Nature & Wildlife in Costa Rica

Explore the remarkable ecosystem of Monteverde's cloud forest with this combo eco-tour at Selvatura Park. Walk across the treetops on a series of hanging bridges, and marvel at a variety of jewel-toned winged wonders on a tour of butterfly and hummingbird gardens. A typical Costa Rican lunch at the adventure park's on-site restaurant rounds out this day immersed in one of the world's most diverse habitats.

Escape the city for a day in the wild on this 7-hour tour from the San Jose area, including a 90-minute cruise down the Sarapiqui River, visits to various animal sanctuaries at the Black Madero private wildlife reserve, and a typical buffet lunch. Make it easy to see Costa Rica's famous wildlife on this inclusive tour featuring a sample of popular rain forest and river activities in and around Braulio Carrillo National Forest.

Spend a half day learning about local wildlife and conservation during this once-in-a-lifetime Costa Rican volunteer opportunity. Enjoy the lush landscapes just outside La Fortuna and have the chance to  observe some of the country's most exotic species. Prepare food, and help maintain the grounds as you learn about local wildlife from area experts. This 3.5-hour tour of the property is sure to be a memorable part of any Costa Rican adventure!

Immerse yourself in Palo Verde National Park and the surrounding area on this half-day guided tour. At the park, you'll be able to spot wildlife such as white-faced, howler, and spider monkeys; 3-foot-long (1-meter-long) iguanas; crocodiles; and more from on board a boat. Following a Costa Rican lunch, view a demonstration of local hand-crafted pottery and stop in Coco Beach to shop.

Head inland from Tamarindo to explore one of Costa Rica's natural treasures from the water on a small-group boat tour through Palo Verde National Park. Trade in the beach for the forests and mangroves of this protected wildlife reserve as you cruise down the Tempisque River, where wildlife such as crocodiles, monkeys, iguanas, and birds are often spotted in the surrounding wetlands. All transport and a fresh Costa Rican lunch are included.

Learn about Costa Rica's most remarkable creatures on a 1.5-hour tour of a La Fortuna wildlife rescue center. Explore the center with a naturalist guide, get a glimpse at some of the center's cutest inhabitants, and see how conservation efforts are saving vulnerable species from development and poaching.

Admire some of Costa Rica's miniature wild wonders at Selvatura Park's hummingbird garden and insect museum in Monteverde. Walk through a beautifully landscaped garden that's home to more than 100 zippy, colorful hummingbirds, and then get an up-close look at thousands of native insect species with the 'Jewels of the Rain Forest' exhibit, curated by a world-renowned entomologist.

Gain admission to the hanging bridges, butterfly garden, insect museum, and herpetarium on an independent visit to Selvatura Park. This conservation park, located in Monteverde, lets you and your family explore the cloud forest of Costa Rica from all angles. A tasty lunch is included at the on-site restaurant.

Discover some of the 850 birds that thrive in Cinco Ceibas Rainforest Reserve on 1.5-hour bird watching tour from San Jose. Spot species that include green macaw and lineated woodpecker, and watch for roadside hawks, green herons, trogons and motmots. Enjoy your choice for four optional tour additions and explore the reserve by kayak, horse or oxen-drawn wagon.

During your visit to Monteverde, see some of Costa Rica's most interesting insects at Selvatura Park's dedicated insect exhibition, which includes the 'Jewels of the Rain Forest' film showing multiple times per day.

Experience Costa Rica's famed natural beauty and biodiversity in an eco-friendly way with a day trip to La Paz Waterfall Gardens from San Jose. Observe rescued rain forest creatures like spider monkeys, toucans, tree frogs and even jaguars while learning about the nature reserve's conservation efforts. Lunch among the serene jungle setting and transport from San Jose are included.

Visit the herpetarium in Monteverde's Selvatura Park, and get a personal introduction to Costa Rica's snakes, amphibians, and lizards on a guided, one-hour tour. Start times are available throughout the day, and your guide will share fun facts about Costa Rican wildlife, ecology, and history, as well as the unique characteristics of each creature you see.

Visit the Miravalles Volcano region on a full-day tour from Playa Hermosa in Guanacaste. Experience the geothermal features of Miravalles, known as the 'Yellowstone of Costa Rica,' including picturesque steam vents, hot springs, and natural mud baths. Take in the scenic landscape, and treat yourself to a soak and 'mud facial' at the thermal pools. Your tour includes lunch, entrance fees, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

Learn about the natural charms that make the Arenal area famous on this 4-hour hanging bridges tour. Walk with an expert guide along a series of 15 bridges, which vary in length from 16- to 130-feet long (5 to 100 meters), that allow for a unique perspective on the rain forest plants and animals. Your guide will point out wildlife along the way for a tour as entertaining as it is educational.

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

Hike through a private nature reserve at the base of Tenorio Volcano on this 10-hour trip from Guanacaste. Spot native wildlife like sloths and monkeys, visit the beautiful Llano del Cortez waterfall, and enjoy a typical Costa Rican lunch in a lush environment. This tour includes all transportation, a guided, lunch, snacks, and equipment.

See wildlife and vegetation on this guided, running and hiking tour in near Manuel Antonio. Pass creeks and waterfalls and marvel at birds as you jog along with your small group. Take a break to swim and have lunch and travel over a suspension bridge looking down on the river gorge below before hiking past the Savegre River on route to Manuel Antonio to watch the sunset.

Visit the spectacular Cortes Falls on a 5-hour trip from Playa del Coco that includes lunch at a restaurant near the falls, admission, and round-trip transport from your Playa del Coco hotel. Slip behind the 49-foot (15-meter) waterfall to take a natural, tropical shower, or swim from a white sand beach fringed by lush foliage. This small-group tour is limited to 10 people for a personalized experience.

Costa Rica's Manuel Antonio National Park is a haven of white sand beaches and dense green forest, home to 109 species of mammals and 184 types of birds. This tour allows you to easily escape the city noise and explore the park alongside a naturalist guide. Hike through forest trails and get a chance to see native wildlife, relax on white sand beaches, and swim in tropical blue water.

Walk among the treetops on this tour of the Arenal's Hanging Bridges. Take in a bird's-eye view of Costa Rica's incredible biodiversity as you traverse 15 different bridges that stretch across the rain forest canopy. Get up close with native wildlife and admire an unforgettable perspective of the active Arenal Volcano while your local guides shares secrets of this incredible landscape.