Come and enjoy the
natural splendors
of Costa Rica
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Land Tour Package
Specials Come and enjoy the natural splendors of Costa Rica Call 1-800-938-9767 |
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| Land Tour Package Specials | Return to Main | |
For those of you who would rather explore the natural splendors of Costa Rica on land, we offer several exciting adventure package specials throughout the year. Of course, you can add on to any package to suit your needs. Below is a sample of the various land tour package specials we offer:
Tour List «·» Arenal Volcano Night Tour «·» Barva Volcano «·» Bosque De Paz Bird Paradise «·» Braulio Carillo National Park «·» Butterfly Farm «·» Butterfly Farm/Cafe Britt Coffee Tour «·» Cafe Britt Coffee Tour «·» Calypso Island Cruise «·» Carara Biological Reserve «·» City Tour San Jose «·» Cerro de la Muerte «·» Guayabo Monument «·» Horseback Riding «·» lrazu Volcano «·» lrazu Volcano/Orosi Valley «·» Irazu & Orosi & Lankaster Gardens «·» Kayaking «·» Lankaster Gardens «·» Lankaster Gardens & Orosi Valley «·» La Virgin Del Socorro «·»Mountain Biking Lake Arenal «·» Orosi Valley Bike Tour «·» Orosi Valley «·» Poas Volcano «·» Poas Voicano & Butterfly Farm «·» Poas Volcano & Sarchi Oxcart Factory «·» Rafting - Pacuare Class llI-IV «·» Rafting - Reventazon Class III - V «·» Rafting - Penas Blancas Class III from Arenal & Chachagua areas «·» Sarapiqui Jungle Boat Tour «·» Rincon de la Vieja Tree Tops Canopy Tour «·» Rincon de la Vieja Nocturnal Tour «·» Sailing «·» Sarchi Oxcart Factory «·» Snorkeling & Scuba Diving - See menu for Diving «·» Tapanti Wildlife Refuge «·» Tiquicia Traditional Night «·» Family Vacation Adventure «·»
ONE-DAY TOUR DESCRIPTIONS
From San Jose & surrounding areas
Duration 11 hours. Afternoon pick-up at your San Jose hotel to arrive at Arenal in time for sunset. You drive through some of the most scenic parts of Costa Rica to view what is considered one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Traverse the central highlands through quaint towns, then on to the San Carlos plains and along picturesque country roads past rich agricultural lands to arrive at the volcano. The Arenal Volcano erupted for the first time this century in 1968 and has been continuously active ever since. The frequency and intensity of its eruptions are truly awe inspiring. After a few hours observing the volcano and exploring the lava flows we return to San Jose. Driving time San Jose -Arenal is 4 hours one-way. (D) (bilingual naturalist guide) (Back to Tour List)
Duration 9 hours. Early morning hotel pick-up for a drive past historical sites in the towns of Heredia and Barva to the park entrance. From here we hike 4 km through the oak and cloud forests of Braulio Carrillo National Park to Barva Volcano's crater. Barva is a dormant volcano whose main crater is filled with water and surrounded by lush tropical cloud forest. Epiphytic orchids, ferns and bromeliads create a truly enchanting atmosphere in which Quetzals and other birds thrive. Enjoy a picnic lunch near locales the Quetzals favor and afternoon coffee at a mountain restaurant. This trip requires moderate to difficult hiking. Trails can be muddy. Driving time San Jose-park entrance is 1 1/4 hours, hiking from park entrance-Barva Lake is 4 km uphill. (B,L) (bilingual naturalist guide) (Back to Tour List)
Located 2,100 meters above sea level, in the green heart of one of the most ecologically important areas of Costa Rica, only 1 ½ hours from San Jose. Seven different trails with guides for each clients interest, physical condition, age group, so each individual can enjoy Bosque de Pez to its fullest. One of Costa Rica’s richest sites for bird watching. Reservations required for day trips and tours. Optional two or three days tours offered, only 2 rooms, will sleep 4 persons in each room, with private bathroom with hot water. (Back to Tour List)
Duration 7 hours. Safely visit the majestic Braulio Carillo National Park via a private farm which borders the park. 30 minutes from San Jose you are in the midst of 80,000 acres of untouched tropical forest providing refuge for unnumbered plant species, mammals, insects, reptiles, butterflies and more than 500 species of birds. After driving into the park and viewing the Caribbean lowlands we return to Santo Domingo de Heredia and go up a secondary road to Finca Cerro Zurqui which borders the Park. An extensive trail system allows you to explore this lush tropical rainforest with your naturalist guide. Epiphytic orchids, ferns and bromeliads create a truly enchanting atmosphere. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the farm house overlooking the Central Valley and lrazu Volcano. Mid-afternoon return to San Jose. Driving time San Jose -Zurqui 30 minutes. (L) (bilingual naturalist guide) (Back to Tour List)
Duration 3 hours. The first enterprise of its kind in Latin America, this remarkable farm and butterfly refuge is dedicated to the rearing and exporting of live butterflies. During the 1½ hour tour of the farm you will learn about butterflies in all four stages of their life cycle - egg, larva, pupa and adult. Includes round trip transportation hotel/Butterfly Farm, entrance fee and local guide. Driving time San Jose-Butterfly Farm is 35 minutes one way. (Back to Tour List)
Butterfly Farm/Cafe Britt Coffee Tour
Duration 5 hours. After visiting the Butterfly Farm (described above) you will continue to Barva de Heredia to visit the Cafe Britt processing plant and coffee plantations where you will see how coffee is farmed and then transformed into a bean that is perfectly roasted. Includes round trip transportation hotel Butterfly Farm/Cafe Britt San Jose, entrance fees at the Butterfly Farm and Cafe Britt and local guide. Driving time San Jose'-Butterfly Farm is 35 minutes, Butterfly Farm-Cafe Britt 30 minutes, Cafe Britt-San Jose 1 hour. (L) (Back to Tour List)
Duration 3 hours. A multimedia presentation using actors to describe coffee production from the farming of the trees to the beverage we all know. The tour begins in an actual coffee plantation, then visitors are invited to the theater performance which tells about the history and processing of coffee prior to packing for home consumption. Visitors participate in a coffee cupping (tasting session) with experienced coffee cuppers. This session enables the audience to better understand the different qualities that make a good cup of coffee. Afterwards, tour members can purchase packaged gourmet coffee at factory prices or have their purchases mailed to any location in the USA or Canada. Includes round drip transportation from your San Jose hotel. Driving time San Jose/Cafe Britt is 1 hour. (Back to Tour List)
Duration 12 hours. After an early morning bus ride from San Jose to the Pacific port of Puntarenast, you'll board the cruise ship for a relaxing day among the islands in the Gulf of Nicoya. With plenty of refreshments, a great shore lunch, opportunities for swimming, snorkeling and fishing, this will be a day you will remember. Return to San Jose through the mountains at sunset and early evening. Driving time San Jose -Puntarenas 11/2 hours one way. (B,L) (bilingual guide) (Back to Tour List)
Duration 11 hours. Early morning pick-up at your San Jose hotel for a scenic drive down the Pacific slope of the Central Cordillera to the tropical rainforest of Carara. This is the best example of the transition between the dryness of the north Pacific and the humid coastal region of the south Pacific. The Reserve combines the flora and fauna of seasonally dry forest, the rivers and coast, and year round wet habitats. Carara features parrots, parakeets, toucan, trogons, three species of monkeys, and one of the only three viable populations of Scarlet Macaws in Mesoamerica. Break for a relaxed lunch and afternoon swim prior to returning to San Jose'. Driving time San Jose -Carara 21/2 hour one way. (B,L) (bilingual naturalist guide). Note: clients may opt to stay over at nearby Don a Marta Lodge or the Dundee Ranch Hotel. (Back to Tour List)
Duration 3 hours. This tour introduces you to Costa Rican culture, history and crafts with visits to San Jose's historical monuments, museums, parks and neighborhoods and includes a stop for souvenir shopping. Many museums are closed on Mondays therefore tour does not usually operate on this day. Tour departs mornings and afternoons - please specify choice. (bilingual guide) (Back to Tour List)
Duration 8 hours. Morning pick-up at your San Jose hotel for a scenic drive up the mountains to the highest point on the Pan-American highway. This area is of great interest for its paramo (tropical alpine vegetation) and endemic birds like the Long-tailed Silky Flycatcher. Good opportunities to see the Resplendent Quetzal. Driving time San Jose-Cerro de Ia Muerte is 2 hours. (L) (bilingual naturalist guide) (Back to Tour List)
Duration 8 hours. The Guayabo National Monument is an archaeological site with 800+ year old still-functioning aqueducts. But it is also an area of natural wonders including magnificent scenery and birds such as the Chestnut-headed Oropendola and the Scarlet-rumped Cacique. This tour is subject to park schedules. Driving time San Jose-Guayabo is 2½ hours. (Back to Tour List)
Duration 8 hours. Depending on the day of the week and the number of participants, we will head up into the mountain to lrazu Volcano south of San Jose or down to the Pacific lowlands. Tour includes round trip transport, breakfast and lunch and 2-3 hours horseback riding with a bilingual guide. Please advise the client's previous experience, age and weight when booking. Driving time from San Jose to horse ranch 21/2 hours one way. (B,L) (bilingual guide) (Back to Tour List)
Duration 5 hours. We head south-east of San Jose to the town of Cartago, the original capital of Costa Rica. Here we visit the ruins of the old church Santiago Apostol and the magnificent Basilica of the Virgin of Los Angeles, the shrine of Costa Rica's patron saint. Then we continue on up the fertile mountainside to the top of lrazui Volcano. It's best to bring a sweater as it gets chilly exploring the eerie lunar landscape that surrounds the crater. The last major eruption of this volcano occurred in 1963 however it has shown signs of activity in the past couple of years. On the way back to San Jose, stop for lunch at Linda Vista Restaurant (lunch is not included). Driving time San Jose-Cartago 35 minutes, Cartago-lrazu 1 hour, lrazu-San Jose 1½ hours. (bilingual guide) (Back to Tour List)
Duration 8 hours. This tour combines Irazu Volcano (described above) and the Orosi Valley. In this beautiful valley we see one of the oldest churches in Central America - the Basilica of Ujarras, the Cachi hydroelectric dam, and the ancient monastery of San Jose de Orosi, built in the 1700's and one of the few colonial churches still in use. Lunch at Motel Rio Palomo is included in the price. Driving time San Jose-Cartago 35 minutes, Cartago-lrazu 1 hour, lrazu-Orosi 1 hour, Orosi-San Jose 2 hours. (L) (bilingual guide) (Back to Tour List)
Irazu & Orosi & Lankaster Gardens
Duration 9 hours. This tour combines lrazu Volcano and the Orosi Valley (described above) with the lovely Lankaster Gardens (described below). (L) (bilingual guide) (Back to Tour List)
Options for sea and estuary kayaking. Combine with a rafting or mountain biking tour available. (Back to Tour List)
Duration 4 hours. Visits Cartago, its ruins, the Basilica of the Virgin of Los Angeles and the lovely Lankaster Gardens of the University of Costa Rica. Covering about 25 acres, Lankaster houses over 800 species of native and hybrid orchids in addition to many bromeliads, anthuriums and a large variety of ferns. Peak blooming season is February through April. Lunch is not included in the price. Driving time San Jose-Cartago 35 minutes, Cartago-Lankaster Gardens 10 minutes. (bilingual guide) (Back to Tour List)
Lankaster Gardens & Orosi Valley
Duration 7 hours. We drive south-east of San Jose through Cartago to reach the lovely Lankaster Gardens with its acres of cultivated orchids, anthuriums and ferns and the birds they all attract - a truly spectacular tropical garden. Then we head on for a journey through the beautiful Orosi Valley where one sees large coffee farms, the forest clad Talamanca Mountains, Basilica of Ujarras, one of the oldest churches in Central America, the Cachi hydroelectric dam, and the ancient monastery of San Jose de Orosi, built in the 1700's and one of the few colonial churches still in use. Driving time San Jose-Lankaster Gardens 45 minutes, Lankaster Gardens-Orosi Valley 30 minutes, Orosi Valley-San Jose 2 hours. (L) (bilingual guide) (Back to Tour List)
Duration 8 hours. This trip takes you past beautiful waterfalls, breathtaking views, rushing rivers and lush forests. Many butterflies, orchids and ferns of limited distribution are found here. Birds like the American Dipper, Torrent Tyrannulet and flocks of tanagers highlight this area. La Virgin is primarily for birding. Driving time San Jose-La Virgin 2 hours. (L) (bilingual naturalist guide) (Back to Tour List)
Spend a full day, with guide and equipment provided in tour, seeing Arenal Volcano and Tabacon Hot Springs. This is only one of the mountain bike trips available. (Back to Tour List)
Duration 12 hours. Early morning hotel pick-up for the 1 hour drive to the Orosi Valley. After a safety and equipment overview, commence cycling from the bridge over the Rio Agua Caliente. Cycle through rich coffee plantations to visit the colonial Church of Orosi. Continue along the pristine Rio Grande de Orosi before crossing it for lunch at a traditional Costa Rican inn overlooking the river. After lunch continue around the Cachi Lake to tour the town of Cachi and visit the "woodcarver's house" where rustic coffee wood figures are displayed and sold. Cycle onto the historical site of the Ujarras Church ruins from where we return to San Jose by bus. Support van, driver and guide mechanic available at all times with fresh tropical fruit and drinks, snacks and cool water as well as gear such as helmets, gloves, water bottles, extra bikes and first aid kit. Total cycling for the day is about 30 km. (B,L) (cycling guide) (Back to Tour List)
Duration 5 hours. We drive south-east of San Jose through Cartago and on to the beautiful Orosi Valley where one sees large coffee farms, the forest clad Talamanca Mountains, Basilica of Ujarras - one of the oldest churches in Central America, the Cachi hydroelectric dam, and the ancient monastery of San Jose de Orosi, built in the 1700's and one of the few colonial churches still in use. Driving time San Jose-Orosi 2 hours. (bilingual guide) (Back to Tour List)
Duration 5 hours. A scenic drive through rolling green country-side up to the top of Poas Volcano, one of the widest volcanic craters in the world accessible by road. You may actually stand on the edge and look down into the boiling, bubbling cauldron. Currently Poas has very active fumaroles in the inner part of the crater. The second crater, Botos, is a crystal clear rainfed lake surrounded by highland jungle and is reached by a walk of about ½ mile through a unique dwarf cloud forest. On the way back to San Jose, group will stop for lunch at El Recreo Restaurant (lunch not included in tour price) Driving time San Jose-Peas 1½ hours. (bilingual guide) (Back to Tour List)
Duration 8 hours. Driving through rolling green countryside we make our way to the summit of Volcano Poas, a 2700m active cinder cone volcano, with one of the largest craters in the world. As the morning progresses, clouds move in to obscure our view and provide moisture for the lush cloud forest in the park. After looking into the steaming cauldron we'll walk through a beautiful elfin forest to an azure lagoon that lies in a dormant crater nearby. After lunch at a typical restaurant we'll visit the Butterfly Farm. The first enterprise of its kind in Latin America, this remarkable farm and butterfly refuge is dedicated to the rearing and exporting of live butterflies. During the 11/2 hour tour of the farm you will learn about butterflies in all four stages of their life cycle - egg, larva, pupa and adult. Driving time San Jose-Peas 1½ hours, Poas/Butterfly Farm 1114 hours, Butterfly Farm-San Jose 35 minutes. (L) (bilingual guide) (Back to Tour List)
Poas Volcano & Sarchi Oxcart Factory
Duration 8 hours. This tour combines Peas Volcano (described above) with a step at the famous woodworking town of Sarchi. In addition to the brightly colored oxcarts, hardwood salad bowls, carved statues, the famous Costa Rican rocking chair and other wooden souvenirs and furniture are made and sold in this colorful village. Lunch at a typical restaurant in Sarchi is included. Driving time San Jose-Peas 11/2 hours, Pea s-Sarchi 45 minutes, Sarchi-San Jose 1½ hours. (L) (bilingual guide) (Back to Tour List)
From San Jose areas
Rafting - Pacuare Class llI-IV
Duration 12 hours. Virgin tropical rainforest, world class white water and scenery combine to make this a wonderful day. Driving time San Jose-put in 31~ours. Time on river approximately 5 hours. Minimum age 12 years old. Includes transportation, rafting equipment and professionally trained bilingual rafting guides. We often combine Pacuare one day with Reventazon one day or with one day Orosi Bike Tour. On such trips we overnight at Hotel Turrialtico - about 20 minutes driving time from the put-in. Please refer to our multi-day tour section for prices and description. (B,L) (bilingual river guide) (Back to Tour List)
Rafting - Reventazon Class III - V
Mid-Section Class III Duration 12 hours. A 3 hour scenic drive from San Jose to the put-in point, stopping for breakfast along the way. After a brief safety talk and instruction period, we begin the 9-mile run, starting with fairly easy rapids and facing the most challenging water just before the take-out point. Includes transportation, rafting equipment and professionally trained bilingual rafting guides. Season all year. Time on river 3 hours. Minimum age 9 years old. (B,L) (bilingual river guide) (Back to Tour List)
Rafting - Penas Blancas Class III from Arenal & Chachagua areas
Full day rafting from the Arenal / Fortuna area. Beauty and excitement in a area not know to very many for this fun activity. (Back to Tour List)
Duration 11 hours. Early morning departure from San Jose for drive through the beautiful Poas Volcano National Park and a visit to the Peace Waterfalls prior to arriving at El Gavilan Lodge. Choice of either a boat trip or horseback riding to explore the exotic tropical flora and fauna. Return to San Jose byway of Braulio Carrillo National Park. Driving time San Jose-El Gavilan Lodge 3 hours. (B,L) (bilingual naturalist guide) (Back to Tour List)
Rincon de la Vieja Tree Tops Canopy Tour
A very active tour which has been done by a 4 year and 85 year old. Includes guide and equipment. Traverses platforms set in the treetops of this private reserve in the Northern Guanacaste region of the country. Lodging and meals are very basic. There are 2 tours to choose from the 4 hour tree tops only or the full day tour which includes hiking and horseback riding with a box lunch. Optional tour to the Blue Lake Waterfalls is available, park entrance paid at the time of entrance to park, at time of printing $7.00 per person. (Back to Tour List)
Rincon de la Vieja Nocturnal Tour
New for Costa Rica. Charter private sailing tours in the Northern Guanacaste area for the day, sunset, or multi day trips. Optional trips for divers to Cocos Island available on request. (Back to Tour List)
Duration 4 hours. In addition to the brightly colored oxcarts, hardwood salad bowls, carved statues, the famous Costa Rican rocking chair and other wooden souvenirs and furniture are made and sold in this colorful village. Lunch is not included in the tour price. Driving time San Jose-Sarchi 1½ hours. (bilingual guide) (Back to Tour List)
Snorkeling & Scuba Diving - See menu for Diving
Duration 8 hours. A mid-elevation forest in a beautiful valley with waterfalls, a rushing river (cool but swimmable), abundant birds, animals and flowers including tree hibiscus and many orchid species. This trip also passes through the scenic Orosi Valley. Driving time San Jose -Tapanti 2 hours. (L) (bilingual naturalist guide) (Back to Tour List)
Duration 4 hours. This is a dinner tour high in the mountains above San Jose giving you a panoramic view of the Central Valley at night. Tiquicia is a restored adobe building with a special atmosphere enhanced by the lantern and candlelight illumination. The food is an excellent variety of typical Costa Rican dishes, cooked over wood and in round clay ovens. After dinner you are treated to a show of native Costa Rican folklore dances. Includes round-trip transportation hotel/restaurant, dinner and show. Driving time San Jose -Tiquicia 45 minutes. (D) (bilingual guide) (Back to Tour List)
This morning the horses will be saddled up
and waiting to take us riding on the hills above the
EcoLodge. After lunch a walking tour of the cloud forest
with your guide. Learn what a Cloud Forest environment is
like. Late afternoon we will drive to Tabacon Hot Springs
where we will relax and play in the thermal heated pools
and waterfalls facing Arenal Volcano. Dinner at Tabacon
then back to the EcoLodge. (Back to
Tour List)