Mother Nature created a very special place in Costa Rica, get ready to discover some amazing animal and plant life
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A very photogenic resident of the Caribbean. Sloths are fairly common sights on the Caribbean Coast and you'll have a good chance of seeing them in Cahuita National Park or the Gandoca-Manzanillo Reserve. Photo Pablo Montiel.
Costa Rica is considered to be the most biodiverse country in the world, not only due to its location at intersection of the Americas but also to a very high proportion of protected areas. The Puerto Viejo area has some of the most spectacular natural areas in the country and many are even of international importance. The area includes several protected areas including Cahuita National Park and the Gandoca-Manzanillo Refuge.
Sloths and monkies are frequent sights here as are a huge variety of birds. In season, turtles make their way to our beaches to lay their eggs. The flora is equally interesting with spectactular flowers and many interesting and colorful plants. Offshore there are colorful fish and dolphins to see on a snorkelling, diving or fishing trip.
Most tours run daily except where indicated. We recommend all the tours below. Bet you can't stop at just one! We've listed tours from multiple providers below so there may be some overlap in the tours so you can pick the one that works best for you.
Animal Rescue Center, Chocolate Lady and Waterfall |
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Three of our favorite local activities are combined in this tour. A visit to the Jaguar Rescue Center where you'll see monkeys, sloths and other animals rescued by the center. Then learn how to make chocolate from local cacao with an indigenous family. Finally a walk to a waterfall for a swim. A memorable day which supports animal rescue efforts and indigenous communities. | |
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Cahuita Boat, Snorkel and Hiking Trip |
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Cahuita National Park is one of the highlights of the area with an incredible variety of wildlife such as monkeys, sloths and birds. This trip includes a guided hike and a boat ride with a stop for snorkeling in the coral reefs. | |
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Gandoca-Manzanillo Refuge Jungle Hike |
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This extensive reserve is home to a wide variety of animals and plants; your local guide will teach you much about what you are seeing amd the scenery is spectacular too! | |
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River and Sea Kayaking with Rainforest Hike |
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It doesn’t get any better than river and sea kayaking! Get acquainted with the wilderness as we drive to the most beautiful location in the area, Punta Uva. | |
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Cahuita National Park Hike |
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With this tour you will hike through the famous National Park of Cahuita while observing and learning about different animals and plants from an knowledgeable naturist guide. | |
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Caribbean Canopy and Zipline |
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For a thrilling adventure get a bird’s eye view of the jungle while flying through the air at top speed on zipline cables. | |
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Jungle Adventure |
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A tour full of adventures: jungle hike, superman cable, tree climbing, canopy & zipline, Tarzan swing and a rappel! Includes lunch, guide, and equipment. | |
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Chocolate Experience at a Bribri Indigenouse Family |
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This tour is a special cultural experience where you will explore the traditional ways of living at a Bribri community, the indigenous population of the Southern Caribbean. On this tour we also show you all the process of chocolate making and you will enjoy a typical Indigenouse meal. After we will visit a waterfall. | |
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Bird Watching |
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Don't miss the amazing biodiversity of Costa Rica—head out with our expert guide and you'll be amazed at the numbers of birds we have in the area. | |
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Whitewater rafting is a must-do tour and includes your transport here from San Jose or Arenal. See the rafting page for more info.
Looking for something else?
Check our tour overview page or our detailed tour pages for whitewater rafting, local activities and discover the Caribbean Coast.
Our tour partners have also put together packages which include transport, hotels and tours so you can either get your full trip to Costa Rica organized in one go or have them organize add-ons to popular destinations such as Arenal, Tortuguero or Bocas del Toro.
See all tours