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COSTA RICA

San Jose Tour Descriptions


SAN JOSE CITY TOUR
This tour immerses you in the rich Costa Rican culture and history by experiencing the beautiful museums and historical sites of San José. It begins with an orientation and drive through the beautiful Sabana Park. Next, we will take a walking tour through the historic National Theater. Completed in 1897, the theater is a masterpiece in art and architecture.

Afterwards we will visit one of the many unique museums of Costa Rica. We will continue heading to the University of Costa Rica, the Supreme Court and various sites of interest.

A brief stop will be made in allowing you to browse through the beautiful souvenirs shops before returning to your hotel.

Includes: Transportation, bilingual guide, and entrance fee to the National Theater and National Museum.
What to Bring: Comfortable shoes, camera and film.
Duration: Approximately 3 hours.

COFFEE TOUR
Come and discover the Cappuccino CoffeeTour, a celebration of Costa Rican coffee and culture! Behold our organic coffee fields and roasting facilities, where our professional actors/guides will lead you on an entertaining multimedia tour depicting the journey of the World’s Finest Coffee from plantation to cup! Here you will also discover coffee’s vital role in forging Costa Rican democracy and cultivating a national identity around hard working, peace-loving, friendly and environmentally conscious Ticos, as Costa Ricans affectionately call themselves.

Our famous Cappuccino CoffeeTour turns coffee enthusiasts into connoisseurs. It is a true coffee experience. You will enjoy a delicious lunch. After the meal, enjoy our unique Espresso Bar, and become a brewing expert by experiencing our newest attraction, a live multimedia lesson on how to brew the perfect espresso or cappuccino.

Includes: Transportation with Air Condition, bilingual-guide,
What to Bring: Confortable clothes and shoes, hat, camara and film.
Duration: Approximately

THE RAIN FOREST AERIAL TRAM
The Rain Forest Aerial Tram is truly a one of a kind ecotourism and research facility. The Tram takes visitors on a fascinating trip through the rainforest canopy on board separate gondolas. An English-speaking naturalist guide will accompany you, pointing out the delicate balance of the hanging gardens of plants and animals hidden in the tops of tall tropical trees. Home to two-thirds of all rainforest species, the canopy is a little known world of tremendous beauty and extraordinary biological diversity.

The site, adjacent to Braulio Carrillo National Park, possesses one of the richest canopy communities in the world. The difficulty of reaching the forest treetops has always inhibited its explorers. Dr. Donald Perry, founder of the Rain Forest Aerial Tram, pioneered the exploration of the canopy beginning in 1974. His innovative methods of access include rope systems and an automated remote control platform. Of his latest idea Dr. Perry states, no system in the world can offer this intimate proximity to such an extensive volume of rain forest knowledge that will help save forests finally within reach.
The Rain Forest Aerial Tram is located on a 1000-acre (450-hectare) private nature reserve an hour from San José. Visitors will travel through Braulio Carrillo National Park along the main road that connects the capital with the Atlantic coast, making for a very scenic drive as you pass through cloud-enveloped mountains covered by lush green forests.

Includes: Transportation, bilingual guide, entrance fee, and lunch.
What to bring: Light clothes, tennis shoes, raincoat, repellent, camera and binoculars.
Duration: Approximately 7 hours.

INBIOPARQUE: THE GATEWAY TO COSTA RICA'S NATIONAL PARKS
Welcome to a true urban oasis. Through INBioparque’s extensive system of interpretative trails, visitors are exposed to the vast world of intense biological diversity that can be found in Costa Rica and her national parks. Tours begin with an interesting documentary about Costa Rica’s natural history and the dozens of fragile ecosystems that comprise the country. Then, visitors get first-hand experience in local biodiversity as they meander through living examples of tropical rainforest, tropical dry forest, and the rare Central Valley forest, each planted with native flora. The forests are working ecosystems, and native animals roam freely throughout the extensive grounds. A butterfly farm, aquarium and other surprises lie along the way. Interactive exhibits illustrate the importance of preserving our natural environment, and a light show takes visitors on a virtual tour of Costa Rica’s national parks.

This is the perfect starting point for any tour in Costa Rica, educating visitors on what they may see throughout their stay in the country. If you want to get the most out of your Costa Rica vacation, we highly recommend starting with a visit to Inbioparque.

Includes: Transportation, bilingual guide and entrance fee.
What to bring: Comfortable shoes, camera and film.
Duration: Approximately 3 hours.

POAS VOLCANO & SARCHI OXCART FACTORY
The tour will take you along the Pan-American heading towards the town of Alajuela and pass by the way to the Agriculture Monument, Juan Santa Maria statue and the famous Mangos’ Park. During the ascent to the volcano we stop at the coffee fields for an explanation, then we will pass through fern farm, strawberry plantations and flowers farms.
On the top of the volcano, we will spend enough time to observe the principal crater with its sulphur fumaroles.
Thereafter, we will walk to the beautiful Botos lagoon where you can see the diverse flora and fauna of the cloud forest. At this time we will be ready to take a delicious lunch in one of the restaurants at the area.

The tour continues with a visit to Grecia, a nice town that is considered one of the cleanest in Latin America and where we can find the only metallic church in Central America, a national monument that fill their natives with pride. We will also visit the Central Market of Grecia lifestyle of Costa Rican people. The tour continues by visiting Sarchí, which is the center of Costa Rican handcraft with an abundance of craftsmen that work in fine woods. You will have time to see the artist works in the fabric of the famous oxcarts and additionally you can choose your own souvenir to take back home.

Includes: Transportation with Air Condition, bilingual guide, lunch and entrance fee.
What to bring: Jacket, raincoat, comfortable shoe, camera and film.
Duration: Approximately 8 hours.
This is a full-day tour, which departs in the morning.

IRAZU VOLCANO, LANKESTER GARDENS & OROSI VALLEY
In route to Southern area by taking Pan-American Highway we will start the ascent of the colossus "Iztarú". The winding road traverses the fertile earth that is cultivated with many kinds of vegetables while an extensive panorama is being observed. At the top, of the volcano the principal craters are seen and on a clear day it might be possible to distinguish both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. We will continue descending to the city of Cartago, stop at the Basilica of Los Angeles, and a traditional pilgrimage center for many Catholics.

After our visit to the Basilica de los Angeles we will continue to Lankaster Gardens, investigation center of the University of Costa Rica which protects more than 800 species of orchids and bromeliads, in addition of other varieties of plants.
The tour continues with a ride through the unique beauty of the Orosi Valley. We will visit one of the few colonial churches and is also where we will stop to enjoy a delicious lunch.

Includes: Transportation with Air Condition, bilingual-guide, entrance fee.
What to bring: Jacket, hat, comfortable shoes, camera and lunch.
Duration: Approximately 8 hours.

TURUBARI TROPICAL PARK
Come and enjoy our 2,000 feet long aerial tramway ride, at 265 feet height, with the latest European technology offering breathtaking views of the Turubari Tropical Park and surrounding area. Aerial Tram cabins can seat 6 passengers each. We are going to walk into the park visiting the butterfly farm. Besides, you can do additional activities such us: Canopy, horseback ride, and the Sensational Cable.

Enjoy a delicious lunch at Garabito restaurant. Just imagine... 16 dishes, including meats, "picadillos", several types of beans, tortillas, four varieties of salads (green salads, cold salads and others), four types of dessert such as flan, rice with milk, and coco and papaya honeys. Delicious, isn’t it?

Includes: Transportation with Air Condition, bilingual-guide, entrance fee to the park, ride in the aerial tram, visit to butterfly farm, palm collection, herbarium, guide walk in the Indian trail, bromeliads garden, orchids garden, and lunch.
What to bring: Comfortable shoes, light clothes, hat, glasses, raincoat, camera and film.
Duration: Approximately 10 hours.

RIVER NATURE CRUISE & POAS VOLCANO
This is a great tour if you want to experience the best Costa Rica has to offer in a single full-day tour. The adventure begins as you cross the Pan-American Highway and pass the Juan Santamaría International Airport, crossing by the Coffee and Agriculture Monument, Juan Santamaría Monument, Alajuela Central Park, Pilas, San Isidro, Laguna de Fraijanes and then to Poasito Town. On the way to the volcano, stunning scenery will unfold as you pass through coffee and sugar plantations finally arriving at the peak of the spectacular cloud forest-shrouded Poas Volcano. The volcano is one of the world’s most beautiful volcanoes, due to the frequent geyser-like eruptions.

From the volcano, you’ll head to the La Paz Waterfall Gardens. The highlight here is five magnificent waterfalls that tumble out of the verdant forest. Nine viewing platforms afford excellent up-close views of the falls and the spectacular La Paz River. Your journey continues to unveil Costa Rica’s richness, this time along the Sarapiqui River. A two-hour river cruise in our specially designed shaded boats will bring you into the thick of the jungle without the walking. You might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the monkeys, crocodiles and hundreds of species of birds inhabit the jungle along the Sarapiqui River. You’ll take a different road back to San José, this time passing through Braulio Carrillo National Park and its immense cloud forest reserve. Waterfalls adorn the mountainside, and clearings offer splendid views of the forest.

Includes: Transportation with Air Condition, bilingual-guide, breakfast, entrance fee to Poas Volcano National Park
and to La Paz Waterfall Gardens, boat ride and lunch.
What to bring: Comfortable shoes, hat, jacket, binoculars, camera and film.
Duration: Approximately 12 hours.

TORTUGA ISLAND CRUISE
Escape from it all and let yourself be pampered on the best day cruise available in Costa Rica. You’ll enjoy a relaxing day on a luxury cruise ship on your way to Tortuga Island. Once there, you’ll enjoy a soothing day on the most beautiful white-sand beach in the country. You’ll have the option to keep busy with swimming, a great canopy tour, canoeing and kayaking. Or, you can simply take it easy and relax on this paradisiacal island.

San José might not be on the ocean, but only 90 minutes from the capital will get you sailing on the calm waters of the Gulf of Nicoya, soaking up sunshine and enjoying your favorite tropical cocktail.

Includes: Transportation, bilingual guide, soft drinks, light breakfast and lunch.
What to bring: Binoculars, shorts, swimsuit, towel, suntan lotion, camera and film.
Duration: Approximately 8 hours.

RIVER RAFTING ADVENTURE - RIO SARAPIQUI
Comparable to the float on the gentle Corobicí River, this calm, quiet section of the Sarapiquí River winds through tropical rain forests on the Caribbean side of the country and is perfect for nature lovers and birdwatchers. After being picked up in the early morning from your hotel in San José, you will drive by private, comfortable, air-conditioned bus to a local restaurant for a delicious typical Costa Rican breakfast. On the way to the river, you'll pass by the majestic La Paz waterfall and rolling, verdant fields of coffee, papayas, sugar cane and ferns.
When you get to the Sarapiqui River, friendly professional guides will outfit you with lifejackets and paddles and give you a safety orientation. Then you’ll begin rafting where the Class-III trip finishes, continuing down to Puerto Viejo. In some parts of the river you will pass green pastures and farmland, and delight in the sight of local children frolicking along the shore.
The lower half of the river winds along the borders of the beautiful La Selva Biological Reserve. Thick with lush vegetation, towering trees, vines and flowers, the reserve is a tropical playground. Along the riverbank, you'll stop for a luscious buffet picnic lunch prepared by your guides. Then it's back on the river, enjoying serene tranquility of the rainforest, watching for iguanas, turtles and numerous species of birds. After you take out, you'll drive 15 minutes to our rest stop where you can change into dry clothes and enjoy a cold or hot drink. On the return drive to San José, you'll enjoy remarkable views of Braulio Carrillo National Park and Irazú Volcano.

Includes: Transportation, bilingual guide, river equipment, breakfast & lunch.
What to bring: Shorts, sneakers, towel, underwater camera, extra set of dry clothes and shoes.
Duration: Approximately 8 hours.

RIVER RAFTING ADVENTURE - RIO PACUARE
The Pacuare River is one of the world’s top five rafting rivers. The unsurpassed raw beauty, abundant wildlife and powerful rapids of this quintessential tropical river make for a magical experience you’ll never forget.
Located on Costa Rica's Atlantic slope, the Pacuare River borders the Talamanca mountain range, home to native Cabécar Indians and an incredible variety of wildlife.

After an early morning pickup from your San José hotel, you will drive by private, comfortable bus to our supplier’s center for a delicious typical Costa Rican breakfast. Once at the river at our private put-in, you'll raft 16 miles deep into the heart of gorges brimming with vegetation, past dozens of gushing waterfalls, serene pools and pounding rapids, all of this in one of Costa Rica's most impressive primary rainforests. After an adrenaline-packed afternoon running rapids like Upper and Lower Huacas, Cimarrón, the famous Dos Montañas and many more, you’ll head to our supplier's Operations Center for a hearty and delicious lunch, showers, optional drinks and a chance to browse in their souvenir store. On the return drive to San José, you'll enjoy remarkable views of Braulio Carrillo National Park and Irazú Volcano. This unforgettable trip will certainly be a highlight of your stay in Costa Rica!

Includes: Transportation, bilingual guide, river equipment, breakfast & lunch.
What to bring: Shorts, sneakers, towel, underwater camera, extra set of dry clothes and shoes.
Duration: Approximately 8 hours.

RIVER RAFTING ADVENTURE - RIO FLORIDA (CLASS II & III)
Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime! One of Costa Rica’s most popular rafting trips will treat first-time paddlers to a wet and wild experience. This section of the mighty Reventazón River boasts some of the fastest and most exciting 10 miles of Class-III rapids you'll ever paddle! If you're a first-timer or an experienced rafter looking for the excitement of big waves, hydraulics, and stunning scenery, then this trip is for you.

The drive from San José takes you through the impressive Braulio Carrillo National Park, past rainforest and waterfalls across the Continental Divide and to the Caribbean side of the country. At our supplier's Operations Center you will have a hearty breakfast. Here there are bathrooms, changing rooms and an area to buy any last minute needs. After a safety orientation, the first day’s first rapids will set the pace for more to come. As your raft rounds each new bend in this dam-controlled river, you'll be greeted with yet another breathtaking view of the Reventazón Valley. Look for toucans, kingfishers, herons, tanagers, iguanas and bright green "Jesus Christ" lizards.
After a fun and exhilarating day of big waves, hydraulics and stunning scenery, you'll finish your trip with a stop at our supplier's Operations Center for a delicious hot lunch, and the option to take advantage of showers, drinks and a souvenir store before the return drive to San José. This one-day adventure is unforgettable!

Includes: Transportation, bilingual guide, river equipment, breakfast & lunch.
What to bring: Shorts, sneakers, towel, underwater camera, extra set of dry clothes and shoes.
Duration: Approximately 8 hours.