Costa Rica Pura Vida with Manuel Antonio

The Arenal Volcano Hiking tour transports guests to the northwest side of the volcano. The tour begins with a hike to either the Arenal National Park or the Mirador El Silencio Nature Reserve, depending on volcanic conditions. Along the way guests have the opportunity to see a variety of plants, wildlife, magnificent lava rock formations, and breathtaking views of Lake Arenal. During the tour, experienced guides will provide interesting and educational information regarding the history of the Arenal Volcano and its National Park. The tour concludes with an optional stop at a mineral hot springs. Note: Entrance fee to hot springs is at additional cost (see below).

with Tabacon Hot Springs and dinner included: add $86
with The Springs Resort and dinner included: add $88
with EcoTermales Hot Springs and dinner included: add $75

Departs: 7:30am or 2:00pm
Includes: Comfortable transportation, bilingual naturalist guide, park fee and cold beverages
Bring: Shorts, swimsuit, camera and insect repellent

For those who do not mind getting a little wet and muddy, this fascinating underground adventure is located only 45 minutes from La Fortuna. This subterranean tour will take guests through narrow passages, incredible labyrinths and chambers for a view of the famous rock formation named La Papaya, and other stalagmites and stalactites that are sure to astonish.

Departs: Varies
Includes: Comfortable transportation, bilingual guide, flash light, helmet, and cold drinks
Bring: Comfortable clothes, comfortable shoes, insect repellent, extra clothes

The night walk takes place at the Ecocentro Danaus a small reserve whose focus is conservation and education. A visit to the center at night gives guests the opportunity to see some of the areas most prominent nocturnal animals in action such as sloths, caimans, spiders, frogs, bats, butterflies and the way these species interact with each other.

Departs: 5:30pm
Includes: Transportation, guides, entrance fee and drinks
Bring: Hiking boots, insect repellent and long pants

This is the perfect tour to discover the majestic surroundings of the Arenal area. The majority of the journey is through private property which will take you through primary and secondary rainforests, as well as lovely cattle farms; all the while giving you incredible views of the mighty Arenal Volcano. The horseback ride takes approximately 2 hours.

Departs: 8:30am or 1:30pm
Includes: Guide, bottled water, horses and safety gear
Bring: Long pants, hiking shoes, towel, hat, sunscreen, camera

Admire breathtaking views of the Arenal Volcano and the beautiful sunset as you ride a boat on Arenal Lake. On this two-hour boat ride you will have the opportunity to see a large variety of birds, including flycatchers, kingfishers, and aningas, as well as monkeys, coatis, and sloths.

Departs: 4:00pm
Includes: Shared transportation, bilingual guide, drinks and fruits
Bring: Comfortable clothes, camera and binoculars

Head north into the agriculturally rich Costa Rican Northern Plains. after about an hour drive, you will arrive in an indigenous reservation where three Maleku communities are found. Upon arrival, you will meet a local Maleku family, and learn about how the Maleku people have had to adapt themselves to a new lifestyle while struggling to keep their culture and traditions intact. Aspects of their ancient lifestyle, including their building materials and staples of their diet, have been impacted by environmental protection laws, and they have thus had to adjust to these changes. Even so, they are working to preserve most of their traditions, including their language, dances, diet, dress, and use of natural medicine. This cultural encounter will allow you to learn about their traditions as you visit one of their traditional houses, walk though a graveyard and find out how they used to bury their family members, as well as explore one of the botanical gardens where they grow their medicinal plants. After a traditional tribal ritual, end with a Maleku lunch before returning to the hotel.

Departs: 7:30am
Includes: Shared transportation, bilingual guide, admission fees, water bottle and lunch
Bring: Camera, hiking shoes, sunscreen and insect repellent

The Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge is considered one of the best sites on the continent for bird watching. Beside an abundance of birds, Caño Negro is also refuge to many other animals like sloths, monkeys, caimans, lizards, and bats. The tour to this beautiful region leaves from La Fortuna, driving for about an hour and a half to Los Chiles, a rustic town near the border of Nicaragua. From here, a three hour boatride down the Río Frío will take guests through the heart of this wildlife refuge. The naturalist guide will explain each one of sites seen along the way, as well as the beautiful flora and fauna of the region.

Departs: 7:30 am
Includes: Comfortable transportation, bilingual naturalist guide, lunch, and cold drinks
Bring: Fresh and comfortable clothes, tennis shoes or sandals, camera, hat, binoculars, sunscreen

This activity is a great way to combine adventure with the exuberance of nature in Costa Rica. Your professional guide will help get you ready for the challenge, before paddling down the rolling rapids. This class II-III river provides the opportunity to combine exciting rapids with admiring the lush greenery and birds and animals that can be seen along the way. Your eagle-eyed guides will point out the monkeys, sloths and toucans you may see along the way. Enjoy a traditional Costa Rican lunch before returning to the hotel.

Departs: 10:30am
Includes: Shared transportation, bilingual guide, tropical fruits and lunch
Bring: Shorts or swimsuit, towels, waterproof camera, hiking shoes or sneakers, sunscreen and insect repellent

Admire breathtaking views of the Arenal Volcano and the beautiful sunset as you ride a boat on Arenal Lake. On this two-hour boat ride you will have the opportunity to see a large variety of birds, including flycatchers, kingfishers, and aningas, as well as monkeys, coatis, and sloths.

Departs: 4:00pm
Includes: Shared transportation, bilingual guide, drinks and fruits
Bring: Comfortable clothes, camera and binoculars

Head north into the agriculturally rich Costa Rican Northern Plains. after about an hour drive, you will arrive in an indigenous reservation where three Maleku communities are found. Upon arrival, you will meet a local Maleku family, and learn about how the Maleku people have had to adapt themselves to a new lifestyle while struggling to keep their culture and traditions intact. Aspects of their ancient lifestyle, including their building materials and staples of their diet, have been impacted by environmental protection laws, and they have thus had to adjust to these changes. Even so, they are working to preserve most of their traditions, including their language, dances, diet, dress, and use of natural medicine. This cultural encounter will allow you to learn about their traditions as you visit one of their traditional houses, walk though a graveyard and find out how they used to bury their family members, as well as explore one of the botanical gardens where they grow their medicinal plants. After a traditional tribal ritual, end with a Maleku lunch before returning to the hotel.

Departs: 7:30am
Includes: Shared transportation, bilingual guide, admission fees, water bottle and lunch
Bring: Camera, hiking shoes, sunscreen and insect repellent

This activity is a great way to combine adventure with the exuberance of nature in Costa Rica. Your professional guide will help get you ready for the challenge, before paddling down the rolling rapids. This class II-III river provides the opportunity to combine exciting rapids with admiring the lush greenery and birds and animals that can be seen along the way. Your eagle-eyed guides will point out the monkeys, sloths and toucans you may see along the way. Enjoy a traditional Costa Rican lunch before returning to the hotel.

Departs: 10:30am
Includes: Shared transportation, bilingual guide, tropical fruits and lunch
Bring: Shorts or swimsuit, towels, waterproof camera, hiking shoes or sneakers, sunscreen and insect repellent

Transfer from the hotel to the hot springs, to relax and enjoy the thermal waters. Lunch or dinner will be served in the restaurant. At the scheduled time, transfer back to the hotel.

with Tabacon Hot Springs and dinner: $108
with The Springs Resort and lunch or dinner: $119
with EcoTermales Hot Springs and lunch or dinner: $98

Departs: Varies
Duration: 4 hrs
Includes: Round transportation, entrance fees, lunch or dinner
Bring: Sandals, hat, towels, bathing suit, sun block, repellent and camera

Depart early en route to the Celeste River. Arrive at the Tenorio Volcano National Park, for a 5 mile hike (approximately 4 hours) through the tropical rain forest ending at "Los Teñideros", the confluence of two streams of crystalline water that form the heavenly turquoise color that gives the Celeste River its "sky-blue" name. Continue through trails rich with ecological wonders ending at the Celeste River waterfall. The final reward is lunch at the end of the journey.

Departs: 7:30am
Included: Transportation, naturalist guide, beverages, lunch and entrance fee to park
Bring: Long pants, hiking shoes, insect repellent, camera and binoculars

This canopy is more than an adventure, it is a marvelous chance to learn about the flora and fauna of the region. Expert guides will take you from tree to tree across 12 platforms and 11 cables at a height of 80 meters, and ranging in lengths up to 350 meters. The trip ends in the beautiful rainforest at the border of the Arenal River where you will take a tractor ride through the forest back to the reception area.

Departs: 8:00am or 10:30am or 1:00pm or 3:00pm
Included: Transportation, guide and equipment
Bring: Long pants, closed toe shoes, rain jacket, insect repellent, camera and sunscreen

Experience the peaceful forest while floating on the Peñas Blancas River. Enjoy the opportunity to observe many animals like monkeys, sloths, iguanas, tortoises, crocodiles, and several species of birds. The float doesn't have a motor, so the journey can be experienced quietly rowing and taking photos. An experienced naturalist will explain many fascinating details about trees, plants, birds and other animals as guests float down the river.

Departs: 7:30am or 1:00pm
Includes: Comfortable transport, bilingual naturalist guide, snacks and cold drinks
Bring: Short pants, swimsuit, camera, binoculars, sunscreen, insect repellent

Take an evening walk through one if the Eco Centers in the Arenal area. These small reserves develop conservation programs and provide training in environmental education and sustainable land use. Walking through the trails in the reserve as it gets dark will give you a unique opportunity to view some of the area's nocturnal animals in action, including sloths, caimans, spiders, frogs, bats, butterflies and birds, and see how they interact with one another and with the vegetation. The guide will help you identify and gain a greater understanding of what you see and hear during the forest at night.

Departs: 5:30pm
Includes: Shared transportation, bilingual guide, admission fees and drinks
Bring: Hiking boots, insect repellent, long pants, and a sweater or a raincoat

Canopy Tour guides start by harnessing guests with all the appropriate equipment and giving a safety lecture on all the procedures to enjoy this amazing adventure with a "Safety First" motto. Then fly through 15 cables and 18 platforms with an optional Tarzan Swing at the end of the adventure. Selvatura Park is one of the longest Canopy Tours in Costa Rica and the only canopy tour located inside the Monteverde Cloud Forest. The tour usually takes between 2.5 and 3 hours and can be done by adventurers age 4 and up (some restrictions may apply).

Departs: 8:30am or 11:00am or 1:00pm or 2:30pm
Includes: Comfortable transportation, guide, entrance and equipment
Bring: Comfortable clothing, hiking shoes and camera

This self-guided walking trail crosses almost 2 miles through the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Here visitors will walk on eight different bridges with various lengths ranging between 150 feet up to 510 feet and heights ranging between 36 feet up to 180 feet. Each bridge has a width of five feet, the widest bridges in Costa Rica, and also a capacity of up to 80 people per bridge making them both the longest and strongest bridge systems in the Monteverde Cloud Forest.

Departs: 8:30am or 11:00am or 1:00pm or 2:30pm
Includes: Comfortable transportation, entrance and equipment
Bring: Comfortable clothing, hiking shoes and camera

The Curi-Cancha Reserve is a birdwatchers' paradise. The resplendent quetzal, the three-wattled bellbird, the blue-crowned motmot and the orange-bellied trogon are just a few of the many bird species that are frequently seen here. In fact, over 200 different bird species have been spotted in Curi-Cancha. In addition to birds, many mammals are frequently sighted at this reserve, including armadillo, coati, agouti, kinkajou, ocelots, two-toed sloths and three species of monkeys: mantled howlers, white-faced capuchin and spider monkeys.

Departs: 7:00am or 1:00pm
Includes: Shared transportation, bilingual guide, and admission fees
Bring: Hiking shoes, binoculars, raincoat and camera

Monteverde is known worldwide among birdwatchers. Located between 4,500 and 5,500 feet above sea level, the Monteverde cloud forest is home to hundreds of tropical birds, including quetzals, toucans, woodcreepers, flycatchers as well as migrating birds like orioles and grosbeaks. Often heard but not so often seen is the elusive three-wattled bellbird. Set out to explore the cloud forest with your guide on a half day or a full day birdwatching expedition. 

Departs: 5:45am
Includes: Shared transportation, bilingual guide, admission fees
Bring: Hiking shoes, binoculars, raincoat and camera

Note: The Birdwatching Tour is  $127 per person (half day) or $164 per person (full day).

This exceptional hiking experience will bring you into a wonderland of green lushness. Giant tree ferns, bamboo and palm trees grow abundantly in the understory, while thick moss-covered liana vines dangle from the canopy. Indulge your senses as you spot birds and mammals, hear the song of the quetzal and the howls of the howler monkeys, and look for the tracks of the shy pumas, coatis and red brocket deer. On a clear day, you get a spectacular view of Arenal Volcano and Arenal Lake.

Departs: 6:45am
Includes: Shared transportation, bilingual guide, admission fees
Bring: Hiking shoes, binoculars, raincoat and camera

This tour combines the tradition of coffee with nature. The tour begins about the time at which nocturnal animals are becoming active. Walk alongside a river on the coffee farm that is home to many species of frogs and toads. Their vibrant colors and night calls are a feast for the senses. You will have the chance to see a variety of nocturnal mammals and birds on the move, as well as perhaps spotting some sleeping peacefully perched atop a tree branch. In addition to observing nature, you will also get to see how the tiny coffee beans are transformed into a delicious cup of coffee that you will enjoy at the end of the tour.

Departs: 5:30pm
Includes: Shared transportation, bilingual guide, admission fees
Bring: Comfortable clothing, hiking shoes and camera

Explore the amazing world of orchids at the Orchid Garden, where your guide will show you these beautiful flowers and explain their importance, their reproduction, and much more.

Departs: Varies, between 9:00am and 4:00pm
Includes: Shared transportation, bilingual guide, and admission fees
Bring: Camera

At this reptile and amphibian exhibition, you will find a variety of frogs, lizards, geckos and snakes. The reptiles and amphibians live inside specialized climate-controlled terrariums providing these wonderful creatures with a home-like habitat. Explore the herpetarium on this self-guided tour.

Departs: 8:30am or 11:00am or 1:00pm or 2:30pm
Includes: Shared transportation, admission fees
Bring: Comfortable clothing, hiking shoes and camera

Ride through mountain trails and open areas in a private reserve located very close to the continental divide, enjoying the views of the green mountains of the Monteverde area, and weather permitting, the Arenal Volcano. There is also a chance of spotting wildlife, such as toucans, parrots, motmots, hummingbirds, monkeys, peccaries, coati, and agouti.

Departs: 7:45am or 12:45pm or 2:45pm
Includes: Shared transportation, bilingual guide, horse, admission fees, and safety helmet
Bring: Comfortable shoes, long pants and camera

Enjoy a four hour nature tour through the renowned Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve where a local professional naturalist guide will explain all of the different flora and fauna that surrounds. Visit the Golden Toad's unique habitat, and see birds like the Resplendent Quetzal, Three-Wattled Bell Bird, and the Black Faced Solitaire; trees like Strangler Figs, Avocados, and Cecropias; epiphytes like Bromeliads, Orchids and Mosses; and a wide variety of insects, mammals and reptiles.

Departs: 7:00am
Includes: Entrance fee, bilingual naturalist guide and comfortable transportation
Bring: Comfortable clothes, hiking shoes, sweater or rain jacket, binocular and camera

This tour starts at sunset. At this time, all the animals are very active, because all the diurnal animals are looking for a place to sleep; and the nocturnal animals are becoming active. This is great experience to hear and see animals very different than during the day time. The most common animals guests will see are sloths, coatis, agoutis, porcupines, foxes, tarantulas, frogs, insects and sleeping birds.

Departs: 5:30pm
Includes: Transportation, entrance fees, professional and bilingual guide and flashlight.
Bring: Hiking shoes, rain coat and camera

This adventure begins near the developing Pez Vela (Sail Fish) Marina in Quepos and winds along the Manuel Antonio coastline. Guests can indulge at a secluded beach for a refreshing swim and delicious local snacks. The naturalist guide will direct guests to the best snorkeling spots to experience a small but growing coral reef nestled close to the shore of Biesanz Bay. After an unforgettable experience at Biesanz, continue paddling towards Manuel Antonio National Park and wonder the nearby nesting islands where exotic boobies and frigates call home. The adventure finally ends with lunch in a typical Costa Rican restaurant before returning to the hotel.

Departs: Depends on tides
Includes: Round trip transportation, bilingual guides, kayaks, snorkel equipment, security, lunch, snacks and drinks
Bring: Comfortable clothes, bathing suit, towel, shoes that can get wet, hat, waterproof camera and bug spray

For experienced rafters, the Naranjo River runs from April to December and is a consistently adrenaline-pumping Class III and IV rapids. The wild and ever-changing Naranjo River White Water Rafting challenge is recommended for physically fit adventure seekers and experienced rafters who are familiar with Class III and IV rapids. On this high-octane, half-day adventure, the trip begins when the Naranjo River drops steeply from the Costa Rican mountains and charges though pristine jungle gorges, then winds around rocky curves on a wild, adventurous ride back to sea level waters.

Departs: 8:00am or 12:00pm (May to November)
Includes: transportation, bilingual guide, snacks and drinks
Bring: shorts, bathing suit, tennis or sandals suitable for rafting, small towel, waterproof camera, sun screen and bug spray

Enjoy a leisurely hike with a highly trained, well-educated Costa Rican naturalist guide through the exotic tropical rainforest and 34 year old national treasure, the Manuel Antonio National Park.

Departs: 7:00am or 12:00pm
Includes: Transportation, bilingual guides and certified naturalists, en-trance fee, snacks and refreshments after the tour right near the beach
Bring: water, sun screen, camera, binoculars, and a towel

Enjoy learning about Costa Rica's exotic plants, rare wildlife and the history of Manuel Antonio while horseback riding through a private, family-owned ecological reserve at Tocori, just minutes away from Manuel Antonio. Take a relaxing ride to the Tocori Waterfalls to relax and swim in its pristine waters. Continue through the meandering Tocori streams to the family ranch for homemade meal.

Departs: 8:30am or 1:30pm
Includes: Round trip transportation, bilingual guides, all equipment needed, a hot lunch or dinner, snacks and refreshments.
Bring: comfortable clothes, long pants, bathing suit, towel, hat, camera, bug spray, sun screen

This ecologically and educationally focused canopy experience is geared towards a mix of adventure, nature and safety. It is excellent for individuals, families, or large groups, people of all ages will enjoy this adventure tour because of its variety, options and biodiversity.

Departs: 7:30am or 10:00am or 1:00 pm
Includes: Round trip transportation, bilingual guides and naturalists, all equipment needed, security, great snacks and refreshments
Bring: Comfortable clothes, wear good hiking boots or sturdy walking shoes, hat, camera, bug spray, sun screen, and binoculars

Experience local cuisine at a whole new level, understanding where the ingredients come from, how they are prepared and how to recreate the recipes at home. Fist, stop a a local farmers' market in Quepos, where you may browse the stands and pick out ingredients for your lunch with the assistance of your guide. Once in the small village of Londres, at a private ranch and dining area, you will be greeted by the team who will guide you through the organic garden to pick some finishing flavors, colors and textures for your meal. Guided by expert cooks, participate in the process of making corn tortillas by hand, ceviches with plantain or banana, rice cooked the old-fashioned way, chicken in hearty tomato sauce, picadillos (minced meats, vegetables and spices combined), and more. Once you sit down for your meal you will savor the meal you have taken part in preparing with a fuller understanding of Costa Rican cuisine. After eating, there will be time to explore the ranch and walk down to the Naranjo River, and weather permitting take a dip into the refreshing waters.

Departs: 8:00am or 2:00pm (during May, September, October and November only the morning departure will be available)
Includes: Shared transportation, bilingual guide, lunch or dinner, and a glass of organic wine. Vegetarian options are available
Bring: Comfortable clothing, hiking shoes and camera

This family friendly rafting experience begins with a drive on a 4x4 vehicle into Costa Rica's tropical jungle to the village of Silencio. After this bumpy road ride, enjoy breakfast and admire the African Palm plantations before setting off to paddle down the Savegre River. Your expert guides will teach you how to navigate down the river as you and your fellow rafters set off on a comfortable, sturdy raft that can comfortably accommodate 2 to 6 people. You will begin slowly down the river, and gradually build your way up to an unforgettable, yet manageable adventure. Your guides will also lead you to stops at swimming ponds and breathtaking waterfalls, as well as spotting some of the abundant wildlife along the river. Among the bird species you may see are egrets, osprey, toucans, parrots, kingfishers and cormorants. After a 13-mile trip down the river, wind your way back to the village of Silencio where you can savor a traditional Costa Rican lunch before returning to your hotel.

Departs: 8:00am
Includes: Shared transportation, bilingual guides, safety kayakers, rafting and safety equipment, fruits and juice
Bring: Water shoes, bathing suit, sunscreen, insect repellent, towel and a change of clothes

Admire the amazing views of Manuel Antonio National Park from aboard a catamaran. You may choose between a morning and an afternoon tour. The morning tour includes a freestyle diving adventure in a beautiful and secluded bay known as Playa Biezans. The afternoon tour allows you to view a breathtaking sunset over the Pacific Ocean. Slide down into the ocean on a water slide. You may be able to spot humpback whales, dolphins and other beautiful marine wildlife as you enjoy the ocean breeze. A selection of snacks and natural juices along with a live music show add to the experience.

Departs: 8:00am or 2:00pm
Includes: Shared transportation, bilingual guide, snorkeling equipment, diving area, water slide, live music show, lunch on board and cocktails with Costa Rican liquor.
Bring: Comfortable clothing, bathing suit, towel, sunscreen and camera

Admire the amazing views of Manuel Antonio National Park from aboard a catamaran. You may choose between a morning and an afternoon tour. The morning tour includes a freestyle diving adventure in a beautiful and secluded bay known as Playa Biesanz. The afternoon tour allows you to view a breathtaking sunset over the Pacific Ocean. Slide down into the ocean on a water slide. You may be able to spot humpback whales, dolphins and other beautiful marine wildlife as you enjoy the ocean breeze. A selection of snacks and natural juices along with a live music show add to the experience.

Departs: 8:00am or 2:00pm
Includes: Shared transportation, bilingual guide, snorkeling equipment, diving area, water slide, live music show, lunch on board and cocktails with Costa Rican liquor.
Bring: Comfortable clothing, bathing suit, towel, sunscreen and camera

Hike through partly shaded paths carved out of the Costa Rican tropical jungle as you explore with your naturalist guide. Explore the plants and wildlife of the mountainous jungle near Manuel Antonio National Park on this personalized relaxing experience. Enjoy swimming in one of the pristine natural cool water pools along the trail. Learn from your expert naturalist guide about the biodiversity and preservation efforts in the Costa Rican rain forest.

Departs: 7:00am
Includes: Shared transportation, water bottle and bilingual guide
Bring: Camera, insect repellent, hat, binoculars and hiking boots

The Amphibian Aquatic Garden is a series of waterways and pools designed to provide a variety of native species with a habitat where they can breed and migrate freely without enclosures that restrict their movement. On this unique jungle walk, you will be able to experience one of the most interesting ecosystems of Costa Rica, the Nocturnal Tropical Rain Forest. Among the animals that inhabit this refuge are kinkajou, armadillo, and snakes. Visit the Tropical Aquatic Gardens to see a variety of frogs and toads, including the red-eyed tree frog, the glass frog and the wet forest toad (Incilius aucoinae), endemic to Costa Rica.

Departs: 5:30pm
Includes: Shared transportation, bilingual guide, admission fees, flashlight and snacks
Bring: Camera, trousers, insect repellent and hiking boots