Nature & Wildlife in Guanacaste and Northwest

The best of Costa Rica's wildlife adventures await on this private tour in Rincon de la Vieja from Papagayo Gulf. Head to Costa Rica's famous Rincon de la Vieja volcano for a day packed with rain forest activities including horseback riding, a zipline canopy tour, and thermal hot springs. In addition to all activities and entrance fees, this tour includes a traditional Costa Rican lunch and hotel pickup and drop-off.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Cruising down the Tempisque River in Palo Verde National Park gives you the opportunity to see wildlife like macaws, storks, monkeys, and more in the wild. Going as part of a guided tour from the Guanacaste area makes it easy to visit in a day"”no need to arrange your own transport or book a hotel. This tour also includes lunch and a guide for a convenient way to sightsee.

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.