Approximately pick up time: 8:00am Approximately duration: 14 hours
1) Butterfly Farm and tropical gardens 2) La Fortuna Waterfall 3) Lunch at a restaurant 4) Walking to the Arenal Volcano lava rocks 5) Tabacon Resort’s Hot Springs & Spa 6) Buffet Dinner at Tabacon Resort
It’s a lot of tour. Start out by learning about the natural history of Costa Rican butterflies such as the Blue Morpho, Monarch, Owl Butterfly, Swallow-Tail, and many more.
Get a close look at a wide variety of tropical plants and traditional organic crops. You will see close of plants including medicinal plants, spices, orchids, and more. This is a special spot for bird watchers birds.
Your tour can end here, or you can continue with a refreshing two – hour thermal hot springs visit.
Tabacon Resort is the number one attraction in Costa Rica, and considered by many as the most beautiful hot spring s in the world.
Recommendations: Hiking shoes (during the rainy season, sandals to cross the river and keep your hiking shoes dry), camera with plenty of film, bathing suit, towel, binoculars, poncho and insect repellent.
Approximately pick up time: 7:00am Approximately duration: 10 hours
We leave La Fortuna at 7 a.m. for this fascinating adventure combining a discovery of nature's magic with the chance to observe wonderful flora and fauna. The tour lasts approximately 10 hours all together and on clear days it's possible to get a view of the Arenal, Tenorio and Miravalles Volcanoes and sometimes even Lake Nicaragua.
The Celeste River zone is one of the most beautiful areas of Costa Rica. On the way we stop for a rest in a picturesque village and then continue on towards the "Rio Celeste" in the Tenorio Volcano National Park.
On arriving at the Park we set off on a 7km (approximately 4 miles) hike which passes by the River Celeste Lagoon, a great place for taking photographs.
Finally we arrive at the river itself where mother nature magically mixes the water of two crystal-clear streams, changing the water's color to a beautiful bright, light-blue (hence the name "Rio Celeste" or Light-Blue River).
The hike continues on through the mountains on rough paths into the jungle discovering an area of the volcano where gases are expelled at very high temperatures.
At the end of a steep but interesting walk down, we get to see, in all its splendor, the Rio Celeste Waterfall which is impressive not for its size but for its unique colors.
After the waterfall there is a tough hike back to the park entrance where we are served a delicious, well - deserved lunch.
Recommendations: Hiking shoes (during the rainy season, sandals to cross the river and keep your hiking shoes dry), camera with plenty of film, binoculars, poncho and insect repellent.
Approximately pick up time: 7:30am Approximately duration: 8.5 hours
Caño Negro Nature Reserve offers some of the most abundant bird watching opportunities in the world. Located near the small town of Los Chiles, it’s 3 miles from the Nicaraguan border.
The tour begins with a 90 minute drive in our air-conditioned bus through some of Costa Rica’s richest farmland.
Your expert bilingual naturalist guide will point out some of Costa Rica’s agricultural bounty, including orange groves, passion fruit, papaya, yuca, cocoa, rice, corn, beans, bananas, plantains, sugar cane and ornamental plants.
Following a 15-minute break in Los Chiles, you’ll board a comfortable covered motor launch on the Rio Frio.
All seats offer excellent viewing. Frequent sightings include three types of monkeys, bats, and two types of sloth, iguanas, “Jesus Christ” lizards, turtles, caimans, mammals and diverse species of flora and lowland birds.
The Tico-style hot lunch (typically chicken and rice, yucca, squash, fresh pineapple and a selection of drinks) is a chance to relax on the river bank. (Vegetarian food is available on request).
After lunch, back on the river for more animal viewing. After a quick break in Los Chiles, enjoy a relaxing return ride to La Fortuna.
Recommendations: Comfortable clothing, athletic shoes or sandals, binoculars, camera with plenty of film and insect repellent.
Approximately pick up time: 8:00am Approximately duration: 5 hours
Enjoy a pleasant morning of kayaking on Arenal Lake with a breath- taking view of the Arenal Volcano.
The second part of the tour includes bird watching along the lake. You may observe different species suchas: flycatchers, kingfishers, egrets, heroes, cormorants and anhinga.
Next we enter the national park. Along the wide flat trails we will see more wildlife, and hopefully watch the Howler Monkeys playing in the treetops.
You will learn about the many fascinating medicinal purposes of the rainforest plants.
Finally we get to the lava flows from 1992. Here you can wonder around on, and explore the flow.
The view is spectacular with the lake on one side of you, and the erupting volcano on the other.
Recommendations: Bathing suit or clothes that can get wet, sandals, and sun block.
Approximately pick up time: 8:00am or 1:00pm Approximately duration: 4 hours
After picking you up at your hotel, we will drive you to a local horse stable located 2 miles from Arenal Volcano where our tour guide and horses will be waiting for you to take you into the horseback riding journey towards the volcano.
While riding along the pastureland and forest, you might be able to see the northwestern flank of the Arenal Volcano and the panoramic views of the Northern Plains.
After a relaxing 1 hour horseback ride in which the riding will necessarily be at a slow pace with some moderate trotting and galloping sometimes, and while surrounding the volcano, you will visit two natural lakes, cross rivers, climb some rolling hills you will arrive at an observation look out point, only 500 meters away from the new lava flows, from here you will contemplate this wonder of nature.
While relaxing yourselves in this place, you are welcomed to enjoy the surrounding tropical rain forest which provides a breathtaking natural setting with the majestic Arenal Volcano on the background.
Recommendations: Comfortable clothes, long pants, hiking shoes, camera, binoculars, insect repellent, and rain gear during rainy days.
Approximately pick up time: 8:00am or 3:00pm Approximately duration: 4 hours
You’ll travel by minutes 25 minutes to the far west side of the Arenal Volcano to begin the tour in Arenal National Park. You’ll cross the river, and spend about 2 hours exploring the Park.
Your expert bilingual naturalist guide will find the animals, point out indigenous rain forest plants, and educate you on a few.
Frequent sightings include: monkeys, wild boars, two types of toucans, White-Nosed Coatis Oro Pendulas, Golden Eyelash Vipers, Boa Constrictors, and Great Curassows.
Your reward at the end of this trail is the path created by the 1992 lava flows.
You will have time to explore, and your guide will explain the history of this magnificent volcano. One of the day’s highlights is the spectacular hilltop view of the sunset over Arenal Lake.
After the hike, enjoy a beverage and listen to the extraordinary sounds of the volcano. And if the cloud cover is high enough, you’ll witness a dazzling display of falling lava rocks.
You’ll hear the sounds of the rain forest, to the accompaniment of frogs, toucans, insects, and thousands of lightning bugs.
Recommendations: Hiking shoes (during the rainy season, sandals to cross the river to keep your hiking shoes dry), camera with plenty of film, binoculars, poncho and insect repellent.
Approximately pick up time: 8:00am Approximately duration: 5 hours
With a moderate ranking, we offer you a mountain bike tour in one of the best-suited areas of Costa Rica: the region of Arenal Volcano with its lush vegetation and excellent views.
Our tour guide will pick you up at your hotel and then proceed to gather the rest of the group in order to initiate this lifetime adventure.
We will board our tour van that will take you to Arenal Lake surroundings with its impressive views.
Here we ill start our bike tour by riding across a country road called “The Old Trail” towards Arenal Volcano National Park and El Castillo area.
On this country road, during our expedition you will be allowed plenty of time to observe the magnificent views of Arenal Volcano.
While crossing the tropical rain forest, we will let you explore the sights and enjoy the great variety of flora and fauna found here and you will also be able to hear the sounds of nature around you.
At certain point, you will do a river crossing where you might want to take a dip into the water and then continue onto the road around Arenal Lake as we take the regional paved road leading back towards La Fortuna.
Recommendations: Biking shorts or other comfortable shorts, sneakers or tennis shoes and sunglasses.
Approximately pick up time: 6:30am Approximately duration: 10 hours
Experience the thrill of white water rafting! Full explosion of excitement.
The scenery while rafting is just marvelous. The vegetation that will surround you plus the power of the waters of the river will transport you into a great wild adventure.
The equipment will be given, and a specialized guide will instruct you on how to manage yourself into the strong currents of the river.
Recommendations: Camera, sandals, sunscreen, towel and extra clothing.
Approximately pick up time: 8:00am Approximately duration: 9 hours
From San José we will head towards the Pacific Coast through the old Spanish route of 1606.
Once we reach our destination, we will start the jungle boat tour that goes along the Tarcoles River. Our guides will introduce you to the world of crocodiles and different species of birds.
Thereafter we will arrive at one of the most beautiful protected areas, the Punta Leona Beach Resort, an exotic paradise surrounded by 750 acres of lush tropical rainforest, pristine white sand beaches and the deep blue waters of the Pacific.
The day is at leisure and you will have plenty of time to enjoy the pleasant weather as well as activities such as water sports, swimming in the crystal clear water of the sea or just relaxing by the pool. At lunch time a delicious meal will be served at one of the nearby restaurants.
As an optional activity in the afternoon we also offer a guided tour through the jungle. The tour takes approximately 1.5 hours and is a good opportunity to see animals such as amphibians, reptiles, and scorpions.
The sunset at Punta Leona is an extraordinary experience and after enjoying this spectacular natural view we start our journeys back San Jose.
Recommendations:
For the river: Hat, sunblock, insect repellent, binoculars and camera.
For the resort: Shorts or skirts, sandals, swimsuit and towel.
For the jungle (optional activity): Comfortable shoes.
Includes:
* Entrance (s) * Lunch * Boat Ride * Hotel facilities
Approximately pick up time: 7:20 am Approximately duration: 11 hours
We begin our journey driving by the monument "El Agricultor" and the Juan Santamaria International Airport.
During the drive you will begin to feel at home in Costa Rica as we enter the City of Alajuela, with the second largest population in the country.
As we continue our drive north, we begin to observe the vast difference between the construction of city homes to the ones that encompass the green countryside.
We now begin our assent to the national park where we soon will relax and enjoy an authentic cup of Costa Rican coffee accompanied by a delicious tropical breakfast.
You will feel a change in temperature and the lush vegetation becomes apparent, preparing us for the pleasures of the exuberant cloud forest of the Poás Volcano.
On a clear day the view of the main crater is admired by all visitors, its diameter is considered one of the widest in the world.
After leaving the National Park we will be able to observe some dairy farms which have become the pride of Costa Ricans, due to the quality and the rich tasting products that are currently being exported to several Latin American countries.
As we continue towards the Caribbean zone, we will stop to discover La Paz Waterfall Gardens, a Nature Park where we will walk on the truly spectacular trails that will lead us to Magia Blanca Falls (the largest and the most spectacular of the falls in the area.
After a terrific lunch we will continue to Sarapiquí and on our way we come across the La Paz Waterfall, where we take some time to enjoy the splendid view.
Less than a mile away we will encounter yet another waterfall surrounded by virgin forest, which becomes a great photo opportunity.
As our journey continues we have the pleasure of observing the unique characteristics of the Atlantic area.
We come across quaint towns and farmhouses that are encompassed by beautiful pineapple, yuca, coco, and heart of palm plantations. Once we arrive at Puerto Viejo (Old Port), we will be ready to enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the Sarapiquí River, just sit back and observe the wildlife that is around you.
The monkeys, iguanas, crocodiles, and the variety of birds will allow you to relax and concentrate on the scenery.
During the boat ride our guide will also explain to us about life style of the friendly people that live at the river margins.
Before returning to San Jose we will drive through the unforgettable rain forest of Braulio Carrillo National Park, one of the most important rainforest reserves for Costa Rica.
Approximately pick up time: 9:30am or 5:00pm Approximately duration: 3 hours
Learn about Costa Rica’s culture origins with this show. A spectacle where you will come in contact with our nineteenth century’s traditions.
Enjoy a humorous show where you will get to know our beliefs, dresses, architecture, music, food and dance.
Discover Costa Rica’s traditions at Pueblo Antiguo. The different buildings in this unique theme park highlight the various architectural trends found in Costa Rica between 1880 and 1930.
The main objective of Pueblo Antiguo is to revive Costa Rican traditions in a similar context. The combination of live actors, live music and folkloric dances present a vibrant living experience allusive to the past.
Approximately pick up time: 11:00am Approximately duration: 6 hours
The Rain Forest Aerial Tram is an unique eco-tourism and research facility that takes visitors floating through the rainforest canopy, with its hanging garden of plants and animals high in the tops of tropical trees.
The 2.600-meter (app. 8,530 ft.) tram ride takes about 90 minutes. On the outbound trip, gondolas travel through the lower and intermediate levels of the forest.
The way back is an exciting trip through the upper levels of the canopy, with a maximum altitude of 40 meters (app. 131 ft).
The canopy is home to two thirds of all rainforest species, and the Aerial Tram site, on the northern border of Braulio Carrillo National Park, possesses one of the richest canopy communities in the world.
Visitors enter the formerly inaccessible world to closely observe the canopy's varied life forms.
The tram is also used for scientific investigation; is the brainchild of pioneering tropical biologist Don Perry.
Recommendations: Sun block, walking shoes, camera, insect repellent and jacket.
Approximately pick up time: 8:30 am Approximately duration: 8 hours
This tour begins with a wonderful drive through some of the largest coffee and sugar cane plantations of Costa Rica.
Arriving first the Poás Volcano is one of the world's largest geysers with an awesome crater, over 1.5 km. wide! The volcano is active, but completely safe for viewing. In addition to the volcano, the Poás National Park is a 9.884-acre reserve with rich tropical vegetation and animal life.
The tour includes a hike through the surrounding forest that is teeming with typical plant life and exotic birds. The hike concludes at a restful, emerald green, tropical lagoon.
Then, we will visit Grecia, we will see the famous metal church, that has a rare and beautiful architecture.
Next, we will tour the fascinating craftsman factories of Sarchí; where they build the famous oxcarts of Costa Rica.
Splendidly decorated and in various sizes, these oxcarts are treasured worldwide for their unique beauty.
You will not want to leave Costa Rica without one!
See the best of Costa Rica saving time to see more!
Recommendations: Sweater, camera, comfortable walking shoes and rain coat.
Approximately pick up time: 7:20am Approximately duration: 7 hours
Learn all about the fascinating Butterfly as you explore its natural habitat, filled with hundreds of butterflies.
The Tour begins with a 25-minute film that gives and introduction as to what will be seen and discussed with the guide. From the film room, visitors proceed with a knowledgeable guide to the export office.
On export days, the sorting, packing and export of the pupae can be seen. After an explanation on the exportation of butterflies, the Tour proceeds to The Butterfly Garden.
In an enclosed tropical garden where perhaps over a thousand butterflies live their lives, feeding, mating and laying eggs.
Guides may identify the most beautiful of Costa Rica's butterflies, point out the females ovipositing their eggs on host plants and feeding on flowers.
Following imagine the journey of a coffee bean on the plantation - from the plant to a cup of gourmet coffee.
When you take the Coffee Tour you'll do exactly that! Their professional acting troupe, dressed in traditional garb, will escort you through a multi-media, interactive tour through the history of coffee.
On their finca, as the plantation is called in Spanish, your day starts on six-acres of coffee fields, tropical gardens and coffee processing facilities.
We'll teach you all about coffee cultivation - and not just by giving you the facts - feel free to pick a few ripe cherries to taste their sweetness or take a few of the dried beans home to grow a plant of your own!
Although incredibly knowledgeable, our troupe has a rather short serious threshold!
Recommendations: Camera a/o binoculars and comfortable shoes.
Approximately pick up time: 6:30am Approximately duration: 13 hours
For an unforgettable trip to a national park considered one of the most beautiful in Costa Rica, despite being relatively small.
We will get an early start, taking the Central Pacific beach route until we reach Manuel Antonio National Park.
With its 683 hectares of protected area and some of the most impressive scenery in al Costa Rica.
White sand beaches and verdant green foliage in the midst of imposing mountains, Manuel Antonio lies in the tropical rainforest life zone and protects patches of primary and secondary forest, mangroves, beach vegetation, marine habitats, islands and a 14 hectare lagoon.
Our route wind trough the mountains of Mount Avocado from where we can glimpse majestic views of the entire central valley and the Pacific Ocean.
In addition, we will also have a chance to pass trough picturesque towns such as Atenas, Orotina and San Mateo.
Recommendations: Bathing suit, towel, light clothing, sunscreen, camera and insect repellent.
Approximately pick up time: 8:30am Approximately duration: 8 hours
The trip begins ascending the breathtaking summit of the Irazú Volcano for a view of the massive crater. On a clear day you can actually see the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans! After an exciting tour at the volcano, we will descend to the historical city of Cartago.
Here we will visit the mysterious ruins of the old Parish and view the beautiful Basilica of our "Virgen de los Angeles" with rich displays of carvings, statues and art.
After our visit to the Basílica de Los Angeles we will drive to the Lankester Gardens.
The Lankester Gardens are a Tropical Paradise featuring over 800 varieties of exotic orchids, various tropical flowers and plant life.
This tour continues with a ride through the unique beauty of the famous Orosi Valley and Reventazón River.
The area is noted for its rich soil, abundant plant life and the outstanding coffee plantations.
We will have a stop for lunch in a restaurant surrounded by beautiful coffee plantations and an excellent view to the Cachí Lake.
Along the way, we will visit one of the oldest colonial churches and see the enchanting "Dreamers House".
Recommendations: Sweater, camera a/o binoculars and comfortable shoes.
Approximately pick up time: 9:00am Approximately duration: 6 hours
Early in the morning we will leave the busy city and head up to the mountains surrounding our Central Valley.
Along the way you will be able to drive by some typical Costa Rican Towns and enjoy the variety of vegetation, and the scenery of coffee fields and ornamental plants. As we ascend you will experience the climate changes, a common characteristic of our country.
The Canopy Tour is a once in a lifetime experience, consisting of sliding in a cable between platforms over the forest. The total length of the wires is more than 7200 fts. between 19 platforms.
The San Lorenzo Canopy has one of the longest cables in all Central American Canopies with a little more than 700 meters long.
During the tour, you will have the opportunity to appreciate the valley and the tropical forest, while you enjoy our two groups of cables: The Forest and the Adventure Cables.
Finishing the tour, after a short walk to La Gran Vista Restaurant, enjoy a delicious lunch and a great view.
Recommendations: Camera, light clothing, hiking shoes and insect repellent.