Valle Central Activities

One Day Tours operating from San Jose

Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs

  

Our most popular tour! The Arenal Volcano is one of the most active volcanoes in the Americas. From our observation point, you will feel the ground tremble and see the night sky explode with ash and lava in a natural display of fireworks. Next, we 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, we will treat you to a splendid dinner.  This is absolutely an evening you will not want to miss in Costa Rica!  On this tour we will also visit the town of Sarchi, well known for the beauty of the handcrafts that they produce. (Lunch and dinner included).
Please bring: swimsuit, comfortable walking shoes (if there is good weather), sweater, insect repellent, and a towel (optional).

The Best Combination

    

We begin our journey driving by the monument "El Agricultor" and the Juan Santamaria International Airport. During the drive you will begin to feel at home in Costa Rica as we enter the City of Alajuela, with the second largest population in the country. The city of Alajuela is proud to display the monument of our National Hero "Juan Santamaria". While appreciating the history of the monument, not far away is the well-known park of "Los Mangos" and the old military headquarters which has been transformed into a museum and school of technical teaching.  As we continue our drive north, we begin to observe the vast difference between the constructions of city homes to the ones that encompass the green countryside. These homes are surrounded by strawberry farms, huge ferns, and flower plantations, which compliment the massive coffee fields.   We now begin our assent to the national park where we will soon relax and enjoy an authentic cup of Costa Rican coffee accompanied by a delicious tropical breakfast. You will feel a change in temperature and the lush vegetation becomes apparent, preparing us for the pleasures of the exuberant cloud forest of the Poas Volcano. On a clear day the view of the main crater is admired by all visitors, with its diameter is considered one of the widest in the world. After this we will enjoy a quick hike on a trail which leads us to the Botos Lagoon (an extinct crater), where many different ecosystems exist and where some of the many species of flora and fauna of this cloud forest can be observed. After leaving the National Park we will be able to observe some dairy farms which have become the pride of Costa Ricans, due to the quality and the rich tasting products that are currently being exported to several other Latin American countries.  As we continue towards the Caribe zone, we will stop to discover La Paz Waterfall Gardens, a Nature Park where we will walk on the truly spectacular trails that will lead us to Magia Blanca Falls (the largest and the most spectacular of the falls in the area). At the Park you will also witness the largest enclosed butterfly observatory in the world with a beautiful collection of tropical jewels. After a terrific lunch we will continue to Sarapiqui and on our way we come across the La PazWaterfall, where we take some time to enjoy the splendid view. Less than a mile away we will encounter yet another waterfall surrounded by virgin forest, which becomes a great photo opportunity.  As our journey continues we have the pleasure of observing the unique characteristics of the Atlantic area. We come across quaint towns and farmhouses that are encompassed by beautiful pineapple, yuca, coco, and heart of palm plantations. One could never miss the tropical plants that enhance this picturesque view. Once we arrive at Puerto Viejo (Old Port), we will be ready to enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the Sarapiqui River, just sit back and observe the wildlife that is around you. The monkeys, iguanas, crocodiles, and the variety of birds will allow you to relax and concentrate on the scenery. During the boat ride our guide will also explain to us about life style of the friendly people that live at the river margins. Before returning to San Jose we will drive through the unforgettable rain forest of Braulio Carrillo National Park, one of the most important rainforest reserves for Costa Rica.

Includes: Breakfast, visit to coffee fields, Poas Volcano National Park craters and cloud forest trails, Botos Lagoon, visit to La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park and all its natural wonders, La Paz, Magia Blanca and San Fernando Falls. Lunch, jungle ride on the Sarapiqui River, visit to a butterfly and tropical frog's garden, snacks, and sightseeing the 45,899 ha. Braulio Carrillo National Park.
Suggested Equipment: Hat, light jacket, raingear, walking shoes, insect repellent, binoculars, and camera.

Reventazón White Water Rafting

    

This section of the mighty Reventazón River is some of the fastest and best 10 miles of Class III rapids you'll ever paddle! If you're a first-time or experienced paddler looking for the excitement of big waves, hydraulics, and stunning scenery, then this trip is for you.  The drive from San Jose takes you through the impressive Braulio Carrillo National Park, past rainforest and waterfalls across the Continental Divide to the Caribe side of the country.  At our Operations Center you will have breakfast, there are bathrooms, changing rooms and an area to buy last minute needs. After your safety orientation, the first rapid of the day 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 Operations Center for a delicious hot lunch, showers, optional drinks and souvenir store before the return drive to San José. This one-day adventure is unforgettable!

Included: Professional bilingual guides, rafting equipment, breakfast, hot lunch, our Operations Center with comfortable open dining area and spacious changing rooms and showers.
Who can go? Anyone in normal healthy physical condition. Min. age: 12-years-old.
Dificulty: Moderate. Class III rafting: Rapids with high irregular waves; narrow passages that often require complex maneuvering.
Rafting Distance: 10 miles River time: From 1-3/4 to 2-1/2 hours - depending on water level.
Recommended gear: One Day River Equipment List: Rubber-soled shoes that can get wet (Tevas, tennis shoes, booties or similar), Swimsuit / swim trunks; t-shirt and shorts of a quick-drying material, Waterproof sunscreen lotion (SPF 15 or higher), Sun hat or bandana, Croakies or straps to secure glasses, Clothing Change including shoes for after your Rafting Tour and   Towel

Carara Bilogical Reserve and Beach Resort

    

Highly recommended! We begin with a delicious breakfast and a comfortable ride to the pacific town of Tárcoles. Here we will explore one of the most fascinating National Parks of the Tropical Forest in Costa Rica. The Park is famous for its abundance of flora and species of fauna. Crocodiles, ocelots, slots, monkeys, scarlet macaws, toucans, trogons and many other species of the Tropical Forest can be seen.  There is also time to relax and enjoy the nearby beach. If you came to Costa Rica to enjoy the splendid tropical plants and wildlife, this is one tour you will not want miss! (Includes: Breakfast & lunch).
Suggested Equipment: insect repellent, camera, binoculars, rubber soled walking shoes (only in the rain season), rain coat, sunscreen, swimsuit and towel.

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 a beautiful art craft shopping store allowing you to browse through it before returning to your hotel and why not, buy some souvenirs for those who are expecting you back at home.
Suggested Equipment: camera.

Poas Volcano National Park, Grecia y Sarchi

    

The Poas Volcano is one of the world's largest geysers with an awesome crater, over 1.5 km. wide! The volcano is active, but completely safe for viewing. This tour begins with a beautiful drive through the lush coffee plantations and flower farms of the area. In addition to the volcano, the Poas National Park is a 9,884-acre reserve with rich tropical vegetation and animal life. The tour includes a hike through the surrounding forest that is teeming with typical plant life and exotic birds. The hike concludes at a restful, emerald green, tropical lagoon.

After lunch we will be driving to Grecia, we will see the famous metal church that has a rare and beautiful architecture. Next, we will tour the fascinating craftsman factories of Sarchí; where they build the famous oxcarts of Costa Rica.  Splendidly decorated and in various sizes, these oxcarts are treasured worldwide for their unique beauty. You will not want to leave Costa Rica without one!
Suggested Equipment: Sweater, camera, comfortable walking shoes, rain coat.

Irazú Volcano Nacional Park

      

The trip begins ascending the breathtaking summit of the Irazu 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.

Suggested Equipment: sweater, camera, binoculars and comfortable shoes.

Pacific Island Cruise (Isla Tortuga)

    

Costa Rica is famous for its romantic day cruises to its exotic Pacific Islands!  After a comfortable ride to the Pacific coast, you will board a luxurious yacht for the Pacific Island adventure. Our final destiny, the Tortuga (Turtle) Island which is famous for pristine white sand beaches, crystal clear water and superb snorkeling. A wonderful buffet will be served on the beach. You will not want to miss this island paradise adventure! (Includes snack & lunch).

Suggested Equipment: sweater, camera, binoculars, swimsuit, sun blok and towel.