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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Palo Verde River Ride

This boat trip on the River Tempisque gives you a taster of the vast Palo Verde National Park. You'll have the chance to discover its biodiverse habitats and observe animals such as crocodiles and monkeys.Palo Verde is on such a scale that it covers terrains as diverse as swamps, savannahs and rainforests. The river stretches for 144km through the park and is by far the longest in Costa Rica. As you cruise along its waters, your guide will point out wildlife including white-faced monkeys, howler monkeys, snakes, iguanas and bats. Look out for the eyes of crocodiles peeking out from beneath the murky waters, too.It's also a paradise for birdwatchers. More than 300 types of birds have been seen in the park, including flamingos, herons, spoonbills, toucans and eagles. You'll also visit a typical farm and savour a local delicacy.

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.

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.

Sensoria Rainforest Hiking Tour

The northeastern slope of Rincón de la Vieja volcano is swathed in rainforest. And it makes for some of the most exotic hiking trails in Costa Rica. Trek through an exclusive private estate packed with wildlife and endemic flora. You may even get the chance to bathe in a thermal stream. A traditional local lunch is also included. As you hike through the jungle, you'll reach waterfalls, streams and thermal springs, and see colourful orchids and wildlife. Here, tapirs, howler monkeys and pumas roam freely. You'll visit waterfalls – some tinted electric blue – before reaching the hot springs. Depending on the season, you can slide into the warm volcanic water.

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 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.

Pura Vida Sunset Cruise

See a Costa Rican sunset in style with an evening aboard a swanky sailboat. But before watching nature's nightly show, you'll spend the day sailing by beautiful beaches and dropping anchor to swim, snorkel and explore onshore. What's more, there'll be premium drinks and snacks served throughout, plus a tasty lunch on board.