Jungle River Cruise and coffee tour
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 8 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Jungle River Cruise and coffee tour worth booking?
Jungle River Cruise and coffee tour is a 8-hour experience in Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica, from $210 per person. It scores 66 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 8 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 66 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (8)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $210 per person
Over 25% of Costa Rica is protected land, and we are taking you right into the heart of it! Our #1 top-rated wildlife tour of the past decade now has an exciting new addition: an incredible river safari through the spectacular Hacienda El Viejo Wetlands. Hop aboard as we cruise along the Tempisque River on a journey to spot wild monkeys, giant crocodiles, iguanas, and exotic tropical birds in their natural habitat. After building up an appetite, enjoy a delicious traditional Costa Rican lunch served at their historic 150-year-old Casona. Next, we will visit Beneficio Matambú, the proud home of Diriá Coffee. Here, you will discover the fascinating process behind local coffee production and learn how the facility eco-friendly manages its solid and liquid waste. Naturally, the visit concludes with a tasting of their exquisite, locally brewed Diriá Coffee.
What you get
About this experience
Over 25% of Costa Rica is protected land, and we are taking you right into the heart of it! Our #1 top-rated wildlife tour of the past decade now has an exciting new addition: an incredible river safari through the spectacular Hacienda El Viejo Wetlands. Hop aboard as we cruise along the Tempisque River on a journey to spot wild monkeys, giant crocodiles, iguanas, and exotic tropical birds in their natural habitat. After building up an appetite, enjoy a delicious traditional Costa Rican lunch served at their historic 150-year-old Casona. Next, we will visit Beneficio Matambú, the proud home of Diriá Coffee. Here, you will discover the fascinating process behind local coffee production and learn how the facility eco-friendly manages its solid and liquid waste. Naturally, the visit concludes with a tasting of their exquisite, locally brewed Diriá Coffee.
What's included
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- National Park fees
- Transport by air-conditioned minivan
Not included
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Hacienda El Viejo Wetlands
25% of CR is on protected areas. The #1 tour of the last ten years just got a special twist! The whole purpose of this tour is to spot monkeys and other wildlife, like birds, crocs, iguanas and a lot more, while you cruise down the Tempisque River. Finally, you can’t go home without some local souvenirs, so we will stop at a unique, hometown local shop.
120 minutes here · Admission included
After lunch, we will visit The Beneficio Matambú home of the Diriá Coffee, where you can learn about the different processes of coffee production in the area and the treatment of solid and liquid wastes. The day will not be complete without a taste of the exquisite Diriá Coffee.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Tue, Thu
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Central American Tours
Know before you go
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please wear short, T- shirt, tennis shoes.
- Please bring: Sunscreen, hat, mosquito repellent, camera
- Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there is not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 8 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
8 verified traveler reviews for Jungle River Cruise and coffee tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
GREAT COMPANY - GREAT GUIDE - LOVE FOR LOCALS
Franko was an incredible guide and surpassed our expectations. His personality is exactly what we would want in a guide. We spent nearly 9 hours together and he not only gave us time to ourselves but was so knowledgeable and passionate about his country we talked for hours and he answered every question we had. He focused on things we were interested in and stopped along the way to ensure we got to learn unique things about the country and nature around us. He seemed to know everybody and had such a positive relationship with any person we ran into throughout the day. I don't think we could have asked for more. Franko even made sure my medical needs were met whether we needed to make extra stops or rest. He was simply wonderful. Our driver Mauricio was fantastic in his own way. I didn't think you could ask for more than just a safe and knowledgeable driver, but he took very special care of his vehicle even making sure it was cleaned before we got back into it after a tour. I mean 'wiping the dirt from the floors where we sat' clean. The tours were very special knowing that we were supporting local families and business, so this was just the icing on the cake. It was the perfect way to experience Costa Rica and we not knowing the areas, felt safe the entire time. We had a river boat tour where (as usual) Franko seemed very close to the captain. There was even another tour guide from a different company there and NO COMPARISON to our Franko with CA Tours. He had no passion for what he was doing and have very little to no information. Most of the other people on our boat (not with Franko started asking him questions. We knew we had the best. Our lunch at a local ranch was DELICIOUS. We are self-proclaimed foodies and truly loved the lunch we had. The pottery available at the ranch was lovely and while you could tell the young man teaching us about the process was trying to sell us, it was still a lovely experience and we wanted local crafts anyhow. The whole family was so sweet. Closing out our day, we completed the coffee tour. If you enjoy learning, this is definitely a tour for you. My husband loves coffee, I love learning new things so it was the perfect combination for us. Dennis led the tour but also serves the company as quality assurance, tasting the coffee. It was wonderful hearing everything he had to say about the process and really understanding how to taste coffee. I'm close to saying I like coffee but have a TRUE aappreciation for it now. We feel so lucky to have had such an incredible day and will book with CA Tours and ask for Mauricio and Franko next time we are in Costa Rica.
via Tripadvisor
Crocs and Caffeine
Thanks to our boat driver and our guide Franko The Jungle River Cruise was so cool!! I nicknamed our boat driver Eagle Eyes. He would spot animals for us and then he and Franko would point them out so we could snap photos: crocodiles, howler monkeys, capuchin monkeys, and long nosed bats! Great experience!! Dennis, the coffee taster at Diria coffee gave a fantastic tour!! My wife and I have such a better appreciation for coffee now. Theres so much that goes into bringing you your daily Cup of Joe that we never knew. Definitely recommend the coffee tour for any caffeine addict!
via Viator
Great experience on the jungle cruise
We had a wonderful time on the jungle cruise. We saw more than 30 crocodiles, white face monkeys up close and a ton of birds. The kids even got to drive the boat. The coffee tour was also good to see the full process from fruit to cup of coffee.
Response from the operator: Azure, Thank you for choosing Costa Rica for your vacation and thank you for your review! Im glad you had a wonderful day in Costa Rica and hope you come back to our beautiful country
via Viator
Good Tour
Nature tour was fun. The river is full of crocodiles. But the highlight was absolutely the coffee tour.
via Viator
Palo Verde & Coffee Tour
My wife and I had our first visit to Costa Rica in January. This tour gave us an opportunity to see a beautiful Park and tour a coffee plantation. The trip was outstanding. The Park tour include a river tour where we saw amazing flora and fuana. The tour also included an authentic lunch that was fabulous. After lunch it was off to the coffee tour. It was more than we expected. We found out the complexity of growing and processing coffee.Our coffee tour guide Dennis was excellent. All in all a great day. We also had an excellent driver and tour from TAM , Carlos and Roberto.
Response from the operator: Thank you very much for your review! I am very glad you enjoyed your Palo Verde & Coffee Tour. We hope to have the privilege of serving you again in a near future. Jorge Taylor President / Owner
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Tue, Thu
- Price range
- $210 to $221
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 3
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Central American Tours, who run 9 experiences we rank across 4 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 64.8.
See everything Central American Tours runsWhy this scores 66
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Jungle River Cruise and coffee tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Playa Hermosa.
How much does Jungle River Cruise and coffee tour cost?
+
Prices start at $210 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Playa Hermosa usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Jungle River Cruise and coffee tour take?
+
Plan for about 8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Playa Hermosa is not rushed.
Is Jungle River Cruise and coffee tour worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 66 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 8 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Playa Hermosa, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Jungle River Cruise and coffee tour?
+
Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Jungle River Cruise and coffee tour suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Jungle River Cruise and coffee tour?
+
Around 3 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Playa Hermosa can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
+
Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Playa Hermosa and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Jungle River Cruise and coffee tour start and how do I get there?
+
The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Playa Hermosa within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Playa Hermosa?
+
On Outty we rank every Playa Hermosa experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include La Leona waterfall adventure hike half day, White Water River Rafting Class III-IV from La Fortuna-Arenal, Guachipelin Zipline, River Tubing, Horseback Ride, Hot springs & Lunch Combo. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Playa Hermosa?
+
Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Playa Hermosa?
+
Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
+
Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Jungle River Cruise and coffee tour?
+
Included: Hotel pickup and drop-off; National Park fees; and Transport by air-conditioned minivan. Not included: Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Jungle River Cruise and coffee tour include hotel pickup?
+
Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 102 listed pickup locations in and around Playa Hermosa. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Jungle River Cruise and coffee tour offered in?
+
It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Jungle River Cruise and coffee tour?
+
Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Jungle River Cruise and coffee tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
+
The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Jungle River Cruise and coffee tour if the weather is bad?
+
It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Playa Hermosa. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Jungle River Cruise and coffee tour?
+
Across 8 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Jungle River Cruise and coffee tour.
Pick your date
