SAN JOSÉ CITY TOUR
Starting on the East side of San José, the first thing you will see from the bus is the Democracy Square and the National Museum, the Court Buildings, Los Yoses, San Pedro Mall, Hispanity Fountain and the Rodrigo Facio Campus of the University of Costa Rica.
After we have seen the capital’s main attractions, our first stop will be at the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum and later at the beautiful National Theatre where we will have a guided tour through these cultural gems.
After our visit, the tour continues through the western section of San José: La Sabana Metropolitan Park, Costa Rican Contemporary Art Museum or the first International Airport in Costa Rica, the National Gymnasium, La Contraloría General de la República, Rohrmoser residential area, La Nunciatura Apostólica, Oscar Arias Sánchez’s house; Nobel Peace prize winner, Rohrmoser Boulevard and the Pavas suburb.
At the end of the tour, we will have the opportunity of visiting a couple of interesting shopping places where you will be able to buy a souvenir.
On Sunday, the National Theatre is closed and we will only see it from the outside.
On Monday the Museum of Gold is also closed and instead; the interesting Penitentiary Museum Will be visited (The Children Museum) or the Museum of Natural Sciences (La Salle Museum).
Departure: 12.40 p.m. aprox.
DURATION: 4 hours
RECOMMENDATIONS: Camera
Arenal Volcano & Hot springs at Night
Located north of Costa Rica, the impressive Arenal Volcano is a natural phenomenon that attracts thousands and thousands of tourists due to its permanent, extraordinary and trusted volcanic activity, which on clear nights can seem like fireworks with intermittent explosions of ash and lava.
In order to get to this wonder from nature we must go to the north of the country, and inevitably we must make a stop in the famous town of Sarchí, of international fame, it has earned the name Birthplace of Costa Rica’s Artisans. As we continue our trip we will go thru diverse plantations with agricultural products, ornamental plants and cattle ranches until we arrive at La Fortuna, for lunch.
Later we will relax in one of the best thermal water places in the area where you will be able to enjoy an optional massage or other treatment that you will have reserved ahead of time.
Last, a wonderful dinner will be served with a great view of the volcano so you will not miss any opportunities of to look out for the incandescent light explosions.
After dinner we will begin our return trip to the city of San Jose.
Departure: 9 a.m. aprox.
DURATION: 11 hours
RECOMMENDATIONS: Bring swimming suit, insect repellent, I sweater and towel.
VOLCANO IRAZÚ
(One day)
We take the Pan-American Highway South, to start ascending to the large Irazú Volcano. The winding road travels through fertile lands cultivated with all kinds of vegetables as we observe a lovely panoramic view. On the top of the volcano you can observe the main craters and on a clear day both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans can be seen. As we descend to the city of Cartago we will stop at the Virgin of the Angels Basilica that according to religious custom is a peregrination site for many believers
RECOMMENDATIONS: Hat, jacket, comfortable shoes, binocular and camera.
Departure: 8.30 a.m. aprox.
DURATION: 5 hours
VOLCANO IRAZÚ, VALLEY DE OROSI AND GARDENS LANKESTER
(One day)
We take the Pan-American Highway South, to start ascending the large Irazú. The winding road travels through fertile lands cultivated with all kinds of vegetables as we observe a lovely panoramic view. On the top of the volcano you can observe the main craters and on a clear day both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans can be seen. As we descend to the city of Cartago we will stop at the Virgin of the Angels Basilica that according to religious custom is a peregrination site for many believers. After visiting the Basilica we will stop at Lankester Gardens, a University of Costa Rica Center of investigation that protects more than 800 species of orchids and bromeliads and countless species of other plants.
We will continue on to the Valley of Orosi where creation overflows in incomparable beauty. We will be able to visit one of the few remaining colonial churches and we will stop for lunch in one of the local restaurants.
During our tour we will be able to observe La Casa Del Soñador an example of Costa Rican primitive art.
Departure: 8.30 a.m. aprox.
DURATION: 8 hours
RECOMMENDATIONS: hat, jacket, walking shoes, insect repellent, binoculars and camera
TURTLE ISLAND (CRUISE BY THE ISLANDS OF THE PACIFIC)
(One day)
Costa Rica is famous for the romantic cruises of one day that visit the exotic Islands of the Gulf of Nicoya. After a comfortable journey toward the coast of the Pacific we will approach a luxurious yacht to begin this marine adventure. Our final destination is the Turtle Island, recognized by its beaches of white sand and crystalline waters that will allow us to enjoy a countless number of activities. At the beach we will enjoy a seafood buffet style meal. You should not miss out this adventure in that beautiful tropical island.
It includes: transport, sandwiches and lunch.
RECOMMENDATIONS: hat, camera, binocular, swimming suit and towel.
Departure: 6.00 a.m. aprox.
DURATION: 11 hours
Canopy Tour
(One day)
Definitely an adventure you can’t miss. We depart the city towards the mountains that surround the Central Valley, with scenery of spectacular vegetation and extensive coffee plantations, ornamental plants and picturesque typical towns of Costa Rica. As we ascend, we will enjoy the climatic changes of our country.
This is an experience that is enjoyed only once, as we slide from one platform to the next flying thru the canopy. Canopy San Lorenzo is located in the middle of a tropical forest reserve in a beautiful area full of orchids, bromeliads and other ornamental plants.
The total length of the cable is 2500 meters or 8.202,10 ft. There are 19 platforms and the San Lorenzo Canopy offers a 750-meter or 2.460,63 feet cable, the longest one in the country.
From one platform to the next the guide will explain the most important features of the forest. Finally, after only a short walk, we will have a delicious lunch in the restaurant Gran Vista.
RECOMMENDATIONS: camera, light clothes, comfortable shoes, insect repellent. and extra clothes.
Departure: 9.00 a.m. aprox.
DURATION: 7 hours
El Pueblo Antiguo (THE OLD TOWN)
Costa Rican Night Tour; a flash back to the XIX century traditions. Enjoy this show that combines beliefs, dresses, architecture, music, dance and foods in a spectacle full of humor that will take you directly to the roots of Costa Rica. Visit Costa Rica´s Nights in Pueblo Antiguo.
Pueblo Antiguo is a park, that shows the architectural infrastructure that existed in San Jose in the beginning of the XX century. It is a scenario composed of recreations of old buildings, besides the activities such as folkloric dances, professional actor’s masquerades and other memories of a past from not too long ago.
Night Tour offered only on Fridays and Saturdays
RECOMMENDATIONS: Sweater and camera.
Departure: 6.30 p.m. aprox.
DURATION: 3 hours
Tierra Tica, Show and Dinner at Mirador Ram Luna
Enjoy a wonderful view of the Central Valley from the top of one of the mountains that surround it while you enjoy a delicious dinner buffet of typical Costa Rican food. Also included is an impressive traditional masquerade with typical dances and marimba music.
The night ends with the magic of a firework show. Some local artisans will come to show us their creations and to offer them. Don’t miss out this unforgettable night!
Night tours run only Wednesdays.
Departure: 5.00 p.m. aprox.
DURATION: 4 hours.
RECOMMENDATIONS: camera and sweater.
AERIAL TRAM
This tour gives you a better view of the Rain Forest. An open vehicle will take you on top of the canopy of the magnificent forest. At first, you will take a short trip from San José, through the beautiful mountains of the Braulio Carrillo National Park; the aerial tram surrounds the park, so the opportunity to observe birds and animals is very favorable. The experience is unique so we ensure that you will never forget it.
CARARA BIOLOGICAL RESERVE AND JACÓ BEACH
(One day) only Saturdays
The trip begins with delicious breakfast on the way toward the Pacific coast. The visit to the reserve will allow you to know approximately in two hours, one of the few places of transition between, tropical rain forest to tropical dry forest. This characteristic has allowed it to be one of the most informative tours, due to the great quantity and variety of birds, plants, reptiles and other mammals that can be observed in this place.
A delicious lunch will be served in one of the best beach hotels in Jacó, where one will be able to enjoy its facilities.
RECOMMENDATIONS: insect repellent, camera, binocular, comfortable shoes to walk in the forest, poncho, swimming clothes, sun block lotion and towel.
Departure: 6.40 a.m. aprox.
DURATION: 10 hours
VALLEY DE OROSI AND GARDENS LANKESTER
(One day)
After visiting the Basilica we will stop at Lankester Gardens, a University of Costa Rica Center for investigation that protects more than 800 species of orchids and bromeliads and countless species of other plants
We will continue on to the Valley of Orosi where creation overflows in incomparable beauty sceneries. We will be able to visit one of the few remaining colonial churches and we will stop for lunch in one of the local restaurants.
During our tour we will be able to observe La Casa Del Soñador an example of Costa Rican primitive art.
RECOMMENDATIONS: hat, jacket, walking shoes, insect repellent, binoculars and camera.
Departure: 10.30 a.m. aprox.
DURATION: 6 hours
POÁS VOLCANO.
Very early in the morning we will leave to the Poás Volcano which it has an impressive crater of 300 meters of depth and usually active with releases of smoke. A trail will take us to the Botos lagoon of brilliant blue green water and surrounded of exuberant vegetation.
POÁS VOLCANO NATIONAL PARK /GRECIA/SARCHÍ
(One day)
We will take the Pan-American Highway towards the City of Alajuela where we will observe the Monument to the Farmer, the Monument to Juan Santamaría and the famous Park of the Mangoes. When ascending to the Volcano will make a stop for a brief explanation on our grain of gold, the coffee, and we will continue the journey through cultivations of ferns, flowers and strawberries.
In the Volcano we will take the necessary time to observe the impressive main crater, with fumaroles of sulfur.
Later on we will go on a hike to the beautiful Botos Lagoon that will allow us to know about the different ecosystems of the Park. When descending from the Volcano we will take our time to eat lunch in a typical restaurant of the area.
Then we will visit Crecia, beautiful city considered as one of the cleanest in Latin America, where the only metallic temple of Central America is located, national monument that makes proud its inhabitants. Besides we will visit the Central Market, an example of the Costa Rican life style. Later on in Sarchí, city called the cradle of the Costa Rican Artisans for the abundant concurrence of shops that carve fine wood. We will have enough time to observe the artistic works of the artisans that create the famous typical carts and you will also have the opportunity to purchase a souvenir.
RECOMMENDATIONS: Light Jacket, comfortable shoes, binocular and camera.
Departure: 8.30 a.m. aprox.
DURATION: 8 hours
GREECE / SARCHÍ AND FACTORY OF CARTS
(One day)
In the Province of Alajuela and surrounded of vast sugar cane plantations, is found Grecia, beautiful city considered as one of the cleanest in Latin America, where the only metallic temple of Central America is located, national monument that makes proud its inhabitants. Later on in Sarchí, city called the cradle of the Costa Rican Artisans for the abundant concurrence of shops that carve fine wood. We will have enough time to observe the artistic works of the artisans that create the famous typical carts and you will also have the opportunity to purchase a souvenir.
RECOMMENDATIONS: Light Jacket, comfortable shoes, binocular or camera.
Departure: 11.00 a.m. aprox.
DURATION: 5 hours
THE RAPIDS
(One day)
Experience the emotion and adventure of the rapids, a great explosion of emotions, the scenery is wonderful, the vegetation and the power of the water will transport you to a great adventure.
Safety equipment will be provided; and a specialized guide will instruct you to combat the strong currents of the river. (Breakfast and lunch included).
Bring: Camera, strap sandals or tennis shoes, sun block lotion, towel and additional clothes.
OPTIONS:
A. SARAPIQUÍ RIVER CLASS III
Departure: 6:00 a.m. aprox.
DURATION: 10 hours
B. PASCUA & PACUARE RIVER CLASS lV:
Departure: 6:30 a.m. aprox.
DURATION: 10 hours
Combo Rafting y Canopy en Sarapiquí
Costa Rica provee diferentes clases de rápidos donde la adrenalina llega hasta el límite y fascinantes Canopy en la cúspide de los árboles. Ahora usted puede disfrutar de estas dos actividades combinadas en un mismo tour, descubra las maravillas naturales que le ofece Sarapiquí; un extenso territorio localizado en la Zona Norte del país, con una variedad de ríos con agua cristalina, una abundante belleza escénica en sus bosques y villas habitadas por personas muy amigables y trabajadoras.
Al salir de San José se atraviesa el majestuoso escenario del Parque Nacional Braulio Carrillo y al llegar a Sarapiquí se podrá disfrutar de dos atractivos de gran aventura: el Canopy en medio de un bosque secundario con árboles de gran altura y luego del almuerzo, el Rafting en las agitadas aguas del Río Sarapiquí.
El Canopy cuenta con un duración de una hora y treinta minutos deslizándose sobre el bosque en nueve cables de diferente longitud para terminar el recorrido en el último que cruza el Río Sarapiquí.
El rafting en el Río Sarapiquí tiene varios niveles de intensidad que van desde el nivel II hasta el nivel III, presentando un vibrante escenario para quienes quieren incursionar en esta emocionante actividad. Un conjunto de rápidos inesperados en combinación con trechos calmos y relajantes en un recorrido de 9 millas, harán de esta actividad una experiencia inolvidable para los pasajeros y los amantes de la naturaleza.
El tour incluye:
Transporte en microbús con aire acondicionado, guía bilingüe naturalista, equipo para canopy y equipo para rafting y almuerzo.
Qué llevar:
Para el canopy: Ropa fresca, repelente, zapatos cómodos y ropa extra para cambiarse.
Para el rafting: Traje de baño, zapatos de amarrar, toalla y ropa extra para cambiarse.
Hora de salida: 8:00 am del último hotel .
THE BEST OF THE PACIFIC
We depart from San Jose towards the Pacific coast via the Old Spanish Road Once we arrive to our first destination; we will ride a boat along the Tarcoles River. Our guides will take us into a world of crocodiles, water and migratory birds.
After our boat ride we will visit one of the most beautiful protected areas, Punta Leona Resort, an exotic paradise surrounded by 750 hectares of transitional tropical wet forest which is characteristic of this region. The beauty of its white sands and the deep blue ocean are particular to the Pacific.
You will have all day free to enjoy this beautiful place and to enjoy the optional activities such as water sports, bathing in the crystal waters of the ocean or using the hotel pools. The tour includes a delicious lunch served in one of the local restaurants.
In the afternoon you may wish to enjoy an optional guided walk throw the jungle. Taking only one and a half hour, it is a good opportunity to observe wild life such as reptiles, amphibians and scorpions.
Sunset in Punta Leona is an extraordinary experience, which we will enjoy, and after this spectacular view we will return to San Jose.
Bring:
For the river: Insect repellent, sun block lotion, binocular and camera.
FOR THE RESORT: shorts, sandals, towel and swimming suit
FOR THE FOREST (OPTIONAL): comfortable shoes.
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