Top Things to Do in San Carlos
Things to Do in San Carlos
- Traveler favoritesThings to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
- Traveler rankingHighest rated attractions on Tripadvisor, based on traveler reviews.
Category types
Types of Attractions
Traveler rating
Good for
14 places sorted by traveler favorites
Amusement & Theme Parks
Nature & Wildlife Areas
Thermal Spas
Multi-day Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours
Cultural Tours • Canyoning & Rappelling Tours
What travelers are saying
- Elena FChicago, IL97 contributionsI simply loved this walking. It was very peaceful and easy to do (I'm afraid of heights, but in the end, I was so happy to stay on the bridge and see the amazing nature around me). The jungle is amazing.Written 13 January 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Greg TSalt Lake City, UT9 contributionsLove Costarican style home cooking, saw how they make cheese, the waterfall was really nice. The people are so friendly.Written 5 October 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- robertjb988Avenal84 contributionsFor people who love aviation history this is a must to see. The exhibits are real. It starts with early aviation history displays to modern ones. It is a very interesting place to take the whole family.Written 28 July 2017This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Denise S12 contributionsA bit of a trek down to the hot springs, but oh so worth the effort! Beautiful surroundings, helpful, friendly staff and a variety of pools to choose from. Beverages are readily available and delivered poolside.Written 1 October 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- dlhsandiegoSan Diego, CA69 contributionsMy travel friend and I wanted to check this place out after two days of local exciting adventures. Our instinct was correct! Very nice to sit in the various temperatures of pools and just relax. We went a bout 3 in the afternoon which was perfect as we stayed until past sunset. The pools are various temps and get higher as you walk up the path.
This is not natural but a man made environment. It was still lovely and very clean and casual. We had a day pass with a meal that was buffet style. It was mediocre but you do sit next to a waterfall so who cares? We didn't get to check out the other thermal springs in the area so cannot compare but it's fun and relaxing so I recommend it.Written 21 September 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Andres-PGHeredia, Costa Rica128 contributionsThe place seems not to be finshed with its construction part yet however it looks decent... My complaint about this place was not even the construction part but the service, my first disappointment was when I notice you can’t pay at the bar for your beverages, you need to walk to the reception and buy some chips you can exchange at the bar, this is too much hassle and an incovenience to the customers... We should be able to buy and pay for what you want to drink at the bar... My second inconvenience was when I went the get the chips, the staff was seated at one of the tables they have there, the employee in duty looked at me and asked me what I wanted instead of stading up and coming by to see what the customer needed... Right after I told her I needed to buy some “bar chips” she looked at me like saying: “Are you kidding me?” And made me wait for a few minutes... I finally got my chips and went to get my kid his soda and drink to my wife and me. My last disappointment was the music too loud playing “regueton”... Music should be kind of relaxing in a hot spring place, or at least one of the pools area should be kept with no noise, in case somebody wants to rest... To be honest, I don’t think I would ever come back to this place againWritten 22 April 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Stephanie1 contributionReally enjoyed coming to this butterfly garden.
I learned a lot and enjoyed the beautiful scenery. I definitely recommend if passing through to stop by and experience it yourself.Written 19 January 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - CdnUkPlatLondon, UK94 contributionsWould highly recommend as a half day-trip from La Fortuna. Only 15min drive (we caught an Uber) away.
A great cultural experience with an enjoyable lunch and gorgeous views. Kids loved it (got to try out the dancing themselves) as we explored the gardens, and made sugar cane juice and fresh tortillas.
A solid local lunch with gorgeous views over the entire region. Was very relaxing, interesting to do, and definitely a break from some of the adrenaline activities here.
The family were extremely nice and welcoming, and were able to do the visit in either Spanish or English.Written 22 February 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Charlotte PShelton, CT6 contributionsOur hotel arranged for a well informed young man named, Jaime who accompanied us on the combination tour of the "hanging bridges" and volcanoe hike. He was so knowledgeable and really made our trip very worthwhile. He noticed everything in the rainforest and gave us a great education about the animals, plants and Costa Rican life!Written 23 March 2013This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Rico S1 contributionVisited with a couple of friends based on a friends recommendation who had been here last year. We walked down to the the river and I thought… oh look another river however as we went up stream and rounded the river bends I was MINDNBLOWN 😱🤯🤯🤯 with the beauty, colors and the sheer breathtaking view of the Majestic Rio Vieja. The surprise at the end of the hike was worth every step of the trek.
The views are to die for and literally untouched. This spot is a precious site that must be cared for to prevent a flood of tourists!!! Wagner was an AMAZING GUIDE!!! I would totally come back to Costa Rica todo this hike again!!!!! Pura Vida Hermanos and Pura Vida La Ciudad Esmeralda!!Written 27 March 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - MinisticgirlChelmsford, Canada72 contributionsJose not only chauffeured us to and from the tour, he also expertly guided us in the most beautiful trail in his yard and also hosted us for a delicious authentic meal. I highly recommend this excursion. Hearing all the sounds emanating from the jungle was an experience I will never forget. In addition to spectacular vegetation and frogs, we also spied sloths, caymans and exotic birds. Love that this tour company is owned and operated by a lovely Costa Rican family.Written 18 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about San Carlos
- The top attractions to visit in San Carlos are:
- Puentes Colgantes del Arenal
- Comunidad Agroecologica Juanilama
- Mariposario Alas del Destino
- Termales Agua hermosa
- Hiller Aviation Museum
- The best outdoor activities in San Carlos according to Tripadvisor travelers are: See all outdoor activities in San Carlos on Tripadvisor
San Carlos Attractions Information
| Attractions | 14 |
|---|---|
| Attraction Reviews | 316 |
| Attraction Photos | 378 |
| Local Time | Sunday 2:16 am |