Planning a trip to Costa Rica? You’ve likely already got the classics in mind—zip lining through cloud forests, surfing on palm-fringed beaches, and maybe spotting wildlife in the jungles of Manuel Antonio. While these are unforgettable experiences, there’s so much more waiting to be discovered. Beyond the usual tourist spots, Costa Rica reveals a treasure trove of hidden tours that offer unique and memorable experiences.
After planning thousands of Costa Rica vacations (and receiving feedback like “this was the best trip of my life”), we’ve handpicked a list of our favorite off-the-beaten-path activities. If you’re on the lookout for hidden gems, consider adding these 8 epic Costa Rica tours to your itinerary.
8 Hidden Costa Rica Tours You Can’t Miss
1. Encounter Unique Wildlife on an Exclusive Night Hike on a Private farm
Experience the magic of Costa Rica after dark on a guided night walk through a private farm near Arenal. As the sun sets, the jungle comes alive with creatures rarely seen during the day, including frogs, reptiles, insects, and even nocturnal mammals like sloths, possums, and armadillos. This tour not only offers a close-up look at the vibrant nighttime ecosystem but also emphasizes conservation and education. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to see the wild side of Costa Rica—it’s sure to be a highlight of your adventure!
Why we love it: Unlike other night tours, this one is special because you’ll have the trail all to yourself (instead of sharing with other groups/guides), increasing your chances of spotting wildlife.
2. Discover Caño Blanco’s Hidden Wonders on an Exclusive Boat Tour
Discover a wildlife sanctuary in Costa Rica’s northern plains on an expertly guided adventure that brings you up close with native animals. After a scenic off-road drive, you’ll board a small, quiet motorboat for a private journey through beautiful wetlands and lush forests. Unlike other tours with crowded boats, this exclusive experience lets you connect peacefully with nature. Keep your eyes peeled for sloths, howler monkeys, colorful birds, and even caimans as you glide toward the serene Caño Blanco Lagoon, one of Costa Rica’s hidden gems.
The day wraps up with a visit to a local family farm, where you’ll enjoy homemade treats and a warm Costa Rican welcome—an authentic way to end this unique adventure!
Why we love it: This tour offers a unique blend of nature and culture, with only two daily tours—one in the morning and one in the afternoon, with a max of 10 people per tour—ensuring an exclusive experience in the park. You’ll see abundant wildlife without the crowds of some of the other similar tours that have multiple operators in the same park/river. Plus, the authentic, hands-on lunch directly supports a local family. It’s a fantastic way to connect with the environment and community!
3. Take a Flavorful Journey Through a Costa Rican Spice Farm
At Villa Vanilla, a working spice farm, you’ll get an inside look at how mouthwatering spices like vanilla, cacao, Ceylon cinnamon, and black pepper are grown and processed. Start in the post-harvest warehouse, where spices are dried, processed, and packaged, then head out on a guided walk through the farm. Along the way, you’ll enjoy a “Flavors of the World” tasting, sampling homemade treats infused with the farm’s spices, all while taking in panoramic views of the rainforest. Keep an eye out for local wildlife like hummingbirds, macaws, and squirrel monkeys.
Finish your tour at the spice shop, where you can pick up fresh vanilla beans, tree-to-bar chocolate, and other farm-grown products to take home or share as gifts.
Why we love it: This experience is in our opinion one of the best kept secrets in the south pacific coast and completely unique from other tours in the country. If you’ve been to other tropical destinations, this is a great opportunity to do something different!
4. Experience the Geothermal Wonders of Rincón de la Vieja
At Rincón de la Vieja National Park, you’ll find a landscape brimming with geothermal wonders. The park’s volcanic activity creates bubbling mud pots, steam vents, and sulfur springs, making it one of Costa Rica’s most fascinating natural destinations. Visitors can explore these features on foot, taking in the rugged beauty of the volcanic terrain while keeping an eye out for wildlife such as monkeys, birds, and reptiles.
Despite its easy accessibility, this park remains one of Costa Rica’s hidden gems, offering a surprisingly uncrowded experience. Just beyond the park, natural hot springs provide a relaxing way to unwind, with warm, volcanic-heated waters nestled in a lush setting.
Looking to experience one of these hidden tours for yourself? Contact us today to start planning your perfect Costa Rica adventure!
Why we love it: This tour is often overlooked, but it definitely deserves more attention! We like to compare it to Yellowstone in the U.S. because of its amazing geothermal activity. Plus, it’s located near the beautiful north Pacific beaches of Guanacaste, making it a fantastic alternative if you’re not heading to inland spots like Arenal or Monteverde.
5. Savor the Flavors of Costa Rica with a Hands-On Cooking Class
Get a true taste of Costa Rican cuisine with a hands-on cooking class, where you’ll gather fresh ingredients straight from a small, self-sufficient farm. From perfecting Gallo Pinto for breakfast to preparing flavorful Annatto Chicken for lunch, each dish offers a window into the country’s rich culinary traditions. Of course, no cooking class is complete without something sweet, so you’ll finish with a homemade dessert or a refreshing local beverage. It’s an immersive experience that lets you savor authentic flavors and take home Costa Rican recipes sure to impress.
Why we love it: We love that this class is run by local Costa Ricans and showcases traditional dishes. It feels just like cooking with your fun Costa Rican grandma! It’s a great option for all ages and something we highly recommend.
6. Explore the Untouched Beauty of El Tigre Waterfalls
Tucked away in the lush cloud forests near Monteverde, the El Tigre Waterfalls offer a secluded escape to some of Costa Rica’s most stunning natural wonders. This hidden gem rewards hikers with four breathtaking cascades, each more magical than the last. The well-marked trail winds through dense jungle, crossing scenic bridges and offering plenty of opportunities to stop and soak in the tranquility of the forest.
At several of the falls, you can cool off with a refreshing swim or stand beneath the cascading water for an unforgettable experience. While the hike to the waterfalls is mostly downhill, the return journey presents a 30-45 minute uphill challenge—though you can opt for a horseback ride or a 4×4 lift if you prefer.
Looking for more secret waterfalls in Costa Rica? We’ve got you covered with this incredible round-up of the best off-the-beaten-track waterfalls in Costa Rica.
Why we love it: While some people overlook Monteverde, we think it’s definitely worth a visit, especially for this tour. The waterfalls are stunning, and it’s a great way to stay active on your vacation!
7. Unwind on a Secret Beaches Tour in Guanacaste
Set off on an exclusive hidden beach tour along Costa Rica’s untouched coastline, where you might encounter dolphins, sea turtles, rays, and even whales! After snorkeling in some of the region’s clearest waters, you’ll arrive at a secluded beach far from the crowds. Here, you can paddleboard, explore sea caves, swim, or simply relax in the peaceful surroundings.
While you soak in the beauty of this hidden paradise, a full BBQ lunch—featuring fresh salad, grilled veggies, and prime meats like BBQ chicken or beef kabobs—will be prepared right on the beach, offering the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.
Why we love it: All beaches in Costa Rica are public, but not every beach is easily accessible by land, which makes this tour so special. You’ll get to see so much of the stunning coastline (the country is known as the “Rich Coast,” after all) by boat and visit hidden beaches that you might not otherwise experience. Plus, like many other tours on this list, it’s more private, less crowded!
8. Float Down the Río Celeste on a Tubing Adventure
Tubing along the Río Celeste offers an unforgettable way to explore one of Costa Rica’s most famous natural attractions. While you can’t swim at the iconic Río Celeste waterfall, this tubing adventure lets you experience the river’s striking blue waters up close. The journey begins with Class I rapids, where you’ll drift through calm, clear waters and gentle waves, surrounded by lush tropical forest. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like howler monkeys, toucans, and vibrant birds as you float downstream.
As you venture further, the excitement picks up with Class II rapids, offering thrilling twists, short bends, and medium waves that provide just the right amount of adrenaline. This family-friendly tour is perfect for adventurers aged 4 and up, making it an ideal way to explore the beauty and wonder of the Río Celeste with your whole group.
Why we love it: Most online sources will tell you that you can’t swim in Rio Celeste, and that’s partly true! While swimming is off-limits in most areas of the river, this tubing tour is a really fun and different way to experience this iconic river!
Ready to plan your dream Costa Rica vacation? Get in touch today to start crafting your perfect getaway—with these tours and more!
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