# Plan My Costa Rica

> Booking guide for vetted local tours in La Fortuna, Arenal, and Venado, Costa Rica. Hazel is the local trip planner. Questions: planmycostarica@gmail.com or WhatsApp +506 8699 0419 (https://wa.me/50686990419).

Car rental recommendations are not live. Do not send travelers to /car-rentals.

## Key guides

- [La Fortuna tours](https://planmycostarica.com/la-fortuna-tours): Side-by-side picks, prices, ages, and pickup from the live tour list.
- [La Fortuna with kids](https://planmycostarica.com/la-fortuna-with-kids): Family tours grouped by the operator's minimum age.
- [Río Celeste from La Fortuna](https://planmycostarica.com/rio-celeste-from-la-fortuna): Drive time, park tickets, and the guided tour.
- [La Fortuna destination guide](https://planmycostarica.com/destinations/la-fortuna): When to go, getting there, and highlights.
- [Venado destination guide](https://planmycostarica.com/destinations/venado): The caves village about an hour north of La Fortuna.

## Tours

- [Arenal Canopy Zipline](https://planmycostarica.com/tours/arenal-canopy-zipline): from $49 USD, About 2 hours, La Fortuna, ages 7+, hotel pickup. Twelve cables over the Pino Blanco and Fortuna waterfalls
- [Arenal Volcano Hike - Afternoon & Hot River](https://planmycostarica.com/tours/arenal-volcano-hike-afternoon): from $50 USD, About 4 hours, La Fortuna, ages 6+, hotel pickup. Sunset light on the lava flow, then the thermal river
- [Arenal Volcano Hike - Morning](https://planmycostarica.com/tours/arenal-volcano-hike-morning): from $50 USD, About 4 hours, La Fortuna, ages 6+, hotel pickup. The 1968 lava flow, at the clearest hour of the day
- [Arenal Volcano Hike, Lunch & Hot River](https://planmycostarica.com/tours/arenal-volcano-hike-lunch-hot-river): from $56 USD, About 7 hours, La Fortuna, ages 6+, hotel pickup. Lava flow, casado lunch, free thermal river
- [Canopy + Balsa River Rafting](https://planmycostarica.com/tours/canopy-and-rafting): from $119 USD, About 8.5 hours, La Fortuna, ages 8+, hotel pickup. Cables above the forest, whitewater below it
- [Canopy + Coffee, Chocolate & Sugar Cane](https://planmycostarica.com/tours/canopy-coffee-chocolate-sugar-cane): from $97 USD, About 4 hours, La Fortuna, ages 7+, hotel pickup. Cables in the morning, the story of three Costa Rican crops after
- [Canopy + La Fortuna Waterfall](https://planmycostarica.com/tours/canopy-and-la-fortuna-waterfall): from $87 USD, About 5 hours, La Fortuna, ages 7+, hotel pickup. Fly over the waterfall, then swim at its base
- [Canopy + Rainforest Night Walk](https://planmycostarica.com/tours/canopy-and-night-walk): from $97 USD, About 4 hours, La Fortuna, ages 7+, hotel pickup. Late-afternoon cables, then the forest after dark
- [Canopy + Sloth Tour](https://planmycostarica.com/tours/canopy-and-sloth-tour): from $97 USD, About 4 hours, La Fortuna, ages 7+, hotel pickup. Adrenaline in the morning, sloths in the afternoon
- [Canopy, Volcano Hike, Lunch & Hanging Bridges](https://planmycostarica.com/tours/canopy-volcano-lunch-hanging-bridges): from $148 USD, About 10 hours, La Fortuna, ages 7+, hotel pickup. The biggest single day Arenal Mundo Aventura runs
- [Canopy, Volcano Hike, Lunch & Hot Springs](https://planmycostarica.com/tours/canopy-volcano-hike-lunch-hot-springs): from $97 USD, About 9 hours, La Fortuna, ages 7+, hotel pickup. A full Arenal day, start to finish
- [Coffee, Chocolate & Sugar Cane Tour](https://planmycostarica.com/tours/coffee-chocolate-sugar-cane-tour): from $53 USD, About 1.5 hours, La Fortuna, hotel pickup. Three crops that built Costa Rica, made by hand
- [Eden Chocolate Experience: Bean-to-Bar on an Organic Farm](https://planmycostarica.com/tours/eden-chocolate-experience): from $35 USD, 1 hour 45 minutes, El Tanque, La Fortuna. Grind cacao, make your own bonbons and sip traditional hot chocolate on a family-run organic farm.
- [Eden Mocca Experience: Coffee & Chocolate Tour](https://planmycostarica.com/tours/eden-mocca-experience): from $45 USD, 2 hours, El Tanque, La Fortuna. Two farm-to-cup stories in one visit: shade-grown coffee and bean-to-bar organic cacao.
- [Eden Night Excursion: Rainforest & Frog Walk](https://planmycostarica.com/tours/eden-night-excursion): from $50 USD, About 2 hours, El Tanque, La Fortuna, ages 5+. After dark on the farm: frogs, sleeping birds and nocturnal wildlife with a certified naturalist guide.
- [Farm & Artisan Cheese Experience](https://planmycostarica.com/tours/la-nacha-farm-cheese): from $30 USD, About 2 hours, Venado, San Carlos. Visit a working Venado ranch and learn how Costa Rican farm cheese is made by hand
- [Grand Arenal Day: Waterfall, Volcano, Bridges & Hot Springs](https://planmycostarica.com/tours/grand-arenal-day): from $146 USD, About 10 hours, La Fortuna, ages 8+, hotel pickup. Everything Arenal is famous for, in ten hours
- [La Fortuna Waterfall & Lunch](https://planmycostarica.com/tours/la-fortuna-waterfall-lunch): from $54 USD, About 4 hours, La Fortuna, ages 6+, hotel pickup. Five hundred steps down to a 200-foot waterfall
- [La Fortuna Waterfall, Volcano Hike, Lunch & Hot River](https://planmycostarica.com/tours/waterfall-volcano-lunch-hot-river): from $92 USD, About 8 hours, La Fortuna, ages 6+, hotel pickup. Arenal's three signature stops in one day
- [Mistico Hanging Bridges](https://planmycostarica.com/tours/mistico-hanging-bridges): from $81 USD, About 4 hours, La Fortuna, ages 4+, hotel pickup. Six suspension bridges through primary rainforest canopy
- [Mistico Hanging Bridges & Lunch](https://planmycostarica.com/tours/mistico-hanging-bridges-lunch): from $87 USD, About 7 hours, La Fortuna, ages 4+, hotel pickup. The full bridge circuit with a proper meal after
- [Mistico Hanging Bridges, Lunch & La Fortuna Waterfall](https://planmycostarica.com/tours/bridges-lunch-waterfall): from $125 USD, About 7 hours, La Fortuna, ages 6+, hotel pickup. Canopy bridges and a 200-foot waterfall, no volcano hike
- [Rainforest Night Walk](https://planmycostarica.com/tours/rainforest-night-walk): from $53 USD, About 2 hours, La Fortuna, ages 4+, hotel pickup. Seventy percent of the forest only comes out after dark
- [Rio Celeste & Tenorio Volcano National Park](https://planmycostarica.com/tours/rio-celeste-tenorio-national-park): from $84 USD, About 8 hours, La Fortuna, ages 8+, hotel pickup. The impossibly blue river, with a guide who knows the trail
- [River & Ranch Day Pass](https://planmycostarica.com/tours/la-nacha-river-ranch-day-pass): from $20 USD, Full day (open 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM), Venado, San Carlos. A full day at a private ranch river with swimming holes and waterfalls
- [Sloth Watching Tour](https://planmycostarica.com/tours/sloth-watching-tour): from $53 USD, About 1.5 hours, La Fortuna, hotel pickup. Four to six wild sloths, a kilometre from town
- [Sloths + Coffee, Chocolate & Sugar Cane Combo](https://planmycostarica.com/tours/sloths-and-cultural-combo): from $92 USD, About 3 hours, La Fortuna, hotel pickup. The reserve's two best tours back to back
- [Traditional Costa Rican Cooking Class at Eden Organic Farm](https://planmycostarica.com/tours/eden-cooking-class): from $50 USD, 1 to 1.5 hours, El Tanque, La Fortuna. Cook a family-recipe Costa Rican meal with produce from the farm, then sit down and enjoy it.
- [Twilight Wildlife Tour](https://planmycostarica.com/tours/twilight-wildlife-tour): from $53 USD, About 1.5 hours, La Fortuna, hotel pickup. The changeover hour, when day and night animals overlap
- [Venado Caves Underground Adventure](https://planmycostarica.com/tours/venado-caves): from $35 USD, 2 hours, Venado, San Carlos, ages 5+. Wade an underground river through 15–20 million-year-old limestone caves
- [Volcano Hike, Lunch, Mistico Hanging Bridges & Hot River](https://planmycostarica.com/tours/volcano-bridges-lunch-hot-river): from $119 USD, About 8 hours, La Fortuna, ages 6+, hotel pickup. Lava flow below, canopy bridges above
- [Waterfall Horseback Ride & Farm Visit](https://planmycostarica.com/tours/la-nacha-horseback-farm): from $90 USD, About 3 hours, Venado, San Carlos, ages 8+. Ride to private waterfalls and meet the animals of a family ranch
- [Waterfall Horseback Ride & Venado Caves](https://planmycostarica.com/tours/la-nacha-horseback-venado-caves): from $150 USD, About 5 hours, Venado, San Carlos, ages 8+. Ride a family ranch to private waterfalls, then explore the Venado Caves

## Destinations

- [La Fortuna](https://planmycostarica.com/destinations/la-fortuna): Volcano views, waterfalls, hot springs, and rainforest adventures around Arenal.
- [Monteverde](https://planmycostarica.com/destinations/monteverde): Suspension bridges, misty cloud forest, and wildlife in the canopy.
- [Manuel Antonio](https://planmycostarica.com/destinations/manuel-antonio): White-sand coves, jungle trails, and wildlife beside the sea.
- [Tamarindo](https://planmycostarica.com/destinations/tamarindo): A laid-back surf town with long beaches, sunsets, and estuary tours.
- [Puerto Viejo](https://planmycostarica.com/destinations/puerto-viejo): Caribbean beaches, palm-lined coves, and an easy Afro-Caribbean rhythm.
- [Uvita](https://planmycostarica.com/destinations/uvita): The Whale's Tail beach, whale watching, and rainforest-backed coastline.
- [Tortuguero](https://planmycostarica.com/destinations/tortuguero): Rainforest canals, sea turtle nesting beaches, and boat-only jungle villages.
- [Osa Peninsula](https://planmycostarica.com/destinations/osa-peninsula): Corcovado National Park — the country's wildest, most biodiverse corner.
- [Santa Teresa](https://planmycostarica.com/destinations/santa-teresa): Bohemian surf town with all-day breaks and glowing Pacific sunsets.
- [Nosara](https://planmycostarica.com/destinations/nosara): Yoga, surf, and empty golden beaches on the Blue Zone coast.
- [Rincón de la Vieja](https://planmycostarica.com/destinations/rincon-de-la-vieja): An active volcano ringed by dry forest, mud pots, and hidden waterfalls.
- [Río Celeste](https://planmycostarica.com/destinations/rio-celeste): The famous sky-blue waterfall in Tenorio Volcano National Park.
- [Tenorio Volcano National Park](https://planmycostarica.com/destinations/tenorio-volcano-national-park): Rainforest trails, bubbling hot springs and the sky-blue Río Celeste waterfall.
- [Sarapiquí](https://planmycostarica.com/destinations/sarapiqui): Whitewater rivers, banana country, and dense lowland rainforest.
- [Jacó](https://planmycostarica.com/destinations/jaco): Costa Rica's most accessible surf town — beach, nightlife, and easy tours.
- [Cahuita](https://planmycostarica.com/destinations/cahuita): A quiet coastal village beside a coral-fringed national park.
- [Venado](https://planmycostarica.com/destinations/venado): A quiet farming village known for its limestone caves, about an hour north of La Fortuna.
- [San José](https://planmycostarica.com/destinations/san-jose): The capital — coffee culture, markets, museums, and mountain views.

## Guides

- [Arenal Combo Tour: Are Full-Day Arenal Days Worth It?](https://planmycostarica.com/blog/arenal-combo-tour-are-full-day-arenal-days-worth-it): Are Arenal combo tours worth it? Here’s the straight answer: yes, if you want to stack the big sights without wasting vacation time. The trick is picking the right pace.
- [Things to Do in La Fortuna: The Best Arenal Day Trips](https://planmycostarica.com/blog/things-to-do-in-la-fortuna-best-arenal-day-trips): A practical La Fortuna and Arenal hub guide covering the best activities, who each one suits, typical prices, and day-trip logistics.
- [Chocolate Tour La Fortuna: Which Cocoa Experience Fits You Best?](https://planmycostarica.com/blog/chocolate-tour-la-fortuna-which-cocoa-experience-fits-you-best): Bean-to-bar chocolate, coffee-and-cacao farm walks, and a sugar cane combo: here’s how to choose the best chocolate tour in La Fortuna.
- [Venado Caves Costa Rica: What the Caves Are Really Like](https://planmycostarica.com/blog/venado-caves-costa-rica-what-the-caves-are-really-like): A practical guide to Venado Caves Costa Rica: what the limestone chambers feel like, how much they cost, who can go, and whether to pair them with horseback riding.
- [Rio Celeste Hike Guide: Trail, Waterfall, and Teñidero](https://planmycostarica.com/blog/rio-celeste-hike-guide-trail-waterfall-tenidero): A practical Rio Celeste hike guide for hiking Tenorio Volcano National Park as a day trip from La Fortuna, with trail tips, timing, and rain advice.
- [Mistico Hanging Bridges: What to Expect Near Arenal](https://planmycostarica.com/blog/mistico-hanging-bridges-what-to-expect-near-arenal): A practical, local guide to Mistico hanging bridges near La Fortuna: the 3 km circuit, six suspension bridges, wildlife, timing, kids, and fear of heights.
- [Sloth Tour La Fortuna: How to Choose the Right One](https://planmycostarica.com/blog/sloth-tour-la-fortuna-how-to-choose-the-right-one): A practical La Fortuna sloth tour guide: how sightings work, two-toed vs three-toed sloths, best timing, prices, and smart combo options.
- [Night Tour La Fortuna: Which Wildlife Walk Is Best?](https://planmycostarica.com/blog/night-tour-la-fortuna-which-wildlife-walk-is-best): Choosing a night tour in La Fortuna? Compare twilight vs full-dark wildlife walks, the best animals to spot, kid-friendly options, and what to wear.
- [La Fortuna Waterfall: Tickets, Hike, Swim, and Best Time](https://planmycostarica.com/blog/la-fortuna-waterfall-tickets-hike-swim-best-time): A practical, family-friendly guide to La Fortuna Waterfall in Costa Rica: what the steps are like, what tickets cost, when to go, and whether a tour makes sense.
- [Arenal Volcano Hike: Trails, Timing, Prices, and What to Expect](https://planmycostarica.com/blog/arenal-volcano-hike-trails-timing-prices-what-to-expect): A practical guide to the Arenal volcano hike: what trails you actually walk, when to go, what it costs, and whether to book a guided tour or go self-guided.
- [Are Rental Cars Safe in Costa Rica? What Travelers Should Know](https://planmycostarica.com/blog/are-rental-cars-safe-in-costa-rica): Rental cars are generally safe in Costa Rica if you park smart, avoid leaving bags visible, and choose secure lodging. The real risk is break-ins at trailheads, beaches, and unattended lots.
- [Costa Rica in May: What Weather, Prices, and Crowds Really Look Like](https://planmycostarica.com/blog/costa-rica-in-may-weather-prices-crowds): Costa Rica in May is the start of green season: lower prices, fewer crowds, and usually sunny mornings with afternoon rain. Here’s what to expect.
- [Costa Rica in April: Weather by Region, Easter Crowds & Tips](https://planmycostarica.com/blog/costa-rica-in-april-weather-crowds-what-to-expect): Region-by-region April weather, what Easter week (Semana Santa) means for crowds and prices, and how to plan around both.
- [Costa Rica in March: Weather, Best Regions, and What to Pack](https://planmycostarica.com/blog/costa-rica-in-march-weather-best-regions-and-what-to-pack): March is one of Costa Rica’s driest, sunniest months, but the best region depends on whether you want beaches, wildlife, or cooler mountain air.
- [Costa Rica in February (2027): La Fortuna Weather, Crowds & Costs](https://planmycostarica.com/blog/costa-rica-in-february-weather-crowds-prices-best-places): February is La Fortuna at its most reliable: firm trails, clear rivers and good odds of seeing Arenal's full cone. Here's what it's like, what it costs and what to book first.
- [What to Pack for Costa Rica Rainy Season: A Local Guide](https://planmycostarica.com/blog/what-to-pack-for-costa-rica-rainy-season-a-local-guide): Costa Rica’s rainy season is not a reason to overpack. Bring the right shoes, layers, and rain protection, and you’ll be fine from May to November.
- [Costa Rica 10 Day Itinerary: My Best First-Timer Route](https://planmycostarica.com/blog/costa-rica-10-day-itinerary-my-best-first-timer-route): A practical 10-day Costa Rica itinerary for first-timers, with two smart route options, drive times, budgets, and what to skip when time is tight.
- [Best Hot Springs in La Fortuna: Free Pools vs Paid Resorts](https://planmycostarica.com/blog/best-hot-springs-in-la-fortuna-free-pools-vs-paid-resorts): A practical guide to La Fortuna’s hot springs: which ones are free, which ones are worth paying for, and how to choose by budget, vibe, and transport.
- [Renting a Car in Costa Rica: Hidden Fees, Real Costs and the La Fortuna Drive (2026-27)](https://planmycostarica.com/blog/renting-a-car-in-costa-rica-hidden-fees): That $15-a-day quote won't survive the rental counter. Here's what mandatory insurance, CDW, deposits and airport fees really add, plus whether you even need a car for La Fortuna.
- [Manuel Antonio vs Uvita: Which Beach Town Fits Your Trip?](https://planmycostarica.com/blog/manuel-antonio-vs-uvita-which-beach-town-fits-your-trip): Manuel Antonio is the easy, polished pick; Uvita is the wider-open, lower-key one. Here’s how they compare on beaches, wildlife, cost, and drive time.
- [Costa Rica in January (2027): La Fortuna Weather, Crowds & Costs](https://planmycostarica.com/blog/costa-rica-in-january-weather-crowds-costs-best-plans): January in La Fortuna: warm days, short showers, the clearest volcano mornings and peak-season prices. What to do, what to book first and how to get there.
- [Is Costa Rica Expensive to Visit? A Realistic Budget Guide](https://planmycostarica.com/blog/is-costa-rica-expensive-to-visit): Costa Rica can be affordable or pricey depending on where you stay, how you move, and which activities you choose. Here’s the real 2026 budget picture.
- [Is Costa Rica Safe for Solo Female Travelers? A Realistic Guide](https://planmycostarica.com/blog/is-costa-rica-safe-for-solo-female-travelers): Costa Rica is one of the easier solo trips in Latin America, but safety depends on timing, location, and how you move around. Here’s the real-world breakdown for women traveling alone.
- [What to Pack for Costa Rica: Dry vs Green Season](https://planmycostarica.com/blog/what-to-pack-for-costa-rica-dry-vs-green-season): A calm, practical packing guide for Costa Rica families and first-timers, with dry-season vs green-season differences, beach-to-rainforest basics, and kid-friendly extras.
- [Costa Rica 7-Day Itinerary for First-Timers: The Best Easy Route](https://planmycostarica.com/blog/costa-rica-7-day-itinerary-for-first-timers-the-best-easy-route): A calm, practical 7-day Costa Rica itinerary for first-timers, with easy drives, family-friendly stops, realistic costs, and route choices that keep the trip smooth.
- [Best Zipline in La Fortuna: How to Choose the Right Canopy Tour](https://planmycostarica.com/blog/best-zipline-in-la-fortuna-how-to-choose-the-right-canopy-tour): Ziplining is the most fun you can have in La Fortuna before lunch. Here's what it's really like, how our Arenal zipline tours compare, and which one fits your group.
- [Do You Need a 4x4 in Costa Rica? Region-by-Region Truth](https://planmycostarica.com/blog/do-you-need-a-4x4-in-costa-rica): The honest answer is “sometimes.” On paved routes, a regular car is fine. On steep, muddy, or river-crossing roads, a 4x4 can save your trip—and your nerves.

## Operators listed on the site

- Arenal Mundo Aventura
- Arenal Jungle Tours
- Sloth Watching Trail
- Eden Organic Farm & Bungalows
- Ganadera La Nacha
- Cavernas de Venado

## Pages

- [Home](https://planmycostarica.com/)
- [Tours](https://planmycostarica.com/tours)
- [Destinations](https://planmycostarica.com/destinations)
- [Blog](https://planmycostarica.com/blog)
- [About](https://planmycostarica.com/about)
- [Contact](https://planmycostarica.com/contact)
- [List your tours](https://planmycostarica.com/operators)