Popular Tours - Central Pacific Region
Jaco, Herradura
Jungle River Cruise: The Tarcoles River , on the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, is home to the largest population of American Crocodiles in Costa Rica , and 129 species of resident and migratory birds. We operate safe, fascinating safari cruise on this incredible diverse river. We typically see dozens of crocodiles, hundreds of birds, Jesus Christ Lizards, Iguanas and Scarlet Macaws. This tour is 2 hours away from the Manual Antonio area and 30 minutes from Jaco.
Departures: 8:00 am. Pick up times vary depending on the hotel location
Duration 5 hours
Frequency Daily
Items to bring/wear: comfortable shoes, light clothing, shorts, camera and insect repellent
Includes transportation, tour guide, boat ride and entrance fee
Carara Biological Reserve (4,700 hectares)- is a transition zone between dry tropical forest and the wetter regions to the south. Surrounded by numerous rivers, the largest being the Tarcoles. During the rainy season, the Tarcoles floods its banks, creating a large lagoon that quickly fills with water hyacinth. Crocodiles and caimans are easily spotted along with plenty of wading birds. Coatimundis, peccaries, white-face capuchin, howler and spider monkeys, and the rare-two toed sloth can all be found here along with a great variety of plant life including fabulous heliconias. Highly recommended!! We begin with a delicious breakfast and a comfortable ride to the pacific town of Tarcoles . This is the home for the Scarlet macaws; which are often seen in this biological reserve. Here, we will explore one of the most fascinating biological reserves of the Tropical Forest in Costa Rica . The reserve is famous for its abundance of flora and species of fauna. If you came to Costa Rica to enjoy the splendid tropical plants and wildlife, this is one of our most popular tours. This tour is 2 hours away from the Manual Antonio area.
Departures 7:00 am
Duration 5 hours
Frequency Daily
Items to bring/wear: small backpack, comfortable shoes, light clothing, camera, sunscreen and insect repellent.
Includes breakfast, and entrance fee to the park.
Tortuga Island is famous for its romantic day cruises to its exotic Pacific beaches. Definitely, no visit to Costa Rica is complete without a trip to Tortuga Island . Your day begins in Puntarenas where you will be greeted by a bilingual guide and taken on a short ride to the place you will board a luxurious yacht for this Tortuga Island adventure. Tortuga Island ( Turtle Island ) is famous for white sandy beaches and clear water loaded with tropical fish. Tortuga Island is perfect for a get away or snorkeling trip. This beautiful island is located at the southeastern tip of the Gulf of Nicoya , in front of Curu Point. Tortuga Island covers 300 acres and reaches to a height of 530 feet above sea level. You will not want to miss this Tortuga Island paradise adventure. The super catamaran, Manta Raya, is actually designed from the passengers' suggestions over the more than twenty years that this Tortuga Island tour has operated. Manta Raya features an underwater viewing window, fresh water showers and a full bar. The spacious air-conditioned main salon combines with an expansive deck area which includes two Jacuzzi pools, affording a level of cruising luxury and comfort that is unrivaled in Costa Rica ! Once underway the Manta Raya will cruise past the lush mangroves, canneries and stilt houses of Puntarenas. As she makes her way to the Gulf of Nicoya her white clad crew pampers guests with fresh tropical fruits and drinks. In the route to Tortuga Island , the catamaran will pass the islands of San Lucas, Gypsy, Sugar Loaf, Guayabo, Jesusita, Cedros and Negritos. Tortuga Island is a reflection today of the more than twenty years of hard work by a Costa Rican family in the field of conservation and sustainable development. Over the last couple of years Tortuga Island has seen changes that allow visitors to enjoy its natural beauty to the fullest. Particularly enchanting for it's beauty, Tortuga Island is known for its immaculate white sand beach and turquoise waters, a perfect stop for swimming, snorkeling and the famous lunch. For passenger safety and convenience Manta Raya has the speed to provide an extended island cruise and offers a bow ramp which allows her passengers to disembark directly onto the beach. Tortuga Island has been polished into one of Costa Rica 's great experiences.
River/Sea Kayaking - After an hour ride we will arrive at Rio Dulce, where professional guides will brief us on using the Kayaks, including instruction on basic maneuvers and personal security. On this tour we will enjoy class I and II rapids, which are ideal for beginners and those who enjoy direct contact with nature as we calmly navigate the rivers. There will be an opportunity to swim and take photos. Lunch will take place along the riverbanks, relaxing in the shadow of the tropical vegetation. Kayak Jaco does it again, with Jaco's first white water tour. No experience is necessary to enjoy this exciting adventure just one hour from downtown Jaco. Instead of rafts, Kayak Jaco takes you down fun white water in inflatable kayaks. So you, not your guide, do the river running. But we make it easy by making a big part of your tour instruction, so that you actually know what is going on in the river. And then we make it even easier with our "follow the leader" technique. And, after the river we take you to a spectacular waterfall for swimming and jumping and lunch as well. COSTA RICA OUTRIGGERS and KAYAK JACO , Have been showing folks a good time on the water for years. Whether on your own in a kayak or with family or friends in an outrigger canoe our guides and beautiful locations will be a highlight of your time spent in Costa Rica.
The Chiclets Canopy Tour- is located in Playa Hermosa, Jacó. It is only 2 hours from San José and 45 minutes from Manuel Antonio National Park . It is one of the biggest and safer canopy in the country. It is an exciting look at one of the few remaining transitional forest in Costa Rica . Using the highest quality equipment (pulley, harnesses and climbing gear) you will glide between platforms on the cables with breath taking views of the canopy, forest floor and animals. Before we run into the forest, our guides are going to teach you how the Canopy works, after this short lesson you'll learn how to operate the canopy equipment; now you're ready to start!! The adventure begins with a 10 minute walk through the Primary and Secondary Rain Forest . You'll have a ground view to the beach, imagine what will you be able to see from the top of the trees!! When you arrive to the first platform just get attached to the cables and enjoy...; you'll be flying on 12 more platforms from here. The tour consists of 13 suspended platforms connected with eleven steel cables and a suspended bridge high above the forest floor, the total length is around one thousand two hundred meters (+3500 ft). The height of the platforms varies from 60 to 120 feet above the ground. The complete tour lasts approximately 2 hours.
Jungle Night Tour - From San Jose we will head toward the Pacific Coast through the old Spanish route of 1606. Once we reach our destination, we will start the jungle boat tour. The tour goes along the Guacalillo Estuary. Our guides will introduce you to the world of crocodiles and different species of birds. Before sunset we will arrive at one of the most beautiful wildlife protected areas, the Punta Leona Beach Resort, which is surrounded by 750 acres of lush tropical rainforest, pristine white sand beaches and the deep blue waters of the Pacific. In Punta Leona we will enjoy the beautiful sunset on the beach. When the evening falls we will have a delicious dinner at one of the restaurants.
After dinner we will begin our night tour through the jungle. This tour is approximately 1.5 hours in duration. The night tour offers a spectacular opportunity to see animals such as amphibians, reptiles, owls, bats, kinkajous, tarantulas and scorpions that you do not usually find during the day. At one point in the tour we will turn off our flashlights for a short time and listen quietly to the secret sounds of the jungle at night. Important note!!!
*Please mention your shoe size when you are booking this tour, so we can arrange a pair of rubber boots for you.
Horseback tour to the Bijagual Waterfalls - The Bijagual Waterfalls plummet from high cliffs deep within the jungle. It's tumbling waters unlock the area's secrets to those adventures willing to accept the challenge of discovery. Climbing the small mountain range between Carara National Park and the Protected Zone of Turrubares, the road to the Bijagual is a rewarding experience, alternating between breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the coastal fishing villages and dramatically changing vegetation. Early risers assisted by expert naturalist guides will observe the abundant wildlife, which is easy to spot in the many canyons crossed by the winding road. After this scenic drive, visitors continue on horseback providing up-close access to this magical place. The jungle trail leads visitors to within a few hundred yards from where the roaring sound of the waterfalls blends in with the calls of Toucans and Red Macaws. Explorers will experience the pleasure of nature with a plunge in the pristine pools at the base of the waterfalls. Then continue to be followed by the exploration of this mystical site, and the observation of the abundant wildlife. This tour has very challenging hikes, you must be in good physical condition.
Sky Way, Villa Lapas - Located in a private reserve very close to Carara National Park . This attraction is a combination of natural trails, with descendant slopes, and five hanging bridges throughout a wonderful rain forest of century trees. The bridges are totally built in metal and held with metallic towers. They also have a fence and a plastic rail to give more security and comfort. Four bridges are 30 feet long and one bridge is 15 feet long. The final design of the bridges was approved after an engineering group did studies of the ground and different tests during several months.
4 X 4 Tour- This thrilling four-wheel-drive adventure goes far off the beaten path and deep into the Costa Rican countryside, where every turn reveals spectacular landscapes and living examples of traditional culture. We brief you on the route and the different conditions that participants may encounter. Then, once participants have been assigned to their 4X4 vehicles, the group sets off, through rarely traveled back roads, where the scenery and lives of rural Costa Ricans have barely changed over the years. There are many photo opportunities at panoramic locations, and wildlife is easy to spot on the way to one of the many little villages.
Rain Forest Aerial Tram - Central Pacific - 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. Costa Rica 's newest adventure tour destination is now open since April 2003, and will serve cruise ship excursions, independent and small group travelers and incentive groups. Researchers and foreign and Costa Rican students are also invited to take advantage of the opportunity to observe life in the forest canopy up close. 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 hour-long ride on Pacific Tram takes about an hour to travel a half-mile into the heart of a transitional rain forest. The 210-acre private reserve is a transitional area between the drier climate of the northwest and the more humid climate of the southern coast. Your visit to the Rain Forest Aerial Tram includes the hour-long tram ride accompanied by a bilingual naturalist guide (English-Spanish) and a 45-minute guided nature walk. Other languages can be accommodated with advance notice. Transportation is available from Jaco, Quepos, Puntarenas, Marriott Los Suenos and San Jose , and a public bus from San Jose also serves the area.
The experience includes:
A true "flight" through the rainforest in a gondola
Guided nature walk
Expert naturalist guides to accompany you throughout your rainforest discovery
