Recommended One Day Tours from San José

HIGHLIGHTS TOUR

Cost: US$79(adult) US$45(children 5-11)

Pick up time at Kaps Place: @ 6:10 a.m.

Includes:

A relaxed tour at a leisurely pace with many stops which give visitors the opportunity to truly admire and experience the wonders of our beautiful Costa Rica.

Breakfast and Coffee Tour:

4-IN-1:

Cost: US$79 per person

Pick up time at Kaps Place: @ 6:10 a.m.

Includes:Round trip transportation with professional guide, breakfast, stop by the coffee fields, Poás Volcano National Park, visit to La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park, lunch, boat ride on the Sarapiquí River & snack.

This trip is a variation of the Highlight’s Tour and the difference is mainly that you will have lunch at La Paz Waterfalls Garden where you will be able to visit one of the largest butterfly gardens in Latin America and you can actually hike to each of the waterfalls inside the La Paz private reserve not just watch them from the road.

COMBO TOUR:  

Cost: US$75 per person

Pick up time at Kaps Place:  @ 6:15-6:30 am

Includes:  Roundtrip transportation from/to SJO, guided tours and entrance fees to: Doka Coffee Plantation, Poás Volcano & La Paz Waterfall Gardens, breakfast & lunch.

80% of my guests have taken this tour and loved it even when it has rained all day.  The groups are small, the guides are professional, funny and extremely knowledgeable plus the food is great!  This tour is run and operated by La Paz Waterfall Gardens.

A complete package that allows you to see what we feel is the true essence of Costa Rica.  Our first stop is breakfast at a local café where you will enjoy an authentic Costa Rican style breakfast.  We will then take you to a three-generation coffee plantation and show you how coffee is picked, milled and ground.   Once you’ve found out first hand, or ‘cup’, why Costa Rican coffee is so famous, it is off to the Poás Volcano.  This crater volcano is one of the four active volcanoes in Costa Rica.  The crystal blue sulfur pools will amaze and enthrall you.  But, that’s not all: Our last stop is the La Paz Waterfall Gardens.   Over seventy acres of lush landscaping, towering waterfalls, hummingbird gardens and the Largest Butterfly Observatory in the world is sure to be the highlight of your tour, if not of your stay in Costa Rica. 

Your guide will walk you through the butterfly gardens, hummingbird feeders and through the trails along the cascading La Paz River.  Here you will experience the majesty of five incredible waterfalls as you walk above, below and right next to the magnificent falls.  Once you have experienced the trails, you will enjoy our Costa Rican buffet style lunch while taking in the breathtaking view of the La Paz River Valley.  We will have you back at your hotel around 5:00 p.m.  (Just in time to drop a postcard to friends and family back home about your incredible day.)

Arenal Volcano & Hotsprings’ Spa:

Price: US$77

Pick up time at Kaps Place: @ 9:50 a.m.

Includes: Roundtrip transportation, lunch & dinner, entrance fee to Tabacón Hotsprings, stop at Sarchí and at Kioro Viewpoint, professional guide.

One of the most popular tours! The Arenal Volcano is one of the most active volcanoes in the Americas. From Kioro, the observation point, you will feel the ground tremble and see the night sky explode with ash and lava in a natural display of fireworks (weather permitting of course). Next, you will visit the hot springs of the volcano, where you can relax in the soothing waters and be caressed by the cool night air while observing the stars and the incredible night sky above the volcano. At a convenient time after your arrival, you will be treated to a splendid dinner.  On the way you will stop to visit the town of Sarchí, well known for the beauty of the handcrafts that they produce and the oxcarts they hand paint and lunch.

Suggested gear:  Swimsuit, comfortable walking shoes, sweater, insect repellent.

Isla Tortuga (Pacific Island Cruise):

Cost: US$89

Pick up time at the Holiday Inn downtown:   @6:15 a.m.

Includes: Roundtrip transportation, breakfast, lunch & fruit.

After a comfortable ride to the Pacific coast, you will board a luxurious yacht for thisPacific Island adventure.  Your final destination, the Tortuga (Turtle) Island, is famous for pristine white sand beaches, crystal clear water and superb snorkeling.  A wonderful seafood buffet will be served on the beach.  You will not want to miss this island paradise adventure!

Suggested gear:Sweater, camera, binoculars, swimsuit, sun block and towel.

WHITE WATER RAFTING: Río Pacuare Class III-IV:

Cost: $95 per Adult; 10% discount for Children/Students

Pick up time at Kaps Place:  Between 6 – 7 a.m.

Includes: Professional bilingual guides, transportation, rafting equipment, breakfast & lunch.

The Pacuare River is one of the top five rafting rivers in the world for its scenery and rapids. This quintessential tropical river is a trip of pure magic, unsurpassed beauty, wildlife and exhilarating rapids.

Located on Costa Rica’s Atlantic slope, the Pacuare River borders the Talamanca mountain range, home to native Cabecar Indians and an incredible variety of wildlife.

After an early morning pick-up from your San José hotel, you will drive by private, comfortable bus to our Operations Center for a delicious, typical Costa Rican breakfast. Once at the river you’ll raft 16 miles deep into the heart of densely vegetated gorges, past gushing waterfalls, serene pools and pounding rapids, in one of Costa Rica’s most impressive primary rainforests. On the river you will raft by the lodge, where guests stay on two and three-day trips. Intimate and charming, the lodge blends naturally into the forest on our 1,000-acre private reserve, with waterfalls and pools.  Ask us for details if interested in an overnight stay at the lodge.

After an adrenaline-packed afternoon running rapids like Upper and Lower Huacas, Cimarron and Dos Montañas.   Costa Rica Expeditions and Aventuras Naturales create an amazing lunch for you on the riverbank on top of your raft. Then you continue your river ride.  On the return drive to San José, you’ll enjoy remarkable views of Braulio Carrillo National Park and Irazú Volcano. This unforgettable trip will easily be one of the highlights of your stay in Costa Rica!

Who can go? Anyone in good, healthy physical condition. Swimming experience is required. Some rafting experience is recommended.

Min. age: 14-years-old – Please know there is a wide range of rapids for families traveling with smaller children – ask me if interested.

Difficulty: Moderate. Class III rafting: Rapids with high irregular waves; narrow passages that often require complex maneuvering. Class IV rafting: difficult rapids with constricted passages that often require precise maneuvering in very turbulent waters.  – “I have been on this river more than 8 times and never fell in once! I am not very athletic or an avid adventure-risk taker and I did fine.”

Rafting distance: 16 miles

River time: From 3-1/2 to 5 hours – depending on water level.

Suggested gear: Rubber-soled shoes that can get wet (Tevas, tennis shoes, booties or similar); Swimsuit / swim trunks; shorts of a quick-drying material; hat with a brim for sun; towel; waterproof sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher; Croakies or straps to secure glasses. T-shirt is optional. Bring an extra change of dry clothes for after rafting.

Rio Pacuare: 1-day (Linda Vista to Siquirres) approximate itinerary with Ríos Tropicales (similar to others except for lunch stop with CRE & Aventuras)

6:25-6:45 a.m. Pick-up at Kaps Place

Depart San José for breakfast.

8:15 a.m.       Arrive at our new Operation Center for breakfast, changing rooms and last minute shopping

9:00 a.m.       Depart for Rio Pacuare (1 hr. drive)

10:00 a.m.    Arrive at Rio Pacuare. Clients are outfitted with lifejackets, helmets and paddles.

10:35 a.m.    Clients are divided into raft teams and given paddling instruction.

10:45 a.m.    Begin rafting.

2:30 p.m.      Take out & back to our Operation Center for a healthy hot lunch and full salad bar.

3:45-4:15 p.m.  Depart rest area for San José.

5:45-6:30 p.m.  Arrival at San José hotels (varies according to hotel location).

Pacuare: Class III–IV with Costa Rica Expeditions:
Minimum age: 12 years
Length: 18 miles

The most beautiful river canyon in the tropics will bewitch the adventuresome beginner and the experienced rafter alike. The Pacuare River cuts through one of those rare pockets of wilderness left on the planet. For maximum appreciation, we recommend a 2-day trip. Early morning pick-up at your San José hotel. Stop en route for a typical Costa Rican breakfast and then continue on to Tres Equis where depending on road conditions, you may have to switch to a 4x4 shuttle to take you down to the boat launch. Total drive time is approximately 3 hours. After an orientation and safety talk, proceed down the river. Picnic lunch on the riverbank. Total river time is approximately 5 hours depending on the water level. Afternoon take-out in Siquirres followed by @ 2 hour drive back to San José via Braulio Carrillo National Park.

IRAZU-OROSI-LANKASTER:(Slow paced/not-so-strenuous)

Price: $58

Pick Up at Kaps Place: 8:40 a.m.

Includes: Roundtrip transportation, professional guide, lunch and entrance fees.

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”.

Suggested equipment: Sweater, camera, binoculars, comfortable walking shoes, rain coat.

CANOPY ZIP LINE ADVENTURE:(Adventure thrill/not slow paced; not for nature lovers interested only in observing wildlife)

Price: US$77.
Pick up time:......@8-9:00 a.m.

Includes:Transportation, professional guides and assistance, lunch.
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 2 km. between 12 platforms. The San Lorenzo Canopy has one of the longest cables in all Central America, at 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.

Suggested gear:  camera, light clothing, comfortable hiking shoes
repellent & sunscreen.

Rain Forest Aerial Tram Pacific: Costa Rica’s newest adventure destination for animal lovers at a steady pace. 

Cost: US$100 (Adult) US$72.50 (Students & Children)

Pick up time: @7:00am -8:00am return to San José at @5:00pm.  

Includes:Transportation, bilingual tour guide, lunch, entrance fee, guided walking tour and tram ride.

This new eco-tourism project of 222 acres (90 hectares of forest), will allow visitors to discover the hidden secrets and hanging gardens of the Tropical Forest from a different perspective. The property offers not only one of the most interesting forests, but also small waterfalls and scenic views of the Pacific Coast, which visitors can enjoy during the Tram ride.

Location

Following the Highway to the Central Pacific Coast, from the first entrance en-route to Jacó, 200 meters to East and 3 Kilometers to the north, following the Piedra Bruja trail.   Just few minutes (20 km) from Carara National Park.

Tour Description
A cascading 40-foot waterfall, giant rainforest trees and panoramic views of the ocean are all part of the ride at the Pacific Rain Forest Aerial Tram. Open-air gondolas with canvas awnings seat eight passengers and a naturalist guide. The rugged topography of our forest means the modified ski lift skims the forest floor, and then soars to a maximum height of 130 feet above a rugged valley.  The experience includes a true "flight" through the rainforest in a gondola, guided nature walks to accompany you throughout your rainforest discovery.

Suggested gear
Comfortable walking shoes, shorts or light pants, hat or cap, rain gear, camera and film, insect repellent, binoculars.

Rain Forest Aerial Tram: A wonderful treetop experience.

Cost: US$78.50 (Adult); $53.75 (Students & Children).

Pick Up: Sometimes at Kaps Place, sometimes at the Holiday Inn downtown @6a.m. or @ 11 a.m.

Includes: Transportation, bilingual tour guide, breakfast or lunch, entrance fee, guided walking tour, video presentation and tram (gondola) ride.

Visitors will enjoy the most complete experience possible, as they will literally fly through the forest, viewing the sub canopy (middle part of the forest), the upper canopy and its hanging gardens. Tram guests will discover plants and forms of life that are usually hidden in the forest treetops, an unknown world of incredible beauty and an extraordinary biological diversity. Complementing the Gondola experience, participants will be taken on a nature walk and enjoy an informational video.

Location

The Rain Forest Aerial Tram – Caribbean is a 475-hectare private reserve, located 50 minutes away from San José, and 5 km. after the Río Sucio Bridge, on the Braulio Carrillo highway to Limón. This property shares a 10 km. border with Braulio Carrillo National Park and constitutes a buffer zone between the park and the farming lands.

Tour Description

Our main idea is to show all visitors the different levels of a rainforest, including the treetops or canopy - the hardest level to access and up to now the least scientifically known part of the forest.  The length of the Tram ride is about 1 hour and 20 minutes.

The canopy is home to an enormous amount of flora and fauna that inhabits the rainforest. In their eagerness to search for light and space, many plants have colonized the treetops turning them into small ecosystems.

Fauna is very abundant throughout the tropical rainforests, however; animals are difficult to spot during the day. Our wildlife is free to wander naturally as it is supposed to be.  The most common species found here are butterflies, birds including toucans, parrots, woodpeckers, sparrow hawks, eagle-hawks, tanagers, wrens and many others. Reptiles like snakes and lizards as well as amphibians such as "blue jeans frogs" can also be found in our rainforest.

Suggested gear: Comfortable walking shoes, shorts or light pants, hat or cap, rain gear, camera and film, insect repellent, binoculars.

TURU BA-RI Tropical Park Adventure (Fun day – many options)

Cost: US$75 Adults: US$60 children & students

Pick Up at Kaps Place: @6:30 a.m.

Includes: Roundtrip transfers from/to SJO, guided visit w/bilingual guide to main attractions of the park, packed “simple” breakfast, entrance fee, wonderful lunch, TURA BA-RI Sky Ride (both ways).  Additional activities available at an extra cost: Canopy Zip Line Tour: US$30; Horse back ride: US$20 per person

TURU BA RI is an Eco-adventure oriented theme park that started operation last April 5th, 2003. It has a total extension of 496 acres in a beautiful scenery, surrounded on the northeast by the Río Grande de Tárcoles, to the southwest by the Turrubares Hillsides and the Carara National Park. To the west, the Gulf of Nicoya, which you can see form the highest elevations. This new tourist attraction will allow all kinds of visitors to be in touch with nature and learn how we changed the land use to help preserve the planet and provide economic support to the poor surrounding community, using our natural beauty and culture.

Overview
The natural surrounding of the TURU BA RI Tropical Park is the ideal place for visitors who are looking to learn more about Costa Rica's natural history, discovering our ancestor's life style, having an adventure experience: Canopy Zip Lines, Horseback rides (available at an extra cost)  or simply enjoying the beautiful landscape, trails and nature.

The park's entrance is located at the highest point, offering a spectacular view of the property and surrounding areas. Visitors access the park by using the TURU BA RI Sky Ride, which is an aerial tramway, built by the French company POMA-Galski. The most adventurous will be able to access the Tropical Gardens by horseback or by descending the platforms of the Canopy Tour (available at an extra cost).

History
During more than 15 years, this property was dedicated to cattle and mango production. In 1997, the owners decided to change the land use and create a tourist attraction. This project started with reforestation of more than 35,000 trees in a very dry region, such as Turrubares. Today, you can admire more than 70,000 trees and ornamental plants where pastures used to be!

Since April 5th , 2003 visitors have enjoyed guided tours into the Tropical Garden, featuring a Butterfly Garden, nature trails in the forest, an orchid garden, a herbarium and collections of palms, cacti, bromeliads and bamboo.  Also, there are two mazes to have fun with your family and friends! At the Countryside Farm (Finca Campesina) you will learn how the Costa Ricans used to live, their culture, and pre-Columbian traditions. A canopy and horseback riding tours are also available for the most adventurous.

Turu Bari Horse Ride: (Cost US$ 20 per person adults & children – in addition to the US$75 tour package fee)

Duration: 2 and half hours

Includes: Guide and the adventure of discovering the TURU BA RI mountains and breathtaking landscape.

Children: from 0 to 5 years of age may ride with one of the parents.  Maximum weight permitted is 200 pounds.

Pure Adrenaline Canopy: (Cost: US$30 per person adults & children –in addition to the US$75 tour package fee)

Duration: 3 hours

Includes: Guide, equipment and the excitement of 17 platforms and 10 lines.  On the last platform, you will be able to rappel to the forest floor (optional).

Children: from 5 to 10 years of age are subject to the guide’s supervision.  Maximum weight permitted is 200 pounds.

Recommendations:

• Wear walking shoes, light clothes, hat, sunscreen and insect repellent. If choosing a horseback riding tour, wear long pants, and socks; no sandals.
• Given the warm temperatures of this area, drinking liquids is very important during the tours.

THE FOLLOWING ARE GREAT DESTINATION IDEAS THAT WE CAN CUSTOM DESIGN FOR YOU BASED ON YOUR TIME & BUDGET:

· Fortuna-Monteverde-Rincón de la Vieja

· Fortuna-Monteverde-Beach (Tamarindo/Sámara/Montezuma)

· Corcovado

· Drake Bay

· Osa Península – a better value than Drake Bay/Corcovado and you see the same things!

· Tortuguero

· Southern Caribbean