LINKS TO SOME OF THE MOST POPULAR TOURS
AND DESTINATIONS IN COSTA RICA

DAY TRIPS:

WORLD CLASS WHITEWATER RAFTING:

Costa Rica is well known all over the world for its whitewater rafting adventures. The incredible scenery and amount of whitewater action the rivers hold are rarely matched. The Costa Rican rivers provide a wet and exhilarating ride through the tropical jungles of Costa Rica. Whitewater rafting is primarily done on three rivers here: The Reventazon, The Pacuare and The Pascua. Check out this website for more information: www.toenjoynature.com

POAS VOLCANO:

This is the most visited national park in Costa Rica, and with good reason. It is just 45 miles away from San Jose, located in one of the most scenic areas in the country. Poas is the 2nd largest active crater volcano in the world with TWO volcanic craters On a clear day, tourists can watch the sulfur bubble in the lakes at the bottom of the craters. The vegetation is stunted because of the constant emission of gases from the craters, but the nearby trail leads to a lagoon, which is a nice spot to picnic or birdwatch. Cost is approx. $35.00 www.costaricainfo.com (Tours around San Jose)

CAFÉ BRITT COFFEE TOUR:

This award-winning musical tour makes learning about the history of coffee fun! First, tour the facilities with guides from the past! Then, taste the rich coffee produced & sold here. This is a perfect place to buy souvenirs to take home. See their website at:

RAINFOREST AERIAL TRAM TOUR:

An incredible experience for those who want to get a glimpse of the rainforest without having to travel far or get very muddy! Located just 30 minutes from the capital and close to Braulio Carrillo National Park, this tram ride is fun for everyone. Don’t expect to see many animals, though, as they are generally nocturnal. This one hour ride through the rainforest canopy is delightful! An expert naturalist guide rides in each car to answer questions and point out different species of flowers, ferns and more. In addition to riding the tram, expert naturalist guides take visitors on a one-hour rainforest walk to point out the most interesting aspects of the rainforest at ground level, such as industrious leaf-cutter ants, brightly colored butterflies and “walking” palm trees. The Rainforest Aerial Tram Website is: www.rainforest.co.cr

OVERNIGHT TRIPS:

DRAKE’S BAY:

The remote location of this beach hotel makes it a little expensive, as you have to charter a plane (included in the package.) But it is worth it! The Osa Peninsula on the South Pacific Coast is home to Corcovado National Park and Isla de Cano Biological Reserve. Corcovado National Park, the least visited national park because of its remote location, is considered to be one of the most biologically rich places on earth, according to National Geographic. The park remains one of the most pristine parks in the country. Cano Island lies about 12 miles off the coast offshore. It’s coral reefs and rock formations make it one of the best diving locations in the whole country.
We recommend the Drake Bay Wilderness Lodge. the rooms are steps from the beach on a gorgeous and secluded bay. the staff is very knowledgeable and lead fantastic tours, such as the one to the least-visited national parks (corcovado.) this is not a fancy place but it is a great place to see wildlife, snorkel, dive, etc. the meals are wonderful and are served family-style. packages run about $750 per person for 3 nights, all-inclusive. check out their website: www.drakebay.com

TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK:

Tortuguero is 99 miles of Amazon jungle-type canals, lagoons and waterways located on the coast of the Caribbean Ocean. Tortuguero is for nature lovers! It is home to many other interesting endangered species, including sloths, monkeys, jaguars, manatees, and river otters. The 2 night package we recommend, through Mawamba Lodge, includes transportation from San Jose (by bus and then boat), accommodations in their jungle lodge, meals with lots of fresh fruit and fish and boat rides to the national park and canals with an expert guide. Cost is about $250 approx. per person. Here is their website: www.grupomawamba.com

MONTEVERDE NATIONAL PARK:

This gorgeous rainforest is a famous spot for birdwatching & hiking trails through a scenic cloud forest & a national park. The park is filled with wonderful animal sounds and huge, green ferns and other flora and fauna. Many visitors consider this area one of the most beautiful places on earth. Guided day and night animal-spotting hikes are offered. Check out this site for more info: www.cct.or.cr