Many of Costa Rica’s caves were formed some 20 to 70 million years ago when much of the country was still under water. Today, several of the caves can be unearthed during exploration tours. On these tours, bilingual guides will lead you underground to discover stalagmites, ancient marine fossils, and subterranean animal species—you’ll hear rivers and waterfalls echoing in the distance and watch as ghost-like limestone formations dance against your flashlight. Originally discovered by aborigines, these caves now offer modern travelers a wonderful way to dig – both literally and figuratively – beneath the surface of Costa Rica.
How can we help?
Click and read long-form guides
Barra Honda Caves
Indulge your adventurous side with a visit to the underground caves at Barra Honda National Park.
Combining two of the country’s most adrenalin-packed activities, this tour will have you rappelling down waterfalls and surging over white-water rapids! Set in Costa Rica’s Northern Lowlands near the base of the Arenal Volcano, the scenery for this tour couldn’t be any more beautiful.
This expedition at the Buena Vista Lodge allows tour members to enjoy canopy tours and horseback rides, and hot springs all in one day. Oh right and then there is that 400-meter waterslide through the forest.
On this road biking trip around Lake Arenal, riders will coast along rolling hills and enjoy stunning scenery. This wonderful excursion is perfect for beginners and intermediate riders.
Sleep in before being transported to the La Paz Waterfall Gardens for an all-day tour at one of the best eco parks in Costa Rica. The excursion is designed to start later than most tours so you are rested when you experience what the Waterfall Gardens boasts as the essence of Costa Rica on a guided hike through the reserve.
This tour takes visitors to some of San José’s most interesting cultural highlights. To get from one destination to the next you’ll walk and take local transportation.
The Savegre River, one of the most pristine rivers in the country and surrounded by lush vegetation and meandering waters, features class II and III rapids that are perfect for beginner rafters.
Get a peek into the extraordinary lives of the Indigenous on one of the largest indigenous communities in central America. The Bribri family are extremely proud to share their heritage.
The Marlin del Rey Catamaran Tour is a great activity for family and friends to enjoy ocean breezes and coastline scenery while sipping delicious tropical drinks. Feel the wind in your hair and bask in the sun while sailing breezily past bays and sandy beaches.
Ascend to the top of the Monteverde Cloud Forest on this tree climbing adventure. Ficus trees (or fig trees) have a hollow trunk, forming a tube with natural footholds for you to climb. Once you reach the top, you can step out onto a viewing platform for an unforgettable view of the surrounding forest.
This tour of the Rincón de la Vieja forest is an idyllic hike past waterfalls and pools of bright blue water. It begins with a drive through the fields of Guanacaste, and then the landscape will suddenly transform into a lush forest.
This coffee plantation doesn’t just produce an incredible cup of coffee, it’s also a vitally important part of the community. Learn how family, sustainability, and attention to detail all combine to nurture coffee from cherry, to bean, to brew on this educational tour that’s part local history and part culture. Yes, you will enjoy samples!
The Sky Trek Canopy Tour in Monteverde is located 3.7 miles (6 km) from the town of Santa Elena and about 1.8 miles (3 km) from the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve. Flying across the misty cloud forest of Monteverde is one of Costa Rica's signature experiences.
For the finest, most unobstructed views of the Arenal Volcano and Lake, ride the Sky Tram up to the area's best observation deck. You'll then ride a series of 8 zip-lines to the base of the mountain.