4 Wildlife Trips in Costa Rica to Build a Day Around

1.Skip the Line:Day Ticket-La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park & Wildlife Refuge

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 226 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $63Our pick

Visit La Paz Waterfall Gardens at your own pace with a flexible day pass. Walk through cloud forest trails, see five waterfalls, and explore orchids, butterflies, hummingbirds, toucans, monkeys, snakes, and rescued cats. Allow at least two hours, though four or five gives you time to slow down.

“The hike was spectacular, however there is no benefit to buying the skip the line. There are no lines so you can buy direct and save a few $.”

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2.Rio Celeste Waterfall Plus Sloths and wildlife Sanctuary

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 110 reviews · 7 to 11 hours (approx.) · from $220Top rated

From Tamarindo, you ride in a private air-conditioned car to Rio Celeste and Tenorio National Park. Expect a two to three-hour rainforest walk, a sloth and wildlife visit at Spring Paradise Bijagua Tours, and lunch at Doña Carmen. Guides may include Verny, Hernan, Allan, or Eric, and the pace can be tailored to your group.

“Our guide Hernan S and driver Alan were OUTSTANDING. Our guide Hania at the wildlife preserve was amazing as well. Hernan was very knowledgeable about the history, environment and flora/fauna of the region. Moderate hike. Beautiful waterfall. Wildlife abundant and pictures of a lifetime. Lunch was delicious and the butterfly garden was a lovely surprise and really well done. They will pick you up at your location, which was very helpful. Great day. Highly recommend.”

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3.Wildlife Safari Float by Kayak in Peñas Blancas River from Arenal

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 79 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $88

Spend about four hours kayaking the Peñas Blancas River with a naturalist guide such as Christopher, Beto, or David. Watch for monkeys, crocodiles, sloths, toucans, bats, and iguanas, then visit La Cocina de Tita Yolanda for coffee, cacao, sugar cane, and a typical snack.

“The guides were knowledgeable about the animals in the area and kept an eye out for us to stop and take pictures. They were cautious about keeping us safe and they were very fun and kept us laughing. This was one of the highlights of our trip!”

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4.Damas Island Mangrove Boat Tour with Wildlife from Manuel Antonio

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 75 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $95

Travel from Manuel Antonio or Quepos to Isla Damas for a quiet two-hour boat ride through one of Central America’s largest mangrove ecosystems. Guides such as Stephanie, Alvin, Raul, Maria, and Danny point out monkeys, birds, bats, and local history. Transport, safety gear, bottled water, and a typical Costa Rican meal are included.

“This tour is a wonderful and relaxing experience. Stephanie and Alvin were absolutely the best guides well informed and on top of everything in order to make this an unforgettable experience!”

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