The 8 Best Guanacaste Tours

1.La Leona Waterfall Hike and River Tubing

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 90 reviews · 4 to 5 hours (approx.) · from $90Our pick

Spend 4 to 5 hours near Curubandé hiking through forest and river channels to La Leona Waterfall, then tubing for about 90 minutes. Expect ladders, rock crossings, a rope-assisted cave entry, swimming, and rapids. Guides such as Ronnie, Brandy, Victor, and Diego focus on safety and helping less confident swimmers.

“Ponchino was an amazing tubing and hiking guide! We saw toucans, howler monkeys, and a bat cave during our experience. We would highly recommend this company as all of the guides are very professional and safety is a priority! Thanks Ponchino :)”

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2.8 days and 7 nights – Costa Rica Pura Vida

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 80 reviews · 8 days (approx.) · from $1,568

You’ll travel through Costa Rica’s Central Valley, Arenal, Monteverde, and Manuel Antonio over eight days. Expect airport transfers, breakfast, guided hikes, a waterfall visit with lunch, cloud forest suspension bridges, butterflies, and four nights of varied nature. Transport is by shared transfer or rental car with basic insurance.

“Wonderful way to see a sample of the areas of Costa Rica. Transportation worked seamlessly, drivers and guides were friendly and knowledgeable. We particularly enjoyed Manuel Antonio.”

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3.La Leona waterfall adventure hike half day

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 79 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $50

You’ll ride a 4WD truck to the trailhead, then hike about 1.3 miles each way through shaded forest, streams, rocks, ropes, and narrow passages to La Leona Waterfall. Guides such as Pablo, José, Ramses, and Carlos adjust the route to your fitness and comfort. Swim, take photos, and enjoy fresh fruit afterward.

“The waterfall was stunning, but our tour operator and guide made the experience truly special. They were incredibly knowledgeable, super friendly, and patient with our whole family. The hike was exciting, water refreshing, and the tour ended with the best pineapple I've ever had in my life (no joke). Highly recommend!!”

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4.Half day Mountain Tour in Nosara

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 74 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $150

Start at 8am with Macho ATV Rentals and Tours and ride into the hills above Nosara. Guides such as Dennis, Carlos, or Sebastian lead the way to a fifth-generation family farm, where you can see coffee, oranges, vegetables, and spices before eating a home-cooked lunch made with food grown on-site.

“Such a fun, beautiful day! This was our favorite activity all week! Definitely recommend for family, couples or alone!”

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5.Paddle Board Private Tour Nuevo Arenal, Lake Arenal

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 39 reviews · 1 hour 45 minutes (approx.) · from $50

Meet Jose at Parque del Lago de Nuevo Arenal for a private 1-hour-45-minute paddleboarding tour on Lake Arenal. After safety and technique instruction, you paddle protected water, stop in the jungle for fresh Costa Rican fruit, watch for birds, fish, turtles, and otters, and receive professional photos and video.

“I booked the paddle boat tour on Lake Arenal and liked it so much that a friend and me went again the next day for the Cote lake (biggest natural lake of CR up in the mountain). José will make you feel comfortable and safe while he teaches you the best ways to paddleboard. The photos and video he makes on his GoPro are a really nice souvenir!”

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6.ATV Waterfall & Organic Coffee Farm with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 36 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $195

Spend about six hours riding an ATV from Nosara through dirt roads and jungle trails to a waterfall and a family-run organic coffee farm. Guides such as Junior and Abraham lead the ride, while owner Juan explains coffee growing and serves fresh juices, coffee, and lunch with views toward the hills and coast.

“The tour guides were all really lovely and they spent extra time with us which was really neat. They gave my family a bigger ATV. My son has challenges walking and they were so helpful, although I do think the walk to the waterfall was too hard for people with mobility issues. The food was excellent. We loved stopping to see the view a few times. It was the best part of our trip so far, booking this tour!”

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7.La Leona Waterfall

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 36 reviews · 3 to 4 hours (approx.) · from $48Best value

Meet your local guide in Curubandé, then ride five minutes to the trailhead for a river hike through forest, rocky caves, and water crossings. A rope helps you reach La Leona Waterfall. Ian, Juan, and Alberto have guided groups here, with life vests and dry bags provided. Plan on three to four hours and moderate fitness.

“Our hike was absolutely the BEST! Ian, Juan and Alberto went above and beyond to assist my daughter who has some mobility issues, with the hike. They were all kind and knowledgeable! The views of the jungle were magnificent! The waterfalls were spectacular! We jumped off the rocks into the water and loved every minute of it! We also saw some monkeys and bats along our hike. They informed on the plants that grew there and laughed and joked with us. It felt more like traveling with old friends! We’ll be back to them on our next time in Costa Rica for sure!”

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8.Kayak Through the Mangroves

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 36 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $90

At Playa Pelada, guide David leads a two-hour kayak trip through the Rio Montaña mangroves. You’ll paddle with ocean sounds nearby, watch for more than 120 bird and wildlife species, then reach a secluded black-sand beach by water. Kayaks, paddles, life jackets, and snacks are included.

“Had such a wonderful time with David! He knows so much about the Mangroves and is such a kind person. We had a lovely time and would rate this experience a 10/10. It was a perfect little relaxing adventure. Thank you!”

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