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Nature & adventure · San Jose itinerary

San José Nature & Adventure: The Ultimate Itinerary

Costa Rica is built for adventure. This itinerary covers rafting, volcanoes and jungle from San José — with the best-rated tours to book for each.

At a glance

  1. 1Pacuare rafting
  2. 2Arenal & hot springs
  3. 3Tortuguero canals
  4. 4Cloud forest

Pacuare rafting

World-class rapids through rainforest.

Arenal & hot springs

The volcano and thermal waters.

Tortuguero

Wildlife-rich jungle canals.

Book the experiences in this itinerary

Top-rated tours for exactly what this plan recommends in San Jose — prices per person.

Whitewater Rafting Sarapiqui River Class 2-3 San Jose to Fortuna
San Jose
Whitewater Rafting Sarapiqui River Class 2-3 San Jose to Fortuna
5.0(16)·8 hours
from$122/ person
via Viator
Arenal Hanging Bridges and La Fortuna Waterfall Combo Tour
La Fortuna
Arenal Hanging Bridges and La Fortuna Waterfall Combo Tour
5.0(97)·6 hours
from$173/ person
via Viator
Tortuguero One Day Private Tour from San Jose
San Jose
Tortuguero One Day Private Tour from San Jose
5.0(19)·10 hours
from$365/ person
via Viator
White Water Rafting Adventures - La Fortuna, Costa Rica
La Fortuna
White Water Rafting Adventures - La Fortuna, Costa Rica
5.0(11)·6 hours
from$97/ person
via Viator
Zipline Tour in La Fortuna with Arenal Volcano Views
La Fortuna
Zipline Tour in La Fortuna with Arenal Volcano Views
5.0(297)·2 hours
from$55/ person
via Viator
Sloth Watching Wildlife Tour in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
La Fortuna
Sloth Watching Wildlife Tour in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
4.9(1,003)·3 hours
from$62/ person
via Viator
White Water Rafting II and III Maquique Costa Rica La Fortuna
Alajuela
White Water Rafting II and III Maquique Costa Rica La Fortuna
5.0(42)·5 hours
from$75/ person
via Viator
Rafting Class II-III and Zipline Tour from La Fortuna and Arenal
La Fortuna
Rafting Class II-III and Zipline Tour from La Fortuna and Arenal
5.0(271)·9 hours
from$149/ person
via Viator

San José nature & adventure — FAQ

What are the best adventure tours from San José?
Top adventures are Pacuare River rafting, the Arenal Volcano with ziplining and hot springs, Tortuguero’s canals, and the Rainforest Aerial Tram.
Is Costa Rica good for adventure travel?
Yes — Costa Rica is a world adventure capital, with rafting, ziplining, volcanoes, hot springs and wildlife all reachable from San José.
How many days do you need for a Costa Rica adventure?
Allow at least four or five days from San José to combine rafting, Arenal and Tortuguero given the travel times.

Explore more in San Jose

Poás Volcano & La PazArenal VolcanoTortuguero & WildlifeCoffee & City