As we all know, life can become increasingly hectic, often leaving us with little time to plan leisure activities. Recognizing this common challenge, we at The Tico Times have taken the initiative to compile a diverse list of potential tours and experiences that can be booked on short notice.
These carefully selected options are designed to bring joy and create lasting memories for you and those you travel with, ensuring fun and interesting adventures regardless of when you start planning. Our curated selection caters to various interests and preferences, offering something for everyone.
As you look at these exciting possibilities, please pay close attention to the starting point of each tour, as some may depart from locations outside the main city center. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these last-minute options to Cost Rica are sure to be filled with fun, adventure, and the spirit of Costa Rica.
1. Tortuga Island
Sail to Tortuga Island on a luxury catamaran, with breakfast and lunch included, starting in Puntarenas (includes transportation from/to San José, Jacó, Quepos or Manuel Antonio). The tour includes a multilingual guide, typical Costa Rican breakfast, BBQ lunch served with chilled white wine, juices, sodas and fresh fruits, live music, snorkeling and a banana boat ride..
2. Pacuare rafting trip
Pacuare River: This river is considered one of the best in the world for rafting, with Class III – IV rapids. Ríos Tropicales offers a one-day trip that includes transportation to and from San José, bilingual guides, all equipment, breakfast and a hot lunch.
3.Birdwatching (quetzals!) in Dota
This overnight tour to Santa María de Dota provides an excellent opportunity for viewing the aptly-named resplendent quetzal — plus another 200 bird species that live in the area. The trip, offered by Barrio Bird Walking Tours, includes private, round-trip transportation from San José, a one-night stay with dinner and breakfast at a lodge and a morning birding tour with bilingual guide.
4. Irazú Volcano, Orosi Valley & Lankester Botanical Garden
This trip offered by Gray Line Costa Rica departs from San José and heads to the top of the Irazú Volcano, where you can observe the main craters. On a clear day, you can see both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. After the volcano, the tour makes a stop in Cartago at the Basílica de Nuestra Vírgen de los Ángeles, which houses Costa Rica’s patron saint, La Negrita, and is a pilgrimage site for many Costa Rican Catholics.
Next the tour visits Lankester Botanical Garden, a University of Costa Rica research center where you can see more than 800 species of orchids, bromeliads and countless species of other plants. The final stop is the Orosi Valley to see one of the few remaining colonial-era churches, followed by lunch in one of the local restaurants. The tour starts at 7 a.m. and lasts approximately 10 hours.
5. Río Celeste and Tenorio Volcano
Take a guided hike to the gorgeous Río Celeste (Blue River) in Tenorio Volcano National Park. Desafío Adventure Co. will pick you up at your hotel in Guanacaste between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. (depending on where you’re located) and transport you to the trailhead. The hike lasts three to four hours through lush rain forest to the turquoise falls and river. Tour includes transportation, bilingual guide, park entrance fee and lunch.
6. Lake Arenal to Monteverde
This trip from Desafío Adventure Co. starts in Arenal with a trip across the lake, where you can appreciate views of the forest and Arenal Volcano. Then you will be taken to the renowned cloud forest of Monteverde, where you can choose whether you want to fly through the canopy on a zipline or stroll along hanging bridges. The zipline canopy tour includes 1.7 miles of cables, reaching between 40 and 100 meters off the ground and up to 750 meters long.
If you choose the hanging bridges, you will walk across a series of five bridges, spanning over 1.5 miles with an experienced naturalist guide who will point out wildlife, plant species and offer fun facts about Costa Rica. Finally, you’ll have lunch and be taken back to your hotel in Arenal.
