Sarapiquí sits in the lowland rainforest north of San José City, in the Heredia Province. The region is known for abundant wildlife, flowing rivers, and easy access to nearby protected rainforests. While not hard to reach, the area carries a remote, secluded feeling, drawing travelers who are looking to have some real jungle experiences.
Early mornings bring bird calls, fog lifting off the canopy, and the kind of calm you only get in places where the rainforest still dominates the landscape. Since many people head straight to the beaches of Costa Rica, the canton of Sarapiqui draws a different kind of tourist, one who is less interested in the crowds and the hottest spots. The kind of person who visits Sarapiqui is interested in knowing what the jungle really means.
Here you can walk private reserve trails, join guided night hikes, take a slow wildlife float, or raft whitewater rapids on the Sarapiquí River. Lodges here sit on large pieces of land with rainforest all around them, so even a short stay delivers consistent wildlife sightings and a chance to connect with the magic of the land.
10 of the Best Things to Do in Sarapiqui, Costa Rica
1. Hike Through the Rainforest on Private Reserves
Sarapiquí is one of the easiest places in the country to access the lowland rainforest. The area features many private reserves, which are huge swaths of land that were purchased during the 1960s and 70s and turned into private reserves and eco-lodges. This region is one of the most important areas of Costa Rica in terms of continuous study of the species that live in this tropical ecosystem.
A few of the largest and most well-known places are La Selva Research Station, Tirimbina Lodge, Rainforest Center, and Selva Verde Lodge, just to name a few. These and other eco-lodges and private reserves feature their own hiking trails as well as other activities. Whether you stay on-site or visit for a day pass, you’ll have plenty of hiking options to explore the rainforest up close and personal.
2. Take a Wildlife-Focused Night Hike
Many of the private reserves and eco-lodges of the area offer their own night hikes. With that, you can likely book one where you are staying unless you opt to stay in town and only visit the private reserves for activities. These tours book up with guests, so you’ll need to book in advance to ensure there will be space for you. Keep in mind that many of the reserves and eco-lodges function as biological research stations, and it’s not uncommon for there to be large groups of students visiting throughout the year.
It’s always best to book a night hike with an experienced guide, as you’re likely to see many animals at night, some of which can be dangerous in this dense jungle. Guided walks focus on tree frogs, insects, kinkajous, and nocturnal birds. Trantulas, other spiders, snakes, and scorpions are also common on night hikes.
3. Go Birding With Local Naturalists
Sarapiquí is a major destination for birders due to the variety of habitats packed into a small area. Because Costa Rica sits between North and South America, it’s a bird highway that bears witness to many migratory birds depending on the season. Better yet, many unique and colorful birds call Costa Rica home year-round.
Early morning outings can turn up toucans, tanagers, motmots, and specialty species that travelers come here specifically to see. Sarapiqui is also home to the Great Green Macaw, an endangered species whose numbers are on the rise thanks to conservation efforts. There are just over 500 of these majestic birds in the wild in Costa Rica, and Sarapiqui is one of the few places where you can catch them flying overhead or eating the fruit of the Alemdron tree.
4. Raft or Float the Sarapiquí River
Rafting down the Sarapiqui River is a huge draw to the area, and many lodges and tour providers offer experiences suited for a variety of groups. Depending on the time of year, how full the river is, and how fast the water is moving, this is a super fun activity for adventurous travelers. While there are some full-day tours, most tours run for a few hours. For those who really want to get to know the river, there are a few places that offer overnight excursions, staying the night in a riverfront lodge.
The river has both calm sections for wildlife viewing and faster class III and IV stretches for adventurers who want more excitement. Families often choose slow floats, while adventure travelers sign up for the whitewater rafting.
5. Join a Chocolate, Pineapple, or Coffee Tour
The Sarapiqui region is known for its ecotourism as much as for its agricultural roots. The area features large farms growing coffee, cacao, pineapples, bananas, yuca, malanga, passionfruit, and ornamental plants.
Thanks to the rich soil and the irrigation of the Sarapiqui River, this fertile land helps feed the people of Costa Rica. Several farms in the area offer tours, allowing visitors the chance to learn about the cultivation of these Costa Rican staples.
6. Visit La Selva Biological Research Station
La Selva Biological Research Station is one of the most important research stations in the world for studies of tropical ecosystems. La Selva is part of the Organization of Tropical Studies (OTS). The OTS is a consortium of over 50 universities, colleges, and research stations in the United States, Costa Rica, Mexico, South Africa, and Australia. The OTS has 4 sites: 3 in Costa Rica — La Selva, Palo Verde, and Las Cruces — and 1 in South Africa.
La Selva has been an invaluable location for studying the flora and fauna of Sarapiqui for over 60 years. La Selva is an active research station, with groups of students and scientists living and working onsite. Visitors can stay overnight or participate in activities, but reservations in advance are a must. This is not the kind of place you stop by on a whim. Costa Rica Escapes can help you set up an unforgettable experience at La Selva, just ask!
7. Explore Hanging Bridges, Canopy Platforms, or Zipline Courses
Sarapiquí has a mix of gentle hanging-bridge walks and faster-paced zipline circuits. These are popular with families because they offer a different perspective on the forest and can be done in a half day.
Again, many of the lodges have their own hanging bridges and zip line tours, but you might also venture off of your homebase lodge and see what else is out there. Perhaps the top hanging bridge experience is to be had at Tirimbina Eco-Lodge, where visitors can walk across the Sarapiqui River. This bridge spans 262 meters long and is 22 meters high!
8. Ride Horses Along Forest Edges and River Corridors
Horseback rides take you through open farmland and into small pockets of forest where you have a good chance of spotting birds and monkeys. The routes are easy and suitable for beginners.
There are several options in Sarapiqui, with one of the top options being Hacienda Pozo Azul. This private reserve features two-hour horseback tours for around $60 per person and is a great way to explore the natural beauty. Other places to check out for horseback tours include Chilamate and El Encanto.
9. Take a Guided River Safari by Boat
Want to get on the river but not into the rapids? No problem.
Several operators run small-boat wildlife tours on calmer sections of the river. These trips move slowly along the banks where iguanas, herons, kingfishers, and caimans often appear. Float slowly down the tranquil waters of the Sarapiqui River and see what wildlife is just at the river’s edge, or in the water!
10. Visit Nearby Waterfalls and Swimming Holes
Smaller waterfalls and natural pools can be reached on short drives from town. These swimming holes offer a break from the heat and offer a low-effort adventure for travelers who may need a break between bigger activities.
Because the Sarapiqui basin is on Atlantic slope of the Braulio Carrillo National Park, there aren’t many waterfalls in the area. But there are a few close to La Virgen, where the mountains are just coming to an end. Check out Poza Azul, not to be confused with Hacienda Pozo Azul, as well as Catarata La Pelson de Sarapiqui.
Areas in Sarapiqui, Costa Rica
Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí
Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui is the main hub of the area and the entry point for most travelers to the region. It has banks, grocery stores, simple restaurants, and river access. Most visitors pass through town on their way to lodges farther out. For those who come by bus, the station is in Puerto Viejo, and the Caribenos Bus will drop you here. For those who are driving to the region, you’ll likely end up here at some point to grab food, cash, or book tours.
Sarapiquí River Corridor
Many of the region’s lodges sit along the Sarapiquí River or on private reserves nearby. These properties give guests direct access to trails, wildlife, and river activities, and they tend to feel quiet and more nature-focused.
La Virgen and Chilamate
These small communities sit west of Puerto Viejo and have a mix of eco-lodges, local restaurants, and easy access to rafting put-ins. They are convenient bases for visitors who want a blend of forest, river time, and short drives.
Tirimbina and Surrounding Reserves
The area around Tirimbina Biological Reserve is known for research, conservation work, and excellent wildlife viewing. Trails cross the river on long footbridges and lead into forest sections that are good for birding and night hikes.
Weather in Sarapiqui, Costa Rica
Sarapiquí sits on the Caribbean side of the mountains, so it stays warm, humid, and rainy throughout the year. Showers can arrive quickly and may last anywhere from a few minutes to most of an afternoon. Mornings are usually clearer and are the best time for birding, rafting, and hiking.
Temperatures stay consistent, with warm days in the low to mid-80s and cooler nights in the low 70s. Rain increases from May through October, although even the drier months still see regular cloud cover and short storms.
Sarapiqui Culture & Food Scene
You won’t find a wide variety of food options here. Think simple and traditional.
Sarapiquí has a strong connection to agriculture, conservation, and research, which gives the region a practical and grounded feel. You’ll see farms, small communities, and large stretches of protected forest within a short distance of each other. Many locals work in agriculture, guiding, or environmental education, and the pace of daily life reflects that rhythm.
Food in Sarapiquí is straightforward and based on local ingredients. Most lodges serve traditional Costa Rican meals with rice, beans, vegetables, grilled meats, and fresh fruit. In town, you’ll find sodas that offer casados, empanadas, coffee, and simple breakfasts.
Plan Your Trip to Sarapiqui, Costa Rica
How to Get to Sarapiqui
From San Jose
Most travelers reach Sarapiquí from San José in about two hours. The fastest route follows Ruta 32 through the Zurquí tunnel and along the edge of Braulio Carrillo National Park, where the road drops from cloud forest into lowland rainforest. Just through the mountain pass, at the intersection before Guapiles, take the turn off for Ruta 4, which heads straight to Sarapiqui.
Another option climbs through Poás and Vara Blanca, passing by the impressive La Paz Waterfall, before descending toward the river. Both routes are paved and suitable for standard rental cars in normal weather.
Travelers can take the public Caribenos Bus from San Jose, which goes directly to Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, or book a private or shared shuttle for direct pick-ups and drop-offs at lodges and hotels.
From La Fortuna
Sarapiquí sits roughly an hour and a half from La Fortuna. The drive crosses open farmland and small communities and is a straightforward connection between the Arenal area and the lowland rainforest. It is an easy transfer day and works well when moving between volcano activities and river or wildlife experiences.
By car is the fastest option, but for those who prefer to bus, you’ll have to take two buses and make a stop and transfer in Ciudad Quesada. There is no direct bus from La Fortuna to Sarapiqui. There are shuttles that run between the two destinations, though.
Sarapiquí gives travelers an easy way to experience the lowland rainforest, with almost guaranteed wildlife viewing, river access, and quiet lodges surrounded by rainforest. If you want to include Sarapiquí in your custom Costa Rica itinerary, use the contact form below, and our team at Costa Rica Escapes will help you plan the trip.