Top Things to do in Santa Cruz
What to do and see in Santa Cruz, Costa Rica: The Best Places and Tips
Santa Cruz sizzles with culture and energy. The historic city is considered an epicenter of Costa Rican folklore, and is a magnet for those interested in experiencing traditional food, music, dance and festivals. The month of July is especially busy with local festivals, and Santa Cruz’s notorious annual rodeo takes place in January.
Restaurants in Santa Cruz
1. Avellanas Surf School
2. Casagua Horses Tours
Overall Ratings
5 based on 128 reviews
The Best Horseback Riding! Casagua Horses Tours at the Painted Pony Guest Ranch, a complete Equestrian Center providing high quality horseback riding tours lessons,and training, is just minutes from Tamarindo and Flamingo Beaches on Route 155. Ride comfortable, well trained horses with professional bi-lingual guides. Favorite tours include the Old Spanish Trail,Forest to Sea, Natural History Tour, the popular Cantina Tour & local fiestas and Topes. Experience a real taste of Guanacaste's famous horse culture. GPS N10.35186 W85.72683
Reviewed By Marsonnay D - Rochester
First, I was incredibly impressed with the obvious care and respect that the owners and employees have for the horses. I've gone on several equestrian holidays in the US and Europe and my number one requirement is that the horses are healthy and happy. Well, there is no doubt about that here!
The guide I went with had great knowledge of the horses (that he personally trained) and the local culture and eco-system.
I highly recommend and would absolutely go back!
3. Pura Aventura
Overall Ratings
5 based on 668 reviews
Zip lining, horseback riding and mountain biking in a gorgeous 1.400 acres of natural resources..... Primary and secondary forest, rivers, Waterfalls, lagoons, pastures and ocean views... Monkeys, iguanas, birds, butterflies are some of the animals you might seeGreat and safe zip lining with 11 cables, an hanging bridge and a rappel , fly above the trees top for over 2km, longest cable 560meters.Ride our beautiful, strong and well tamed horses in a working ranch, different options including cows herding....Go for a ride on our mountain bikes, 13km trail mostly downhill.
Reviewed By madjack247 - ojai
We were all impressed with this company. The 4 young men who ran the zip line were very professional. Their equipment looked to be in top condition. Never did I feel fearful of falling to the forest floor. They had 11 ziplines, Though I was...MoreThank you so much for choosing us and for taking the time to write the review. Our guides love their job and safety is always first for us!
4. Pinilla Canopy Tour
Overall Ratings
5 based on 328 reviews
A trip through the Tropical Dry Forest with 8 ZIP LINES and 10 platforms suspended in trees, more a Hanging Bridge, Tarzan swing and a control free fall (Bongee Jump). Certified bilingual guides, cold water, fruit snack and round trip transportation, Near Tamarindo. On parle aussi Français. Let' Fly... and have fun!!
Reviewed By kswtx - Lufkin
I had zip lined once before somewhere else a few years ago and had a terrible experience, so when my husband convinced me to try zip lining again, I agreed because he loves it, but I was terrified. However, after my experience at Pinilla Canopy Tour, I may be a zip line addict--I LOVE it now! It would not be possible had the guides not been so amazing. I let them know about my terror of zip lining and they made it really fun--and funny! I even zipped upside down! I thank them so much for helping me overcome my fear. I can't wait to go back. I may be a "frequent flyer" now!
5. TPV Costa Rica
Overall Ratings
5 based on 159 reviews
We offer Private All-Inclusive Vacations, Tours, Lessons, or excursions such as: Zip-lining Rappelling Mountain Biking Horseback riding River rafting Surfing Kayaking Sailboat/Catamaran Sunset Cruise Inshore and deep sea fishing Full and half day Beach hopping Stand up Paddle Boarding SUP Riverboat Animal tour Monkey Refuge Tour Scuba Diving Snorkeling Dinner cruise History tour Coffee tour and More!! Vacation planning, lodging options, tours and taxi service. We do airport pick-up's and drop off's and are very reliable.
Reviewed By A TripAdvisor Member
We booked our airport transfers and Riverboat Tour with Sheri prior to arriving in Costa Rica. Doug was our driver/tour guide and he was fantastic. His knowledge of the flora, fauna and history of CR was impressive. You helped make our vacation an awesome one....MoreThank you very much for your great review. It was a pleasure sharing Costa Rica with you! I will keep learning and look forward to sharing new facts with you on your next trip !! Thank you again.
6. El Viejo Wetlands
Overall Ratings
5 based on 114 reviews
Reviewed By bigaps - Atlanta, Georgia
We took a long bus ride on tour from the JWMarriott to do the river safari, which was excellent. There is a lot of wildlife to see close up including lots of birds and crocodiles of varying sizes. We also stopped here for lunch which was quite good. There are some closer river Safaris to the Hotel, so check out options but definitely take one of them.
7. Pablo Surf School
Overall Ratings
5 based on 189 reviews
Pablo offers lessons fol children starting at five years old to adults all ages ,individual or groups, with free transfer. Be inspired and make your experience in Costa Rica like no other.
Reviewed By esySF - San Francisco, California
We are beginners and Pablo was patient with us. After a short training on the beach, we got right in. He definitely knows the water and the waves and both of us were able to get up on he board. He’s such a nice guy...MoreGracias see you again.. Thanks
8. ConchalFun
Overall Ratings
5 based on 367 reviews
Welcome to Costa Rica's most beautiful beach!!! I randomly found this beach 7 years ago and never left, let me show you the ins and outs; I promise it will become your favourite beach as well. My team and I offer customized boat trips, we have seen it all during many years of fantastic trips so please feel free to ask how we can personalize your adventure. Fishing is big in our area and my captain has many records here. Snorkelling snorkelling and more snorkelling!!! we will show our secret spots.
Reviewed By daveWoodlandHills - woodland hills, ca
We arrived to Costa Rica poorly prepared for activities and the ones offered at the Westin were way overpriced and nothing special. Talking to a nice couple at the pool, they starting raving about a guide named Andrei. So we called him up, met him at the beach so he can get to know us, which sounded a little odd, but ok we did and so glad that happened! Andrei asked all the right questions to find out everything we liked and disliked and planned a week full of fun. Not only was it planned perfectly, he was kind enough to provide the tours himself!. We were able to experience a local bull riding event which was great, zip lining, horseback riding and much much more.
My family and i have been fortunate enough to travel many, many countries and taken many tours as well and can clearly say, Andrei has been the best.
You will find Andrei very personable and i consider him a personal friend now!
I have not mentioned one of his drivers/tour guides Raphael who is just as good and friendly as well :) Thank you so much Andrei and Raphael for the amazing time you shown us in such a beautiful country.
9. Playa Avellana
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 946 reviews
Reviewed By carlos8713
White sand and very quiet. You can chill under a tree all day!!! It has also a parking lot to leave your car wile you enjoy the beach. Great for surfers and people in general that enjoy nature.
10. Diria Coffee Tour
Overall Ratings
5 based on 75 reviews
During the visit of our cooperative (coopepilangosta). You will discover all the process from the coffee seed to the ground coffee. The history of coffee in Costa Rica as well as the faitrade market developed in the country will also be explained. of course coffee tasting is part of the tour !!! tour available in Spanish, English and French and available for individuals.Tour times are: 9:30 am, 11:00, 1:30 and 3:00 pm, for reservation Saturdays and Sundays only work with Reservation.
Reviewed By zipit80 - Boise, Idaho
Booked a whole day tour with Kiki's private tours. Kiki took us here. Way up in the jungle. Completely different climate from the beach towns. This tour was so interesting and we learned so much about the hole coffee process from start to finish. The pride the works have is amazing. Spent a total of 2 hours. Was not rushed and answered all our questions. Bought 4 one pound bag of coffee for $20 and it taste so good. Definitely recommend.
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