Central America

Unusual Guided Tours That Travelers Can Find in Costa Rica

By Matt Turner Jan 10, 2023 10:29am

To start the new year, the Costa Rican Tourism Board has highlighted some guided tours that are great for families looking for an unusual excursion.

Here are some options:

Cacao Tour

Cacao is grown across the Caribbean and South America but is of particular importance in Costa Rica. It was a highly prized and sacred crop among the indigenous Chorotega and Bribri communities—and was even used as currency by the Chorotega until the 1930s. With the creation and popularization of chocolate, the cacao bean became the cash crop of Costa Rica. The provinces of Guanacaste, Alajuela, Limón, Cartago and Puntarenas all contain thriving cacao plantations, which are perfect for any chocolate-lover. These plantations offer experiences led by experts who will detail the history, culture and traditions of chocolate and cacao, as well as the hidden secrets of bean fermentation and sun-drying. Travelers can personally roast and grind cacao beans, and make their own chocolate treats, including traditional Bribri ceremonial drinks.

Bat Tours

Costa Rica has more than 116 species of bats. These mammals control pest populations in crops, such as bananas and mangoes, and pollinate several plant species. In the Monteverde cloud forest, or the Sarapiquí region, travelers can find interactive and educational tours that offer a whole new appreciation for these often-misunderstood creatures of the night. Travelers will learn about the diversity and abundance of bats in Costa Rica, their natural history, classification, adaptations, reproduction, threats and more. On this tour, visitors will have a safe opportunity to observe some of the bats captured during the evening for research projects. Guests will leave the experience with a greater understanding of bat conservation's importance and ecological benefits.

Spotting Leafcutter Ants

The dense rainforest houses thousands of species that play an essential role in the ecosystem, including a plethora of insects. With all of Costa Rica's incredible wildlife, it's too easy to overlook the smallest creatures, but leafcutter ants are some of the most fascinating animals you will find in Costa Rica. These ants live within a complex society of their own, and farm mushrooms underground using mulch chewed from leaves stripped from specific plants and trees. In the Sarapiquí region, guided tours give visitors a close-up look at active leafcutter colonies. Participants will learn about colony caste divisions, see ants cut and transport leaves and even spot the queen ant—all of which can normally not be seen without the assistance of an expert.

Fungi Tour

The rainforests near the equator have some of the highest fungal biodiversity on Earth. Costa Rica’s rainforests are an eco-tourist’s dream and are teeming with fungi kingdoms. Guided excursions to see the fungi of Costa Rica’s rainforests allow for exploration of areas that are still being actively investigated by scientists, and aid in rainforest conservation efforts. Tours run throughout the year but are best enjoyed during the nation’s rainy season. There is a wealth of fungi kingdoms to explore, including day-long trails to see the fungi that cling to the oak trees of the Grecia Forest Reserve “Bosque del Niño” or bioluminescent fungi that grow in the cloud forest of Monteverde. For those staying in San Jose, they can even embark on these trails in La Cangreja National Park, which is just 20 miles outside of downtown. Costa Rica’s wild Fungi Trails are aimed at nature enthusiasts, and travelers will have the opportunity to find, identify, photograph and, in certain cases, even taste some of the world’s rarest fungi. The trails include recreational and educational activities curated to promote the conservation of wild mushrooms at the local level through responsible and sustainable tourism, and local communities and indigenous knowledge are involved and integrated into the entire experience.

Medicinal Plants Tour

More than just a source of natural beauty, plants growing in Costa Rica have long been sources of traditional remedies. Indigenous populations across the country know how to identify the medicinal properties of the surrounding flora, and much of this knowledge has been passed through generations. To discover the diversity of plant life across regions in Costa Rica, travelers can visit the foothills of the Rincón de la Vieja volcano, La Fortuna and the Southern Zone, where indigenous have preserved the integrity of their traditional villages. Local experts offer hikes and nature walks through forests and fields where they identify the healing powers provided by trees, herbs, roots and vines. Guides will educate visitors on the medical properties of plants like ginger, moringa or chaya leaves, and tell the stories of the locals who cultivate them. The Medicinal Plants tours are interactive experiences where participants can feel and smell the plants to identify their textures and scent. At the same time, guides will explain how plants can prevent diseases such as cancer, diabetes, allergies and stress.