Volcanoes, Waterfalls, and Wildlife | Exploring Greater Guanacaste
We know you came for the incredible beaches, but trust us—setting aside a day for the wonders found inland is an absolute must! The volcanic mountains and vibrant national parks surrounding the Greater Guanacaste area are easily accessible from your Potrero rental, making those exciting day trips completely stress-free. This isn’t just sightseeing; it’s hands-on adventure, whether you’re rappelling down the canyons near La Leona Waterfall, hiking among the bubbling mud pots of Rincón de la Vieja, or watching monkeys on a Palo Verde river tour. We’ve done all the scouting for you to ensure you see the most dramatic waterfalls and encounter the most exciting wildlife, giving you the complete, unforgettable Costa Rican experience.
adventures in greater guanacaste
01.
Arenal Volcano Adventure
If you’re ready for the ultimate rush during your stay in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, the day trip to the Arenal area is absolutely unforgettable. Though it’s a longer drive, the payoff is huge, providing a completely different landscape than the coast. This tour truly captures the spirit of adventure while in Guanacaste! You’ll be zipping high above the rainforest canopy, viewing the dramatic, cone-shaped Arenal Volcano towering over the landscape—a view that makes the drive instantly worth it. Beyond the ziplining, this area is famous for its natural hot springs (heated by the volcano!), giving you the perfect chance to relax after the adrenaline rush. It’s a full day that encapsulates the diverse, natural beauty of the greater Guanacaste region and adds a massive punch of adventure to your itinerary.
02.
Cortez Waterfall Hike
For a truly rewarding adventure that doesn’t require an all-day commitment, a visit to Cortez Waterfall is highly recommended during your stay in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. The trail down to the pool is absolutely part of the fun! It’s an invigorating hike—not overly difficult, but certainly enough of a walk to make that first swim feel earned. As you make your way through the jungle, keep an eye out for local wildlife; this area of greater Guanacaste is rich with howler monkeys, colourful toucans, and maybe even a coati or two. When you arrive, you’ll find a stunning cascade falling into a wide, clear turquoise pool, perfect for swimming and relaxing. This excursion captures the accessible natural beauty that defines adventures in Guanacaste.
03.
Buena Vista National Park
If you’re looking for one tour that has it all, the Buena Vista Adventure Tour is the perfect way to capture the excitement of adventure in Guanacaste in a single day. This is the spot where you can genuinely mix high-adrenaline fun with volcanic relaxation. You’ll start with a thrilling, long zipline course high above the canopy, but the real highlight is the famous 425-meter jungle waterslide—it’s an absolute blast and a must-do! After all that excitement, you get to settle down for the incredible treat of the natural volcanic hot springs, complete with a therapeutic mud bath. Plus, you’ll enjoy a scenic horseback ride and a hearty Costa Rican lunch, making it a complete, family-friendly escape into the interior of Guanacaste, Costa Rica.
04.
Palo Verde River Boat Ride
For those days when you need a break from high-octane adventure, the Palo Verde River Tour is the absolute best way to experience Guanacaste, Costa Rica’s incredible wildlife up close. This is a peaceful, two-hour boat trip down the Tempisque River that feels like a floating safari! You’ll effortlessly glide past trees loaded with Howler and White-faced monkeys, spot massive sunbathing crocodiles on the banks, and witness countless species of tropical birds and iguanas. The journey into this unique riparian ecosystem of greater Guanacaste is often done in the morning, meaning you catch the wildlife when they are most active. It’s an essential, family-friendly Guanacaste adventure experience that provides stunning photography opportunities and a deep look into the ecological heart of the country.
