Best Nature Tours from Playa del Coco, Costa Rica

Welcome to Playa del Coco, Costa Rica, or Coco Beach, the perfect starting point for a plethora of nature tours: exploring the lush rainforests, spotting exotic wildlife, and immersing yourself in the beauty of Costa Rica’s natural landscapes. With its convenient location, you can easily take advantage of unforgettable day trips from Playa del Coco, filled with adrenaline-pumping adventures and serene moments in nature. Join us as we dive into the best nature tours that await just beyond the borders of this charming beach town.

Playa del Coco (Coco Beach)

Playa del Coco, Costa Rica, also known as Coco Beach, is a town that perfectly combines local charm with an abundance of tourist amenities. Located on the stunning Pacific coast, in the Guanacaste province, Playa del Coco is not only a destination in itself but also serves as the ideal base for exploring the incredible natural wonders that surround it.

One of the greatest conveniences of Playa del Coco is its proximity to the Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport in Liberia. Just a 30 minute drive away, this international airport makes it incredibly easy for travelers to reach Playa del Coco upon arrival in Costa Rica. No long and tiring journeys are required, allowing you to quickly settle into your vacation and start exploring the wonders of this tropical paradise.

This vibrant beach town offers a unique blend of relaxation and excitement. With its laid-back atmosphere, Playa del Coco is the perfect place to unwind and soak up the sun on its beautiful sandy beaches. You can take strolls along the shore, indulge in delicious seafood at local restaurants, or just relax on the beach as you sip on cold, fresh coconut water, in the shell, purchased on the street from a local fruit stand.

But Playa del Coco is not just about beach life. This town is a hub for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts alike. Its central location provides easy access to a plethora of nature excursions. From here, you can easily set out on thrilling day trips to volcanoes, national parks, waterfalls, and so much more. If you’re looking for things to do in Coco Beach or Guanacaste day trips, read on!

The nature tours we’re about to describe here can either be reserved online or you can find a local tour group in Playa del Coco, once you arrive. To make sure you don’t lose your spot on your favorite excursion, you may want to make your reservation by clicking on the links in this post. These links will lead you to the travel company, such as Viator or Expedia, which will give you more details on cost, times, pickup locations, etc. As stated earlier, clicking through and purchasing with these links will offer me a commission for hooking you up with a trusted brand. Thanks again for supporting this travel blog!

Also, be aware that some of these trips require a few hours of riding on a tour bus, as some of these national parks and natural attractions are way out in the wilderness, where the best of nature awaits you. Some trips are half-day trips while others may begin at sunrise and return by the very early sunset. Some tours are quite close to Coco Beach. Keep this in mind as you make your plans. You can get all the details by clicking on the links in blue.

Now let’s check out those nature trips!

Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs Day Trip

A day trip to Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica is an incredible adventure. The journey begins with breakfast and an early morning walk through lush rainforests, providing glimpses of colorful birds and exotic wildlife. As you approach the volcano, the excitement builds, and the sight of the majestic Arenal Volcano rising above the landscape is awe-inspiring.

Enjoy hiking along the volcanic trails, where you can explore the unique flora and fauna that thrive in this volcanic environment. When you’re ready to relax, indulge in the natural hot springs nearby, immersing in the warm yourself in healing waters while enjoying panoramic views of the volcano. The tour ends with a typical Costa Rican lunch, before heading back to Playa del Coco.

Facts about the Arenal Volcano:

1. Arenal Volcano is one of the most active volcanoes in Costa Rica. It has been continuously erupting since 1968, with its last major eruption occurring in 2010.

2. The volcano stands at a height of 5,358 feet (1,633 meters) and is located in Arenal Volcano National Park, which covers an area of 29,692 acres (12,016 hectares).

3. Arenal Volcano is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region known for its frequent volcanic eruptions and seismic activity. It is also surrounded by lush rainforests and hot springs, making it a popular tourist destination.

4. The emission of lava flows, ash clouds, and pyroclastic flows characterizes the volcano’s eruptions. It is considered a stratovolcano, which means it is composed of multiple layers of hardened lava, volcanic ash, and other volcanic materials.

5. Arenal Volcano has had a significant impact on the surrounding area. The 1968 eruption destroyed the nearby town of Tabacón, and subsequent eruptions have resulted in the relocation of several other nearby communities. However, the volcanic activity has also created fertile soil, making the region ideal for agriculture.

To learn more about this volcano by seeing it up close with a guide, be sure to click here to get all the details on this full-day excursion.

Nature Tour – Rincon de la Vieja National Park

If you can’t get enough of volcanoes, you may also love this captivating one-day nature tour to Rincon de la Vieja in Costa Rica, renowned for its abundant wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. Lucky for you, this one is much closer to Playa del Coco, located just outside of Liberia, where you may have arrived at their airport.

Begin your adventure by trekking along the Las Pailas Trail, a 3.5-kilometer path that unveils the wonders of this natural paradise. As you traverse the trail, marvel at the magnificent views of the towering Rincon de la Vieja and Santa Maria volcanoes.

Take a refreshing dip by a picturesque waterfall, offering a serene escape. Continue your exploration to the Rio Negro Hot Springs, where you can immerse yourself in rejuvenating mud baths infused with volcanic clay.

After experiencing this unique sensation, savor a delectable buffet lunch at the renowned La Hacienda restaurant, offering sumptuous local dishes. This one-day nature tour promises an unforgettable journey through the heart of Costa Rica’s natural beauty.

Facts About Rincon de la Vieja

1. Rincon de la Vieja is an active volcano located in the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica. It is part of the Rincon de la Vieja National Park, which was established in 1973.

2. The volcano stands at an elevation of 1,916 meters (6,286 feet) and has a complex volcanic system with multiple craters and hot springs. It is one of the most active volcanoes in Costa Rica, with its last eruption occurring in 2011.

3. Rincon de la Vieja National Park is known for its diverse ecosystems, including rainforests, cloud forests, and savannas. The park is home to various wildlife species, including howler monkeys, tapirs, jaguars, and a wide variety of bird species.

4. The park offers numerous hiking trails, allowing visitors to explore the volcanic landscape, waterfalls, and thermal springs. One of the most popular trails is the Las Pailas Loop, which takes you through volcanic mud pots, fumaroles, and steam vents.

5. Rincon de la Vieja National Park is also famous for its natural hot springs, which are believed to have therapeutic properties due to their high mineral content. These hot springs are a popular attraction for tourists, offering relaxation and rejuvenation amidst the volcanic surroundings.

Sloth Sanctuary Wildlife Hike

Here’s another great nature tour just a short drive from Liberia. If you love waterfalls, rainforests, and sloths, you’re going to love this 3-in-1, all-day nature trip!

Llanos de Cortez is a breathtaking waterfall in Costa Rica, known for its wide and delicate streams of water that gracefully cascade over moss-covered rocks. Visitors can enjoy swimming or wading in the inviting pool at the base of the falls, or simply relax on the sandy area nearby.

Heliconias Hanging Bridges Trails in Costa Rica provide access to a real tropical rainforest adventure. The trail features three impressive hanging bridges that span the forest canopy, ranging from 35 to 40 meters in height. This two-hour hike, located near the Tenorio Volcano, offers numerous stops to appreciate the diverse flora and fauna of the surrounding jungle.

Bijagua Ranas is a sanctuary where visitors can spot sloths in their natural habitat. This can be a challenging task elsewhere, but here you can observe these rare creatures up close. Additionally, you can discover various species of rainforest frogs, including the vibrant Red-Eyed Tree Frog and the tiny Poison Dart Frog, hidden beneath fallen leaves or in natural pools. The sanctuary also features a butterfly garden where you can learn about and admire these beautiful creatures. Keep an eye out for toucans, as they may surprise you by flying overhead. The experience lasts approximately one hour.

This 3-part tour has multiple pickup points in Playa del Coco. Check it out here!

Diamante Eco Adventure Park Day Pass with Lunch

Experience an exciting day trip to Diamante Eco Adventure Park with the all-inclusive day pass. This pass grants you access to an array of thrilling adventure activities, including ziplines, hanging bridges, a Tarzan swing, and nature trails. You can also enjoy various ocean activities such as stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, snorkeling, and even take a moment to relax in hammocks.

The pass also includes admission to the largest animal sanctuary in Guanacaste Province, as well as a butterfly garden and botanical garden. (Watch for the blue morpho butterflies!) And, to top it all off, you will be provided with a delicious buffet lunch, as well as coffee and fruit drinks. With a self-guided tour, you can tailor your day to suit your preferences, making it an ideal choice for families of all skill levels and experiences.

If you’d prefer to just make it a half day at Diamante, you can choose the option of the Cultural Workshop plus the Animal Sanctuary. This is what my sister and I did on our recent trip to Costa Rica.

The cultural workshop consisted of a demonstration of how coffee, chocolate, and sugar are made from their natural ingredients, grown on the Diamante farm. Never before had I tasted such a delicious combination of freshly roasted, ground, and brewed coffee, from their harvested coffee beans, sweetened with raw sugar fresh from the sugar cane! Add to the pleasure a hot sample of fresh chocolate, made from scratch, from the cacao bean. What a treat!

You can look at the options on the Diamante website here.

While the 3 options on the website allow you the flexibility to choose half-day tours, the all-day pass offered from the Viator link below gives you a better price than the all-day pass on the Diamante website. 😊

Make the most of your day and your money with the Diamante Eco Adventure Park Day Pass with Lunch.

Early Bird Watching Tour

Experience the vibrant biodiversity of Costa Rica’s jungles on an unforgettable birding excursion, led by Jacamar Naturalist Tours. With over 850 species of birds, this small-group tour is perfect for nature enthusiasts looking to explore the country’s rich avian life.

Join your knowledgeable guide as you venture into the Guanacaste region, where you’ll venture out on an early morning bird-watching tour. Immerse yourself in the jungle, following your guide’s lead as they point out various species along the way.

And when hunger strikes, indulge in a delicious small breakfast prepared just for you, ensuring a truly personalized experience with a maximum of 15 guests per tour.

Next, in case your adrenalin isn’t already pumping from all these wild nature activities, here are a couple of zip line tours that will satisfy both your natural curiosity and your need for speed!

Zip Line Attractions

Zipline Canopy Tour from Guanacaste

Experience the thrill of a lifetime with a zipline canopy tour in the breathtaking province of Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Take in the stunning views of the lush, tree-top canopy as you soar from platform to platform through the dry forest.

Professional guides will expertly fit you with all the necessary equipment and provide comprehensive safety instructions before accompanying you on this exhilarating 4-hour adventure. Capture your epic moments with the option of professional photos, ensuring lasting memories of this adrenaline-packed experience.

With selective hotel pickup available from Carrillo, The Congo Trail, and Nuevo Colon, the zipline canopy tour in Guanacaste promises an unforgettable journey through the natural wonders of Costa Rica.

Monkey Jungle Zipline in Tamarindo

This is a ziplining adventure in the tropical forest of Costa Rica. Participants can enjoy walking in nature and seeing the forest from a unique perspective. They may encounter local birds, monkeys, squirrels, and reptiles. The activity concludes with refreshments of water and local fruits.

One tourist had this to say in her review:

“I had an amazing experience with the zip lines! Our guide, Starling, was fantastic. We spotted numerous monkeys along the way and they patiently pointed them out to us, allowing us to capture some great pictures. The addition of fruit at the end was a delightful surprise.”

The Monkey Farm

The Monkey Farm in Playa del Coco, Costa Rica is a remarkable place that offers a unique experience for both visitors and the animals it cares for. Situated in the lush surroundings of Costa Rica, the Monkey Farm is not only a sanctuary for monkeys but also an educational hub for visitors.

Now just a quick disclaimer: When you first arrive, you might say, “But where are the monkeys?” The truth is, this is a monkey rehabilitation farm, where once the monkeys are healed, off they go into the wild.

Monkeys often get hurt by attempting to cross highways by climbing across power lines, resulting in painful if not tragic injuries. The Monkey Farm’s very first endeavor was to save these injured monkeys and also to build monkey “bridges” that allowed monkeys to cross over highways without getting near the dangerous power lines.

So if you don’t see monkeys, consider that a good thing: they’re healthy and back out in the wild. But keep your eyes up, you just might see some in the trees, if you’re lucky!

The farm boasts beautiful herbal gardens that showcase a variety of medicinal plants and herbs. It is also home to a delightful group of goats and chickens that roam freely, adding to the farm’s charm.

The hosts kept their tour groups small, and our group included a few young children, who adored being given the opportunities to mingle with the animals, feed the babies, and even learn how to milk a goat!

We adults were also given this fun experience. Believe me, it takes a special skill to milk a goat or a small cow. I’m so glad we were able to make these memories.

Additionally, the farm provides equine therapy for both locals and tourists, allowing them to connect with horses on a deeper level.

With a strong focus on rehabilitation, the Monkey Farm gives injured and orphaned monkeys a haven, providing them with the necessary care and attention to help them recover and thrive.

Furthermore, the farm’s commitment to giving back extends to the feeding of the homeless in the local community, helping to alleviate hunger and make a positive impact.

Overall, the Monkey Farm is a sanctuary that encompasses education, rehabilitation, and community outreach, making it a truly inspiring place to visit and support.

The tour takes about 2 hours. Admission is whatever you care to donate. You can reserve your tour on their website here.

Costa Rica National Parks: On Your Own

If you prefer to discover Costa Rica’s national parks on your own, you will do yourself a favor by first visiting their website.

The Costa Rica National Parks website provides a wealth of information for visitors interested in exploring the country’s stunning national parks. Users can find details on admission fees, hours of operation, and specific regulations for each park.

When visiting these national parks on their own, it is important to note that parking facilities are available, either for free or at a nominal fee, depending on the park. Restroom facilities are generally provided, ensuring convenience for visitors.

While food and drink options may not be available within the parks, it is advisable to bring snacks and water to stay hydrated during the visit. Additionally, some parks may have designated picnic areas where visitors can enjoy their own packed meals.

Overall, visitors can expect well-maintained facilities and helpful signage to navigate through the parks and make the most of their experience.

Begin planning your national park visit here.

I hope this has provided some guidance in planning a vacation of nature tours from Playa del Coco, Costa Rica. Whether you’re interested in majestic volcanoes, cascading waterfalls, fascinating encounters with wildlife, or the thrill of soaring through the treetops on ziplines, you can begin all these tours from the relaxing beach town of Playa del Coco. With an abundance of nature-filled activities to choose from, now is the time to start planning your Costa Rican adventure.

Pura Vida! 🐒

(The expression “pura vida” means “pure life” to Costa Ricans and embodies their philosophy of living a simple, happy, and stress-free life.) 🌴