Day tripsCountriesCosta RicaLimonLimon to Sarapiqui and La Fortuna: Private day trip

Limon to Sarapiqui and La Fortuna: Private day trip

Scenic view of Limon - private day trip from Limon - photo 1
Scenic view of Limon - private day trip from Limon - photo 2
Scenic view of Limon - private day trip from Limon - photo 3
Scenic view of Limon - private day trip from Limon - photo 4
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Private ride with a local driver

10h 45m
Round trip
Private driver
Trusted by 2+ million happy travelers across 120 countries
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Reviews

About your trip

Journey northwest through one of Costa Rica's premier wildlife corridors to experience pristine rainforest research stations and see one of the country's most active volcanoes. Discover biological diversity and geothermal wonders while learning about conservation science, with your professional driver navigating through protected forest reserves while you anticipate encounters with tropical wildlife and volcanic landscapes.
Exclusively yours: private vehicle and professional driver
Discover local insights you won't find in guidebooks
Experience the freedom to explore at your own speed
Perfectly planned for families, friends, or solo travelers
From €109
Private group ride
per person
Select date and travelers
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your pickup time.
For a group of 1-3 travelersTotal€328

What to expect

Your day trip begins wherever you are

Meet our professional driver right where you prefer in Limon whenever suits you best. No time wasted getting to the pickup point, grab your bag and start your trip right away.

Discover more with local expertise

Your driver’s local insights will set the tone for your day trip. A hidden cafĆ© here, a must-try restaurant there; insider tips you’ll love sharing later. This isn’t a guided tour but your ride will be rich with stories and discoveries along the way. And throughout the day, your driver will be available for you as needed, ready to assist, happy to help, making your trip stress-free.

Explore at your own pace

Your Daytrip driver will meet you at your accommodation in Limon and transport you safely to Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui and then onwards to La Fortuna, allowing you to explore Costa Rica's rainforest research hub and famous volcano destination, showcasing biodiversity conservation and geological wonders.

Perfect for any private group

Whether you're traveling solo, as a family with kids, or as a large group, this service is tailored for your comfort and flexibility. It's the ideal option especially if you have limited time or a busy schedule.

Good to know

  • Two-way private car transfer
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Personalized pickup and drop-off
  • Professional English-speaking driver
  • Complimentary bottled water
  • Free cancellation 24 hours before departure
  • Entry/Admission tickets to paid attractions Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui and La Fortuna should be purchased separately unless specified otherwise
  • Meals, snacks, and gratuity are not included
From €109
Private group ride
per person
Select date and travelers
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your pickup time.
For a group of 1-3 travelersTotal€328

Your trip at a glance

Your trip at a glance

Start in Limon
You choose the pickup spot.
1
Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui
Feel free to explore at your own pace and discover
Stop: 2 h 30 min - admission not included
Itinerary stop at Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui on private day trip from Limon
Itinerary stop at Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui on private day trip from Limon
Itinerary stop at Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui on private day trip from Limon
Itinerary stop at Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui on private day trip from Limon

Explore Costa Rica's most important rainforest research corridor, where international scientists study tropical ecology and conservation strategies in pristine wilderness areas.

Main attractions

  • La Selva biological research stations, home to incredible international scientific research projects, offering immersive experiences and guided hikes
  • Wildlife such as howler monkeys, toucans, and other vibrant tropical creatures
  • Boat trips or whitewater rafting along the Sarapiqui River to see caimans and river otters
  • Tirimbina Rainforest Center, featuring hanging bridges and chocolate tours

Take note

  • Bring sturdy hiking shoes, sun and insect protection, and plenty of water and snacks
  • Certain adventure excursions, like rafting and ziplining, can be booked in advance through local guide companies
2
La Fortuna
Feel free to explore at your own pace and discover
Stop: 1 h 30 min - admission not included
Itinerary stop at La Fortuna on private day trip from Limon
Itinerary stop at La Fortuna on private day trip from Limon
Itinerary stop at La Fortuna on private day trip from Limon
Itinerary stop at La Fortuna on private day trip from Limon
Itinerary stop at La Fortuna on private day trip from Limon
Itinerary stop at La Fortuna on private day trip from Limon

Discover one of Costa Rica's most famous geological wonders where Arenal Volcano creates dramatic landscapes of lava flows, hot springs, and pristine crater lakes. The jungle surrounding Arenal is also teeming with wildlife, making La Fortuna the perfect stop for nature enthusiasts.

Main attractions

  • La Fortuna Waterfall, a 230-foot cascade tumbling into a natural swimming pool, surrounded by wildlife
  • Guided hikes along the Bogarin Trail to spot sloths, frogs, or tropical birds
  • Relaxing in steaming hot springs near El Choyin, sometimes visited by birds and butterflies

Take note

  • Those hiking should bring sturdy hiking shoes, sun and insect protection, and plenty of water and snacks
  • Book guided hikes in advance for the best experience
Back to Limon
We’ll take you back to your starting point.
Duration of the stops can be changed upon request after booking
Have questions or need help?Contact our Customer Support. We are available 24/7

Daytrip is loved all around the world. Here's why.

5.0
5176 reviewson Tripadvisor
or
4.9
991 reviewson Trustpilot

Know more about your day trip

Yes, La Fortuna sits at the base of Arenal Volcano, and on clear days the near-perfect cone is visible from town and surrounding viewpoints. Cloud cover is common in the afternoon, so morning arrivals tend to offer the best views. While the volcano is currently in a resting phase, the surrounding landscape of lava fields, hot springs, and crater lake is still stunning.
The full route from Limon to Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui and onward to La Fortuna covers roughly 175 miles (280 km) one way, with combined driving time of about 5 hours depending on traffic and weather. The journey climbs from the Caribbean coast through banana plantations and rainforest into the volcanic northern lowlands, so an early start is recommended.
Yes, with around 90 minutes scheduled in La Fortuna, fit travelers can squeeze in a visit to La Fortuna Waterfall, which involves descending around 500 steps to the base of the 230-foot cascade. Allow about 90 minutes round trip for the hike and a swim. If you prefer a relaxed pace, focus on the volcano viewpoints and hot springs instead.
Yes, the round trip totals nearly 11 hours, making it a full day on the road. Travelers staying in Limon who want to experience both rainforest research stations and Costa Rica's most famous volcano in a single outing find the journey rewarding. Pack snacks, charge your devices, and use the drive time to relax and watch the changing landscapes through the window.
Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui is a hub for rainforest research and ecotourism. Travelers can join guided hikes at La Selva Biological Station, walk hanging bridges at Tirimbina Rainforest Center, or take a chocolate tour. The Sarapiqui River offers boat trips with caiman and river otter sightings, plus whitewater rafting for thrill seekers. Wildlife including howler monkeys, toucans, and poison dart frogs is easy to spot here.
Bring sturdy closed-toe hiking shoes, lightweight quick-dry clothing, a rain jacket, swimwear for hot springs or waterfalls, and a small daypack. Insect repellent with DEET, sun protection, and a refillable water bottle are essential. A waterproof phone case or dry bag is useful, and binoculars greatly improve wildlife spotting on rainforest trails.
The drive crosses some of Costa Rica's richest wildlife corridors. In Sarapiqui, look for howler and white-faced monkeys, sloths, toucans, eyelash vipers, and dazzling tropical butterflies. Around La Fortuna, the Bogarin Trail is famous for sloths, while the Arenal area hosts coatis, agoutis, and over 800 bird species. Bring binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens for the best chances.
The drier months from late December through April offer the most reliable weather and clearest volcano views. The green season from May to November brings frequent afternoon showers but also lush scenery, fewer crowds, and better waterfall flow. Whichever season you pick, leave early in the morning to maximize daylight at both stops and beat the afternoon clouds around Arenal.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions, here are the answers.
Day tripsCountriesCosta RicaLimonLimon to Sarapiqui and La Fortuna: Private day trip