Costa Rica tour options

Costa Rica tours and custom travel programs for individuals, couples, families and groups.

Explorations is proud to offer outstanding adventures that highlight the very best that Costa Rica has to offer in addition to custom itineraries. We are happy to help you organize your exotic holiday to explore lush rainforests, mountain cloudforests, towering volcanoes, tropical beaches, scenic rivers, wildlife sanctuaries, colorful gardens, country towns, and more.

COSTA RICA (A LA CARTE)

TRIP EXTENSIONS SAMPLES

Day tour options from San Jose that include transportation, lodging, guided tour, and some meals:

Add extra night in San Jose at the Hotel Irazú Best Western San Jose. (Other hotels can be arranged if desired.) You are welcome to extend your stay just for independent personal explorations or you may prearrange services and tours.

San Jose City Tour: The tour begins with a stop at an international cuisine restaurant, where we will be able to enjoy a deliciously prepared lunch. Then, we will board the bus to visit La Sabana Metropolitan Park, heart of the capital city, and we will continue by the residential area of Rohrmoser. The tour continues along the Paseo Colón on the way to the National Theater. After a guided visit to this architectural masterpiece, we will take a short walk over the Plaza de la Cultura to visit the Gold Museum and continue through the Central Avenue Boulevard to the Plaza de la Democracia. The walk will continue on the Boulevard Circuito Judicial and on to the Supreme Court of Justice. Here we will board the bus to continue our city sightseeing, taking a close look at the Casa Amarilla, The National Park, The National Library, The Electoral Supreme Court, and the old neighborhoods of San Jose (Amón – Otoya & Toumón). Before we head back to the hotel we will take a coffee in the Diamond and Emerald Jewelry where you can see an art gallery of several well-known Costa Rican artists, then we will receive an explanation of the development of the gold accompanied by a video. Estimate

San Jose City at Night: Explore San José at night and discover the history and culture of Costa Rica's capital city. During this sightseeing tour you will visit the most popular monuments downtown. This journey starts at one of the main historical roads in Costa Rica, Paseo Colón. This road crosses the capital city and is home to the emblematic Children's Hospital and San Juan de Dios Hospital. The Children's Hospital was inaugurated May 24, 1964, and since then it's been serving the welfare of Costa Rican children. This hospital is one of the most important and leading pediatric centers in Latin America. Going further into the heart of the city, you will find the San Juan de Dios Hospital. Founded in 1855 this hospital was declared of national historic value in 1994. Close to the hospital is the La Merced Park, a popular gathering spot for foreign nationals. The tour continues on 2nd Avenue until you reach the famous Central Park, which according to some historians was built in 1837. This park was remodeled in the 90s and its beautiful kiosk was the only original piece that was left standing. The Melico Salazar Theather, named after one of the most important tenors in Costa Rica, granted the general population access to cultural activities and shows. Today, the Theatre hosts from children shows to opera concerts. Diagonally from this theater is the Metropolitan Cathedral, a religious symbol for the Costa Rican society. This neoclassical church was designed by the Spaniard, José Quirce, but has been transformed over the years to what it is today. Close to the Cathedal you'll find one of Costa Rica's most precious architectural masterpieces, the National Theater. This theater has hosted the most important cultural and social events in the country and its construction was the result of enormous efforts from Costa Ricans and the great vision of prominent businessmen from the late eighteen hundreds. Finally, you will reach the recently renovated Plaza de la Democracia, home to the former Bellavista Fort. Bullet holes from the 1948 Civil War can still be observed in the walls of this building, which is now the National Museum. The Museum holds diverse botanical, entomological, and ornithological collections. After enjoying this sightseeing tour, you will be taken to a typical restaurant to get a taste for true Costa Rican food. ¡Buen provecho!

Arenal Volcano and Tabacón: It is no coincidence that the Arenal Volcano & Hot Springs is one of the most popular tours in the country; visiting the most active volcano in Costa Rica and relaxing in its hot springs is an unforgettable experience! En route towards Arenal, you will pass by the picturesque town of La Fortuna and, in a clear day, you will have the opportunity to admire this majestic colossus. You may also have the chance to witness a small eruption, causing red lava to pour down the mountain and clouds of smoke and ash to fly into the sky. At night, the spectacle is like a magnificent display of fireworks. At the nearby thermal hot springs you will be able to relax in naturally heated Jacuzzis charged with healthy minerals, or you may take advantage of the resort’s additional services such as Tabacón’s award winning spa.

Butterfly Farm of La Guácima: Learn all about the fascinating butterfly as you explore its natural habitat, filled with hundreds of butterflies. The tour begins with a 25-minute film with an introduction about what will be seen and explained by your guide, from there; visitors will proceed with a knowledgeable guide to the exportation plant. On exportation about days, the sorting, packing and export of the pupae can be seen. After an explanation about the exportation of butterflies, the tour will proceed to The Butterfly Garden. In an enclosed tropical garden you will see over a thousand butterflies live their lives, feeding, mating and laying eggs, guides will identify the most beautiful of Costa Rica’s butterflies, point out the females ovipositing their eggs on host plants and feeding in flowers. Visitors will be able to touch the legs of butterflies and discover how they hold onto plants or try to find the lottery number in their wings. Topics such as the role of butterflies in nature, their defense mechanisms and those of their host plants are but a sampling of the many themes discussed, the entire cycle of the butterfly’s metamorphosis is shown, the tour culminates at the gift shop, where guests are afforded more opportunity for questions and answers. *Includes entrance fees, transportation and guide.

Coffee Tour at Café Britt: Imagine following the journey of a coffee bean from the plantation - to the processing plant to a cup of gourmet coffee. Their professional acting troupe, dressed in traditional garb, will escort you through multimedia, interactive tour through the history of coffee. On their finca, your day starts on six-acres of coffee fields, tropical gardens and coffee processing facilities. We'll teach you all about coffee cultivation - and not just by giving you the facts - feel free to pick a few ripe cherries to taste their sweetness or take a few of the dried beans home to grow a plant of your own! From the fields, we'll take you into our roasting and packaging facilities where you'll soak in the aroma of roasting coffee and learn all about this magical process that turns a red coffee cherry into a delicious cup of java. Then, in our theater, sit back and watch a multimedia play and presentation of coffee's place in world history. Learn about how deeply coffee culture is woven into the history and people of Costa Rica - and be prepared to have a few good laughs while you're at it. Although incredibly knowledgeable, our troupe has a rather short serious threshold! *Includes entrance fees, transportation and guide.

Canopy Zipline Adventure: Located on the skirts of the Barva Volcano, the Canopy Adventure of San José de la Montaña has more than 700 forest hectares of which 350 are of primary forest that you will discover just 45 minutes away from San Jose. This adventure consists of eleven platforms, ten of them located on oak trees (of 200 and 400 years old), originals of this cloud and rain forest and one platform on a cypress tree, very common of this area. From where you will be sliding down, feeling part of Mother Nature. During the tour you will also be walking through the hollow trunk of a ficus tree. These trails will conduct you through the different platforms while you will enjoy the surrounding forest.

Horseback Riding: Horseback ride through the mountain’s nature paths - Horses available for all the levels. Make a beautiful horseback ride through the surrounding area of Ciudad Colon. Beautiful small town situated only 40 minutes from San Jose, driving on a paved highway, we reach Hacienda El Rodeo, where we mount horses and start our ride around nature paths that will challenge even the experienced adventurer. What better way to see the wealth of flora and fauna. Afterwards we will have a typical lunch to later relax on the patio of the hacienda and then begin our return to San Jose. There are horses available for all the levels. *Includes snacks, soft drinks, transportation and naturalist guide. (+ Lunch from San Jose)

Irazú Volcano & Orosi Valley: This tour offers a unique combination of a volcano, the old capital city of Cartago and the picturesque Orosi Valley, rich in colonial history. The trip begins by leaving San Jose behind and heading east for an hour, climbing up to Costa Rica's highest volcano at 11,000 ft. The top of the volcano has often been described as the only surface on earth that so closely resemble a lunar landscape. On a clear day, one can sometimes catch a glimpse of both the Pacific and Atlantic coasts from this imposing height. Then, after walking along the crater beds, the tour will continue to Cartago and a visit to the Basilica, the most important center of religion in Costa Rica. Soon we will descend to the historic and colorful Orosi Valley home of the first Spanish settlers, where you will have the possibility of visiting the ruins of the oldest Church of Costa Rica and the Orosi Colonial Church. Lunch will be served in a scenic country style restaurant. *Includes entrance fees, lunch, transportation and guide.

Poás Volcano & Sarchí Oxcart Factory: The Poás Volcano is located approximately one hour and a half from San Jose. The picturesque drive takes one past coffee, sugar and tropical plant plantations, and continues up through the cloud forest of Poás Volcano National Park. Accompanied by your naturalist guide you will walk up to the top and observe the enormous crater with its deep green lake, considered to be the largest crater in the world. Look deep into the crater and see the still active steam and sulfur outlets. Lunch will be served in a quaint typical restaurant. After lunch you will visit the village of Sarchí, the artesian center of Costa Rica renowned for it's original woodwork, handicrafts, and the colorful hand-painted oxcarts. *Includes entrance fees, lunch, transportation and guide.

Póas Volcano, Doka and Sarchí: Admire the majestic and imposing crater of Poás Volcano at 2.708 meters, high and enjoy a magnificent view of the central valley and its enormous crater, considered one of the greatest in the world. After admiring this national park, we will visit Doka Estate we will guide you through all the coffee production stages in a breathtaking atmosphere you will have the opportunity to closely observe and understand how a first choice bean turns into a fablulous cup of coffee. You will walk through the planted fields, see our beneficio (coffee mill) and smell the aroma emitted a typical lunch will be serve, then continue to the town of Sarchí, cradle of Costa Rica crafts and the construction and painting of the typical oxcarts.

Poás Volcano & La Paz Waterfalls: This tour combination will let you experience the Poás Volcano with his majestic and imposing crater at 2.708 Mts. high and enjoy a magnificent view of the Central Valley. We will continue to visit La Paz Waterfall Gardens, a Nature Park that has a variety of climates including both Cloud and Rain Forest. Nine viewing platforms allow you to have a close a view of five magnificent waterfalls and La Paz River. Walking a naturalist trail you can get to Magia Blanca Falls (the largest one and the most spectacular of the falls in the area). Visit the Hummingbird Garden, where your feathered friends will fascinate you as they play and fight with each other. You can also visit the butterfly observatory with a beautiful collection of tropical jewels. The drive will take you through coffee plantations, sugar and strawberry fields; small towns and picturesque houses adorned by flowers of all colors. *Includes entrance fees, lunch, transportation and guide.


Rainforest Aerial Tram Day Tour: Only 50 minutes from San José on the highway to Limón, the Rain Forest Aerial Tram offers one of the most impressive and unique parks of ecotourism and investigation in the world. Visitors literally travel 90 minutes between the grove forest, the canopy and its gardens discovering plants and animals that are usually hidden, a world little known, but with incredible beauty, and extraordinary biological diversity. The “Gondola” (Aerial Tram) Tour is a modified “Ski Lift” that covers a distance of 2.6 kilometers through the Costa Rica rainforest. The tour lasts approximately 90 minutes. The main idea of the tour is to show visitors the different levels of a rainforest, specifically the most difficult level to reach, up to now, and the least scientifically known part of the forest the canopy (the tree tops). This course is very secure and very quiet; allowing visitors to listen to the many different sounds of the rainforest. Estimate $95/pp

Rainforest & Rio Perlas Hot Springs: We will visit the City of Cartago, first Capital of Costa Rica and its Basilica of Los Angeles, we will pass by the Orosi Valley and we have the opportunity to visit the Ruins of Ujarras, oldest church of Costa Rica. Then we will submerge you into the Rain Forest of the National Park Tapantí. One of the rainiest sites of Costa Rica, where it will be able to admire the wonders of the rain forest in its entire splendor. We will make a panoramic tour throughout the way that crosses the low part of this park, which we will complement with a nature walk. Later visit the Orosi Colonial Church, continuing to the oasis of the Barceló Rancho Rio Perlas Resort & Spa which has everything what you need for one complete physical and spirit recovery: thermal water sources, Jacuzzi's outdoors, and an ample range of therapeutic and aesthetic treatments. *Includes entrance fees, use of the facilities at the Barceló Rancho Rio Perlas Resort & Spa, lunch, transportation and naturalist guide.


Sarapiquí River & Rainforest Canopy: Our naturalist guide will pick you up at your hotel early in the morning to start your journey of 1 1/2 hours to Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí passing through one of the most lush areas in Costa Rica, Braulio Carrillo National Park. You will be able to enjoy the scenic views as we travel. Once in Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí, you will board a boat to discover the richness of Costa Rica nature along the Sarapiqui River. The boat ride will last approximately two hours, where you will have the opportunity to enjoy the magnificent rain forest and it habitants, such as toucans, monkeys, sloths, crocodiles and many other species. Then you will arrive at a private reserve where you will have the choice of reaching the Canopy starting point by horseback or hiking. The Canopy starts with an explanation of the basic principals needed to make this experience an enjoyable and safe one. This is the adventure that lets you roam around the treetops leaping from platform to platform, in a special system of steel cables using professional climbing gear. Each one of the 15 platforms and the suspension bridge is a unique experience in itself. After such an adrenaline packed two hours, you will be able to enjoy a home-style lunch at the private reserve. This excursion requires no previous experience. * Includes: Guide, Lunch, Canopy Tour.

Sarapiquí River Adventure and Irazú Volcano Day Tour: This complete tour gives you the opportunity to enjoy the outstanding highlights of Costa Rica in one full day, first by going to the “Ruinas de Cartago” to learn of its amazing colonial, then we will visit the Irazú Volcano, with it’s unique view to the crater and from where on a clear day it is possible see both the Pacific and Atlantic Ocean. Once that we arrive to Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí we’ll board the boat to discover the richness of Costa Rica’s nature along the river. The boat ride will last two hours, time to witness the magnificent rain forest and its habitants, such as toucans, monkeys, sloths, crocodiles and many other species. At the end of this river adventure you will be arriving to a private farm, to enjoy a home-style lunch, and then you can hike on one of the nature trails or explore the surroundings on horseback. Also you will have the opportunity to visit our Butterfly Garden, an unbelievable snake collection and the Frog Sanctuary. In the afternoon before returning to the city, enjoy the scenic view of the exuberant Braulio Carrillo, as you pass through this spectacular National Park.

Sarapiquí River Boat Adventure & Poás Volcano: This complete tour gives you the opportunity to enjoy many highlights of Costa Rica in only one day, first by going to the Poas Volcano National Park, which has the largest craters in the world, and where you can experience the Tropical Cloud Forest at its best. Then continue to visit La Paz Waterfall Gardens, a Nature Park that has a variety of climates including both Cloud and Rain Forest. Nine viewing platforms allow you to have a close a view of five magnificent waterfalls and La Paz River. Walking a naturalist trail you can get to Magia Blanca Falls (the largest one and the most spectacular of the falls in the area). Then continue to Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí. Here we'll board the boat to discover the richness of Costa Rica's nature traveling along the Sarapiqui River. The boat ride will last two hours, time enough to witness the magnificent rain forest and its habitants, such as toucans, monkeys, sloths, crocodiles and many other species. At the end of this river adventure you will come to a private farm to enjoy a home-style lunch. Then, you will be able to hike on one of the nature trails or explore the surroundings on horseback. In the afternoon, before returning to the city, you will enjoy the scenic view of the exuberant Braulio Carrillo National Park, as you drive through this spectacular park. *Includes entrance fees, breakfast, lunch, transportation and naturalist guide.

Tortuga Island Cruise: Board a yacht at Puntarenas and enjoy The Gulf of Nicoya, and its beautiful archipelago, admiring the many sea birds, while cruising to Tortuga Island. Tortuga Island is known for its immaculate white sand beach and turquoise waters, a perfect stop for swimming and snorkeling. You will remain in the island for approximately four hours, where you may enjoy different activities such as: canopy tour, trails, kayaking, snorkeling, swimming, beach sports or simply relax and enjoy the each, while the crew prepares an exquisite lunch - buffet style. *Includes breakfast enroute (from San Jose), light cruise, tropical fruits, soft drinks, lunch, live music, transportation and guide.

Tortuguero National Park: An expedition in the dense jungle of one of the most beautiful and scenic regions of Costa Rica. Travel along the exotic canals of the National Park Tortuguero, famous by solitary beaches where take places the nesting of the giant marine green turtles (Jul. to Sep.) Tortuguero is the most important site of nesting for the Green Turtle in the Western Hemisphere. Our journey will begin by crossing through the spectacular Braulio Carrillo National Park a dense cloud forest. After going down through the mountainous pass, you will reach the lowlands, and the beginning of the province of Limon, with its many banana plantations. A stop will be made for breakfast. The after traveling for approximately two and a half hours, you will reach the riverside where a specially designed boat will be waiting to take you through the system of rivers and canals that are found in Tortuguero National Park. The boat will slowly go up the canals to allow you the opportunity to observe the rich variety of wildlife to be found, and observe the thick jungle canopy above. Lunch will be served at the lodge soon after arrival. (There are overnight optional packages for this tour. ) *Includes entrance fees, breakfast, lunch, transportation and guide.

Tiquicia Traditional Evening: Traditions – Folklore - Typical Food - Typical Dance. Come with us and enjoy a trip to Costa Rica past. You will enjoy a typical dinner with a spectacle of dances and folkloric traditions in one of the mountains that surround San Jose, where you will be able to admire the beautiful Central Valley with the Cities of Heredia, Alajuela and San Jose. Enjoy the flavor that distinguishes the ticos. Don't miss this unforgettable night! *Includes. entrance fees, dinner, show, transportation and guide.

Traditional night dinner Pueblo Antigua: The unique presentation of Pueblo Antiguo, is a multimedia, interactive tour through the history of our country, performed in the middle of a reproduction of the old town of San Jose. Where all the colors of their architecture, customs and traditions come together to show the origin of this small country and its friendly people. The show is followed by a typical dinner buffet. *Includes entrance fees, dinner, show, transportation and guide.




Multi-day tour options that include transportation, lodging, guided tours, and some meals from San Jose include:

Monteverde Cloud Forest 3D/2N: Explores the verdant reserve with naturalist guide. Discover the cloud forests of Monteverde and the abundant flora and fauna of the area. Enjoy the comforts of the Hotel Heliconia or similar, 2 breakfasts, round trip transportation from San Jose. Includes escorted tour through the Monteverde Biological Reserve with a naturalist guide and visit to the Hummingbirds Gallery.

Sarapiquí Rainforest & Rivers 3D/2N: Choose either a tranquil rafting float (or white-water) through lush rainforest with abundant wildlife.

Tortuguero National Park & Canals 3D/2N: Boating exploration of the famous lagoon and canal system running through lush Caribbean rainforest. Explore the intricate system of canals and the trails of Tortuguero National Park with naturalist guides in this all inclusive package with transportation from San Jose. Includes overnights at the exotic Laguna Lodge or similar.

Corcovado National Park 4D/3N: All-inclusive exploration of this famous wilderness on the Osa Peninsula.

Playa Grande & Baulas Marine National Park 3D/2N: Explores (boat tour) this protected area, famous for its mangrove estuary, leatherback turtle nesting area, and unspoiled beaches.

Pacific Coast Sport Fishing 3D/2N: A full day and a half of deep sea fishing in some of the best waters for sailfish, dorado, red snapper, marlin.

Arenal Volcano Exploration: Includes 5 nights accommodation plus room tax, 3 in San Jose and 2 at selected hotel in the Arenal Volcano area, breakfast, airport transfers, transfers between hotels, tour to Arenal Volcano & Hot Springs with dinner and entrance fee to the resort included. Best Western San José & Arenal Paraiso - 5N/6D or Best Western Irazú & Tabacón Lodge.

Caribbean Exploration: 5 nights accommodation plus room tax, 3 in the city and 2 at the Caribbean beach, airport transfers, transfers between hotels, tour to Poás Volcano & Sarchí or Irazú Volcano & Orosi Valley. Snack included. Best Western San José & Escape Caribeño - 5N/6D, or Best Western Irazú & Suerre Caribbean Beach.

Guanacaste Exploration: 5 nights accommodation plus room tax, 3 in the city and 2 at the beach, airport transfers, transfers between hotels, tour to Poás Volcano & Sarchí or Irazú Volcano & Orosi Valley. Snack included. Best Western San José & El Milagro- 5N/6D, or Best Western Irazú & Sol Playa Hermosa.

Pacific Exploration: 5 nights accommodation plus room tax, 3 in the city and 2 at the beach, airport transfers, transfers between hotels, tour to Poás Volcano & Sarchí or Irazú Volcano & Orosi Valley. Snack included. Best Western San José & Best Western Jacó Beach.

Lively San José: 3 nights accommodation plus room tax, airport transfers, City Tour, tour to Poás Volcano & Sarchí or Irazú Volcano & Orosi Valley. Snack included. Best Western San José - 3N/4D, or Best Western Irazú.

Arenal Volcano 3D/2N: Enjoy the numerous outdoor activities of the Arenal Paraíso, located in a cloud forest reserve; mountain biking, hiking, and explore the nearby Arenal Volcano in this all inclusive package. Arenal Paraíso

Corcovado National Park: Discover one the oldest and virgin forests of Costa Rica. The adventure on this national park, includes a boat trip down the pacific coast, hikes through the park to observe an amazing variety of flora, and many species of animals including monkeys, sloths, agoutis, and numerous colorful birds. Marenco Lodge 2N/3D

For independent travelers extending their stay, ground and air transfers are available throughout Costa Rica.

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