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Central PacificSmall group activities

Our most recommended Central Pacific Small group activities

San Jose: Walking Nature Tour with Sloths, Birds, and Trees

1. San Jose: Walking Nature Tour with Sloths, Birds, and Trees

Departing from the nearby meeting point, visit the University of Costa Rica campus, home to some of the largest patches of forest in San Jose. Guided by young biologists, discover the nature hiding in the middle of Costa Rica's largest city. Experience wildlife you wouldn't have imagined existed minutes away from downtown.   On the first stop, you’ll look for resident and migratory birds, lots of incredible insects and amazing flowers. We'll be talking about art, history, indigenous culture, and most of all, nature. Lastly, visit the main campus to seek out the friendly sloths climbing freely. The goal of this tour is to change the way tourism is done in Costa Rica, while supporting young scientists, researchers, and local entrepreneurs.

From Manuel Antonio: Rainmaker Conservation Park Night Tour

2. From Manuel Antonio: Rainmaker Conservation Park Night Tour

This rainforest night tour is operated in the amazing Rainmaker Park. Rainmaker is one of the most important and impressive rainforest ecosystems in Costa Rica, this is where the extinct harlequin frog reappeared and was rediscovered thus becoming an important field of research and scientific studies for herpetologists worldwide. This night walk takes about 2-hours to 2.5-hours and is led by a professional and expert certified guide. During the expedition you may see bats, Jesus Christ lizard, spiders, owls, high varieties of frogs, snakes and many interesting insects. You will use special equipment for the night and a flashlight for a better appreciation during the activity to help you see the jungle life more clearly.

From San Jose: Irazu Volcano Crater Hike and Cartago Trip

3. From San Jose: Irazu Volcano Crater Hike and Cartago Trip

Discover the highest volcano in Costa Rica on a hiking tour from San Jose. Trek through breathtaking scenery to reach the summit of the Irazú Volcano and gaze into the emerald lagoon in its crater. Departing from San Jose, take the South Panamerican Highway to start the ascent toward Irazú Volcano National Park (entry included). The winding road travels through fertile lands cultivated with all kinds of vegetables.  On the top of the volcano, observe the main craters and, on a clear day, the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Afterward, descend to the city of Cartago and stop at the Virgin of the Angels Basilica.

Nosara: Traditional Costa Rican Cooking Class and Meal

4. Nosara: Traditional Costa Rican Cooking Class and Meal

Learn how to cook local Costa Rican food. We will share with you, all our small secrets to get the real traditional Costa Rican taste. A professional chef will help to explain you along the way. We cook everything in a fogón (old wood fire kitchen) with fresh ingredients and love. When you get back home, you can cook delicious Costa Rican food and share the recipe with your friends and family. We will make ceviche, empanadas and homemade juice. When food is ready, we will together enjoy it at the table.

Manuel Antonio: Nauyaca Waterfall and Beach Town Tour

5. Manuel Antonio: Nauyaca Waterfall and Beach Town Tour

Come adventure down the Pacific coast on this full-day tour to Nauyaca waterfall. This tour includes three other unique stops not included by any other tour company in the area! You will experience a deserted beach, drink coconuts fresh off the tree, see exotic wildlife in the rainforest, jump off the edge of waterfalls, swim in the mountain-fresh river pools, and get some off-road time that will make you feel like you are inside Jurassic Park. After the adventure, we will stop at a traditional, local restaurant (soda) to indulge in the comfort food of Costa Rica – the Casado! Get ready for a day that makes you feel free and Pura Vida! This tour has a maximum of 7 people, so we operate on a smaller scale compared to other similar tours, which allows for a more unique experience. The places we visit are: Playa Linda, Matapalo, Playa Matapalo Costa Rica Portalon, Portalon, Province of Puntarenas Dominical, Dominical, Province of Puntarenas Nauyaca Waterfalls

San José: Night Food and Culture Tour with Dinner

6. San José: Night Food and Culture Tour with Dinner

Follow an expert local guide and explore San José at night on a small-group, food-themed walking tour. See important cultural sites and feast on a traditional dinner with wine or beer pairings. Get up close and personal with the nightlife in San José, starting with Morazán Park where we will learn post-colonial Costa Rican history. From there, the appreciation for San José’s historical architecture continues, with a walk by the Metallic Building, then on to Spain Park for a fantastic view of the Yellow House (now the Ministry of Foreign Affairs). Continue to the harming Barrio Escalante, one of the oldest residential areas neighborhoods in San José. Nowadays, Barrio Escalante has reinvented itself and is now home to many up-and-coming restaurants and at night is a favorite meeting spot for locals and visitors alike. The evening will end with a contemporary traditional meal with wine or beer tastings at a hip local restaurant that is very popular with locals and offers a sampler of traditional Costa Rican pub fare.

From La Fortuna: Arenal Volcano & Hotsprings Afternoon Tour

7. From La Fortuna: Arenal Volcano & Hotsprings Afternoon Tour

On this nature adventure, you will see all the stunning beauty of the Arenal area. Right at the foot of the Arenal volcano, make your way into a beautiful park. Enjoy the most impressive primary rainforest where you can admire the huge trees and complex ecosystem that surrounds them. Leaving the forest, get to the lava fields. Here, follow a trail through the enormous black lava rocks that were deposited there by the massive 1968 eruption. The reward is definitely worth the effort. With the impressive Arenal looming over you, you really get an idea of the immensity of this now silent giant and the violent force with which it erupted. All along the way, your bilingual guide will tell you about the history, the ecosystem, and the wildlife you may encounter. After a coffee break, go on the way to get some well-deserved relaxation. End the tour at a small hot spring resort, here you can soak in the soothing hot water while enjoying a complimentary cocktail.

Drake Bay: Jungle Hiking and Canyoning Adventure with Lunch

8. Drake Bay: Jungle Hiking and Canyoning Adventure with Lunch

Explore the jungle of the Tamandua nature reserve on a half-day trip with a guide. Hike deep into the remote jungle before heading to the river for a canyoning adventure. Spot native wildlife and tuck into a traditional lunch with locals. Choose from a shared or guided tour. Meet your guide in Drake Bay before being taken deep into the jungles of the Osa peninsula. Marvel at untouched nature. Hike through the jungle, possibly cutting your way through with machetes. Follow trails made by tapirs and peccaries and keep your eyes peeled for incredible wildlife. Then, walk, scramble, climb and swim on a canyoning adventure along the river. Discover waterfalls hidden along a path where tourists never go. At noon, after a long hike, stop at a local family's home to have a typical Costa Rican lunch. Then, relax in hammocks before returning to Drake Bay.

La Fortuna: Arenal Hanging Bridges Hiking Tour

9. La Fortuna: Arenal Hanging Bridges Hiking Tour

The hanging bridges in the Arenal Volcano Region are a perfect place for travelling the forest comfortably in revitalizing paths full of nature and wildlife. A professional and bilingual tour guide will navigate this wonderful hike through the rainforest and across hanging bridges. The trail is well marked and there is a 3.2 km of trails in total, which allows comfortably enjoying the Rain forest. With a majestic Arenal Volcano right in front, you can admire its beauty and the wonderful forest that surrounds it, as well as this reserve populated with thousands of species that inhabit this reservation, trees, flowers, plants, insects, mammals, reptiles, frogs and many others live in an ecosystem in perfect balance. This tour is a great option for families, older adults or couples who want to enjoy a closer experience through the rainforest in Costa Rica.

San José: Guided City Bus Tour With Lunch & Welcome Drink

10. San José: Guided City Bus Tour With Lunch & Welcome Drink

Get to know Costa Rica’s bustling capital San José on a bus tour with a local guide. Make stops at La Sabana Metropolitan Park, the Museum of Costa Rican Art, the National Theater, and more. Round off your fun-packed day with lunch at a local restaurant, then get taken back to your hotel. Begin your tour by getting picked up directly from your hotel. Hop on board the double decker bus to the sound of live folk music and enjoy a refreshing welcome cocktail. Sit back and let yourself be entertained by your charming guides, who will begin with a short history of the city. Make your first stop La Sabana Metropolitan Park, where you will be able to take a quick stroll as well as have a look inside the Museum of Costa Rican Art. Hop back on the bus and head to the outdoor Central Market. Take in the atmosphere and buy local goods and food (not included in the price). Next, visit the city’s Central Park to witness the National Monument, a bronze statue of five women. Listen to your guide tell you about the meaning behind the statue and the history of Central American resistance to colonization. Continue on to the National Theater. Follow your guide around the lavish lobby in European design, which was constructed with money from taxes on coffee exports. After another short bus ride, stop at the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, and marvel at the impressive gold collection. At the end of the tour, stop off at a nearby eatery for lunch, and chow down on some traditional Costa Rican dishes. Use the opportunity to ask your guide any questions you may have about the city’s history and culture. Finally, allow the bus to drop you off at your hotel.

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What people are saying about Central Pacific

Cello, our amazing guide From Oropopo Experience Tour Co. promptly picked us up at the hotel in a very comfy van. There were only three people on the tour which was great because it made us feel like we were on a private tour. Previously, we had tours from a different company where they jammed 16-18 people on a small bus. Cello was very patient, knowledgeable, and passionate about his job. During our tour of the Carara National Park, Cello pinpointed monkeys, toucans, and various species of insects. Next, he took us to Tarcoles River for a boat tour. In this relaxing cruise on the river, we encountered multiple crocodiles, a wide variety of bird species including hundreds of pelicans on tree tops. After the boat ride, Cello took us to a small family-owned restaurant by the beach for an excellent lunch. After lunch, he drove us to a secluded beach taking a short trail to the beach enjoying beautiful scenery, huge rock formations, and surrounding mountain greenery. Amazing day!

Our guide was very friendly and very knowledgeable. Above all, he was passionate, which is plain to see. Amaral gave us a great and thorough tour of San Jose downtown and the marketplace. We learned SO much and tried SO many foods. If you are a foodie, this is a must for you. Great food, great prices and great tour guide. (Come hungry!) 10/10.

Our guide was very knowledgeable about the animals and plants that we were seeing. He did a very good job of setting the telescope, and enabling us to take pictures with it. We enjoyed this immensely. Highly recommend this tour.

Rigo was an amazing tour guide! Learned so much from him and he takes the best pictures!

Great guide, great excursion. I can only recommend