Things to do in Guanacaste

Palo Verde National Park Tour with River Tempisque Cruise

Nourished by the River Tempisque, the fertile lands of Palo Verde National Park provide sanctuary to a mind-boggling line-up of exotic birds and other wildlife. This tour gives you exclusive access to the reserve, world-renowned for its biodiversity and natural beauty. Jose, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Palo Verde is home to around 280 different species of birds, but the most common are waterfowl and forest birds – there's an estimated 50,000 of them living there.'Your adventure kicks off with a cruise down the Tempisque. And being the only boat out on the river at this time of day means you'll have it all to yourself. What better way to get up close to wild animals in their natural habitat? You'll enjoy unobscured views of a multitude of nesting birds – there's a vast number of heron species – howler monkeys, iguanas and even crocodiles basking on the riverbanks.Next, you'll witness and partake in a ‘trapiche' – the centuries-old sugarcane processing method. Learn to prepare your own local snacks such as tortilla, washed down with a cup of world-famous Costa Rican coffee. Then, it's off to Casa de Sabaneros for a taste of cowboy culture. Thanks to their sun-leathered skin and wide-brimmed hats, the sabaneros – also known as the ‘cowboys of Guanacaste' – evoke the Old West. You'll meet the cattle-ranching community and learn all there is to know about horsemanship. What's more, your visit contributes directly to the ranch's upkeep.

Guanacaste Wildlife Tour

Most of Costa Rica's rich wildlife lives in the upper levels of the trees. So what better way to see them than a suspended bridge hike, high above the jungle floor. Spot spider monkeys, sleepy sloths and 400 species of tropical birds alongside an expert guide. And after a refreshing swim in Llanos del Cortes waterfall and a Costa Rican lunch, you'll spend the afternoon floating down the river on a raft.

Sloth Adventure Tour

Set off on an adventure in Costa Rica's great outdoors with a tour that ticks off waterfall swims, wildlife-spotting and more. You'll trek into the jungle searching for sloths, splash around in the pools of a thundering waterfall and feast on a typical local lunch. Then, you'll delve into the heart of some of Costa Rica's most famous exports – coffee and cocoa – with tastings of both.

Mega Combo Buena Vista Experience

Whether you want to zoom through the treetops on a zip line, plunge down an extreme waterslide or take a horseback ride in wildlife-packed jungle, Buena Vista Adventure Centre serves up some of Costa Rica's top thrills. And when you need to slow things down, there's a tasty local lunch and a well-earned soak in a hot volcanic spring to enjoy.

River Tenorio Whitewater Rafting

‘Left', ‘right', ‘get down' – no, not an aggressive gym instructor but what you'll hear as you make your way down the River Tenorio rapids. This whitewater rafting tour is Costa Rica at its best – action and adventure in the wild.

Tenorio Volcano National Park Hiking Tour with Sloth Encounter

The flora and fauna of Costa Rica come to life on this thrilling tour. It kicks off with a morning hike in the rainforests of Tenorio Volcano National Park. Admire the wildlife as you trek to the River Celeste waterfall – famed for its sky blue waters – before breaking for lunch. Then, in the afternoon, you'll have the chance to observe up-close wild animals such as sloths and tree frogs.

Sky Walk Monteverde Tour

Set high in the canopy of the spectacular cloud forest, you'll find the world-famous Sky Walk Monteverde – a network of wooden suspension bridges, some as long as 170 metres and raised up to 60 metres above the forest floor.Enjoy unhindered views of the tropical ecosystem as your guide brings the forest to life by keeping an expertly trained eye out for wildlife – from chattering monkeys and elusive sloths, to the famous quetzal bird. Then, after exploring the treetops, you'll head for a freshly prepared lunch.Costa Rica is world-renowned for its fantastic coffee, and a trip to Monteverde would not be complete without experiencing some of the best coffee that the country produces. At the Don Juan coffee plantation, you'll witness how the beans are picked on the mountains of Monteverde, ultimately arriving in your coffee cup on the breakfast table.

Costa Rican Savannah Safari and Wildlife Tour

Because a quarter of Costa Rica is protected rainforest, you've got national parks, wildlife havens and nature reserves on tap. This adventure safari sees you journeying through savannah covered in velvety-green vegetation to swim under a tropical waterfall and visiting a private wildlife park to hand-feed giraffes, zebras and more.There are two ways to enjoy this exotic hideaway – a self-drive experience in a 4x4 or a private vehicle with a driver-guide. Either way, you'll get to explore the reserve, seeing the hundreds of wild animals up close and swimming in the pool below the plunging waters of La Perla waterfall.If you choose the self-drive option, you can stop in when you want and where you want while with the guided tour, you'll get the lowdown on local culture as well as the park and its animals from the knowledgeable driver.

Diamante Eco Park Adventure Pass

Come face-to-face with Costa Rica's rarest wildlife at Diamante Eco Park – Guanacaste's largest animal sanctuary. Cross dizzyingly-high sky bridges in the jungle canopy to marvel at everything from small frogs to big cats. And with the Adventure Pass, you'll also get lunch at the park's first-rate restaurant, plus exclusive access to the world-class butterfly observatory.

Diamante Eco Park Animal Sanctuary Discovery Ticket

Visit Guanacaste's largest animal sanctuary to learn first-hand, all there is to know about Costa Rica's rarest wildlife. During a day out at Diamante Eco Park, you'll interact with animals from viewing platforms, join in feeding times and marvel at an incredible array of species that call Costa Rica their home. What's more, there'll be a welcome drink and snack included.

Rincon de La Vieja National Park Tour

Costa Rica is a country bursting with natural beauty – but the Rincón de la Vieja National Park stands out from the crowd. Set off into the great outdoors and wander through the ever-changing landscapes, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife – it's prime nature spotting territory. After passing by the park's namesake volcano, you'll arrive at Oropendola waterfall for a refreshing dip, before finishing up with a delicious lunch.

Arenal Mistico Park Hanging Bridges Tour

One of the best nature trails in Costa Rica, this hiking tour near Arenal volcano is a blockbuster. You'll observe endemic flora and fauna up close, cross a hanging bridge over the rainforest canopy and visit one of the country's most famous hot springs. A local food tasting is also included.