Best Santa Cruz Day Trips in 2026

Santa Cruz , Guanacaste and Northwest

From $ 145.00

The best all day adventure combo on Rincon de la Vieja Volcano that includes ziplining, horseback riding, river tubing, full lunch, hot springs, and volcanic mud bath. Ziplining The course takes you into a steep canyon where you will go down 8 zip line cables, 18 platforms, a hanging bridge, rappel, and a tarzan swing! (rappel & swing optional) Horseback Riding - 45-minute ride through the forest viewing the local flora and fauna of the volcano River Tubing - You will have the time of your life bouncing down Rio Negro’s crystal clear and fun rapids in your individual rafting “tube” for over 5 kilometers. Lunch includes a salad bar, many choices of entrees and sides, dessert bar, fresh juice, coffee and tea. All dietary resctrictions can be accommodated After lunch you will driven to the Hot Springs & Mud Bath. Surrounded by tropical dry forest, the Río Negro Hot Springs feature ten pools with waters heated naturally by the Rincón de la Vieja Volcano.

Santa Cruz , Guanacaste and Northwest

From $ 135.00

Llanos de Cortes Waterfall To start your day, we will take you to Llanos de Cortes Waterfall in Bagaces, where you can relax and take a swim at the falls or walk around exploring the flora and fauna. Rio Celeste Waterfall Hike - Tenorio Volcano National Park Upon arriving at the entrance, you will go on a 2 hour moderately difficult hike in the park.  You will walk through the rainforest and along the Celeste River where you can observe one of nature's most intriguing phenomenon. Organic Farm - Sloth and Frog Sanctuary After lunch, take a tour on a rural organic farm! You will be taken on an inspiring and educational walk, showcasing natural wonders such as tropical plants, flowers, birds, sloths, frogs, snakes, insects and many more animals that inhabit the farm.

Santa Cruz , Guanacaste and Northwest

From $ 230.00

Explore all of Nicaragua's most famous highlights all in one day from Costa Rica! You will see a dormant volcano crater, the active Masaya Crater, go shopping at the artisan markets, explore the colonial town of Granada, and go on a boat ride viewing the islets of Lake Nicaragua, and even get to feed monkeys!

Santa Cruz , Guanacaste and Northwest

From $ 149.00

Departing from La Fortuna (Arenal Volcano), Tamarindo Beach, Flamingo Beach, and the Papagayo area, the tropical rainforest in the Tenorio Volcano National Park and magnificent turquoise blue Rio Celeste waterfall awaits us. A local expert guide will company you. We will briefly stop to admire the 400 year-old Tree of Peace. We'll cool off in the Celeste River by taking an hour-and-a-half tubing tour down the blue river and stoping in several places to swim and snack on fresh regional fruits. After tubing, we will have a typical lunch and return along the best route to viewing wildlife, such as two types of sloths, colored frogs , monkeys, exotic birds, and much more. On the way back we will stop at the Souvenir Market and then return to your resting place.

Santa Cruz , Guanacaste and Northwest

From $ 130.00

Embark on a captivating 1 hour and 20-minute boat safari through Palo Verde National Park, where you'll encounter Costa Rica's rich wildlife, from crocodiles to monkeys. Following the safari, indulge in a hearty Costa Rican lunch to recharge, before diving into a fascinating presentation on Chorotega pottery, learning about its intricate designs and cultural significance. It's a day filled with adventure, culture, and delicious cuisine, offering a memorable glimpse into the wonders of Costa Rica.

Santa Cruz , Guanacaste and Northwest

From $ 220.00

Discover the magic of Rio Celeste Waterfall, a turquoise wonder hidden in Costa Rica’s lush rainforest. Its vibrant waters and surrounding nature create a breathtaking scene. Then, visit the Sloths Sanctuary to meet these adorable creatures and other wildlife in their natural habitat. Enhance your experience with a private tour, where a knowledgeable guide will lead you through the trails, sharing insights about the rainforest and its conservation. Perfect for nature lovers, this adventure offers unforgettable memories Enjoy your experience without any rush, book this private tour to enjoy the best of Costa Rica. Sloths and beautiful rainforest nature are waiting for you!

Santa Cruz , Guanacaste and Northwest

From $ 210.00

This private tour is the perfect option for those who want to experience it all without the need for extensive hiking. The hike to Llanos de Cortes waterfall is just a 5-minute walk, and visiting the chocolate and coffee plantation, as well as the sloths and wildlife park, does not require strenuous hiking; it simply involves a stroll through the jungle. Rest assured, you will still be able to enjoy the beauty of these attractions effortlessly, as we have curated a selection of the most stunning sights for your convenience. During the tour, you will explore the rainforest, learn about the cultivation of chocolate and coffee beans, and admire the diverse array of animals. By the end of this private tour, you will have the opportunity to sample chocolate and coffee, marvel at the beauty of the rainforest, savor a delicious meal, and observe butterflies, sloths, toucans, and waterfalls.

Santa Cruz , Guanacaste and Northwest

From $ 160.00

“The best therapy is always outdoors.” ✨ ✨ Small groups. Big memories. Real experiences. Wildlife encounters with respect and purpose. See what others only dream about. Book now. Discover the magic of Costa Rica’s greenest region on an unforgettable guided hike. Walk through a lush rainforest filled with lichens, bromeliads, and orchids, and experience the beauty of its unique microclimates. Learn about incredible wildlife and see how animals survive through camouflage, symbiotic relationships, and natural adaptations that allow them to thrive in the rainforest. ✨ A perfect blend of nature, ecology, and adventure, leaving you even more in love with Costa Rica’s neotropical forests. www.purenatureprivatetours.com WhatsApp 506 8357_4200

Santa Cruz , Guanacaste and Northwest

From $ 225.00

There is no better place to enjoy the adrenaline that Costa Rica can offer. Nothing compares to flying over the largest volcano in Costa Rica: Rincon De La Vieja. In this adventure you can enjoy the best zipline in the Guanacaste area but we can also enjoy horseback riding, a 420 meter long water slide, a cultural experience that includes an explanation about sugar cane, typical food and a detailed explanation about the Pottery. To relax at the end, this park offers hot springs and mud baths. Don't forget, from the heights of the zipline to the relaxation of the hot springs, this is the best tour you can book and the best part is that it is private.

Santa Cruz , Guanacaste and Northwest

From $ 195.00

This 7-hour tour takes place in the foothills of Rincon de la Vieja Volcano, which has different kinds of activities that other tours do not offer. In this tour you will be able to do four different activities including tubing at Rio Colorado and taking a trip to the hot springs.

Santa Cruz , Guanacaste and Northwest

From $ 155.00

Sit back and relax on 1.5 hour trip from Papagayo, Tamarindo, and Flamingo Beach; the tour will travel through authentic villages and plantations of sugar cane , melon, cashew, and watermelon until reaching the picturesque village of Bolsón . Your adventure includes a local expert as your guide. You will take a 2-hour boat safari on the Tempisque River, the longest river in Guanacaste. Be sure to have your camera ready to capture the wildlife, such as three types of monkeys (howler, spider, and capuchin), American crocodiles ,fish, and migratory birds. After the boat safari, a typical Costa Rican lunch awaits you, followed by a demonstration of how the Chorotega native people manually crafted pottery. Pick-up and drop-off in Tamarindo, Flamingo, and the Papagayo area.

Santa Cruz , Guanacaste and Northwest

From $ 230.00

Experience the Rainforest and Waterfalls! Have you ever seen the rainforest and waterfalls from above? On this amazing private tour, you'll have the chance to do just that! The hike through the rainforest, the hanging bridges, the hot springs, and the mud baths will captivate you. Our first stop will be at Llanos de Cortez Waterfall, where you can refresh and prepare for an unforgettable adventure. You'll have a dedicated tour guide just for you, making this experience even more special. There's no rush this tour is yours to enjoy with your family. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity! The waterfalls, rainforest, hot springs, and mud baths are waiting for you!

Santa Cruz , Guanacaste and Northwest

From $ 430.00

Waterfall in San Ramon On the southern slopes of the Maderas volcano, about 4 km from San Ramón beach, is this beautiful waterfall that falls over mossy rocks into a small pool. They also own the Biological Station in San Ramón where the trail to the waterfall begins. continue along a small trail. The trail takes you through dense jungle, past old mossy trees, vines and bromeliads. Howler monkeys and a great variety of birds, butterflies and other insects live in this area, some of them endemic to the Maderas volcano. you can cool off in the natural shower of the waterfall and the small pool at your feet. if it's in nicaragua it's done in nicaragua, if it's in costa rica it's done in costa rica.

Santa Cruz , Guanacaste and Northwest

From $ 170.00

Rappel down through the majestic Victoria Waterfall, then splash into the pool below for a refreshing swim. You we’ll do a guided climb back up the wall of the cascade, as well you be able to enjoy the rappel, tarzan swing over the waterfall. finalize the journey with their famous and relaxing hot springs center and volcanic mud-bath. After get a delicious buffet lunch typical Costa Rican meals (FRESH fruits, salads, dessert, pasta, rice , beans, meats, coffee). What to bring: Light clothes, sneakers or water shoes (NO flip flops), extra clothes, bathing suit, sun block, insect repellent and camera. * Please note: CHILDREN MUST BE AT LEAST 10 YEARS OLD TO DO WATERFALL CANYONING TOUR. Also have to measure 1 and a half meter tall (5 ft).

Santa Cruz , Guanacaste and Northwest

From $ 200.00

WHITE WATER RAFT III & IV LEVEL CLASS Small groups A beautiful river that rises at Guanacaste volcanoes mountain range, it’s pure and white water makes it the best river on Guanacaste area for rafting. You can combine almost 7 miles of rapids with magnificent landscapes surrounded by tropical forest. No experience required but good effort needed it on this world famous class III and IV white water rafting. This challenging river will take the energy out of you, that's why we have a lunch on the river. Our staff will make you feel confident and our modern and certified equipment will let you mount the rapids smoothly. *** CHILDREN MUST BE 12 YEARS OLD TO DO THE TOUR*** *** SMALL GROUPS RAFTING TOUR*** What to bring: Passport copy, tennis shoes or strap sandals (No flip flops), towels, extra clothes, bug spray, sun block, hat, waterproof camera and cash for extras. Included: guide, a/c van, bottle water, fruit juice, lunch on the river as chicken sandwich, turkey.