Things to do in Guanacaste

Mega Combo Buena Vista Experience

Whether you want to zoom through the treetops on a zip line, plunge down an extreme waterslide or take a horseback ride in wildlife-packed jungle, Buena Vista Adventure Centre serves up some of Costa Rica's top thrills. And when you need to slow things down, there's a tasty local lunch and a well-earned soak in a hot volcanic spring to enjoy.

Costa Rica flavours and nature experience

This guided tour blends nature, wildlife and authentic Costa Rican flavours into one culture-filled day out in the countryside. You'll begin with a dip at Posa Rio Celeste, where sky-blue natural pools and a waterfall are waiting. Next, you'll visit a farm where sloths, monkeys and toucans are known to hang out. While you're here, you'll head off on a cacao, pineapple and coffee tour, learning how each one is grown – you'll have the chance to taste them along the way, too. Then, savour a lunch made from the farm-fresh produce grown here, offering a true taste of Costa Rica.

Guanacaste Wildlife Tour

Most of Costa Rica's rich wildlife lives in the upper levels of the trees. So what better way to see them than a suspended bridge hike, high above the jungle floor. Spot spider monkeys, sleepy sloths and 400 species of tropical birds alongside an expert guide. And after a refreshing swim in Llanos del Cortes waterfall and a Costa Rican lunch, you'll spend the afternoon floating down the river on a raft.

Pura vida sunset cruise

See a Costa Rican sunset in style with an evening aboard a swanky sailboat. But before watching nature's nightly show, you'll spend the day sailing by beautiful beaches and dropping anchor to swim, snorkel and explore onshore. What's more, there'll be premium drinks and snacks served throughout, plus a tasty lunch on board.

Congo trail canopy zip-lining tour in Costa Rica

No holiday to Costa Rica is ever complete without soaring through the jungle canopy on a zip-line. After all, 25% of the entire country is protected land, so seeing it as you whizz along a zip-line is a must-try. This experience includes your transfers to and from an adventure park nestled in the greenery, where you'll throw on some safety equipment, get a briefing from the experts that run the place and start your zip-lining experience.

Sloth Adventure Tour

Set off on an adventure in Costa Rica's great outdoors with a tour that ticks off waterfall swims, wildlife-spotting and more. You'll trek into the jungle searching for sloths, splash around in the pools of a thundering waterfall and feast on a typical local lunch. Then, you'll delve into the heart of some of Costa Rica's most famous exports – coffee and cocoa – with tastings of both.

Pacific sport fishing experience in Guanacaste

Whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned angler, this private sport fishing trip off the coast of Guanacaste has a mix of relaxation and world-class fishing. Your experienced crew will set you up with top-quality gear and expert guidance on getting the best from the warm pacific waters. You can book a half, three quarter or full-day trip and tailor it based on the kind of fish you're chasing. For big game like marlin, sailfish and dorado you'll head out to deeper water, or for coastal picks like roosterfish and snapper, you'll stick closer to the shoreline.

River Tenorio Whitewater Rafting

‘Left', ‘right', ‘get down' – no, not an aggressive gym instructor but what you'll hear as you make your way down the River Tenorio rapids. This whitewater rafting tour is Costa Rica at its best – action and adventure in the wild.

Regular Surf Lessons

At the heart of the Costa Rican surfing scene, Playa Tamarindo is one of the best spots to hit the waves. With excellent breaks and year-round warm water, the well-known beach makes for the perfect surf lesson location for beginner and advanced surfers alike. During this 2-hour class, amateurs can grasp the basics on land before hitting the waves, while experienced surfers will hone their skills alongside an expert instructor.

Diamante Eco Park Adventure Pass

Come face-to-face with Costa Rica's rarest wildlife at Diamante Eco Park – Guanacaste's largest animal sanctuary. Cross dizzyingly-high sky bridges in the jungle canopy to marvel at everything from small frogs to big cats. And with the Adventure Pass, you'll also get lunch at the park's first-rate restaurant, plus exclusive access to the world-class butterfly observatory.

Arenal Mistico Park Hanging Bridges Tour

One of the best nature trails in Costa Rica, this hiking tour near Arenal volcano is a blockbuster. You'll observe endemic flora and fauna up close, cross a hanging bridge over the rainforest canopy and visit one of the country's most famous hot springs. A local food tasting is also included.

Diamante Eco Park Animal Sanctuary Discovery Ticket

Visit Guanacaste's largest animal sanctuary to learn first-hand, all there is to know about Costa Rica's rarest wildlife. During a day out at Diamante Eco Park, you'll interact with animals from viewing platforms, join in feeding times and marvel at an incredible array of species that call Costa Rica their home. What's more, there'll be a welcome drink and snack included.