Outdoor Activities in Guanacaste and Northwest

Pamper yourself in a volcanic spa rife with mineral-rich mud baths and hot springs on a private or small-group tour of Miravalles Volcano. Depart from Tamarindo for a 7-hour adventure in a tropical rain forest full of opportunities to swim, hike, and relax in Costa Rica's lush wilderness.

Fly through the canopy of a rare tropical dry forest on this 3-hour ziplining excursion from the Tamarindo area. Keep your eyes peeled for sightings of monkeys, lizards, and more as you traverse the treetops on a kid-friendly morning outing.

Hike through Tenorio Volcano National Park's remarkable landscape and see the otherworldly blue of the Rio Celeste waterfall on a full-day trip from La Fortuna. Follow your guide on a 4.3-mile (7-km) trail into the forest, watch for the monkeys and birds as you stroll past a serene lagoon, and take in views of the imposing Tenorio Volcano. Visit the park's boiling mud pits and brightly colored jungle waterways, then enjoy a full lunch in the park before returning to your hotel.  

Explore a jungle river that flows alongside Palo Verde National park with a 5-hour wildlife tour and riverboat cruise from Tamarindo. Watch for crocodiles, iguanas, monkeys and dozens of birds as you navigate the slow-moving Tempisque River, spend two hours on the water spotting animals in their natural habitats, then come to shore for a traditional Costa Rican lunch. Learn the history of this once-bustling river that's among the region's most important bird sanctuaries, and finish your day with a return transfer to Tamarindo.

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.

Escape to the tropical paradise of the Buena Vista Lodge for a full-day Costa Rican adventure! Fly through the treetops on a zipline, lather up with mineral-rich volcanic mud and relax in geothermal hot springs. Encounter the native wildlife of Rincon de la Vieja National Park, including monkeys and hundreds of species of birds. This combo tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Guanacaste plus a tasty lunch.

Explore an ancient landscape that comes alive with bubbling mud pits, steaming volcanic vents, and the screeches of howler monkeys on this hiking tour through Rincon de la Vieja National Park. Learn about the diverse habitats of Guanacaste's tropical forests from a naturalist guide while trekking, and then recharge with a traditional Costa Rican lunch and coffee break in Liberia.

Cruise through a tropical rain forest on a 7-hour excursion to the Tempisque River along Costa Rica's Palo Verde National Park. Explore an ecosystem teeming with wildlife as a guide with extensive knowledge about the area points out flora and fauna while navigating the river on an intimate motor boat.

Experience Costa Rica's rich natural environment on an all-day tour from San Jos e. After a convenient hotel pickup, head to beautiful Miskito Park and take a horseback ride with an informative guide to towering Arenal Volcano. Soak in a thermal hot spring, relax in a steam room, zip down giant water slides, and enjoy a delicious lunch included in the tour.

Head out of the city and into the wild on this Rio Celeste Hike in Tenorio Volcano National Park. Journey to the blue river, known for its fairytale beauty that results from various volcanic minerals. This three-hour hike is ideal for active travelers due to its moderate terrain. Your expert guide will point out local wildlife, indigenous plants and other highlights along the way before your small group stops for a relaxing and well-earned lunch. Afterward, enjoy a a relaxing horseback ride to a private oasis where you'll have the chance to swim in the cool blue waters.

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.

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.

Explore Tamarindo's beaches and dry forest on an off-road ATV tour with river crossings, mountain views and stunning tropical scenery. Learn to maneuver your vehicle, then follow your guide along a rugged 2-hour circuit. Take in the sights and sounds of the Costa Rican forest, watch for birds and monkeys as you steer beneath coastal trees, and ride the back roads and byways of the gold coast.

Explore the forested foothills of Rincon de la Vieja volcano with a full day combination tour from Tamarindo, and swing, slide and ride through the park's scenic landscape. Get a bird's-eye view of the forest floor as you travel from treetop to treetop on a canopy tour, then launch down a 1,200-foot (400-mt) water slide. Pause for lunch before riding a horse to a natural spa, and spend the rest of your day rolling in mineral-rich volcanic mud and enjoying a series of steaming thermal pools.

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.

Experience Costa Rica's longest ocean view dual zip line with admission to Diamante Eco Adventure Park, where you can ride side by side with family and friends. Your experience includes access to the 4,461-foot (1,360-meter) zip line, as well as a Tarzan swing, 'Quick Jump' free fall, and a hanging bridge that dangles over crocodile-infested waters.

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.

Hike to the edge of a steaming caldera on a full-day trip to Rincón de La Vieja volcano, where bubbling mud, sulfurous ponds and simmering lagoons are warmed by underground activity. Follow your local guide on a 2-hour hike along the mountainside, and get an up-close look at the otherworldly features of this "gently active" volcano. Enjoy sweeping views of the Guanacaste mountain range, eat lunch inside the park, then finish your day with return transfer to your Guanacaste hotel.

Swing, ride and paddle your way through Rincon de la Vieja's volcanic foothills on a full-day trip from Tamarindo that combines four adventurous activities. Grab a harness to explore the treetops on a canopy tour, then cool off in the Río Negro while navigating white water in a raft or inner tube. Visit a nearby ranch for a traditional Costa Rican lunch, ride a hourse through a distinctive dry tropical forest, and finish your day with a soak in volcanic mud and steaming, thermal hot springs.

This quick off-road ATV tour is a great way to away from the crowds and onto the open road without investing a full day to the excursion. Get a taste of what the Guanacaste region is like off the beaten track as your guide leads you through tropical forests and to beautiful vista points. High-quality ATVs ensure that the ride goes smoothly the whole way through.