Popular Tours - Central Valley Region

San Jose, Heredia, Alajuela

Café Britt Coffee Tour - Imagine following the journey of a coffee bean on the plantation - from the plant to a cup of gourmet coffee. When you take the Coffee Tour at Café Britt you'll do exactly that! The professional acting troupe, dressed in traditional garb, will escort you through a multi-media, interactive tour through the history of coffee. On a finca, as the plantation is called in Spanish, your day starts on six-acres of coffee fields, tropical gardens and coffee processing facilities. When you arrive, you are greeted by a breathtaking view from the lookout point with two of Costa Rica's most famous volcanoes on one side and a spectacular panoramic view of the Central Valley on the other. You will learn 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, you will be taken into the 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 the theater, sit back and watch a multi-media 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.

Departures: The CoffeeTour at Café Britt runs year-round, seven days a week. From December 15 to April 30, tours run at 11:00AM and 3:00 PM during the rest of the year tours run at 11:00AM only.
Duration: 6 hours
Frequency: Daily
Facilities: Gift Shop and restaurant
Items to bering/wear: Comfortable shoes, raincoat, jacket, camera
Includes: Guided transportation and entrance fee
Bring: Camera and comfortable shoes

Rain Forest Aerial Tram - Take a Ride through the Rain Forest Canopy! The Rain Forest Aerial Tram is located on 1.100 acres of lush tropical rain forest just 45 minutes from San Jose. Our forest serves as an important six & half mile long buffer zone for Braulio Carrillo National Park, one of the most diverse forests in Latin America. The study of the rain forest canopy and the life that it supports inspired the creation of the Rain Forest Aerial Tram. At the Rain Forest Aerial Tram we have developed an Education Program that brings thousand of underprivileged students per year to experience the Rain Forest Aerial Tram. We take pride in developing and acting as sole sponsor for one of the largest environmental educational project for children in Central America. The Rain Forest Aerial Tram takes you on a fascinating excursion through the rain forest canopy and its hanging gardens of plants and animals hidden at the tops of tall tropical trees. Home of two-thirds of all rain forest species, the rain forest canopy is a little-known world of an extraordinary biological diversity. The site, adjacent to the northern border of Braulio Carrillo National Park, possesses one of the richest canopy communities in the world.

Departures: You can choose the morning tour or the afternoon tour. The morning tour will pick you up at your hotel (or near by) between 5:15 and 6:15 a.m. and returns by 1:00 p.m. The afternoon tour has pick-up times between 10:40 and 11:50 and returns by 7:00 p.m.
Duration: 6 hours
Frequency: Daily
Facilities: Restaurant, souvernir shop, and cafeteria
Items to bring/wear: Light-weight, casual clothes, sneakers (or other comfortable rubber-sole shoes), rain gear (just in case), and camera
Includes: All admission fees for the Rain Forest Aerial Tram, either breakfast or lunch, the Tram ride, 45 minute hike (optional), transportation to/from San Jose, transportation within the Park, and tax.

White Water Rafting at Sarapiqui River - The Sarapiqui River offers as unforgettable rafting experience amidst some of Costa Rica's most vibrant tropical scenery. The adventure begins in the early morning when we pick up from your San Jose hotel and drive you through the impressive cloud forest of Braulio Carrillo National Park to the river put in. Our bilingual guides give you a safety briefing at the water's edge, and then you are off on this memorable tropical rafting experience. This river's moderately flowing rapids blend into calm stretches, making it deal for white water novices and families, birdwatchers and nature lovers. During the trip you'll stop along the banks of the river for a delicious picnic lunch of sandwiches, fruits and dessert. At the river take out, you can change into dry clothes in our private restroom facilities before boarding the comfortable minibus for the return drive to San Jose.

Departures: 6:00-7:00 a.m. Morning pick-ups at San José hotels. (Varies according to hotel location). 5:00-5:30 p.m. Arrival at San José hotels (varies according to hotel location).
Duration: 10 hours
Frequency: Daily
Items to bring/wear: on the river 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 for after your rafting tour towel, complete change of clothing including shoes.Includes Professional bilingual guides, rafting equipment, breakfast, hot lunch, our Operations Center with comfortable open dining area and spacious changing rooms and showers.
Participant Requirements: Anyone in normal healthy physical condition. Swimming experience is required.
Min. Age: 12-years-old.
Includes: Transportation, tour guide, breakfast and box lunch

White Water Rafting at Reventazón River - gathers its waters from the rugged core of the Cordillera de Talamanca. Some of the upper tributaries drain the wettest parts of the country. By the time they have gathered enough volume to float a boat but have lost enough gradient so as not to destroy one, the river still is at an elevation of almost 4800 feet (1450 m). Whitewater can be found on the Reventazon all the way to Siquirres, at an elevation of 150 feet (45 m). The entire reach of runnable whitewater is 60 miles (100 km) long, rivaling the length of the General. Unlike the General, there are many points of access along the way, enabling paddlers to choose from a wide variety of day trips. The put-in points described here are the ones most commonly used, but numerous other options exist.

Departures: 6:00-7:00 a.m. Morning pick-ups at San José hotels. (Varies according to hotel location). 5:00-5:30 p.m. Arrival at San José hotels (varies according to hotel location).
Duration: 10 hours
Frequency: Daily
Items to bring/wear: on the river 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 for after your rafting tour towel, complete change of clothing including shoes.Includes Professional bilingual guides, rafting equipment, breakfast, hot lunch, our Operations Center with comfortable open dining area and spacious changing rooms and showers.
Participant Requirements: anyone in normal healthy physical condition. Swimming experience is required.
Min. age: 12-years-old.
Includes: Transportation, tour guide, breakfast and box lunch

White Water Rafting at Pacuare River - This extraordinary rafting trip takes you down the mighty Pacuare River through virgin forest and steep gorges towering above the riverbanks. After being picked up at your San Jose hotel in a comfortable minibus, you will be driven through Cartago and past scenic sugarcane and coffee plantations at the base of Turrialba Volcano on the way to the river put in at Tres Equis. A delicious lunch of sandwiches, fruits and juice will be served along the edge of the river. While the guides prepare the food, rafters have plenty of time to relax and enjoy the spectacular surroundings. At the river take out, you can chance into dry clothes in our private restroom facilities before boarding the comfortable minibus for the return drive to San Jose. You will enjoy one of the most amazing rainforest experiences possible - breathtaking beauty far removed from civilization's rush and heart-pounding excitement. It is certain to be a highlight of your stay in Costa Rica. The Pacuare River is one of the top five rafting rivers in the world for its scenery and rapids. This tropical river is a trip of pure magic, unsurpassed beauty, wildlife and exhilarating rapids.

Departures: 5:45-7:15 a.m. Morning pickups at San José hotels. (Varies according to hotel location)
5:45-6:30 p.m. Arrival at San José hotels. (Varies according to hotel location)
Duration: 10 hours
Frequency: Daily
Items to bring/wear: On the River 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 for After Your Rafting Tour, towel and complete change of clothing including shoes
Participant Requirements: Rafters should be physically fit for this trip, although no previous white-water experience is necessary.
Includes: Transportation, breakfast, lunch, rafting equipment and safety kayaker.

4 in 1 Tour - Our first part of the tour consist by visiting the Poas Volcano, where on a clear day the view of the main crater is admired by all visitors, its diameter is considered one of the widest in the world, after this we will enjoy a quick hike on a trail, which lead us to the Botos lagoon. As we star our way towards the Caribbean Zone, we will stop to discover La Paz Waterfall, a Nature Park where we will walk on the truly spectacular trails that will lead us to Magia Blanca Falls. Once we arrive at Puerto Viejo, 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. Before returning to San Jose we will drive through the unforgettable rain forest of Braulio Carrillo National Park, one of the most important rain forest reserves for Costa Rica.

Departures: 6:30 am. Pick up times vary depending on the hotel location
Duration: 8 hours
Frequency: Daily
Facilities: Cafeteria
Items to wear/bring: Comfortable shoes, light jacket, long pants and camera
Includes: Guided transportation, lunch and entrance fee

The Butterfly Farm - All visitors to the Butterfly Farm receive a two hour guided tour in an enclosed tropical garden filled with hundreds of butterflies. Topics discussed are butterfly nature history, the farm's operations and of course, " who buys live butterflies?" On export day's visitors to the butterfly farm will be able to see the sorting packing of thousand butterflies.

Departures: Open schedule every day from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Guided tours commence at: 8:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m, 1:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m.
Duration: 5 hours
Frequency: Daily
Facilities: Gift Shop and restaurant
Items to bring/wear: Comfortable shoes and camera
Includes: Guided transportation and entrance fee

Lankester Gardens & Ososi Valley - The Lankester Gardens are a Tropical Paradise featuring over 800 varieties of exotic orchids; various tropical flowers and plan life. This tour continues with a ride through the unique beauty of the famous Orosi Valley and Reventazon River. The area is noted for its rich soil, abundant plan life and resplendent coffee plantations. Along the way, we will visit one of the oldest colonial churches and see the enchanting "Dreamers House".

Departures: 8:30 A.M.
Duration: 7 hours
Frequency: Daily
Items to wear/bring: Comfortable shoes, light jacket and camera

Grecia and Sarchi - This tour begins with a wonderful drive through some of Costa Rica's largest coffee and sugar cane plantations. Arriving first at Grecia, we will see the famous metal church, a rare and beautiful architecture. Next we will tour the fascinating craftsman factories of Sarchi 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!

Departures: 8:00 A.M.
Duration: 6 hours
Frequency: Daily
Facilities: Gift Shop
Items to wear/bring: Comfortable shoes and camera
Includes: Guided transportation, land tour guide

Pueblo Antiguo - Travel through time and transport yourself to the Costa Rica of the past, with the unique presentations of Pueblo Antiguo, where all the colors of the architecture, customs and traditions get together to show the origin of this small country and its friendly people. Come and enjoy this unforgettable night filled with happiness and culture.

Departures: Wednesday to Sunday 10:00am to 2:00pm
Duration: 5 hours
Frequency: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday only
Facilities: Gift Shop and restaurant
Items to wear/bring: Comfortable shoes, and camera
Includes: Guided transportation and entrance fee

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 Jose. It begins with an orientation and drive through San Jose's 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'll continue heading to the University of Costa Rica, the Supreme Court and various sites of interest. A brief stop will make in Moravia allowing you to browse through the beautiful craft shops located in this area.

Departures: 8:00 am Morning pick-ups at San José hotels / 1:00 pm Afternoon pick-ups at San José hotels
Duration: 4 hrs. aprox.
Frequency: daily, except Mondays
Items to bring/wear: Camera, comfortable shoes, and light clothing
Includes: Entrance fee to National Theater and National Museum, transportation and tour guide .

Poas Volcano National Park - 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 farm of the area. In addition to the volcano, The Poas National Park is a 9.884-acre preserve with rich tropical vegetation and animal life. The tour includes a hike through the surrounding forest that is teeming with plant life and exotic birds. The hike concludes at a restful, emerald green, tropical Lagoon.

Irazu Volcano - 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 ancient ruins of the old Parish and view the beautiful Basilica of our Virgen de los Angeles with rich displays of carvings, statues and art.

Departures: 7:30 am. Pick up times vary depending on the hotel location
Duration: 6 hours
Frequency: Daily
Items to bring/wear: Comfortable shoes, light jacket, long pants and camera
Includes: Guided transportation, lunch and entrance fee

Tortuga Island Cruise - Costa Rica is famous for its romantic day cruises to its exotic Pacific's 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 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.

Departures: 6:30 am
Duration: 12 hours
Frequency: Daily
Items to bring/wear: Casual clothes, bathing suit or shorts, suntan lotion, camera, sun glasses, tight fitting hat, light weight long sleeved shirt, rubber sandals, tennis or boat shoes.  Don't forget your towels!
Includes: Air-Conditioned Bus Transportation to and from San José, Continental Breakfast, Bar-B-Que lunch served with Chilled White Wine, Soft Drinks and Fresh Fruit, Live Music.

Bungee Jump at Rio Colorado - Costa Rica hosts one of the few and highest bridges in the world. This 80 meter bridge is one of the most beautiful sites to jump from. Definitely one to add to your list. The great thing about bungee jumping is that it can be done rain or shine, light or dark. It is a great way to wake up early in the morning or to put you to sleep after a great adrenaline buzz.

Costa Rica Highlights Tour - On your way to Poás Volcano National Park travel past country towns and highland forests, stop-ping for breakfast at the beautiful Siempre Verde coffee plantation surrounded by tropical gardens and breathtaking views. On the cool summit of the Poas Volcano at 2500 mts. (8200 ft.) walk through an exuberant, primeval cloud forest, laden with epyphites, moss, giant leaves, tree ferns, elfin forests, hummingbirds and colorful blossoms. Continue on a lovely route past high volcanic edifices, through deep canyons, jungles and streams, stopping for photos at the beautiful La Paz Waterfall followed by a coffee break at a Hummingbird Gallery overlooking the impressive 250 ft. high San Fernando Waterfall. On the Caribbean Plain experience an entirely different world of warm tropical weather and vegetation, driving past colorful little towns, cacao and banana plantations, pineapple fields and brahma bull ranches, taking plenty of time to enjoy the scenery along the way. Enter an entirely different world of warm tropical weather and vegetation when you stop for lunch at Selva Verde Lodge, one of the most beautiful rainforest lodges in Costa Rica where you'll be treated to a delicious "buffet in the jungle" in their restaurant on the banks of the Sarapiquí River. Later board a comfortable covered boat and gently float down the beautiful Sarapiquí River on the lookout for iguanas, monkeys, crocodiles, sloths and colorful birds while intimately experiencing the biological diversity of the rainforest that thrives along the banks of the river. During the jungle cruise, also get a glimpse at the way of life of the Costa Ricans in this remote area near Nicaragua as you drift past picturesque jungle homes, dugout canoes, banana plantations or children playing along the banks of the river. Return to San José through the heart of Braulio Carrillo National Park, a protected area of more than 500 square kms. of towering mountains and virgin tropical rainforests, traveling along one of the most spectacular jungle roads of Costa Rica.

Departures: 6:30 A.M. Pick up times change depending on the hotel
Duration: 10 hours
Frequency: Daily
Items to bring/wear: The volcano is sometimes cold so bring a sweater or jacket - It can rain in the rainforest so take an umbrella or a poncho - Wear comfortable walking shoes - The river can be warm and humid so wear light clothing - Insect repellant is not necessary - Bottled water is available throughout the tour route - Binoculars and camera are recommended
Includes: Breakfast at Mountain Lodge - Stop at coffee fields - Poas Volcano crater visit - Cloud forest walk - Stop at waterfalls - Coffee break at Hummingbird Gallery - Buffet Lunch and free time at Selva Verde Rainforest Lodge - 1 ½ hr. Jungle river safari - Drive back through Braulio Carrillo National Park & Excellent Guides!

La Paz Waterfalls/Butterfly/Humingbird Gardens - When we're on vacation we don't want to get up early just to go on a tour. So we have combined the best of both worlds: an excellent tour with a later start time. Upon arriving at Waterfall Gardens, we will have fresh coffee and juice ready and waiting. Your personal guide will walk you through the trails of the Butterfly Observatory, the Hummingbird Garden and the spectacular waterfalls. Once you have finished, a delicious buffet lunch awaits you. As you wander the trails of La Paz Waterfall Gardens your senses will delight at the five waterfalls that line the trail. Originally, the only way one could view the falls was by literally hanging over the side of the mountain, looking through trees and ferns, not very inviting for picture taking. With the construction of Waterfall Gardens, guests are afforded views from platforms above, below and in front of the falls for great photo opportunities.

Departure: 11:00 A.M.
Duration: 6 hours
Frequency: Everyday
Facilities: Gift Shop and restaurant
Items to bring/wear: Small backpack, comfortable shoes, long sleeves shirt, pants, raingear if necessary, sweater, camera.
Includes: Guided transportation, entrance fee and lunch

Sarapiqui Canopy Tour and Rain Forest - A naturalist guide will pick you up at your hotel early in the morning to star your journey of 1 ½ hours to Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui passing through one of the most exuberant National parks in Costa Rica. You will be able to enjoy the scenic views as we travel. Once in Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, you will board a boat to discover the richness of Costa Rica nature along the river. The boat ride will last 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 to 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 trip between 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.

Departures: 6:30 A.M. Pick up times change depending on the hotel
Duration: 9 hours
Frequency: Daily
Items to bring/wear: walking shoes, light clothing including long pants, camera, and insect repellent
Includes: Naturalist guide, 1 ½ hours Boat ride, lunch, horse back ride, Canopy, home - style lunch, coffee break, visit to the frog sanctuary, transportation in air-conditioned buses.