Papagayo Explorers' Venture Beyond

The Best Day Trips from Peninsula Papagayo (A Complete Guide)

Peninsula Papagayo has more than enough to keep you busy on the property — but some of Costa Rica's most remarkable experiences are within a two-hour drive. Papagayo Explorers' Venture Beyond program is a collection of private, guided full-day excursions that take you deeper into the country: volcanic rainforests, national parks, wildlife rivers, thermal springs, and centuries-old cultural traditions.

Every tour is private and fully guided. Transfers, snacks, and most meals are included. Here's everything on offer.

Into the Rainforest

A Day in the Rainforest — The most customizable option on the list. You drive up through the volcanic mountains past the Continental Divide to the lush, green side of the country, then mix and match from a menu of experiences: tubing the turquoise Río Celeste, hiking Tenorio National Park to the iconic sky-blue waterfall, spending the day at a traditional Costa Rican hacienda (with optional horseback riding with a national lasso champion), or visiting Don Gerardo's cacao plantation to trace the journey from seed to chocolate bar. A great fit for groups with varied interests. 8 hours. Ages 5+ (tubing: 7+, horseback: 10+). 1.75-hour drive each way. Private from $1,500 (up to 2); $500 per additional person.

A Night in the Rainforest — A guided night walk through Tapir Valley, a 220-acre private conservation reserve that has been recognized by the BBC, Disney+, and National Geographic's Top 100 Things to Do at Night. Conservation experts lead the walk through wetlands and rainforest to find nocturnal birds, mammals, rare endemic frogs, and — with luck — tapirs. Dinner included. One of the more extraordinary experiences available from the peninsula. 5 hours. Ages 10+. 1.75-hour drive each way. Private from $3,500 (up to 5); $450 per additional person.

National Parks & Volcanic Landscapes

National Park Hike — A guided hiking tour into Rincón de la Vieja National Park, exploring tropical dry forest, mud pots, and waterfalls. Two trail options: an easy 2.2-mile loop to La Oropendola Waterfall (ages 5+, 2 hours of hiking), or an intermediate 6-mile trail to La Cangreja or La Escondida Waterfall (ages 10+, 4.5 hours). Lunch in Liberia on the return. Available Tuesday–Sunday. 6.5–8.5 hours total. 1.75-hour drive each way. Private from $1,100 (up to 2); $300 per additional person.

Exploring the Land of Senses (Sensoria) — A full day at Sensoria, a private reserve tucked into the edge of Rincón de la Vieja volcano. The reserve is laced with waterfalls, thermal hot springs, and brilliant blue rivers. You hike through old-growth rainforest, cross canyons and waterfalls, and end at a natural thermal spring with refreshments. Access is limited — this is not a place most visitors find on their own. 7 hours. Ages 5+. 2.5-hour drive each way. Private from $1,500 (up to 2); $500 per additional person.

Wildlife & Rivers

Palo Verde River Safari — A boat tour along the Tempisque River through Palo Verde National Park and wetlands — one of Guanacaste's richest wildlife corridors. Spot herons, monkeys, crocodiles, and rare birds including the Jabiru, Costa Rica's largest. Afterward, choose between a guided rum tasting with a certified Ronmelier or a hands-on Guaitil pottery painting session. Guide, transfers, snacks, and lunch or tapas included. 4 hours on tour. Ages 2+. 1.5-hour drive each way. Private from $1,100 (up to 2); $300 per additional person.

River Rafting — Class III and IV whitewater on the Upper Tenorio River, winding through dense rainforest. After the rapids, you unwind with lunch at a rustic lodge and a soak in their hot springs pool with views of Miravalles Volcano. Guide, transfers, snacks, and lunch included. 7 hours. Ages 10+. 1.75-hour drive each way. Private from $1,500 (up to 2); $500 per additional person.

Nature & Seclusion

Private Waterfall Outing — Access to Rivas Farm, a 200-year-old dragon fruit plantation with over 100 acres of protected wilderness alongside Rincón de la Vieja Volcano. You hike to a turquoise waterfall for a swim, then ride through the forest to a riverside asado BBQ lunch. Private access only — no crowds. Seasonal availability November to April. 7 hours. Ages 5+. 1.5-hour drive each way. Private from $3,800 (group of five); $550 per additional person.

Culture

Cultural Road Trip — A full-day drive through the Nicoya Peninsula — one of the world's five Blue Zones, where residents are statistically among the longest-lived people on earth. Stops include a mascarada workshop (Costa Rica's traditional folkloric mask-making), a sustainable coffee cooperative with a bean-to-cup tasting, and local farms serving organic food and fermented beverages. Guide, transfers, snacks, and lunch included. Available Monday–Friday. 6 hours. Ages 7+. 1.75-hour drive each way. Private from $1,500 (up to 2); $500 per additional person.

How to Book

As guests of The Smart Villas, our concierge can help coordinate any activity before your stay and we'll make it happen.

All Venture Beyond excursions are run through Papagayo Explorers.