ITINERARY
DAY 01: Transfer from San Jose Airport to San Jose Hotels
Welcome to San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica! We will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Once in the capital, you can visit the theaters, museums and beautiful parks or just enjoy a cup of Costa Rican coffee while watching the daily life of the "Ticos".
- Type: Unassigned
- Estimated Duration: 17 kilometers - 25 minutes
DAY 02: Rafting Pacuare III-IV
- Includes: Transportation, breakfast, lunch, guide, equipment.
DAY 03: Irazu Volcano, Orosi Valley & Lankester Gardens
We will take the Panamerican Highway South and begin the ascent to the great "Iztaru". The winding road will take us through fertile lands, cultivated with all kinds of vegetables. For example: potatoes, onions, garlic, among others. At the top of the volcano, you will be able to observe the main craters known as Irazú, Playa Hermosa and Diego de la Haya. This colossus is the highest volcano in the territory with 3432 meters (11000 feet) above sea level, whose last eruptive phase includes the period between 1963 to 1965 with strong gas and ash emissions that were perceived throughout the country. On a sunny day, both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans could be observed. After the visit to the volcano, we will descend to the city of Cartago, ancient capital of Costa Rica established in 1563 by the conqueror Juan Vázquez de Coronado, where we will stop at the Basilica of the Virgin of the Angels, a place of pilgrimage for many faithful, which has been a tradition since 1635. The next stop is the Lankester Botanical Garden, a research center of the University of Costa Rica, created for the protection and preservation of more than 800 species of orchids, as well as other plant species. In this place we will have a guided visit to see the different sections, for example, the bromeliads, cactus, heliconias, palms, among others. Afterwards, we will continue to the sea.
Then, we will continue to the wonderful and scenic Orosi Valley, surrounded by beautiful mountains, diversity of crops such as coffee, sugar cane, among others. It was one of the important establishments during the colonial era, being this witness of various historical events starred by pirate attacks, earthquakes, floods, as well as the importance of the Franciscan orders entrusted with the process of evangelization and pioneers in the erection of the first Catholic temples in the country. On this tour we will visit one of the few colonial churches that are still standing, followed by a delicious typical lunch at the best restaurant in the area.
- Includes: Transportation, bilingual guide (English/Spanish), entrance to La Paz Waterfall Gardens and lunch.
- Estimated duration: 10 hours
- Physical difficulty level: Moderate
- Recommended attire: Coat, camera, binoculars, comfortable walking shoes and rain coat.
DAY 04: Transfer from San Jose hotels to San Jose Airport
Once your unique experience around Costa Rica is over; you will depart for the airport. You should be at the airport three hours before your flight departure time and your transportation will be ready to arrive on time.
- Type: Unassigned
- Estimated Duration: 17 kilometers - 30 minutes.
WHAT TO BRING TO COSTA RICA?
- Passport with no less than 6 months of validity
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Comfortable t-shirts and pants.
- Footwear: waterproof and light hiking boots, river sandals (Teva type sandals), a pair of tennis shoes.
- If traveling to Tortuguero during turtle nesting season (June-September), bring dark pants & shirts and closed-toe shoes.
- Rain gear: poncho, raincoat and umbrella.
- Hat, visor, cap and sunglasses for sun protection.
- Reusable water bottle for hiking.
- Charger for electronic devices and American style adapter.
- Medications.
- Small backpack for hiking.
