Things to do in Tilaran Costa Rica

Tours & Activities in Tilaran – Part 1

Searching for things to do in Tilaran Costa Rica? Or in the area of Lake Arenal? Below you will find a quite extensive list of things to do in Tilaran, split up in 2 parts; the second part continues under the 4 photos.

Are you a birder? Check out our page that describes birding Costa Rica for the northern zone.

Llanos de Cortez

This waterfall is located about 25km (15 miles) south of Liberia. The Llano De Cortez Waterfall is a spectacular and wide jungle waterfall with a great pool at the base for swimming, but also a perfect spot for a picnic. It’s usually very quiet and chances are you will have it all to yourself- especially on a weekday.
Admission is free, but a small entree fee is much appreciated to help he local community

Volcano Arenal Hike

Learn about the geological complexity of the 5,000-foot (1,524-meter) active volcano as you make your way through the beautiful landscape on a moderate hike. Arenal Volcano looks over Guanacaste’s stunning green hillsides – it’s one of Costa Rica’s many active volcanoes!
Takes about 4 hrs. and can be combined with a hot spring visit. A guided 4-hr walk costs about 50$ per person.

Monteverde suspension bridges

The SkyTrek has six bridges in total, the longest of which spans some 984 feet. The trails extend for slightly over 1.5 mile/2.5 km, making this tour extremely feasible for anyone in moderate shape. The climb is not strenuous or muddy, as the trails are well-maintained and generally flat. Local guides accompany each tour and help visitors learn about native plant and animal species. Since there is a 10-person maximum capacity per bridge, reservations are recommended, especially in July/August and December-May.
This tour generally lasts 2 to 3 hrs. Tours depart at 07.30 AM, 09.30 AM and 11.30 AM.

Viento Fresco waterfalls – hike

Settled just off the road that leads to Monteverde, the Viento Fresco waterfalls are a fun way to break up your drive and take a hike. Along the trail you will encounter 4 water cascades, forming a few pools that are perfect for swimming. The area surrounding the waterfalls is abundant with flowers and grassy areas, making it an ideal spot to have a picnic.
Entree 15$ p.p./ Kids 6-12 yrs 10$ p.p./ Kids<6 yrs free

Corobici river rafting tour for the whole family

Located right in the heart of the Guanacaste province, the Corobici is a wide and fast-flowing class I and II river with moderate waves. This experience is great for all ages, safe enough for children and gentle enough for the elderly to enjoy, just as for nature lovers and bird watchers who will enjoy the lush vegetation of the tropical dry forest.
The tour takes about 2 hours and costs around 55$ p.p. incl. equipment.

Rincon de la Vieja – climbing the volcano

It’s possible to reach the summit of the volcano (best time Feb – April). The 8 km trail starts from the Las Pailas Ranger Station. The first 6 kms slope gently upwards, and the final 2 km ascend steeply to the crater, where you will arrive, to view the eerie volcanic landscape. There are also several well marked trails available for you to choose from.
Entree fee 10$ p.p. Plus 1$ underway to pass a private property.

Rio Celeste – Tenorio Volcano and National Park

Hike through the rainforest and along the Celeste River, where you can observe one of nature’s most intriguing phenomenon. Two brooks merge, turning clear water into a divine hue of turquoise. This chemical reaction, due to the volcanic minerals present, makes for an astounding sight that can only be experienced at this unique location. This not just one of the best things to do in Tilaran, it is one the best things to do in Costa Rica!
Entrance fee 10$ p.p.
Guided tours are available with several tour operators.

The list with things to do in Tilaran Costa Rica will continue below these four photos.

Things to do in Tilaran – Part 2

Monteverde Hummingbird Garden

Imagine yourself in a beautiful garden. Now imagine over 100 beautiful hummingbirds flying cheerfully around you! That is what the incredible Garden has to offer you. More than 14 species of hummingbirds will amaze you with their incredible aerial maneuvers and bright lively colors. Definitively a photography fan’s treat and one of the nicest things to do in Tilaran!
Entrance fee 5$ p.p.

Monteverde Butterfly Garden

A 1-hour tour is available and includes: an introduction to Costa Rica’s bug life, and an orientation to the Gardens, a look at the rearing chamber, where caterpillars are becoming butterflies, a stroll through 4 unique gardens, full of spectacular butterflies and a stop at the active leafcutter ant colony, with a sneaky look inside.
Tour costs 15$ p.p.
Child 4-6 $10
Child<3 free

Hot springs Tabacon

You simply must experience Tabacon Hot Springs. It is one of the most beautiful places you’ll ever see. With views of Arenal Volcano, acres of tropical gardens, a great climate, and the soothing water of the river, most people consider this to be Paradise on Earth. The Tabacon River begins inside Arenal Volcano. Tabacon Hot springs are completely natural.
Entrance fee 60$ p.p.
Kids <12 yrs. 10$ p.p.
Packages with lunch / dinner available

Hot springs Baldi

Bask in the tranquility of natural hot springs with a tropical cocktail in hand and the Arenal Volcano in plain view at the Baldi Hot Springs. This tropical oasis features 25 different pools, the temperatures increasing as you go up in elevation.
Entrance fee 28$ p.p.
Kids <6 yrs. 14$ p.p.
Packages with lunch available

Horseback riding around Lake Arenal

Most horseback riding tours are about 4 hours long. You can choose from several routes and starting locations. These tours are recommended for horse lovers and adventurers of all levels. They follow very scenic and safe trails along the Arenal Lake where you’ll get several glimpses of the famous Arenal Volcano and ride through lush and beautiful rainforest.
Prices vary by tour operator.
Price indication: 75 to 100$ p.p.

Things to do in Tilaran; Lake Arenal activities

Windsurfing / Wakeboarding / Kitesurfing / Kayaking

Lake Arenal Costa Rica has warm waters, strong and steady seasonal winds, and a unique country style not easily matched by other world class watersport locations. So, if you are into watersport, don’t let this chance pass by!
There are several watersport centers at Lake Arenal. They offer different packages at various prices.

Fishing at Lake Arenal

Fishing Lake Arenal is an experience of a lifetime for the serious angler or novice. Lake Arenal is world-famous for a spectacular fish called the rainbow bass and another hard-fighting fish called machaca, which looks like a piranha on steroids with its rows of razor-sharp teeth.
Half day and full day tours are offered at around 225$/325$.

Ziplining – Arenal Canopy Tour

This one fits in the category of adventurous things to do in Tilaran. Fly through the rainforest canopy and along the Arenal River on the Paraiso zip lines or at the Adventure Park waterfall canopy tour. These are just examples, there are several options in the Lake Arenal area for ziplining.
Duration varies between 4 to 6 hrs. Costs are depending on the tour you choose, but hover around 100$ p.p.

La Reserva Forest Foundation tours

This tour is located at only 10 min. from Monte Terras. A real grass-roots organization, LRFF puts all its efforts into planting trees and protecting existing forested areas. We are helping combat global climate change, protecting water sheds, providing biological corridors for migratory animals, and educating people about the critical role tropical forests play in the health of our planet. Take one of our guided walks and be amazed at how much we can give back to earth!
Take one four-hour forest walk – $20 p.p. / Two-hour forest walk – $10 p.p. / Night forest walk (about 2 hours) – $20 p.p. / Young children – Half price ($5/each)

Las Pumas Animal Rescue Centre at Canas

Las Pumas is an animal shelter which protects many kinds of Costa Rican jungle cats such as panther, puma, and ocelot, as well as birds. They had been abandoned by private persons or had been confiscated by the customs authorities for violating the law for the protection of endangered species. Your visit will be much appreciated!
The 10$ p.p. entree fee is helping the animals!

Boat Taxi between Arenal and Monteverde

A nice way to make the trip to Monteverde. It’s relaxed and you’ll see the lake from a different side. The views of the surrounding mountains and the volcano are stunning, and you might see waterbirds, toucans, and parrots as well as monkeys on the way.
The boat taxi is covered to protect you from the sun.
One hour boat tour
Pick-up from Nuevo Arenal
Drop-off in Monteverde
One-way costs around 25$ p.p.

Sky Tram Arenal

For the finest, most unobstructed views of the Arenal Volcano and Lake, ride the Sky Tram up to the area’s best observation deck. The Sky tram ends in a wide observation platform on the highest point of the Arenal Reserve, where you can sit down on comfortable chairs to enjoy the view.
Price 42$ p.p./ Kids $29 p.p.

Cano Negro Bird Watching tour

Often the best places around the world to visit are the most challenging to get to. This is certainly true of the Cano Negro Wildlife Reserve, one of the most biologically diverse destinations in Costa Rica. To visit Caño Negro, it’s necessary to join a day tour.
Tours operate from Rio Frio in the north part of the country.
Tours normally include local pick-up and lunch, and prices are estimated at $60 to $100 p.p.

Palo Verde Wetlands tour

This remote wetland sanctuary harbors one of Central Americas largest concentration of aquatic birds and is the most important migratory bird site of the Mesoamerican Pacific. The dry season (Jan – April) is the best time to visit the reserve because waters largely subside and the park’s many birds cluster by the remaining marshes and waterholes. Observing the fauna is particularly good because in dry season there is little vegetation to obstruct views of the roosting birds. You can explore the park without a guide or booked tour.
A boat tour along the Tempisque River is a popular way of exploring the bird life of the mangrove forests. Nesting colonies of boat-bill heron are easily spotted, along with little-blue herons, yellow-crowned herons, and others. The Tempisque River has a 4-m rise and fall with the tide. Crocodiles and caimans can often be seen on its banks.
The park has an entry fee of US$ 10.00 p.p.
Tours by boat vary in price.
Estimated costs around US$100.00 p.p.

This was our list of things to do in Tilaran provided by Monte Terras B&B and Cabinas; just let us know which tours you would like to do, and we can assist you. Please consider our Tilaran hotel as place to stay during your visit in our beautiful area.