Tour guides Costa Rica

5 ideas for guided tours in Costa Rica

• Corcovado National Park

  

  Corcovado National Park lies in the Osa region, along the Pacific coast. Getting there is not easy, most often by boat from Drake Bay. This remoteness is part of its charm, keeping visitor numbers low and making it one of the last parks in the world where nature has remained untouched, safe from the impact of modern life.

  Excursions take place with a guide and always on foot, since there are no roads, only trails.

  – San Pedrillo Trail offers a walk through tropical forest with more than 500 different species of trees.
  – Sirena Trail lets you discover an incredible variety of wildlife, including countless species of birds.

• The blue paradise of the Rio Celeste

  

  The Tenorio Park holds one of Costa Rica’s natural gems. The light blue waters of the Rio Celeste are absolutely unmissable. The marked trail stretches for six kilometers and includes fascinating stops such as a 30-meter-high waterfall and, a little further along at the Mirador, a panoramic view over the entire tropical forest.

  The walk continues to the tranquil Laguna Azul pool before reaching the bubbling hot springs, where temperatures can climb to 90° (a reminder that the volcano is close by). At the small hanging bridge, you’ll arrive at the spot known as Teñidero, where the two streams, Quebrada Agria and Río Buena Vista, meet and suddenly shift in color in a striking display.

• Manuel Antonio National Park

  

  For a perfect mix of trekking, wildlife spotting, and relaxing by the water, head to Costa Rica’s Pacific coast and the small Manuel Antonio Park near the town of Quepos.

  Here you can wander through tropical forest and see sloths, iguanas, and countless monkeys up close, along with the country’s colorful birdlife: toucans, parrots, and even quetzals.

  Visitor numbers are capped, yet the park can still feel busy, so it’s best to arrive early and then enjoy a stroll along the beaches of Playa Manuel Antonio, Playa Espadilla Sur, or Playa Puerto Escondida. For a different perspective of the park, you can paddle through its waterways by renting a kayak or join a guided boat trip with a local.

• Tortuguero Village and Park

  

  Tucked away on the northern Caribbean coast lies the small village of Tortuguero, in the province of Limón. It is reached by boat from the Pavona dock. Its name means “Land of the Turtles,” as thousands of protected sea turtles come here each year to lay their eggs between July and October, depending on the species.

  The entire region is a maze of canals winding through the forest. Boat tours give you the chance to observe the rich plant life and the abundance of birds and wildlife.

  There are also several trails on land that let you experience the local biodiversity in another way. One of the most popular treks leads up Cerro Tortuguero Hill. Far from the noise of civilization, it offers a different perspective of Costa Rica, one that reflects its most natural essence.

• Uvita

  

  The small village of Uvita, set in the heart of the Marino Ballena National Park at the edge of Puntarenas province, is Costa Rica in miniature. Its compact stretch of land ends in black sand beaches that, at low tide, form a striking shape resembling a whale’s tail.

  Whales can be spotted here from July to October. In the Terraba Sierpe Reserve, you can set out by kayak to explore the mangrove forests and watch wildlife, including a wide variety of endemic birds. Thanks to its rivers and the nearby foothills, the area also boasts beautiful waterfalls such as Pavon and Nauyaca near Playa Dominical, perfect for a refreshing swim.

  Every year, toward the end of February, the Envision Festival draws thousands of people from around the world who gather for meditation and personal awakening.