights at Playa Carrillo, Guanacaste, known for its breathtaking beauty and fine sandy beaches. You will find a slice of paradise and so much more.

Your Tour Includes

• 4 Handpicked Accommodations
• 2 Choice on Tour Options

Included Highlights

• Coffee Plantation
• Arenal Volcano
• Cano Negro Refuge

Your Tour at a Glance

8 Breakfasts

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Optional Excursions

Starting at $55.00

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Extension Style

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Must-See Inclusions:

Enjoy the breathtaking scenery surrounding Arenal Volcano.

Spot indigenous wildlife while on a Cano Negro riverboat cruise.

Cultural Experiences:

Take your journey to new heights and explore the Monteverde Cloud Forest from the elevated treetop canopy.

Put your feet up and relax during a 2-night stay in Guanacaste known for the country’s most beautiful beaches.

Culinary Inclusions:

Discover the history of coffee in Costa Rica during your visit to a coffee plantation.

Learn about local farming practices and learn to make tortillas while having lunch at Don Juan Finca Educativa.

• Lake Arenal Cruise
• Farm Tour and Lunch
• Monteverde Cloud Forest
• Choice on Tour

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• Tour Extensions

Enjoy an exciting soft-adventure jungle extension in Tortuguero, the Amazon of Costa Rica, in search of wildlife such as macaws, sloths, monkeys, falcons and other native species. Depart your San Jose hotel via private transportation. Arrive at a dock where you board an open air boat with other travelers as you journey into Tortuguero’s unspoiled paradise. During a memorable 2-night stay at your eco-lodge, you will be surrounded by the beauty of a tropical forest and amazing wildlife right outside your door. Experience a spectacular boat cruise through the various canals and be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife including howler monkeys, sloths, toucans, aquatic birds, bats and caimans, as well as exotic flora. Collette travelers will be accompanied by a private local guide on this extension. Your other option is to book a pre night? Guided You’re accompanied by a Tour Manager throughout the extension, except for any time that’s set aside for independent discovery.

• Arrive in San Jose, Costa Rica’s capital city for an overnight stay.
• San Jose - Tortuguero National Park
• This morning set out for an exciting soft-adventure jungle experience in Tortuguero, the Amazon of Costa Rica, in search of wildlife such as macaws, sloths, monkeys, falcons and other native species. Depart your San Jose hotel via private transportation for a transfer to the dock where you board an open-air boat with other travelers to journey into Tortuguero’s unspoiled paradise. Check into an eco-lodge built in harmony with nature using the best sustainability practices – where fans create breezes instead of air conditioning and meals feature locally sourced ingredients prepared with Caribbean flair.
• Tortuguero National Park
• An early morning bird watching excursion* is offered so you may learn about the variety of local species and migratory birds that flock to this area. Join your fellow lodge guests on a spectacular boat cruise through the various canals and be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife including howler monkeys, sloths, toucans, aquatic birds, bats and caimans, as well as exotic flora. Tortuguero National Park is a study in rainforest, freshwater, and marine biology. It protects over 350 species of birds and mammals including green macaws; 57 species of amphibians; 111 species of reptiles; and 60 mammal species, including 13 of Costa Rica’s 16 endangered species including jaguars, tapirs, ocelots, cougars, river otters and manatees.
• Tortuguero National Park - San Jose
• Depart Tortuguero National Park today to return to San Jose. Upon arrival, meet your Tour Manager and fellow travelers for the start of your Tropical Costa Rica tour.

Hotel-Doubletree Cariari Hotel

Hotel-Nammbu Beachfront Bungalows

Explore the cloud forest reserve in the heart of Monteverde from up above as you walk among the treetops with a local expert. Embark on a guided walking tour high above the forest floor on a leisurely paced “Hanging Bridges” tour and gain a different perspective of the cloud forest’s unique ecosystem, its mammals, birds, plants and flora. Admire the forest floor bursting with natural wonders, wildlife, and take in the amazing vistas. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to get up close to the indigenous wildlife in their natural habitat as your local expert shares stories of this incredible landscape and the ecology of the cloud forest.

Experience the unique sensation of flying through nature! For nature lovers, the greatest adventure of all is to take a Zip Line Canopy Adventure Tour. Selvatura Adventure Park and Canopy Tour is one of the best soft adventures in Costa Rica. Canopy Tour guides start by outfitting you with the appropriate equipment; then they take you through each of the 12 cables and 19 platforms and through the Tarzan Swing (optional). Selvatura Park is one of the longest Canopy Tours in Costa Rica, and is the only zip line canopy tour located inside the actual virgin cloud forest of Monteverde. Feel pure adrenaline and excitement of flying up to 35 miles per hour, viewing magnificent landscapes. Zip lines ranging from 120 to more than 2,000 feet in length and 60 to 400 feet in height let you experience the cloud forest from a whole new perspective. The tree top canopy tour not only offers a great adventure but also an opportunity to observe wildlife in its natural habitat. Trained personnel (accredited by the Costa Rican Institute of Tourism) accompanies you throughout the tour. If you are looking for a fun adventure and amazing rides, this canopy tour is your best choice.

Get a different perspective of the Costa Rican wildlife when you venture into the natural habitat of a dolphin family. With a guide, get a firsthand look at these elegant creatures and watch as they play along the water’s surface. Home to an abundance of animals, keep an eye out for other creatures as well. If you’re lucky, you may even spot some whales or turtles! Afterwards, try your hand at fishing as you cast your line into the blue waters of the Pacific. You’ll also get a chance to swim and snorkel in the warm waves along the coast, getting a closer look at the sea life.

Branches reaching out into the swamp, creatures bustling through the undergrowth, and long-necked birds wading into the cloudy water. The mangroves of Costa Rica are not only essential to the larger ecosystem but also function as an ethereal waterway that will make you feel as if you’ve been transported to another world. Mangrove trees live in swamps where salt water meets fresh water, creating a flourishing home for a wide variety of animals. On your kayak, discover an intimate look at the local wildlife as you gently paddle six miles down the Ora River. Keep an eye out for playful monkeys and explorative iguanas scurrying up the trees. Follow your guide as you coast along the water, making your way along the winding river and taking in the nature all around you.

Accommodations

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Pre Night: Doubletree Cariari Hotel From $65 per night

Doubletree Cariari Hotel

Mountain paradise hotel, nammbu beachfront bungalows, stay longer.

Post Night: Nammbu Beachfront Bungalows From $75 per night

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Ethical Wildlife Encounters with smarTours

Explore Nature Responsibly!

Part of the joy of exploring the world is encountering its diverse wildlife, whether on safari adventures or within national parks and sanctuaries. When we incorporate an animal experience into our tours, we are deeply committed to promoting responsible wildlife tourism and supporting conservation efforts in each destination. We collaborate with carefully chosen organizations that share our dedication to ethical practices, ensuring that our tours prioritize animal welfare and environmental sustainability. Explore some of our favorite ethical animal encounters awaiting you on our guided tours.

Kenya: Giraffe Centre

Embark on our Kenya Wildlife Safari tour to visit the Giraffe Centre, part of the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife. This center is dedicated to wildlife education and conservation, enlightening Kenyan school children and youth about the country’s extraordinary wildlife and environment. Rothschild Giraffes are bred and released into safe environments, supporting wildlife conservation and education initiatives in Kenya.

India: Jungle Safari in Ranthambore

Experience our Heart of India tour with a guided Jeep Safari through Ranthambore National Park to witness tigers, leopards, and diverse bird species in their natural habitat. This prestigious tiger reserve attracts wildlife enthusiasts globally, emphasizing both conservation and visitor safety.

Thailand: Elephant Nature Park

Join our Amazing Thailand tour to visit the Elephant Nature Park, a sanctuary providing a caring home to over 100 rescued elephants. These elephants have been saved from exploitative industries and now roam freely in natural surroundings, receiving love and respect.

Costa Rica: Puma Rescue Center & Animal Sanctuary

Join our Colorful Costa Rica tour to visit Las Pumas Rescue Center and Animal Sanctuary. This sanctuary rehabilitates and cares for rescued Costa Rican wildlife, including monkeys, deer, pigs, otters, birds, and wild cats. Learn about conservation challenges and support ethical wildlife tourism while exploring Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity.

South Africa: Kruger National Park & Hluhluwe Game Reserve

Join our South Africa Highlights & Safari tour, where we prioritize animal welfare, conservation, and community well-being at the parks we visit, including Hluhluwe Game Reserve and the renowned Kruger National Park. Both parks directly contribute to conservation and anti-poaching efforts, ensuring a sustainable future for wildlife. Enjoy multiple game drives and respectful animal viewing while actively supporting these conservation initiatives.

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Costa Rica Itinerary: Wildlife Tours, Hiking & Adopting a Cat (like Matt Damon)

When ‘pura vida’ calls, you have to answer – just make sure you plan your trip. Otherwise, you may return home without a cat!

Alright, if you haven’t seen that viral Matt Damon video, you’re probably looking at that headline and thinking ‘what the heck is this person on about?’ – and I get it. Who goes to Costa Rica to adopt a cat?

You go to Costa Rica for the beautiful beaches, the cloud forests, the canopy tours, the national parks with sloths, white-faced monkeys, iguanas, etc. – and of course, you go for the luxury resorts .

But hey, if you can adopt a cat while you’re at it – 10/10 vacation, instantly.

Jokes aside though, if you still haven’t booked your 2024 vacation, I can give you four great reasons to add Costa Rica to the list of possible destinations.

Get lost in the jungle (metaphorically speaking, of course!)

With 29 national parks alone, Costa Rica is one of the best places to go if you’re looking to explore wildlife. From white-faced and howler monkeys, red-eyed tree frogs, and sloths to hummingbirds and the elusive quetzal bird – Costa Rica is a haven for any nature lover, of any age. (If you got kids, they will be absolutely delighted by these furry, colorful creatures!)

To make sure you don’t miss any of these beautiful animals – some of them are very stealthy – it’s a good idea to go with a guided tour. Local guides have knowledge of Costa Rica’s wildlife, landscapes, and history, so not only will you see amazing things but you will also learn about amazing things.

And while you’re out there admiring the wildlife, you can also do some fun activities like snorkeling, white water rafting, or… if you’re less adventurous, try to make your own chocolate.

Zipline through the treetops on a canopy tour (or just go for a hike)

One of Costa Rica’s main attractions – at least for the thrill seekers among us – are the zipline canopy tours. And honestly – what’s not to like? If you’ve ever dreamed about being Spider-Man, this is as close as you’ll get. Or maybe you were obsessed with Tarzan as a kid? You can make your dreams a reality on a canopy tour.

Hike through the rainforest, enjoy the flora and fauna from the ground – and then just hop on one of the many cables to enjoy the beautiful sights from a bird’s eye view.

These are guided tours , of course, so you’ll have someone on hand to both help you stay safe and tell you all about the plant and animal life (and more!) while you enjoy the scenery, on the ground; no one will shout facts at you as you swing through the air.

Is your Spidey sense tingling?

Swim your worries away on beautiful beaches (or go for a surf)

Costa Rica has some of the world’s most beautiful beaches – from Playa Manuel Antonio in Quepos to Playa Negra in Puerto Viejo. It’s really hard to go wrong here – and you don’t have to settle for just one beach, either.

Beach hopping is quite popular these days – and for good reason: why sit on one beach all day, every day, when you can go to a different beach every day? Or maybe hit five in one day – you do you.

And if you get tired of sitting around and swimming, you can always try surfing. Just make sure you go to a designated surfing beach – and if it’s your first time, it’s probably a good idea to get some surfing lessons , too.

Rescue and adopt a jungle cat (like Matt Damon)

You didn’t really think I’d just leave you hanging like that, did you? Of course I’m gonna talk more about the cat! In case you haven’t seen the video of, or read about, Matt Damon adopting a cat in Costa Rica , allow me to make your day. Fair warning: if you’re faint of heart, get some tissues.

In a recent interview, Matt Damon talked about how he met a cat on his Costa Rica vacation, 10 years ago – a cat which he felt ‘compelled to take home’, so when he went back to the US, the cat came with him.

Sadly, the cat got sick: he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. He received treatment but was still suffering – losing weight and only walking in circles, due to his illness. A neurologist suggested giving the cat steroids as a last effort to improve his quality of life.

That was two years ago – he is now the cat version of Arnold Schwarzenegger, according to Matt Damon. Good job kitty!

Many luxury resorts in Costa Rica, like Le Cameleon Boutique Hotel, offer canopy tours, wildlife tour guides, and even surfing lessons – cat adoptions are, sadly, not yet part of these packages.

But you can always just bring your own cat to Costa Rica – just find a pet-friendly hotel .

This content is provided in partnership with Le Cameleon Boutique Hotel and is intended for informational purposes only. The views, opinions, and advice expressed in this article are solely those of Le Cameleon Boutique Hotel and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of any other individual, organization, or entity.

Company Information

Name: Cenk Kinay

Organization:  Le Cameleon Boutique Hotel

Company Address:Playa Cocles, Punta Cocles, Limón Province 70403, Costa Rica

Company Website: https://lecameleonhotel.com/

This article is published by NYTech in collaboration with Evertise Studios.

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How citizen science projects are safeguarding wildlife in Costa Rican rainforests

Deep in the Costa Rican rainforests, where howler monkeys and pumas roam, conservationists are working alongside travellers on new citizen science projects, introducing  hi-tech processes to safeguard biodiversity. 

I never thought I’d find myself playing grandmother’s footsteps with a puma. After a morning fruitlessly searching the trails surrounding SCP Corcovado Wilderness Lodge for big cats, we’ve returned to the lodge where head guide Mario Chavarria Fuentes has dropped a bombshell — a male puma was just seen outside guest villa number seven.

“It could still be here,” he reassures me, gesturing towards the rainforest surrounding the open lawns of the guest cabins. Walking back to mine — a puma-deficient number 11 — it’s difficult to shake off the feeling that if I turn around, I’ll come face-to-face with one of the world’s most elusive felines. It’s both exhilarating and terrifying in equal measure. It’s hard not to feel like you’re being watched when you’re in Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula, whether by a puma or some other creature. The place is home to the world’s highest concentration of flora and fauna and some 2.5% of the world’s biodiversity — all in an area roughly the size of the Isle of Man. For unclear reasons, it continues to hover beneath many visitors’ radars, despite acting as a stronghold for half of Costa Rica’s animal and plant species, including one of the last tracts of untouched tropical lowland rainforest.  

The wildlife seems keen to be observed, too. Just outside my bedroom, a band of raccoon-like coatimundi mill around a palm, occasionally tumbling to the ground like drunk gymnasts, while high above, there’s a swallow-tailed kite, its white wings catching in the sun as it circles. A family of jaguars live nearby, while a bunch of Baird’s tapirs regularly ramble around the staff football pitch.

Recently, a guide encountered an incredibly rare harpy eagle. Over a single night, a trail camera has captured videos of an ocelot, a puma and a jaguar passing through the lodge’s 188 acres of primary rainforest. It sounds like the start of an improbable joke, but there’s nothing laughable about the bewildering array of wildlife crammed into the lodge’s private reserve and Corcovado National Park, just a little over a mile away.

My guide has been obsessed with the jungle for decades. “Since I was 12, learning the calls of animals and searching for them has been my hobby,” Mario tells me, as we head back out onto the trails. After his daytime guiding duties are completed, and despite years working here, he still takes himself for an evening walk through the forest. His encyclopedic knowledge of every animal call, paw print and plant is an extension of this obsession cultivated as a child.  

He tilts his head towards the rainforest canopy and makes four high-pitched chirrups. There’s an immediate squealing chatter from somewhere nearby and he turns to me with a wink. Whistling again, he tells me to listen carefully. “After a while, you learn to work out how far away they are and how high,” he explains, steering me along the path in hot pursuit of the noise. Soon, we spot the responders to our call. A troop of white-faced capuchin monkeys are balanced on narrow branches high above, squabbling shrilly among themselves. Beady black eyes peer out from a nun’s wimple of golden fur, while their prehensile tails hitch onto branches to demonstrate Olympic-worthy gymnastics that put the bumbling coatimundi to shame.

The noises of this rainforest, known by scientists as ecosystem soundscapes, are increasingly becoming an important means of diagnosing their health. The research group Crowther Lab has recorded them across Costa Rica, showing how human-damaged ecosystems are quieter, as well as how conservation can help restore many to their natural, cacophonous states. Thanks to a new partnership with SCP Corcovado Wilderness Lodge, the group is soon to start analysing soil samples from the old-growth rainforests surrounding the lodge and the wider Osa Peninsula, extracting DNA to delve into this staggeringly biodiverse microbiome. The research will help scientists understand what a rainforest microbiome should look like — and how primary forests can be restored elsewhere around the globe.

Offshore, there’s a similar story of epic biodiversity and the   need to protect it. Corcovado Bay, a short boat journey north, is a whale motorway. Humpbacks migrate south through these waters during the northern hemisphere’s summer and head in the opposite direction in winter, making for one of the longest whale-watching seasons on the planet.  

Out on a speedboat, it doesn’t take long for us to strike lucky: a curious mother and her calf swim towards our boat before melting away beneath the surface. Ahead, a pod of pan-tropical dolphins race through the water at breakneck speed.  

Our destination is Isla del Caño, an island and biological reserve whose waters teem with life.   Armed with a snorkel, I join the underwater party, watching as bicolour parrotfish dressed to impress in electric blue and phosphorescent purple dance past. Up next, a school of silvery almaco jacks with David Bowie-like streaks across their left eye spiral towards me, offering an invitation to join their choreographed routine. Further down, a hawksbill turtle is unmoved by the revelry, paddling languorously as it plucks at sea sponges clinging to the coral that lines the ocean floor.

Despite this abundance of marine life, an estimated 60% of the coral around the island has been bleached this year by an abnormally strong   El Niño, which raised both the ocean’s temperature and acidity. This triggers the coral to expel the vital microalgae living within its tissue, thus turning large swathes white. Local NGO Innoceana is trying to find ways to reverse this process through pioneering 3D coral reef mapping. This enables the organisation to analyse how this fragile marine ecosystem is responding to climate change in the hopes of identifying ‘super corals’ that are resistant to temperature increases. Once discovered, these corals will be propagated locally to regenerate the reef, while the research itself will act as a blueprint for identifying super corals around the world.

Through a new research lab also being built at SCP Corcovado Wilderness Lodge in partnership with Crowther Lab, Innoceana will also soon be contributing to groundbreaking research around cetacean communication — and hotel guests will be able to help. Using hydrophones, whale songs will be recorded and then fed into an AI algorithm to try and unpick a seemingly impossible conundrum — what exactly are they singing?  

Back on land, I take the trail to the San Pedrillo entrance of Corcovado National Park. Crossing into this protected area is mostly symbolic — after all, humans care far more for borders than other animals. Mud underfoot give a tantalising insight   into the vast array of creatures who have passed through here, while flashes of shimmering blue signal morpho butterflies ahead.

If I’d thought puma or the deadly fer-de-lance viper were the animals to fear, my guide, Juan Corella Camacho, quickly sets me straight. Herds of white-lipped peccary are uncommon, but still possible to see here — and his trademark, puppy-like curiosity doesn’t extend to wanting a tete-a-tete with a group of them. “If we see some, jump up into a tree and hang on,” he says. “They can be aggressive when threatened, but their pungent, sweaty stench gives you a good clue to their imminent arrival.”  

Our trail takes us to a small clearing, where Juan stops me to effuse over an inga tree, whose serpentine buttress roots provide anchorage in high winds. I’m distracted, however, by a pungent, musky smell that infuses the air and sours the throat. Juan assures me it’s just humidity, but, after our safety briefing, I’m feeling a little jittery.  

It turns out that white-lipped peccary aren’t the only creatures with a malodorous calling card. Some 65ft above is what appears to be a termite nest locked onto a horizontal branch. Suddenly, it moves, shifting rusty brown fur into a sunbeam. “Mono congos,” Juan whispers, the local name for golden-mantled howler monkeys; further above, more russet lumps yawn lazily. Their current peacefulness belies their self-appointed roles as jungle town criers — you can set your watch to their croaked, thundering shouts, with competing troops vociferously announcing their locations to the entire forest at dusk and dawn.  

They’re a key part of the Osa Peninsula’s unique soundscape — something science is doing its best to protect. I might have narrowly missed seeing a puma, but as I join the howlers in contemplative silence, my ears filled with the hum of the jungle’s endlessly rehearsed, yet still unpolished symphony, the moment feels exhilarating enough.  

Related Topics

• HABITAT PRESERVATION
• WILDLIFE CONSERVATION
• CLIMATE CHANGE

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COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

How did the Costa Rica President Pay For His House?

Costa rica’s declining press freedom highlighted in us report, costa rica, uae sign economic partnership agreement, why costa rica farmers are going out of business, netflix spends $1.2m on security for costa rica filming, the difficulty of enforcing laws on feeding wild animals.

There is a certain intimacy felt when gazing into the eyes, the “windows of the soul” if you will, of a wild animal. To see a wild creature, in all its splendor, behaving naturally in its native habitat is an experience that can’t be replicated in any zoo or animal sanctuary. When it comes to wildlife tourism, people will pay big money for these experiences, and when done in a manner that doesn’t alter the animal’s natural behavior, they can provide opportunities to increase appreciation and awareness of the intrinsic value of these animals, which in turn promotes empathy for other living creatures.

However, due to a lack of information available, many tourists support unscrupulous tour operators who create unnatural experiences by feeding wild animals in order to provide their clients with an up-close and personal encounter. People’s unawareness of the dangers of feeding wild animals, and tour operators’ willingness to exploit this ignorance, happens everywhere.

While Costa Rica has earned the reputation as one of the most environmentally-conscious countries in the world, with strong environmental laws to boot, the illegal practice of feeding wild animals for profit continues in the country, often openly and without legal repercussions.

In places where wild animals are known to gather, frequently there are signs that state “Don’t Feed the Wildlife.” Often these signs are expressed through images of a hand feeding an animal, with the universal prohibition sign of a red circle and slash across the image, making the undesired action clear, but offering little else in the way of context.

This begs the question of why it is wrong to feed wild animals. If confronted with this question directly, many probably would not be able to provide a complete response. While some may say that it makes the animal more aggressive or that it is bad for its health – both of which are true – most do not realize that feeding wild animals also changes their natural behaviors, which has dire consequences for the creatures’ survival.

Since every wild animal needs to utilize its skills in foraging or hunting in order to survive, by feeding these animals, humans interrupt this natural process so that the animal can become dependent on handouts and forget how to use the skills they need to obtain their own food, which can result in death from starvation. Essentially, the action of feeding enables these creatures by encouraging them to engage in behaviors that are damaging to their own health, which is not altogether different from financially supporting a person with a substance abuse problem.

The practice of feeding wildlife in Costa Rica by tour operators is especially prevalent with the crocodiles and monkeys in the Central Pacific. The town of Tárcoles is famous for its “Crocodile Bridge” and it is not a closely-guarded secret that many of the tour operators that run the boat trips in the Tárcoles River are feeding these crocs. Being reptiles, and by nature cold-blooded, crocodiles spend much of the day lying still and sunning themselves on river banks to regulate their body temperatures.

However, seeing a crocodile lie around does not garner the same amount of excitement as seeing it spring into action when on the hunt. YouTube videos of crocodiles hunting are dramatic, and in order to replicate these exhilarating experiences many tour operators will feed the crocs at Tárcoles, with guides taking personal risks by getting extremely close to the animals in order to provide tourists with a sensational Instagram-worthy video. Not only is this practice detrimental to the animals’ survival, as previously stated, but it also habituates these predators to humans.

Even though the American Crocodile, the species found in Costa Rica, is not likely to eat a human, when an individual starts to associate humans with food, the predator will instinctively go after the source of the food, and often has difficulty distinguishing between the food that the person is feeding it and the person themself. In essence, it could literally “bite the hand that feeds it” and the results may be deadly. A former employee of one of three main tour operators in Tárcoles claimed that all of the companies have been feeding the crocodiles for years, and although it is against the law, there have been little to no fines or repercussions for these actions.

Ariel Darío Lara Araya, the Wildlife Program Coordinator for the Central Pacific Conservation Area of SINAC (Sistema Nacional de Áreas de Conservación), the government agency in charge of overseeing wildlife protection, said that the wildlife conservation law (N° 7317, Article 116) states explicitly that it is illegal to feed wild animals in Costa Rica. However, enforcing this law is difficult because SINAC needs physical evidence to prove the law has been violated.

A system in place, SITADA (Sistema Integrado de Trámite de Denuncias Ambientales), allows environmental complaints to be made, and SINAC conducts investigations based on these complaints, but when they go to the sites of where these alleged infractions are incurring, it is difficult to find conclusive evidence, without catching the offenders redhanded.

While visual evidence, such as online photos or videos of guides feeding crocodiles, can be sent to the prosecutor’s office for due process, if deemed an infraction has taken place, the punishments usually involve negligible fines. While a more powerful deterrent may be the threat of closing down the business, SINAC does not have the authority to take this action, since the businesses that allegedly feed the animals are not categorized under “wildlife management,” as stipulated by the environmental legislation, so SINAC has little more they can do to discourage breaking environmental laws.

Not to be outdone by the crocodile tours, just north of Quepos, there are companies that offer clients an intimate experience with White-faced Capuchin Monkeys by taking them on boats into the mangroves of Isla Damas, and encouraging them to feed the monkeys right out of their own hands.

On many accounts, the monkeys crawl over the guests to get to the food. Although these primates may not present the same immediate physical danger that a crocodile may pose, the animals are equally harmed from a behavioral point of view when people feed them.

Just a few kilometers south of Damas, in Manuel Antonio National Park, one can see the most egregious display of what happens when people feed the Capuchin Monkeys. Here it is well known that the monkeys are so accustomed to being fed by the park visitors, that they now aggressively steal food, as well as backpacks, purses, or any belonging that may contain something edible. While the park states that people should not feed the animals, and have even put up signs that state this explicitly, the monkeys lie in wait near the kiosks that sell food next to the beach.

In fact, many guests find it charming and amusing to see these little thieves in action. There is no visible enforcement here of any significance, which in part is due to a lack of government resources that prevents SINAC from carrying out its responsibilities in preventing human-wildlife interactions. According to Mr. Lara, a measure enacted on February 21, 2021 prohibits visitors from bringing food into Manuel Antonio National Park, and although park officials check the bags of all guests upon entering the park, there are those that smuggle in food without detection.

In addition, the park only has about 3 to 5 rangers to administer the rules, due to a policy within MINAE (Ministerio de Ambiente y Energía – the ministry which oversees SINAC) that allocates all resources equally among the national parks in the Central Pacific Conservation Area. This means that a scarcely-visited national park, such as La Cangreja, has the same number of staff as Manuel Antonio, one of the most visited parks in the country.

There are some ways to address this problem. A better informed consumer will make more responsible decisions. Therefore, one idea is to start with better signage that doesn’t just say “Don’t Feed the Wildlife,” but explains why we shouldn’t feed them. Most tourists, both domestic and international, don’t want to see Costa Rica’s famous wild animals harmed, especially through actions of their own making. Therefore, clear and carefully-worded signs, placed strategically in plain view in the areas where feedings are most common, could help raise awareness of the threats associated with feeding animals.

While SINAC takes the feeding of wild animals seriously, it is clear that a lack of funding and inability to enforce environmental laws on the books has handcuffed the agency, preventing it from taking significant action to curb these malpractices. Through community advocacy, governments can be influenced to allocate funds and personnel in areas where feeding is more pervasive, such as in Manuel Antonio or Tárcoles. Through the implementation of an additional tax on park entrances and services, income could be generated for additional staff for SINAC to help conduct more thorough investigations of tour operators who are allegedly feeding wildlife.

Any additional income could be used to hire more park rangers that could make sure that visitors are not feeding animals in the parks. They should serve not to intimidate tourists, but rather to inform them of the proper way to interact with the wildlife. Instead of simply being told to stop, a person is most likely to change their behavior if they know the reasons why their actions are harmful. It is important to do this in a manner that does not scold, but rather educates.

Wagging a finger at someone usually results in the person digging in their heels and doubling down on their behaviors. While education is important, not to be overlooked is the way in which we educate others, if the ultimate goal is to affect change for the wellbeing of Costa Rica’s most charismatic denizens.

About the Author

Ryan Meczkowski is a Naturalist Guide and Founder of CR Naturalist Experiences, which offers night tours and educational nature excursions in Uvita de Osa. Email: [email protected] WhatsApp +506 6132 9436

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