Costa Rica Sun Tours - Costa Rica Deluxe South Pacific and Cloud Forest

Enjoy a relaxing or invigorating massage after a long day of touring San Jose. Our Massage Therapist offers a variety of relaxing and rejuvenating treatments for our guests. For more information on these or to make a reservation, please contact us prior to arrival by phone or email or at any time during your stay.

Visit our Fitness Center overlooking our rooftop sundeck. Open daily from 7am - 8pm.

Come by and see our selection of hand-made Costa Rican handicrafts in our Gift Shop, as well as coffee, artesian jams, chocolates and a few typical treats! Open daily from 2:30p.m. to 9:30p.m.

A rooftop garden terrace with lawn beds and 2 Jacuzzis provides secluded lounging. Great for relaxing after a day in the city or out on a tour. Open daily from 9am to 10pm.

From San José you can take one of a number of daytrips to the rainforest, volcanoes or experience the thrill of white water rafting, to mention just a few. Here are our Top Recommended Tours. For more information on these or other tours or to make a reservation please contact us!

In Costa Rica there a variety of options for traveling between destinations: domestic flights, private transfers, shuttles and car rentals. We are happy to help you with any arrangements you may need.

Flights
In San José there is one main airport offering international and domestic flights, Juan Santamaría (SJO) is located about 20 minutes from our hotel. There is also a smaller domestic airport, Tobías Bolaños offering daily domestic flights around the country. Most domestic flights are under 1 hour.

Airports transfers
Our hotel offers private transfer in and transfer out services from and to both airports for a fee. In order to arrange for a pick up or drop off service all we need is your flight information. Our vans are air conditioned, well-maintained, fully insured and driven by experienced, punctual, polite and very responsible bilingual drivers. For information on prices please contact us prior to your trip or ask at our reception during your stay.

Private transfers
We also can arrange private transfers to most destinations within the country making for a very flexible, convenient and safe way to travel. You choose the departure time and during the trip you can stop when you need (without being subject to a schedule). Our vans are air conditioned, well-maintained, fully insured and driven by experienced, punctual, polite and very responsible bilingual drivers. For information on costs please contact us prior to your trip or ask at our reception during your stay.

Shuttles
Another option to travel in the country is by shuttle (Interbus). This is a slightly more economical way to travel. The shuttle is a shared transportation option in a coaster or minibus. The shuttles only offer their service hotel to hotel between more popular destinations. Their routes operate daily and usually they offer one departure time in the morning and one departure time in the afternoon and are subject to availability so reservations should be made in advance. If you need assistance reserving please contact us

Rent a cars
Rent a car is a great option for exploring Costa Rica if you prefer more independence and flexibility. It and allows you to discover and see more places by yourself (you could have better access to hidden beaches for example). There are many options of car rental companies with the highest standards of quality and service. It is important to know that in Costa Rica driving can be a bit of a challenge because of the difficult road conditions in some locations or lack of road signs and street numbers, however with a good road map, and adventurous and positive attitude and a GPS, you can successfully get wherever you want.

Bring your walking shoes! Urban AdventuresGreat ways to explore urban San José, immerse yourself into the life of the capital and to see city’s secret spots. Contact our Reservations department to reserve your tour.

Golfo Dulce is one of only four tropical fjords around the world, and home to a variety of marine life
forms, including the cetaceans. Two species of dolphins spend their whole life cycles in Golfo Dulce,
and between July and November it's possible to witness the arrival of the Humpback whales and their
calves. Sea turtles, and marine birds usually show up during the ride. Combine this tour with
snorkeling for a fantastic day in the water!
Highlights: Cetaceans of Golfo Dulce, marine-life conservation, microbiological aspects of Golfo Dulce.
Inclusions: Naturalist Guide, boat and captain, equipment, beverages & snacks.
We recommend: Comfortable clothes, water shoes, water bottle, sunscreen, hat, camera, binoculars
and a dry bag.
Duration: 2 – 2:50 hours approx. Ocean condi- tions usually better in the morning.

Difficulty: Low.
Biosafety: No flash, prohibited to touch-feed-swim with cetaceans, Costa Rican Law No. 32495.
Adittional cost per person + taxes
Minimum: 2 people

If you are an adventurous hiker and prefer longer and more challenging hikes, this quest to Piedras

Blancas National Park ́s higher elevation is for you. We will take you to the north entrance of the park

(boat and car rides) at El Bonito Ranger station, the tour starts with a 4km hike, you will stop in one

of the nicest look out points for a good snack. At this point starts the San Josecito trail, 6 km across

the park through steep slopes ending up at Golfo Dulce.

Highlights: Wildlife, rivers, primary forest and nature photography, Ethnobotanical uses of trees.

Inclusions: Naturalist guided, binoculars, use of rubber boots, walking stick, check-list of common

wildlife, snack.

We recommend: Rubber boots, lightweight clothes, water bottle, sunscreen, repellent, camera and

binoculars. Excellent health conditions.

Duration: 6 hours approx. Early morning departure.

Difficulty: Very High - No flash, low voice. This hike is physically demanding, with a very high

difficulty level and is not recommended for people over 60 years of age or people who have had

surgeries such as knee or hips surgeries and/or cardiac complications, users must be in excellent

health conditions. Total hiking distance approx. 10 km.

Adittional cost per person + taxes

Minimum: 2 people

The electric energy of the rainforest trans- forms at night time, an even more complex world awakes

and many animals become ac- tive at night; specially amphibians, reptiles, arthropods, night

mammals and birds. Our nature guides will share the dynamics of the rainforest during the first two

hours of darkness, mind blowing facts about the different habitats from another perspective.

Highlights: Biology of Leaf Frogs & frog pond organisms, snakes and nocturnal birds.

Inclusions: Naturalist Guide, flashlight, robber boots.

We recommend: Lightweight clothes, long sleeves, insect repellent, flash- light. Avoid wearing white

colored clothes, it attracts insects.

Duration: 1.5 hours. Evening departure.

Difficulty: Low. Biosafety: No flash, low voice, do not interact with wildlife.

Adittional cost per person + taxes

Minimum: 2 people

.We are blessed to have one of the largest and most pristine river systems in Costa Rica just a few

short beaches away. The river mouth mangroves lead to picturesque sceneries of unspoiled man-
grove systems. This diverse terrain allows for some of the best bird- watching in the area, especially

at sunrise and sunset at low tides, when the mudflats are exposed and become a feeding area for the
aquatic birds. Our boat tows your kayak to the mouth of the river where you will embark on a peaceful
adventure and experience the magic of nature while cruising down the river on kayak through amazing
mangrove and rainforest sceneries.
Highlights: Wildlife Photography, endemic biodiversity, ecology of the mangroves, eco- systems
conservation.
Inclusions: Naturalist Guide, equipment set-up, boat transfer to/from Rio Esquinas, beverages and
snacks.

We recommend: Water shoes or sandals, short pants or lightweight clothes, water bottle, sun-screen,
hat, repellent, dry bag, camera and binoculars.
Duration: 3 to 3.5 hours approx. Tide dependent. Best in the mornings. In some cases, the tide may
affect whether the activity operates on kayaks or boats.
Difficulty: Medium.
Biosafety: No flash, low voice, do not interact with wildlife, no swimming.
Adittional cost per person + taxes
Minimum: 2 people

Paddle along Cativo Bay and explore the unparalleled coastlines, be greeted by schools of fish, manta

rays, turtles and dolphins in the clear waters of Golfo Dulce. If you feel comfortable and a bit daring

to stand up and paddle. Our team is available to assist you with the outfitting and launching of boards and kayaks.

They will also be on-hand to receive you upon your return!

Highlights: Landscapes, Marine life.

On this tour, you will be introduced to the ecology and Playa Cativo´s main ecosystems (forest, swamps, beach, wetlands) and the most common of a substantial variety of birds and animals. Our certified nature guides will walk you through mind-blending facts about natural history and the interaction of the tropical rainforest and its habitats. You will also visit Playa Cativo’s Organic Farm (Finca Cayetano), where our proud farmers will show the different medicinal plants, vegetables, fruits, legumes, as well as the entire process from seed germination to harvest.

Highlights: Wildlife photography, organic and medicinal plants gardens, butterfly garden, tropical rainforest & beach vegetation.
Inclusions: Naturalist guided, use of rubber boots, walking stick, coconut water.

We recommend: Hiking shoes or rubber boots, lightweight clothes, water bottle, sunscreen, repellent, camera, and binoculars.

Duration: 1.30 hours. Early morning and late afternoon departures.

Difficulty: Low. Biosafety: No flash, low voice, avoid bright colored clothes.

Set off on one of the world’s most exciting birding destinations! With more than 920 recorded bird

species in Costa Rica, the country boasts one tenth of the species of the world ́s total bird population.

The variety of birds in Playa Cativo is truly remarkable, with over 266 species of birds recorded in

Playa Cativo ́s Nature Protected Reserve, Tropical Gardens and Piedras Blancas National Park. Our

privileged conditions allow us to observe bird species that inhabit ecosystems such as beaches,

wetlands, valleys and even many migratory species.

Highlights: Bird Photography, Neotropical Birds, Rainforest Conservation.

Inclusions: Naturalist guided, binoculars, use of robber boots, waking stick, check-list of most

common birds.

We recommend: Hiking shoes or rubber boots, lightweight clothes, water bottle, sunscreen, hat,

camera, repellent, and binoculars.

Duration: 2 hours approx. Early morning departure.

Difficulty: Low.

Biosafety: No flash, low voice, no laser pointers, avoid bright colored clothes. During breeding season,

extreme precautions should be considered to avoid any alterations of the birds in courtship, nesting

or breeding behavior.

Adittional cost per person + taxes.

Minimum: 2 people

Take a dip in our chemical-free, outdoor freshwater swimming pool to cool off after an adventure in the rainforest or relax after exploring the waters of Cativo Bay. Soak in the sun, grab a snack, or sip on a beverage from the El Gazebo Sunset Bar while gazing upon an unforgettable sunset over Golfo Dulce.

Do you want to visit Golfito or Puerto Jimenez on your own and explore? We can take you there and

pick you up for your return trip any time within 6 am and 3 pm.

Inclusions: Crew & Boat.

We recommend: Lightweight clothes, water bottle, sunscreen, hat, camera, binoculars, and a dry

bag.

Duration: 30 min to town each way.

Adittional cost.

.

After an interactive nature walk through the south side of Cativo’s Protected Nature Reserve let by one of our team members, a tailored “picnic setting” with a selection of Costa Rican breakfast delights and Cativo’s signature cocktails, will be waiting nearby one of the jungle waterfalls of the property. Experience the ¨Pura Vida¨ and be empowered by the rainforest. This is a memorable experience that couples love to celebrate.

We will take you on a scenic boat ride around Golfo Dulce to enjoy an activity that has been part of the lives of the gulf villagers, previously as a way of surviving and now as a way to complement their meals. Our knowledgeable Captain and Guide, to whom fishing has been an important part of their lives will show you the best spots for fishing around the Gulf, and perhaps you might bring your catch for dinner

Includes: Local guide, boat, and captain, equipment & bait, snacks, and drinks.

We recommend: Lightweight clothes, water bottle, sunscreen, hat, camera, binoculars, and a dry bag.

Duration: 1.15 hours approximately. Afternoon departure

Discovering the outstanding diversity of habitats that Playa Cativo’s Nature Protected Reserve and the
Tropical Gardens have to offer, we have thought- fully developed a user-friendly network of walking
trails around the property. Take the trail along the beach all the way to Buena Vista Pier and see
Cativo Bay from a different perspective, or look around and visit Cativo ́s Organic Farm. Continue to
Valle de los Sainos, one of the most wildlife active places in our property, or visit refreshing jungle
waterfalls. Explore peaceful pathways in paradise, meditate in motion to the sounds of the consoling
sea, or simply tune out of the world around you, tune in to nature and enhance that sense of adventure
that we all have within.
Highlights: Sceneries, Tropical Rainforest, Jungle waterfalls, Beach, Sunsets.

We recommend: Hiking shoes or rubber boots, lightweight clothes, water bottle, sunscreen,
repel- lent, camera and binoculars.
Duration: Varies from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours.

Located just minutes from Senda, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve protects 26,000 acres of rare
cloud forest and houses eight different biological zones, making it a true paradise for nature lovers. Shrouded in a constant cloud-like mist, the Reserve shelters an astounding variety of flora and fauna, including some 500 bird species, pumas, monkeys, endangered jaguars, endemic amphibians and even more plant life. Explore the trails by foot with an expert guide who’ll help you discover the rich biodiversity of this ecosystem. With some luck you’ll spot everything from resplendent quetzals and toucanets to playful coatimundis.

Tour times: 7am & 12pm

Difficulty:**

The Monteverde Sky Tram is perfect for those who wish to spend more time admiring the cloud forest and less time hiking. Something of an open-air gondola,the Sky Tram brings you up the mountain along the Continental Divide on a relaxing and scenic 1-hour ride over the treetops. Along the way, you’ll learn about the intricacies of this unique ecosystem, stopping at intervals to observe the natural wonders either side.

Combine with the Sky Walk or Sky Trek

Tour times: 8am, 10:30am & 1pm

Difficulty:

Explore the treetops of the enigmatic cloud forest with or without a guide as you navigate a series of
6 suspension bridges and trails that comprise the Monteverde Sky Walk. Spanning deep canyons and
extending for slightly over 1.5 miles, the Sky Walkbrings you up close to an unexplored area of the forest.
With approximately 90 percent of all cloud forest organisms found in the canopy, keep your binoculars
close for a chance to see an abundance of wildlife, from sleepy two-toed sloths to the iconic resplendent quetzal.

Combine with the Sky Tram

Difficulty: *

Looking for a dose of cloud forest adrenaline? You’ll find it at the Sky Trek zip line. This thrilling
circuit comprised of 8 zip line cables extends across almost 1.8 miles and ranges in height from 49 to 328ft. Crossing canyons and zipping in between treetops, if you can keep your eyes open you’ll enjoy spectacular views. If not, you can soak them up from two observation towers – on a clear day you can see the Pacific Ocean and the northern lowlands that stretch all the way to the Caribbean.

Maximum weight: 217lbs

Tour times: 8am, 10:30am & 1pm

Difficulty: **

Take a short hike through the forest to the top of a canyon where you’ll receive thorough safety instructions before starting your adventure. When you reach the first waterfall, you’ll be taught the fundamentals of rappelling and fully kitted up. Then you’re on your way – with 6 waterfalls in total, the largest of which stands at an impressive 131ft, you’ll be in for an exhilarating cloud forest experience.

Departure time: 8am, 11am & 2pm

Difficulty: ***

A newer option in Monteverde, this private wildlife refuge within walking distance of Senda has an
excellent network of trails and viewing platforms which look out across the Gulf of Nicoya. A project set up to focus on ecosystem conservation and the study of local and migratory species, Aguti is a quieter alternative to the popular Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, while still sheltering an impressive variety of wildlife. It’s not uncommon to see everything from sloths, howler monkeys and porcupines, to some of Monteverde’s most beautiful birds such as the yellow-throated toucan, the bellbird and the resplendent quetzal. Alternatively, visit after dark for a chance to see Costa Rica’s most iconic red-eyed tree frog amongst other creatures of the night.

Tour times: 7am, 1pm & 6pm

Difficulty: **

A newer option in Monteverde, this private wildlife refuge within walking distance of Senda has an
excellent network of trails and viewing platforms which look out across the Gulf of Nicoya. A project set up to focus on ecosystem conservation and the study of local and migratory species, Aguti is a quieter alternative to the popular Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, while still sheltering an impressive variety of wildlife. It’s not uncommon to see everything from sloths, howler monkeys and porcupines, to some of Monteverde’s most beautiful birds such as the yellow-throated toucan, the bellbird and the resplendent quetzal. Alternatively, visit after dark for a chance to see Costa Rica’s most iconic red-eyed tree frog amongst other creatures of the night.

Tour times: 7am, 1pm & 6pm

Difficulty: *

Costa Rica is famous for its coffee, and here in Monteverde we produce some of the country’s finest. On this tour, you’ll learn all about our coffee history and how we turn bean into cup. If you visit during picking season (Nov-Feb), you’ll even be able to help with the harvest. After enjoying a nice strong brew and a traditional ox cart ride, you’ll also visit a chocolate processing center where you can try your hand at roasting and grinding the cacao beans. Finish off with a traditional sugar cane masterclass and a nice sweet glass of pure juice.

Tour times: 8am, 10am, 1pm, 3pm & 5:20pm

Difficulty:

With 120 species in bloom, the Monteverde Orchid Garden is home to over a quarter of the world’s orchid species. On a tour of the garden, you’ll learn about the most unusual facets of miniature and micro species as well as larger blooms and hybrids. You’ll smell them and explore the interesting role hese flowers play in their ecosystems. Beautiful they certainly are, but smart too – you might be surprised to find that these intricate little things have developed plenty of curious tricks to survive in the wild.

Tour times: 10am, 12pm & 2pm

Difficulty:

Ride up through the lush hills of Monteverde on tame and well-groomed horses. On this escorted horseback riding tour, you’ll pass through beautiful forest trails as well as banana and coffee plantains, discovering an abundance of flora and fauna along the way. You can look forward to truly connecting with nature and enjoying breath-taking views up in the mountains as the sun shines over Monteverde.
All experience levels welcome

Tour times: 7:50am, 9:50am, 1pm & 3:30pm

Difficulty: **

In Monteverde, tree climbing is quite the unique experience. Here, it’s possible to climb inside the tree instead of climbing the outside. Ficus trees – or “stranglers” as they’re also known – have giant hollow trunks. They grow around other trees, effectively “strangling” them and eventually leaving only the surviving outer Ficus shell. On this tour, you can ascend or descend through the hollow, and/or rappel down the outside. You’ll be fully harnessed and helmeted up, and safe to embrace the adrenaline.

Tour times: 8am, 11am & 2pm

Difficulty:***

Run by a well-known bat biologist, the Bat Jungle is an excellent introduction to the incredible world
of these little mammals. Here you’ll see some 80 bats of 8 different species in a large indoor enclosure designed to simulate a jungle environment. You’ll see them fly, eat, socialize and nurse their babies, and you’ll also be able to hear them using echolocation in real time through a special ultrasonic microphone. You’ll learn about the importance of bat conservation for controlling bug populations, regenerating tropical rainforests, and pollinating flowers too. A great rainy day excursion that might just give you a new appreciation of these often misunderstood creatures of the night.

Tour times: 10am, 12pm & 2pm

Difficulty:

The Selvatura Park Butterfly Garden is one of the largest in the Americas, hosting more than 50 species from different altitudes and climates found throughout Costa Rica. The Bio-Art Insect Museum hosts even more international butterfly species still, as well as insects from all over the planet. This world-class “Jewels of the Rainforest” educational exhibit showcases one of the largest private insect collections anywhere in the world with over 1 million specimens displayed in a uniquely artistic format.
Combine with Selvatura Park Reptiles & Amphibians Display

Tour times: 8am, 10am & 2pm

Difficulty: **

Set amongst over 1,200 acres of protected cloud forest, the Selvatura Park houses 1.9 miles of trails and treetop suspension bridges, ranging from 36 to 150ft in height. Enjoy an easy guided hike along the extensive network taking in the sounds and sights of nature along the way. En route, your expert guide will teach you all about the curiosities and quirks of this unique ecosystem and point out plenty of beautiful flora and fauna. Combine with the Selvatura Park Butterfly Garden & Insect Museum, Hummingbird Garden and/or Reptiles & Amphibians Display

Tour times: 8am, 12:30pm & 2pm

Difficulty: **