Culture and Volcanoes

Once you arrive at the International Airport, a CANATUR representative will be waiting for you there to give you directions and identify you with a postcard that should be stuck in a visible place, so that it will be easier for us to identify you when you get out. This person will give you indications to pass through the immigration areas. Once you pass the immigration line, another of our representatives will help you in the customs area and baggage belts. Once you have your luggage you will have to get out and walk along the sidewalk so that our representative will be able to locate you more easily. He/she will wear green trousers and orange shirt as uniform with the Swiss Travel logo and will also have a sign with your name or surname on it. After your meeting with our representative, he will take you to your respective transport to continue your journey. In case you do not find him immediately, you can contact our emergency team at +506 83107636.

Private Half Day San Jose City Tour

San José is a beautiful city full of contrasts. Although small in extension, it offers plenty of museums, parks and interesting areas where you can witness some of the legacy left by early 20th Century architecture. This excursion will offer you an introduction to the Capital City with important information about its economy, cultural, politics, religion and general current events. The older areas in San Jose will take you back in time and let you glance into the most beautiful French architecture, used by prominent families in the late 19th century to design their homes.

This tour includes a one hour visit to a true treasure right in the middle of the city; one of the museums that displays the country's history and culture from the pre-Columbian times all the way to the present. You will have access to some of the most fascinating objects that have been unearthed at various archaeological sites, which are believed to have been used for funeral ceremonies and a large number of objects used for personal adornment and rituals, including arrow points, necklaces, pendants and earrings.

Also, the city tour is not completed without a visit to the National Theater, a very important place rich in historic value, making it a real jewel that holds one of the 10 most beautiful ceilings around the world and a masterpiece in art and architecture. Its construction began in the later part of the 19th Century when Costa Rica had a little population, and in San Jose barely reached a population of 20,000 people. However, during this period Costa Rica experienced a growth in coffee exportation. This gave a very prestigious crowd of people to be an audience of the National Theater. It was the president at the time who placed a tax on coffee I order to raise enough money to support the construction of such a masterpiece. The Nacional Theatre had problems when they began its construction, therefor, in an Italian Architect was brought  to rectify those problems, making the building go smoothly, which was rather slow and but managed to complete it in October 1897.

Taking part of this tour will certainly let you experience at a deeper and more intimate level the history, the way of life and the values Costa Rican people hold dear to their hearts.

Type of Excursion: City sightseeing

Difficulty Level: Suitable for all tourists

Days of Operation: Monday to Sunday

Approximate Duration: 5 hours

Recommendations: Comfortable clothing and shoes, jacket, sunscreen, aluminum water bottle, camera, umbrella in case of rainy weather and binoculars

Private Full Day Irazu Volcano, Lankaster & Orosi Tour

Thanks to its proximity to the metropolitan area, this excursion offers the possibility of visiting the province of Cartago, the smallest in Costa Rica but with the essence of combining in one day different natural attractions, including the Irazu Volcano and the Lankester Botanical Garden, with historical and cultural sites in the city of Cartago and the Orosi Valley.

At the agreed time in the morning, the tour transportation and the professional bilingual guide will be waiting for you in the lobby of the selected hotel to start the 2-hour panoramic tour to the highest peak of Costa Rica. During the ascent to the central volcanic mountain range, the scenic drive will offer spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys while passing through the country's most important fertile lands, where potatoes, cabbages, carrots and dairy products are produced, as well as some ornamental nurseries.

Arriving at the top of the Irazú Volcano National Park, a 1 hour and 30 minute hike through the craters will allow you to learn about the different eruptions and admire the craters. As you will be at a maximum altitude of 3,432 m above sea level, the weather is usually wet and cold, and most of the time there is fog, a characteristic of the high altitude climate; however, on clear days, it is possible to see the Pacific and Atlantic oceans with their lowlands.

Next, you will visit the ancient capital of Costa Rica, the city of Cartago, where you will learn amazing stories, such as the declaration of independence that defined most of the country's culture as a democratic nation. In addition, the guide will give you details about some of the earthquakes that have affected emblematic buildings, one of them, the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels, which was restored in 1976. You will have the opportunity to admire the interesting mix of colonial architecture and 19th century Byzantine style, with large vaulted ceilings and exquisite examples of stained glass brought from Germany.

Your guide will explain that this Roman Catholic basilica hosts an annual pilgrimage of faith known as Romeria, a nationwide tradition, which also attracts thousands of people from throughout Central America and beyond. The extraordinary Lankester Botanical Garden is the next stop. British botanist and orchid enthusiast Charles Lankester founded the garden in 1917, and later transferred it to the University of Costa Rica (UCR) to establish a Botanical Garden dedicated to the research and conservation of the rich flora of the tropics.

The 11-hectare park maintains in its greenhouses some 25,000,00 orchid plants, belonging to some 1,200 species, making its living orchid collections one of the largest and most representative in the world. Throughout the one-hour walk and in addition to the orchidariums and orchid plants, you will be able to see a variety of orchids.

The adjoining former Franciscan monastery is a museum displaying religious art and artifacts.

Lunch will be served in a local restaurant featuring a dramatic landscape in soothing shades of green with magnificent mountain vistas and coffee fields that overflows with unparalleled beauty.

Type of Excursion: Culture and Nature

Difficulty Level: Suitable for all tourists

Recommendations: Comfortable clothing with lightweight long pants and a long-sleeved shirt with a lighter shirt underneath. For footwear, hiking boots or sturdy sneakers with good grips are best. Also, bring a raincoat as it rains frequently in the Irazu Volcano N.P. If it is sunny, bring sun visor hat or similar, Sunglasses with UV protection and sunscreen. Do not forget insects repellent, aluminium water bottle and camera.

During this transfer you will visit Doka Coffee Plantations & Poas Volcano National Park

The Central valley, the heart of Costa Rica, is quite rich in cultural and natural attractions such as national parks and coffee plantations, a place you can explore the green scenic surroundings and enjoy the beautiful array of colors and visuals this area has to offer.

This tour will start early in the morning from the hotel of your selection in San Jose, where an A/C Van/Bus will pick you up, taking the Pan American Highway into the City of Alajuela in a one-hour transfer, heading your way onto the Doka Coffee plantation. You will be able to see the Farmer’s Monument, the Juan Santamaria Memorial and the famous “Los Mangos” Park, and other important sites of interest that will be pointed out by your expert guide.

At your arrival to Doka, the largest coffee plantation in Costa Rica, you will be able to see the sugar mill and the butterfly farm. This Coffee Tour will allow you to learn everything about the process related to cultivation, processing and good practices, as well as your natural and cultural environment. Discover the systematic process of seed germination to the first crop of coffee plants. You will observe and be explained the development process of the plant up to the point of recollection of the ripe grain. You will also learn about the history of the estate, its owners, the production and varieties of plants, the geography of the area, and the traditional ways of cultivating the grain.

Once concluded your visit to the Doka Coffee plantation, you will head into Poás Volcano National Park. When starting to ascent to the national park, you will notice a change in temperature and vegetation; you will see coffee plantations as well as fern, flower and strawberry farms along the way.

At your arrival, you can appreciate the colossus active 2,708-metre (8,885 ft.) stratovolcano and its massive crater; which is over a mile across and 1050 feet deep. It has erupted 40 times since 1828, including April 2017. You will have time to enjoy the impressive main crater with its sulfur fumaroles. Fingers crossed so weather conditions are right.

Recommendations: Comfortable clothing with long pants, hiking shoes, jacket, sunscreen, insects repellent, aluminum water bottle, camera and binoculars. In case of passengers with reduced mobility, heart or respiratory problems, epilepsy, overweight, or women in any stages of pregnancy, please advise us in advance in order to take the previsions and provide them with the best possible care.

Private Full Day Campesino & Sloth Tour 

After a short 10-minute drive, we will arrive at the Agroecological Farm, located 5 km (3 mi) from La Fortuna in a nearby town called Agua Azul. Once at the Farm, we will start the tour with a delicious welcome drink prepared with the fresh fruits of the area.  Our guide will highlight the main objectives of the farm, which include the promotion of the sustainable use of natural resources and preservation of Costa Rican customs and traditions.

After this warm welcome, we will get to try milking cows by hand. Anyone can participate in this unforgettable experience, especially the little ones. Then we will taste test homemade liquor, chocolate and fresh milk while observing the artisanal process of distilling liquor. Next, we will participate in the process of extracting cane juice and have the opportunity to taste the juice with combined with a variety of ingredients such as liquor, peppermint, and other organic products obtained from the farm.

We will visit a small archaeological ranch where we can observe different indigenous pieces and use them in the creation of artisanal cocoa. We will taste the fruit and the completed chocolate. Finally, we can enjoy the orchid garden and the medicinal plant garden.

At the end of the tour, we will share a delicious lunch made with farm-fresh products such as coffee, cheese, tortillas, hash, and more. Undoubtedly, this is an experience full of culture, tradition, and Costa Rican customs.

What to bring: Comfortable clothes and shoes, insect repellent, sunscreen, and money for snacks, souvenirs, or tips. 

Arenal Hanging Bridges Natural History Tour 

The Arenal Hanging Bridges tour is an eco-tourism attraction within a 618-acre reserve of primary forest.

Located at only 25 minutes from most of the hotels in Arenal, this is a perfect place to discover the wonderful secrets of the forest; the density of its biodiversity makes this wildlife sanctuary a special place to admire the species among the vibrant primary rainforest canopy on trails and hanging bridges varying in length and height.

On this two-mile walk, an expert naturalist guide will be by your side, sharing important information regarding the natural history of this place, which will open the door to a fascinating and colorful tropical rainforest world.

There are 16 bridges; 10 of them are non-suspension (rigid bridges) and 6 of them are suspension bridges.

Distances vary between 8 to 98 length and getting till 60 meters height, providing a unique point of view to admire the beauty of Costa Rica´s Jungle in all its levels on a safety way, thanks to its high quality structures.

During the two and half hour walk, you will see birds, mammals, reptiles, different types of plants and trees, combined with the impressive views of both Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal.

Approximate Duration: 3.5 hours

Recommendations: Comfortable clothing, hiking shoes**, raincoat, sun visor hat or similar, Sunglasses with UV protection, Sunscreen, insects repellent, aluminum water bottle, camera and binoculars.

Today you will travel for 1 hour and 20 minutes from the Arenal Volcano area to the majestic Tenorio Volcano National Park area, we are waiting for you at the Rio Celeste Hideaway. Here you will know one of the national wonders that are born because of the Tenorio Volcano.

Private Half Day Celeste River & Tenorio Volcano Hike Tour

Rio Celeste born in the deep jungles of the Tenorio Volcano National Park, an area that itself deserves a visit thanks to its incredible views of lowlands and mountains, its abundant wildlife and for been a perfect destination for those that enjoy hiking.

Catalogued as one of the seven natural wonders of Costa Rica, the turquoise water of this enchanting river attracts thousands of adventurers every year, it is not every day that you could see a river like this one, beautiful and surrounded by exuberant vegetation.

At the indicated time, the tourist transportation will pick you up at your selected hotel and after a short drive of 10-20 minutes, you will arrive to the station ranger where the bilingual guide will explain you the recommendations that you have to follow one you get in to the exuberant rain forest.

Access to the Rio Celeste and its beautiful waterfall is through a well-maintained and wild path and it is a moderately difficult 5.5 km hike (approximately 3 hours). A short climb down 250 stairs gets you to a viewing platform, is a bit tough for some but the result is definitely worth it.

After you visited the waterfall, you will return through the main trail, which will lead you to additional ecological wonders:

Tenorio Volcano Lookout point: a platform the will give you an impressive panoramic view of the volcano. Just remember that volcanoes attract clouds like magnets, it is subject to weather conditions. 

The glowing azure lagoon: The perfect place for a lovely photo, a quiet place in the river where the water puts its blueness on full screen. The strikingly blue color looks almost out of this world, but it is real.

Borbollones: The openings in the earth and furnace vents that expel gases of extreme high temperatures. 

Teñideros: The site where two streams of crystalline water come together and create the magic to this heavenly color blue that gives the river its name. The Rio Celeste gets its baby blue hue from a natural chemical reaction that occurs between minerals in this volcano-rich region.

A local legend says that when God finished painting the heaven, he washed the brush in Rio Celeste saving the privilege of watching the enchanting river just for a few adventurers.

Surely, this will be one of the most unforgettable places of your trip to of Costa Rica.

Type of Excursion: Nature Hike

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Days of Operation: Monday to Sunday

Approximate Duration: 06 hours approximately

Approximate Pick Up Time: Between 07:45am to 08:15am

Recommendations: Comfortable clothing with long pants, hiking shoes*, raincoat, sun visor hat or similar, Sunglasses with UV protection, Sunscreen, insects repellent, aluminum water bottle, camera and binoculars.

In case of passengers with reduced mobility, heart or respiratory problems, epilepsy, overweight, or women in any stages of pregnancy, please advise us in advance in order to take the previsions and provide them with the best possible care.

Children Policy: Infant from 0-5 years are not allowed. CHD rate apply from 6 to 11 years old sharing the service with 2 adults.

*Closed tennis or hiking shoes are mandatory; the park will not allow entry to the trails to those passengers who use sandals or shoes that do not fully cover their feet.

During the weekends, especially Sundays could be very visited by national tourism.

Private Half Day Tapir Valley Reserve & Rainforest Wildlife

In this extraordinary natural setting, you’ll find a space that’s yours to roam. Let your interests lead the way. Follow fresh tapir tracks that wander into the forest, or let a bird call guide your steps; work up a sweat on a rigorous hike, or while away the hours watching wildlife from one of the carefully designed platforms along the way. Amble from mature rain forest to secondary jungle, from open grassland to a hummingbird garden, from wetland to springs to the crystal river. Design your day with the help of experienced guides who are ready to share their deep knowledge and passion for northern Costa Rica with you.

Tapir Valley is one-of-a-kind in Costa Rica because of the qualities it brings together. It’s a spectacular private reserve that’s fully owned and managed by community leaders. We offer you top-notch customer service and attention to detail without detracting from the wild, untouched quality of the 220 acre private rainforest reserve. All tours at Tapir Valley can accommodate a range of interest and allow visitors the freedom to pursue what they love most, but our Private Customized tours allow you to fully design your experience around your specific goals as a photographer, birder, naturalist or simply a devoted lover of nature.

The trip from Rio Celeste to W Conchal is approximately 3 hours. Upon arrival, you will be able to visit one of the most beautiful beaches in the country.

Day at leisure

Today is at your leisure to enjoy the facilities of the hotel or if you prefer to go out and explore the surroundings and relax on the beach and enjoy the sun and sea.

It is time to say goodbye, we will pick you up at W Costa Rica to take you to the Liberia airport, it is approximately 1 hour 20 minutes drive to the runway. We appreciate your visit and hope you enjoyed your stay, we look forward to seeing you back soon.