Costa Rica offers adventures around every corner, from volcanic landscapes to lush rainforests teeming with wildlife. As a nature lover, It’s fair to say that Costa Rica stole my heart from the very first moment I set foot in the country. From cloud-shrouded volcanoes spearheading the skyline to lush rainforests teeming with howler monkeys and colorful birds, Costa Rica awakened all my senses on a whole new level. Here, I will share some of the top tours that should be on your radar for an unparalleled Costa Rican escape.

Corcovado National Park Tours

Most connoisseurs of Costa Rica rainforest tour and wildlife viewing consider Corcovado National Park to be one of the highlights of any visit.

Some key facts about Corcovado National Park Tours:

Home to over 116 mammal species, including jaguars, tapirs, peccaries, monkeys, and endangered scarlet macaws
Over 500 bird species have been recorded within the park
Dense tropical rainforest terrain makes spotting animals a challenge, requiring patience and quiet tracking skills
Multi-day tours allow deeper exploration and increased chances for wildlife encounters

One outstanding option for experiencing the magic of Corcovado is our acclaimed 2-night Corcovado tour. Exciting activities include hiking pristine trails dotted with stunning waterfalls, swimming in secluded beaches, and overnighting in rustic park stations near active sloth and monkey colonies. Knowledgeable naturalist guides help guests maximize opportunities to witness the park’s charismatic creatures up close. With only a limited number of permits issued daily, book early to secure your spot in this protected paradise.

Arenal Volcano National Park

Arenal Volcano National Park is home to two towering volcanoes that rise up to 5,357 feet. The park covers around 30,000 acres with the volcanoes right in the center. You’ll find all kinds of unique wildlife living here, from colorful parrots and howler monkeys to lizards of every shape and size. Keep your eyes peeled during one of the many wildlife tours in Costa Rica – you never know what rare species you might spot!

The lake at the base of the volcano, also called Arenal Lake, makes for gorgeous scenic views. Fun fact: it also provides hydroelectric power for parts of the country.

One hike I really recommend is the one through Arenal Observatory Lodge. The views are stunning! As for relaxing in the hot springs, Tabacón River is free to access, or you can splurge at the fancy Tabacón Hot Springs and Spa for around $120 per person, which includes dinner. Another more budget-friendly option is Los Laureles at only $8 per person.

The best part is that Arenal acts as a hub – it’s conveniently located near other top destinations like the luminous Rio Celeste river, the wetlands at Caño Negro, and my personal favorite hidden gem, Bajos del Toro Amarillo. The landscapes and authentic rural vibes there are truly one of a kind.

Mangrove Boat Tour

No visit to the Osa Peninsula is complete without exploring its quintessential mangrove ecosystems. Mangroves are crucially important rainforest habitats that flourish where salty ocean waters meet freshwater rivers and estuaries. They act as nurseries for countless marine species and shelters for birds, iguanas, and crocodiles.

One of the best ways to witness these unique forests is on a guided boat tour through the Sierpe River Mangroves. Expert captains stealthily paddle narrow canals while pointing out their special inhabitants up close. With some luck, you may spot crocodiles basking in the sun, crab-eating raccoons foraging in the tangles roots, or majestic birds like the endangered yellow-naped parrot perched at the water’s edge. The scenery is nothing short of magical as mangrove tunnels dissolve into open bays and islands come into view. A fascinating activity for all ages and a great primer for the importance of these oft-overlooked coastal ecosystems.

San Pedrillo Station

After an early morning hike, our Corcovado tour bus transfers guests south along the coastline to San Pedrillo Station—the last outpost before Panamanian waters. Situated on a gorgeous deserted beach facing the Golfo Dulce inlet, this remote station offers more primitive overnight jungle lodging and adventurous explorations.

In the afternoon, guides lead adventurous hikes along coastal trails to discover natural pools, secluded beaches and perhaps snap some photos of nesting brown boobies and magnificent frigatebirds soaring overhead. Multi-tiered waterfalls tumbling through thick foliage are always a highlight. At nightfall, stargazing from hammocks takes centerstage as the skies light up with celestial wonders. This hidden corner of Corcovado truly epitomizes off-the-grid escapades in one of the world’s most intact rainforest habitats.

Sirena Station

Our Corcovado tour kicks off with a boat ride across the Golfo Dulce to Sirena Station—the first biological station established within the park in 1972. Here, tamandua anteaters, howler monkeys, and hundreds of colorful bird species call these grounds home. Guides lead slow, informative hiking to discover the diversity of life through their keen tracking skills. At night, you can relax in a cozy dorm-style lodge overlooking the rainforest canopy.

Some of the highlights visitors often experience in Sirena Station include:

Spotting three-toed sloths lazily lounging in the tree branches above
Catching a glimpse of elusive tayra and kinkajou mammals darting between the foliage
Encountering troops of capuchin and white-faced monkeys going about their daily activities
Identifying a stunning array of tanagers, toucans, and woodpeckers flitting through the dense foliage

Explore Old Jungles of Osa Peninsula

The remote and sparsely populated Osa Peninsula brings dream-like wilderness just two hours south of Drake Bay. Home to some of Costa Rica’s final tracts of virgin rainforest, it truly transports you to lost worlds inhabited by howlers and spider monkeys as they were centuries ago. Sukia Travel’s multi-day Costa Rica trekking tours lead intrepid explorers on trails where they may still encounter jaguars!

Our 4-Day Osa Jungle Adventure tour spends nights in wilderness lodges and brings guests to otherwise impossible-to-reach areas. Encounter wildlife at eye level while trekking with resident forest spiders and poison dart frogs. Hike or swim through mystical valleys accented by sculpted moss-covered waterfalls and giant strangler figs. Let your naturalist guide show you rare orchids while explaining signs of puma and tapirs.

With Sukia’s maximum guest sizes, it never feels crowded as you immerse in total serenity. Gaze at glittering starscapes unhindered by light pollution along with the day’s adventure tales around the evening campfire. While contributing to biological stations, you get an insider’s view of long-term conservation and leave assured that Eden’s untouched majesty will remain.

Expert Advice from Guides

While many tour operators try to cram as many activities as possible into short itineraries, veteran guides at Sukia Travel stress the importance of slowing down to truly experience Costa Rica. “Our wildlife and nature thrive when visitors take the time to be present, observe respectfully, and leave gracefully.”

Some tips shared by Sukia’s passionate and certified naturalist guides:

Wear neutral-toned clothing to blend into environments without disturbing habitats.
Wait patiently near quiet streams and observe how natural behaviors like feeding and social grooming unfold over minutes rather than moments.
Respect all park closures and limits, and do not enter protected areas without official permission and licensed guides.
Never feed, touch or remove any plants/animals as this impacts their health and teaches bad habits. Admire from a safe distance through binoculars.
Be prepared for wet tropical conditions with comfortable layers, rain gear, and hiking shoes. Bring ample drinking water in a recyclable bottle.
Support responsible tourism by choosing operators vetted for sustainability, community engagement, and environmentally friendly practices.

By following the golden rules shared by Sukia Travel’s experts during Costa Rica wildlife tours, guests feel empowered stewards of Costa Rica’s natural heritage during their adventures while glimpsing into the intricate workings of diverse ecosystems up-close. Upholding conduct inspires a lifelong respect for conservation in visitors.

While Costa Rica offers many tours, partnering with eco-minded companies like Sukia Travel ensures your visit aligns with protecting natural treasures for generations. Both novice explorers and seasoned travelers alike have so many extraordinary excursions to choose from, including volcanoes, cloud forests, remote jungles, and more – all made even more meaningful with the guidance of responsible operators. Book your Costa Rica escape and create lasting memories in these diverse rainforest and coastal wonders today!

Best Excursions in Costa Rica: From Volcanoes to Rainforests