Costa Rica Smart Connections

LET US HELP YOU PLAN YOUR TRIP.
YOU'RE JUST A CLICK AWAY

Costa Rica Smart Connections

Connecting All The Top Destinations With Transportation & Fun Things To Do in Costa Rica Along the Way!

Why waste a day of vacation driving from one location to the next when you can stop for an adventurous day of white water rafting, zipping through the jungle on a canopy tour, or a leisurely horseback ride along the way? Smart travelers know that Costa Rica Smart Connections are the best way to travel between Costa Rica's top destinations. We have put together a list of all the top smart connection tours in Costa Rica all on one handy dandy page so you can easily plan your vacation. Most international flights land in San Jose, so there are a ton of options to take you out of the city to other major attractions like Arenal, Tortuguero, Jaco Beach, Puerto Viejo and even all the way to Bocas del Toro Panama!!

Costa Rica's most visited destination, La Fortuna is also a hub for smart connections. Departing La Fortuna & Arenal area, smart connections can take you to most popular destinations in Costa Rica including Guanacaste and even Nicaragua! There are tons of fun things to do in Costa Rica between destinations you can choose from as well. White Water Rafting, Crocodile Safari by boat, visit a wildlife reserve, zipline, ATVs, horseback riding and more at the most popular adventure parks in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica Adventure Shuttles - Transportation With Adventure Built Right In

Looking for a great economical way to get from one destination to another? Adventure shuttles are just what you are looking for...with a bit of a twist. Adventure shuttles are not tours, but they may include a boat ride, a border crossing, or both. Van boat Van takes you from La Fortuna to Lake Arenal where you will board a boat and take the short cut over the beautiful lake to Monteverde on the other side. Our Caribe Shuttles take you to the borders, help you with the crossing into Panama or Nicaragua, and even a boat ride to Bocas Del Toro. So yeah, there is a little adventure along the way!

The Real Deal offers a variety of options to break up your day….and save money on transportation too!! Scroll down to discover all the ways you can have fun moving about the country!



Smart Connection Tours San Jose
Class III/IV White Water Rafting Pacuare River Smart Connection
Class III/IV White Water Rafting Pacuare River Smart Connection

Connecting San Jose to La Fortuna or Puerto Viejo

Leaving San Jose at 6am, you will take the scenic highway through Braulio Carillo National Park to the Adventure Center in Siquirres where a hearty breakfast awaits. Spend the day challenging yourself rafting the class III/IV rapids on the Pacuare River and its stunning Huacas canyon. Enjoy a tasty lunch riverside, then head to your final destination of the day, La Fortuna near the Arenal Volcano or Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean coast!

Sarapiqui River III-IV White Water Rafting Smart Connection
Sarapiqui River III-IV White Water Rafting Smart Connection

Connecting San José to La Fortuna

Smart connections are arguably one of the best deals in Costa Rica. So it is no wonder that our Rafting Sarapiqui River is one of our most popular tours for those staying in La Fortuna or Arenal and looking to get back to San Jose to catch their flights. Pack up, spend a day rafting on the Sarapiqui, then use the onward transportation to travel between San Jose and Arenal or vice versa. Now that is a great deal!

Balsa River II/III River Rafting Smart Connection
Balsa River II/III River Rafting Smart Connection

Connecting San Jose to La Fortuna

You may be realizing that rafting is one of the top things to do in Costa Rica in general. But why rafting? Is it really that safe? The Balsa River's class II/III rapids are perfect for first timers and families with children as young as 8 years old. And if you are looking for the best way to keep the family happy while traveling cross country, the Balsa River smart connection is the perfect solution. Parent of the year anyone?

San Lorenzo Adventure Park Smart Connection
San Lorenzo Adventure Park Smart Connection

Connecting San Jose to La Fortuna
Traveling with the family and cannot decide on just one activity? We got you covered! San Lorenzo Adventure Park at Lands in Love offers something for the whole family! Choose from canopy tour, canyoning, bungee jumping, an extreme swing, eco bike sky ride, ATVs or even white water rafting. Mix and match adventure combos and your Smart connection will depart San Jose then drop you off after your tour in La Fortuna or Arenal!

Poas Volcano National Park Smart Connection
Poas Volcano National Park Smart Connection

Connecting San Jose to La Fortuna

One of the most beautiful (and active!) volcanos in Costa Rica is the Poas Volcano. And lucky for you, it is conveniently located between San Jose and La Fortuna. Take one of the most scenic routes between San Jose and La Fortuna by taking a detour with a guided hike in Poas Volcano National Park and Lake Hule. You will see for yourself why the volcanos are the biggest attraction in Costa Rica for good reason. Bring the whole family! This smart connection is great for all ages and activity levels too.









Vista Los Suenos Adventure Park Smart Connection
Vista Los Suenos Adventure Park Smart Connection

Connecting San Jose to Jaco, Herradura & Hermosa Beach or Manuel Antonio
Located in Herradura in the lush rainforest of Costa Rica's Central Pacific, you will find Vista Los Sueños. Costa Rica's #1 Adventure Park! Choose from a muddy ATV or Buggy adventure, a serene horseback ride to a waterfall, zipline cable in the rainforest canopy, tasting your way through a cultural chocolate tour, or even take a surf lesson. Connecting San Jose to Jaco, Vista Los Sueños Adventure Park Smart Connection is a great way to travel for the entire family! And if you are a group of 4 or more, we can even continue to Manuel Antonio too!

Tortuguero Overnight Smart Connection (2 or 3 Day Expedition)
Tortuguero Overnight Smart Connection (2 or 3 Day Expedition)

Connecting San Jose to La Fortuna or Puerto Viejo
Aside from the abundance of wildlife in Tortuguero, the star of the show is the sea turtles that come out at night. So it only makes sense to book an overnight tour to Tortuguero, or maybe even stay for 2! Our Tortuguero Smart Connection includes a guided tour of the canals, lodging, meals and best of all continuing transportation to La Fortuna near the Arenal Volcano or Puerto Viejo in the Caribbean! The Tortuguero overnight tour is one of the best deals in Costa Rica!

Pacuare River Rafting Overnight Smart Connection
Pacuare River Rafting Overnight Smart Connection

Connecting San Jose to La Fortuna or Puerto Viejo
Hands down, the best way to travel through Costa Rica is the Pacuare Paddle & Hike 2 Day Expedition! This river rafting adventure is perfect for those thrill seekers who are looking to test their paddling and hiking skills on the premiere whitewater rafting river of Costa Rica, the Pacuare River. Best of all, this smart connection can drop you at your next destination of either La Fortuna and its hot springs and volcano or Puerto Viejo and the stunning Caribbean beaches.

Tortuguero Overnight + Pacuare River Rafting Smart Connection Combo
Tortuguero Overnight + Pacuare River Rafting Smart Connection Combo

Connecting San Jose to La Fortuna or Puerto Viejo

One of the best tour packages in Costa Rica! This smart connection combines 2 of the best adventures in Costa Rica into one money saving deal. You will spend 2 nights in the remote village of Tortuguero exploring the serene canals. Then one wild day rafting the Pacuare River. Best of all, it connects you to La Fortuna where you can explore the Arenal Volcano, or to Puerto Viejo and the beaches of the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica!









Tortuga Island Boat Tour From San Jose Smart Connection
Tortuga Island Boat Tour From San Jose Smart Connection

Connecting San José to Jaco

Tortuga Island is arguably one of the hottest destinations in Costa Rica. And luckily it can be a day trip from the heart of the city, San Jose. But what if you want to extend that beach time? Our Tortuga Island Day Trip offers the option to add on continuing transportation to Jaco. So pack your bags, spend the day on Tortuga Island having fun in the sun, but keep the beach fun rolling and let us drop you at your hotel in Jaco Beach.

Smart Connection Tours La Fortuna & Arenal
Class III/IV White Water Rafting Pacuare River Smart Connection
Class III/IV White Water Rafting Pacuare River Smart Connection

Connecting La Fortuna to San Jose or Puerto Viejo

We invite you to come see for yourself why rafting the Pacuare River is one of the top things to do in Costa Rica. Spend the day challenging yourself rafting the class III/IV rapids on the Pacuare River and its stunning Huacas canyon. Enjoy a tasty lunch riverside, then head to your final destination of the day, San Jose in the heart of the valley or to La Fortuna and the majestic Arenal Volcano.

San Lorenzo Adventure Park Smart Connection
San Lorenzo Adventure Park Smart Connection

Connecting La Fortuna to San Jose
Traveling with the family and cannot decide on just one activity? We got you covered! San Lorenzo Adventure Park at Lands in Love offers something for the whole family! Choose from canopy tour, canyoning, bungee jumping, an extreme swing, eco bike sky ride, ATVs or even white water rafting. Mix and match adventure combos and your Smart connection will depart La Fortuna then drop you off after your tour in San Jose!

Sarapiqui River III-IV White Water Rafting Smart Connection
Sarapiqui River III-IV White Water Rafting Smart Connection

Connecting La Fortuna to San José or Manuel Antonio
Smart connections are arguably one of the best deals in Costa Rica. So it is no wonder that our Rafting Sarapiqui River is one of our most popular tours for those staying in La Fortuna or Arenal and looking to get back to San Jose to catch their flights. Pack up, spend a day rafting on the Sarapiqui, then use the onward transportation to travel between San Jose and Arenal or vice versa or even as far as the beaches of Manuel Antonio! Now that is a great deal!

Balsa River II/III River Rafting Smart Connection
Balsa River II/III River Rafting Smart Connection

Connecting La Fortuna to San Jose or Manuel Antonio
You may be realizing that rafting is one of the top things to do in Costa Rica in general. But why rafting? Is it really that safe? The Balsa River's class II/III rapids are perfect for first timers and families with children as young as 8 years old. And if you are looking for the best way to keep the family happy while traveling cross country, the Balsa River smart connection is the perfect solution. Start your day in the shadow of the Arenal Volcano and end your day in the heart of Costa Rica, San Jose or even the beaches of Manuel Antonio!.

Tarcoles River Crocodile Safari Smart Connection
Tarcoles River Crocodile Safari Smart Connection

Connecting La Fortuna to Jaco or Manuel Antonio
If you are visiting the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, you MUST see the gigantic crocodiles in the Tarcoles River. Located just North of Jaco, this Safari style boat tour is great for the whole family and the perfect way to break up the long drive between La Fortuna and Jaco or Manuel Antonio. The photo ops are incredible here. Aside from the gigantic crocodiles, you can spot several species of birds like herons, osprey, spoonbills, cormorants and even the stunning scarlet macaws!









Arenal Lake Drive & Puma Rescue Center Guanacaste Smart Connection
Arenal Lake Drive & Puma Rescue Center Guanacaste Smart Connection

Connecting La Fortuna to Guanacaste (Liberia, Papagayo & Tamarindo Area Hotels)
Leaving La Fortuna, you will take the scenic route around Lake Arenal and traverse the Tilaran Mountains on your way to Guanacaste. We will break up the trip with a visit to the Los Pumas Rescue Center where you can get close up to several different animal species who have been rescued and brought there to rehabilitate in a safe environment before they are released back into the wild. No trip to Costa Rica would be complete without a visit to one of the many rescue centers. And what a great way to break up the long drive from La Fortuna to Guanacaste!









Solentiname, Nicaragua + San Carlos & Lake Nicaragua Smart Connection
Solentiname, Nicaragua + San Carlos & Lake Nicaragua Smart Connection

Connecting La Fortuna to Nicaragua
Continue your Costa Rica adventure to the North by crossing the Los Chiles border into Nicaragua! Your guided trip will take you first through San Carlos for a short guided tour of the boardwalk and historical fortress in the city. Then take a boat trip across Lake Nicaragua to the archipelago of Solentiname, a national monument in Nicaragua. And finally, to Mancarron Island where you can explore the Archaeological Museum and a couple more important historical sites in Nicaragua. Now that is a great way to travel across the border!









Tortuguero Overnight Smart Connection (2 or 3 Day Expedition)
Tortuguero Overnight Smart Connection (2 or 3 Day Expedition)

Connecting La Fortuna to San Jose or Puerto Viejo
Aside from the abundance of wildlife in Tortuguero, the star of the show is the sea turtles that come out at night. So it only makes sense to book an overnight tour to Tortuguero, or maybe even stay for 2! Our Tortuguero Smart Connection includes a guided tour of the canals, lodging, meals and best of all continuing transportation to San Jose in the heart of the valley or Puerto Viejo in the Caribbean! The Tortuguero overnight tour is one of the best deals in Costa Rica!

Pacuare River Rafting Overnight Smart Connection
Pacuare River Rafting Overnight Smart Connection

Connecting La Fortuna to San Jose or Puerto Viejo
Hands down, the best way to travel through Costa Rica is the Pacuare Paddle & Hike 2 Day Expedition! This river rafting adventure is perfect for those thrill seekers who are looking to test their paddling and hiking skills on the premiere whitewater rafting river of Costa Rica, the Pacuare River. Best of all, this smart connection can drop you at your next destination of either the capital city of San Jose or Puerto Viejo and the stunning Caribbean beaches.

Tortuguero Overnight + Pacuare River Rafting Smart Connection Combo
Tortuguero Overnight + Pacuare River Rafting Smart Connection Combo

Connecting La Fortuna to San Jose or Puerto Viejo

One of the best tour packages in Costa Rica! This smart connection combines 2 of the best adventures in Costa Rica into one money saving deal. You will spend 2 nights in the remote village of Tortuguero exploring the serene canals. Then one wild day rafting the Pacuare River. Best of all, it connects you to the big city of San Jose or to Puerto Viejo and the beaches of the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica!









Smart Connection Tours Puerto Viejo & Southern Caribbean Coast
Class III/IV White Water Rafting Pacuare River Smart Connection
Class III/IV White Water Rafting Pacuare River Smart Connection

Connecting Puerto Viejo to La Fortuna or San Jose

We invite you to come see for yourself why rafting the Pacuare River is one of the top things to do in Costa Rica. Spend the day challenging yourself rafting the class III/IV rapids on the Pacuare River and its stunning Huacas canyon. Enjoy a tasty lunch riverside, then head to your final destination of the day, San Jose in the heart of the valley or La Fortuna with its amazing hot springs and majestic Arenal Volcano

Tortuguero Overnight Smart Connection (2 or 3 Day Expedition)
Tortuguero Overnight Smart Connection (2 or 3 Day Expedition)

Connecting Puerto Viejo to La Fortuna to San Jose
Aside from the abundance of wildlife in Tortuguero, the star of the show is the sea turtles that come out at night. So it only makes sense to book an overnight tour to Tortuguero, or maybe even stay for 2! Our Tortuguero Smart Connection includes a guided tour of the canals, lodging, meals and best of all continuing transportation to San Jose in the heart of the valley or La Fortuna and the soothing hot springs and Arenal Volcano! The Tortuguero overnight tour is one of the best deals in Costa Rica!

Pacuare River Rafting Overnight Smart Connection
Pacuare River Rafting Overnight Smart Connection

Connecting Puerto Viejo to La Fortuna to San Jose
Hands down, the best way to travel through Costa Rica is the Pacuare Paddle & Hike 2 Day Expedition! This river rafting adventure is perfect for those thrill seekers who are looking to test their paddling and hiking skills on the premiere whitewater rafting river of Costa Rica, the Pacuare River. Best of all, this smart connection can drop you at your next destination of either the capital city of San Jose or La Fortuna and the beautiful Arenal Volcano and hot springs!

Tortuguero Overnight + Pacuare River Rafting Smart Connection Combo
Tortuguero Overnight + Pacuare River Rafting Smart Connection Combo

Connecting Puerto Viejo to La Fortuna or San Jose

One of the best tour packages in Costa Rica! This smart connection combines 2 of the best adventures in Costa Rica into one money saving deal. You will spend 2 nights in the remote village of Tortuguero exploring the serene canals. Then one wild day rafting the Pacuare River. Best of all, it connects you to the big city of San Jose or to the soothing hot springs and gorgeous Arenal Volcano.









Smart Connection Tours Jaco
Tarcoles River Crocodile Safari Smart Connection
Tarcoles River Crocodile Safari Smart Connection

Connecting Jaco to La Fortuna & Arenal
If you are visiting the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, you MUST see the gigantic crocodiles in the Tarcoles River. Located just North of Jaco, this Safari style boat tour is great for the whole family and the perfect way to break up the long drive between Jaco & La Fortuna. The photo ops are incredible here. Aside from the gigantic crocodiles, you can spot several species of birds like herons, osprey, spoonbills, cormorants and even the stunning scarlet macaws!









Vista Los Suenos Adventure Park Smart Connection
Vista Los Suenos Adventure Park Smart Connection

Connecting Jaco to San Jose or Manuel Antonio
Located in Herradura in the lush rainforest of Costa Rica's Central Pacific, you will find Vista Los Sueños, Costa Rica's #1 Adventure Park. Choose from a muddy ATV or Buggy adventure, a serene horseback ride to a waterfall, zipline cable in the rainforest canopy, tasting your way through a cultural chocolate tour, or even take a surf lesson. Connecting Jaco to San Jose in the city, or Manuel Antonio beaches, Vista Los Sueños Adventure Park Smart Connection is a great way to travel for the entire family!

Tortuga Island Boat Tour From Jaco Smart Connection
Tortuga Island Boat Tour From Jaco Smart Connection

Connecting Jaco to San Jose

Need to head back to San Jose to catch your flight back home? Why just get an airport transfer when you can spend the day at one of Costa Rica’s hottest tourist destinations, Tortuga Island, along the way. Pack your bags and depart Jaco, enjoy and all-inclusive beach break at Tortuga Island, then get dropped off at your hotel in San Jose after the tour. So much more fun than spending the day in the car. And a great deal too!!

Smart Connection Tours Manuel Antonio
Tarcoles River Crocodile Safari Smart Connection
Tarcoles River Crocodile Safari Smart Connection

Connecting Manuel Antonio to La Fortuna & Arenal
If you are visiting the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, you MUST see the gigantic crocodiles in the Tarcoles River. Located just North of Jaco, this Safari style boat tour is great for the whole family and the perfect way to break up the long drive between Manuel Antonio & La Fortuna. The photo ops are incredible here. Aside from the gigantic crocodiles, you can spot several species of birds like herons, osprey, spoonbills, cormorants and even the stunning scarlet macaws!









Balsa River II/III River Rafting Smart Connection
Balsa River II/III River Rafting Smart Connection

Connecting Manuel Antonio to La Fortuna
You may be realizing that rafting is one of the top things to do in Costa Rica in general. But why rafting? Is it really that safe? The Balsa River's class II/III rapids are perfect for first timers and families with children as young as 8 years old. And if you are looking for the best way to keep the family happy while traveling cross country, the Balsa River smart connection is the perfect solution. Parent of the year anyone? Best way to travel from the beaches of Manuel Antonio to the Hot Springs of Arenal.

Sarapiqui River III-IV White Water Rafting Smart Connection
Sarapiqui River III-IV White Water Rafting Smart Connection

Connecting Manuel Antonio to La Fortuna
Smart connections are arguably one of the best deals in Costa Rica. So it is no wonder that our Rafting Sarapiqui River is one of our most popular tours for those staying in La Fortuna or Arenal and looking to get back to San Jose to catch their flights. Pack up, spend a day rafting on the Sarapiqui, then use the onward transportation to travel between the beaches of Manuel Antonio to the hot springs surrounding the Arenal Volcano.

Vista Los Suenos Adventure Park Smart Connection
Vista Los Suenos Adventure Park Smart Connection

Connecting Manuel Antonio to San Jose or Jaco
Located in Herradura in the lush rainforest of Costa Rica's Central Pacific, you will find Vista Los Sueños. Costa Rica's #1 Adventure Park! Choose from a muddy ATV or Buggy adventure, a serene horseback ride to a waterfall, zipline cable in the rainforest canopy, tasting your way through a cultural chocolate tour, or even take a surf lesson. Connecting Manuel Antonio to Jaco or even as far as San Jose, Vista Los Sueños Adventure Park Smart Connection is a great way to travel for the entire family!

Smart Connection Tours Guanacaste
Arenal Lake Drive & Puma Rescue Center Guanacaste Smart Connection
Arenal Lake Drive & Puma Rescue Center Guanacaste Smart Connection

Connecting Guanacaste (Liberia, Papagayo & Tamarindo) to La Fortuna & Arenal
Departing Guanacaste, we will make our way to the Los Pumas Rescue Center. Here you can get close up to several different animal species who have been rescued and brought there to rehabilitate in a safe environment before they are released back into the wild. No trip to Costa Rica would be complete without a visit to one of the many rescue centers. And with the stunning views scenic drive around Lake Arenal and the Tilaran mountain range, you cannot beat this smart connection to La Fortuna.









Costa Rica Adventure Shuttles
San Jose to Bocas del Toro Panama Adventure Shuttle
San Jose to Bocas del Toro Panama Adventure Shuttle

Caribe Shuttle Connecting San Jose to Bocas del Toro, Panama (vice versa)
Departing daily at 6am, the shuttle takes you out of San Jose on the highway through the Braulio Carrillo National Park and over to the Caribbean side of Costa Rica. Here you will stop for lunch and a stretch break in Puerto Viejo. From there you will go to the Sixaola - Guabito border. Here your guide will help you cross into Panama and your transportation waiting on the other side to take you to Almirante. Here you will board a water taxi that will take you to your final destination, Bocas del Toro Panama. Hassle free shuttle service!

La Fortuna to Bocas del Toro Panama Adventure Shuttle
La Fortuna to Bocas del Toro Panama Adventure Shuttle

Caribe Shuttle Connecting La Fortuna to Bocas del Toro, Panama (vice versa)
Departing daily at 6am, the shuttle takes you out of San Jose on the highway through the Braulio Carrillo National Park and over to the Caribbean side of Costa Rica. Here you will stop for lunch and a stretch break in Puerto Viejo. From there you will go to the Sixaola - Guabito border. Here your guide will help you cross into Panama and your transportation waiting on the other side to take you to Almirante. Here you will board a water taxi that will take you to your final destination, Bocas del Toro Panama. Hassle free shuttle service!









Puerto Viejo to Bocas Del Toro Panama Adventure Shuttle
Puerto Viejo to Bocas Del Toro Panama Adventure Shuttle

Caribe Shuttle Connecting Puerto Viejo to Bocas del Toro, Panama (vice versa)
This shuttle includes, pick up at your hotel in Cahuita, Puerto Viejo or other beach towns on the Caribbean coast, a guide to help you cross the border, van transportation on the mainland in Panama, and boat transportation to Isla Colon in the heart of Bocas Town. Departures at 7:30 am & 12 noon so you can get to Bocas in time for lunch, or sleep in and make your way in time for an afternoon cocktail on one of the many decks built out over the crystal clear Caribe.

Tortuguero Adventure Shuttles
Tortuguero Adventure Shuttles

Land & Water Transportation to/from Tortuguero to/from San Jose, La Fortuna & Puerto Viejo
Booked a night or two in the remote destination and looking for an economical way to get there? Departing San Jose, La Fortuna and Puerto Viejo, our Tortuguero shuttles are the perfect choice! Shuttles to Tortuguero depart daily at 6 am. Shuttles include transportation to most hotels in Tortuguero on the main canal and a stop for breakfast along the way. Return shuttles leave at noon daily and can bring you to Puerto Viejo, San Jose or La Fortuna by 5pm in time for dinner!

Guanacaste to San Juan Del Sur Adventure Shuttle
Guanacaste to San Juan Del Sur Adventure Shuttle

Border Crossing Shuttle from Liberia or Tamarindo to San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua (vice versa)
Departing Liberia or Tamarindo, this adventure shuttle makes it easy and affordable to extend your vacation into Nicaragua. Depending the departure location, the trip is between 3 to 4 hours, meaning you can be in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua just in time for lunch! And best of all, our Caribe Shuttle staff with help you navigate the border crossing with ease. Hassle free border crossing is our specialty after all.









The Costa Rica Tour Site

We are here to assist you!!! Our team visits these countries often to be sure that we bring you the most current and updated information on accommodations, activities, restaurants and more.

the real deal tours

Contacts

  • The Costa Rica Tour Site

  • TOLL FREE +1-866 321-0497

  • WITHIN COSTA RICA 4000-1886

  • WORLD WIDE +1-210-858-6640

  • Email: info@thecostaricatoursite.com

  • www.TheCostaRicaTourSite.com