OROSI VALLY AND LANKASTER BOTANIC GARDEN
Duration: 7 hours
Location: Alajuela, Central Valley
Estimated Departure from San José: Between 9:30 and 10:00 A.M.
We will stop at the Virgin of the Angels Basilica – a famous peregrination site for many believers, some of which travel for days or even weeks on foot, in a pilgrimage of faith, to the site. The Basilica has large vaulted ceilings and exquisite examples of stained glass windows, a rich displays of carvings, statues and other pieces of art.
Next, after we visit the Basilica we will stop at the Lankester Gardens, a University of Costa Rica Center for investigation that protects more than 800 species of orchids, bromeliads and countless species of other plants.
Then, we will continue to the Valley of Orosi, an area that overflows with unparalleled beauty. We will be able to visit one of the few remaining colonial churches and we will stop to enjoy a tasty typical lunch at one of the local restaurants.
WINE TOUR
Duration: 11 hours
Location: Los Santos Valley
Estimated Departure from San José: 07:00 a.m.
And as we move forward, we can observe the Wind Power Project Coopesantos, different valleys that comprise the Talamanca Mountain Range, and in a sunny day both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans can be contemplated as we arrive to a rural area of great human warmth, rich in high-altitude fruits as blackberries and apples; the best coffee in the world, rivers, creeks and much more…
We will visit the first and only commercial winery in Costa Rica and Central America, as well as the first and only liquor produced from the cape gooseberry fruit. It is located in Copey de Dota with an altitude of 2300 m.a.s.l. with a warm climate and high solar radiation which is a perfect combination to create incredible flavors.
The project’s owners have a broad experience in the beverage and wine industry and also own vineyards in Sonoma, California and in the Negev Desert in Israel, all of them catalogued as “Extreme Wines”.
TIQUICIA VIEW POINT
Duration: 4 hours
Location: San José, Central Valley
Estimated Departure from San José: Between 17:30 – 18:30
This evening tour takes you to discover Escazu -the Capital’s upscale suburb.
On route a winding paved mountain country road with awesome “vistas” brings you to Tiquicia. Here a traditional farmhouse with 150 year old tiles awaits to offer you a genuine Costa Rican ambiance where you will be able to sample local food together with national drinks served in the kitchen area.
A typical dance presentation takes place during your stay while you enjoy amazing views of the entire Central Valley.
RAFTING IN PACUARE RIVER
Duration: 12 ½ Hours
Location: Sarapiqui Caribbean side
Estimated Departure: Between 05:30- 06:00 A.M.
The warm water, cascading waterfalls, and opulently lush rainforest with its brilliantly colored plants, animals, and birds indulge your senses on every level.
Located on Costa Rica’s Caribbean slope, the Pacuare River borders the Talamanca Mountain Range, home to native Cabecar Indians and an incredible variety of wildlife, including parrots, toucans, deer, jaguars, ocelots, monkeys, butterflies, and more. Add in the exciting Class III-IV white water rapids and you have a tropical adventure packed with rich experiences that last long after you’ve returned home.
LA PAZ WATER´FALLS GARDENS
Duration: Estimated Departure from San José: Between 7:00
Duration: 7 hours
Location: Alajuela, Central Valley
Estimated Departure from San José: 10:00 A.M.
At La Paz Waterfall Gardens we will go through walking trails surrounded by lush tropical rain forest. Here we will appreciate flowing white rivers, spectacular waterfalls, birds, butterflies, monkeys, and hummingbirds. There are also, educational animal exhibits to enjoy such as the Aviary, the Butterfly Observatory, Hummingbird Garden, Serpentarium, Jungle Cats Exhibit, and the Frog Exhibit. This is definitely a tour enjoyed by nature lovers from all ages.
After the tour, we will enjoy a buffet lunch (rated 4 Forks by the Costa Rican Tourism Council) that includes multiple selections of Traditional Costa Rican dishes and much more.
IRAZU, OROSI VALLY AND
LANKESTER GARDES
Duration: 10 hours
Location: Cartago, Central Valley
Estimated Departure from San José: Between 6:00 A.M. – 07:00 A.M
.The tour will begin with us trekking south along the Panamerican Highway until we reach the base of the behemoth “Iztaru” (a name of an indigenous village that was situated on the flanks of the volcano, and a likely candidate as a possible origin for the current name of the Irazu Volcano).
The winding road traverses fertile lands in which all types and forms of vegetation are cultivated, all the while affording us a spectacular panoramic view of the surrounding hills and valleys. And, at the very top of the summit, on a clear day, one can be privy to an unforgettable bird’s eye view of both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
As we descend to the city of Cartago we will stop at the Virgin of the Angels Basilica – a famous peregrination site for many believers, some of which travel for days or even weeks on foot, in a pilgrimage of faith, to the site. The Basilica has large vaulted ceilings and exquisite examples of stained glass windows, and is a must see.
On
Duration: 8 hours
Location: Alajuela, Central Valley
Estimated Departure from San José: Between 7:00 A.M. – 8:00 A.M.
Next, after visiting the volcano, we will have time to enjoy a delicious lunch at Doka Estate we will stop to learn more about our golden bean, which is a term used to describe the unique and savory coffee of Costa Rica. Then we will continue our trip through the fern, flower and strawberry farms taking in the scenic vistas along the way. Our third stop is the town of Grecia, considered one of the cleanest towns in Latin America. Grecia is home to one of the only Metal Churches in Central America. The church is a national monument that fills its inhabitants with pride. Then shortly after visiting the metal church, in order to experience the local lifestyle, we will also visit the central market area, unique to the area. Our last stop along the way is the town of Sarchi, known as the cradle of Costa Rican artisans. Here we will take in the artistic work of the local artisans, as they create the famous typical oxcarts. Then, we will be able to shop for that special souvenir to take back home Our last stop along the way is the town of Sarchi, known as the cradle of Costa Rican artisans. Here we will take in the artistic work of the local artisans, as they create the famous typical oxcarts. Then, we will be able to shop for that special souvenir to take back home
Duration: 10 hours
Location: Sarapiqui, West Caribbean
Estimated Departure from San José: Between 6:30 A.M. – 7:30 A.M.
On arrival to Sarapiqui, a beautiful area known for its impressive natural richness, you will board a boat for a relaxing ride on the Sarapiqui River where you will feel in close contact with nature and admire the inspiring surroundings.
After the boat ride, you will continue with a walk on Selva Verde Eco Lodge’s private trails, which are a heaven for nature enthusiasts. Following lunch and on route to San Jose, a visit to the famous Rainforest Aerial Tram is included, for a ride on a gondola through the tree canopy in company of a naturalist guide that will talk to you about the wonderful rainforest. (A 07 cables and 11 platforms zip lining is available instead of the gondola ride if you prefer more adrenaline).
The Rain Forest Aerial Tram – Atlantic is a 475-hectares (1,200-acre) private reserve that shares a 10 km border with Braulio Carrillo National Park, constituting a buffer zone between the park and farming lands.v
Duration: 13 hours
Location: Arenal Area, Northern Region
Estimated departure from San José: 7:30 A.M. – 8:30 A.M.
Enroute to the Arenal Volcano, we will stop at the famous town of Sarchi, known as the birthplace of Costa Rica’s Artisans. In Sarchi, you will be able to appreciate many of the art crafts and souvenirs that Costa Rica has to offer. Also you will see the world’s largest ox cart according to the Guinness Book.
The cart is 2 stories high, nearly 45 feet long (14 meters) and weighs 4400 lbs. (2 tons), and took 70 days to complete. Made out of wood (cedar) and decorated with bright colors, designed based on our typical and traditional oxcarts.
The journey will then continue, traversing diverse plantations with agricultural products, including pineapple and plantain farms, mango groves, ornamental plants and even cattle ranches until arriving to the small town of La Fortuna, and stopping to enjoy lunch at a cozy restaurant with a magnificent view of the volcano.
The impressive Arenal Volcano is a magnificent natural wonder that is situated in La Fortuna (The Fortune) of San Carlos, previously assumed to be dormant, until in 1968, when it experienced a major eruption. Now is visited by tourist from all around the world hoping for the opportunity to witness volcanic activity, such as the white plumes of smoke that emanate from the conical shaped behemoth.
Duration: 12 hours
Location: Manuel Antonio Central Pacific
Estimated Departure from San José: Between 4:30 A.M. – 5:30 A.M.
Relax and enjoy the natural beach and rainforest
Manuel Antonio National Park is considered one of the most beautiful parks in Costa Rica. On this tour, you will visit pristine beaches, with coral reefs, bordered by exuberant vegetation and the natural wonders of the tropical rainforest. The beaches in Manuel Antonio are highly coveted as some of the best that Costa Rica has to offer.
On the way to Manuel Antonio National Park, you will travel along the coastline enjoying scenic views, including African palm plantations. You will also travel past small villages along the Pacific Coast, until you reach the port of Quepos and the ultimately the National Park.
Since access to the park itself is closed to vehicles, you will hike to the preserve, crossing a creek. Once in the park, you can simply relax and enjoy the beach, sunbathe, or hike through the park’s trails, which will allow you to observe Manuel Antonio’s abundant flora and fauna. Several species of monkeys, iguanas, birds and possibly even the three-toed sloth can be seen.
If you chose to hike the trail to Cathedral Point, do not forget your camera; the views of the park and the sea are simply spectacular!
Duration: 6 hours
Location: San José, Central Valley
Estimated Departure from San José: Between 6:30 A.M. – 07:30 A.M.
The Irazu Volcano (Volcán Irazú) is situated in the Cordillera Central just a few kilometers from Cartago, and it is a relatively short and pleasant drive from the Capital city of San Jose.
The trip begins by ascending the breathtaking summit of the Irazu Volcano, passing all types and forms of vegetation, from coffee plantations, to ferns, depending on the elevation. The trip leads up to a spectacular view of the massive crater which is home to a lagoon with a mystical green hue surrounded by jagged rocks.
It should be mentioned, that on a clear day you can actually see both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans!
After an exciting tour of the volcano, we will descend to the historical city of Cartago. We will stop at the Virgin of the Angels Basilica – a famous peregrination site for many believers, some of which travel for days or even weeks on foot, in a pilgrimage of faith, to the site. The Basilica has large vaulted ceilings and exquisite examples of stained glass windows, a rich displays of carvings, statues and other pieces of art.
Duration: 12 hours
Location: Puntarenas, Central Pacific
Estimated Departure from San José: Between 6:00 A.M. – 07:00 A.M.
This excursion departs from San Jose very early in the morning to Puntarenas, where you will board a yacht to Isla Tortuga (Turtle Island), a beautiful island located in the Gulf of Nicoya.
At Tortuga Island you will experience a day full of beautiful skies, great ocean views and live music. On board the yacht savory tropical fruits and refreshing natural drinks will be served. Then, you will explore
the island, immersing yourself in the calm clear waters and lush landscape, where you can take a swim,
sunbathe, and/or take an optional tour like kayaking or canopy. Then a delicious lunch will be prepared by the crew.
Tortuga Island is composed of 120 hectares of gorgeous terrain, with 4 main hills; not to mention a 500 meter beach which is a recipient of the blue flag certification. On the way to Tortuga Island you will see the San Lucas Island which in the past was a security prison where no human rights existed and thus a dark age in Costa Rica´s history.
The journey to Tortuga Island will be on board a yacht equipped with 2 Cummins Marino 300 HP motors, radar, satellite navigation systems, VHF marine radio, clean bathrooms, and palatable drinking water.
A very experienced and international maritime license yacht captain and well trained crew will make sure you have a safe, enjoyable and unforgettable journey.
