When you finally decide to make your first trip to Costa Rica, or even a return visit, the choices of amazing places to go and things to do can be overwhelming. For many, the allure of pristine tropical beaches is irresistible, just like the chance to see monkeys for the first time or take surfing lessons. Or maybe you envision a cloud forest immersion through wildlife-inhabited hiking trails and hanging bridges with breathtaking 360 degree views. Where to begin?  Try using adventure travel connections.

Although Costa Rica is a small country, some destinations take up to six hours of road travel time, whether driving your own rental vehicle, on board public buses or as a private shuttle passenger.

What if we told you there is an easier and much cheaper way to travel — not just getting from point A to point B safely, but also while enjoying some once-in-a-lifetime experiences en route?

It’s an easy, efficient and safe combination
of transportation, sightseeing
and above all, FUN!

Adventure travel connections are the way to go! Transform a long and potentially boring road trip into an exciting adventure from one fascinating place to the next, accomplishing two goals at once. Costa Rica’s vast range of adventure connection options can help you save money and time. It’s an easy, efficient and safe combination of transportation, sightseeing and above all, FUN!

It’s not hard to find an ideal adventure connection trip that’s suitable for solo travellers or fits your whole family. Many travel companies offer a variety of excursions with different types of activities and intensity levels.

Connecting the map dots

San José, the capital of Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s capital city, San José, is located in the Central Valley. Its distinctive urban culture, gastronomy, public art and museums are some of the well-kept secrets that many tourists have yet to discover. We definitely recommend a long-enough stopover in San José to explore the wonders of this vibrant city.

In fact, San José is the first and last stop for almost all of Costa Rica’s signature destinations, including Arenal Volcano, the Caribbean Coast, Monteverde Cloud Forest, Pacific coast beaches and many more locales. You can easily begin your adventure connection from here!

West of San José is Arenal Volcano, located near La Fortuna in the province of Alajuela. The conic symmetry and massive stature of Arenal can have a seductive effect on seekers of nature-infused exhilaration. Hot springs, waterfalls and paddleboarding on Lake Arenal make this area a must-see paradise.

Boat tours on Lake Arenal

Kayaking on the Pacuare River.

La Fortuna, known as the gateway to Arenal Volcano National Park, is a destination worth visiting for the thrill of the journey that can take you there. The most exciting way to reach the town is a white water rafting trip on the Pacuare River, through the middle of virgin tropical rainforest. It’s one of the most popular and spectacular spots for rafting in Costa Rica.

After finishing your Arenal adventure, you’ll head on to the next stop and be dropped off at your accommodations, either in Puerto Viejo or San José.

Closer to Costa Rica’s Pacific coast is Monteverde Cloud Forest. Well known for its magnificence and density of wildlife, it is located in the province of Puntarenas but very close to Guanacaste. Monteverde is an ideal place for ziplining over the lush, mystical canopy and traversing across the cloud forest-ensconced hanging bridges. You can enjoy exceptional hiking amidst enormous trees, more than 500 species of beautiful orchids and a dazzling array of birds, butterflies and monkeys.

Ziplining in Monteverde

Tenorio River

Travel connections from Monteverde to Arenal or Manuel Antonio can incorporate rafting down the Tenorio River or hiking to Rio Celeste, a beautiful turquoise-colored river in Tenorio National Park. You can also follow scenic horseback riding trails in the vicinity of Arenal Volcano.

Further south along the central Pacific coast is Quepos, about two hours past the popular beach town of Jacó. Quepos is at the entrance

Beach in Manuel Antonio

to Manuel Antonio National Park, one of the most important nature reserves of Costa Rica, and where an idyllic blend of jungle and beach life can be experienced. If you’re quiet and watchful enough, you might see deer, monkeys, toucans and even sloths in this protected area.

From this natural gem, Quepos is another adventure connection point between Arenal, Monteverde or San José. Your trip might include a crocodile boat ride down the Tarcoles River, or a hike through the easily accessible Carara National Park, home to the majestic scarlet macaws.

Crossing the country eastbound will lead you to Puerto Viejo, located on the south Caribbean coast. Known for its unique blend of Latino, Afro-Caribbean and Bribri indigenous cultures, this lively beach town has a vibrant energy conducive to both fun and relaxation. From the crystal clear blue waters to the exotic flora and fauna, there are many reasons to enjoy vacationing in Puerto Viejo.

The travel possibilities are no less diverse en route to or from Puerto Viejo, as the Caribbean connection point between San José or Arenal. The ultimate adventure would include stopping at the aforementioned Rio Pacuare, where the choices await for paddling down the river, hiking to a waterfall, swimming and relaxing.

Horseback riding in La Fortuna

What’s included?

Depending on the type of tour and date, prices for adventure travel connections range around $99 per person. Most activities include transportation, secure luggage storage during your trips, training, safety equipment, guides, breakfast and lunch. What else can you ask for?

How can I book?

Quite a few different tour and transportation companies in Costa Rica can arrange these types of adventure travel connections for you.