Our most popular tour! The Arenal Volcano is one of the most active volcanoes in the Americas. In this unforgettable tour, you will witness amazing and surprising things like ground trembling and the natural fireworks of a night sky exploding with ash and lava.

Next, we will visit the volcano’s hot springs, where you can relax in soothing waters and be caressed by cool night air, while observing the incredible stars and sky above. Afterwards, you will be presented with a splendid dinner. This is an evening you will absolutely not want to miss! On this tour we will also visit the town of Sarchí, well known for the beauty of their handcrafts.

» Lunch and dinner included in this tour.
» Suggested Equipment: Swimsuit, comfortable walking shoes (if there is good weather), sweater, insect repellent, and a towel (optional).

We begin this tour on the Pan-American Highway to Alajuela where we pass the Agricultural Monument, the monument to Juan Santamaria and the Mango Park. As we ascend towards the volcano, we stop for a brief explanation of our golden bean – coffee. Next, our trip continues through fern, flower and strawberry farms where we will perceive an obvious change in temperature and vegetation. This will prepare us for the pleasure of the exuberant cloud forest in Poas Volcano, where we will have time to enjoy the impressive main crater with its sulfurous fumaroles. Then we will hike to the beautiful Botos Lagoon where we will learn about the park’s different ecosystems.

» Suggested Equipment: sweater, camera, binoculars, comfortable shoes and rain coat.

We depart from San Jose towards the Pacific coast via the Old Spanish Road with a brief stop along the way for breakfast. Once we arrive to our first destination, we will ride a boat along the Tarcoles River where our guides will take us into a world of crocodiles and migratory and aquatic birds. After our boat ride, we will visit one of the most beautiful protected areas, Punta Leona Resort, an exotic paradise surrounded by 750 hectares of transitional tropical rainforest that is characteristic of this region.

The beauty of its white sands and the deep blue ocean are particular to the Pacific. This entire day you will be free to enjoy this beautiful place and to enjoy the optional activities such as water sports, bathing in the crystal waters of the ocean or using the hotel pools.

The tour includes a delicious lunch served in one of the local restaurants. In the afternoon, you may wish to enjoy an optional guided walk through the jungle. Lasting only one and a half hours, it is a good opportunity to observe wild life such as reptiles, amphibians and scorpions. Sunsets in Punta Leona are an extraordinary experience after which we will return to San Jose.

» Suggested Equipment: For the river: hat, sun block, insect repellent, binoculars and camera.
» For the resort: shorts, sandals, towel and swimsuit. For the jungle (optional) walking shoes.

We begin this tour on the Pan-American Highway to Alajuela where we pass the Agricultural Monument, the monument to Juan Santamaria and the Mango Park. As we ascend towards the volcano, we stop for a brief explanation of our golden bean – coffee. Next, our trip continues through fern, flower and strawberry farms where we will perceive an obvious change in temperature and vegetation.

This will prepare us for the pleasure of the exuberant cloud forest in Poas Volcano, where we will have time to enjoy the impressive main crater with its sulfurous fumaroles. Then we will hike to the beautiful Botos Lagoon where we will learn about the park’s different ecosystems.

Afterwards, we will enjoy a delicious lunch in a traditional local restaurant. Our third stop will be in beautiful Grecia. Considered one of the cleanest towns of Latin America, it is home to the only Metal Church in Central America, a national monument that fills its inhabitants with pride. In order to catch a glimpse of local daily life, we will also visit the central market. Our last stop is Sarchi, known as the cradle of Costa Rican Artisans. We will observe the artistic handiwork that goes into making the famous traditional oxcarts. You will also be able to shop for that special souvenir to take home.

» Suggested Equipment: light jacket, comfortable shoes, binoculars and camera.

Starting on the East side of San Jose, the first sites we will see are the Democracy Plaza, the National Museum, the National Court, Los Yoses, San Pedro Mall, Hispanidad Fountain and the Rodrigo Facio Campus at the University of Costa Rica. After we have seen the capital’s main attractions, our first stops will be the impressive Pre-Columbian Gold Museum and the beautiful National Theater where we will have a guided visit tours.

After visiting these cultural gems, the tour continues through the western section of San Jose: La Sabana Metropolitan Park (first International Airport in Costa Rica), Costa Rican Contemporary Art Museum, the National Gymnasium, the Comptroller’s office, the residential area of Rohrmoser, the Nunciatura, and the home of our current President and Nobel Peace Prize Winner, Oscar Arias Sanchez.

At the end of the tour, we will visit a shopping center where you will be able to buy souvenirs from your visit to San Jose. The National Theater is closed on Sundays and will therefore only be viewed from the outside

» We recommend: Camera.

Located in the province of Alajuela and surrounded by sugarcane fields, Grecia is considered one of the cleanest towns of Latin America. It is home to the only Metal Church in Central America, a national monument that fills its inhabitants with pride. In order to catch a glimpse of local daily life, we will also visit the central market.

Our last stop is Sarchi, known as the cradle of Costa Rican Artisans. We will observe the artistic handiwork that goes into making the famous traditional oxcarts. You will also be able to shop for that special souvenir to take home.

» Suggested Equipment: light jacket, comfortable shoes, binoculars and camera.

We begin our ascension of the Irazu Volcano via the Pan-American Highway. We will enjoy a lovely panoramic view from a winding road that travels through fertile lands cultivated with all kinds of vegetables. At the top of the volcano, you can observe the main crater and on a clear day both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans are visible.

As we descend to Cartago city, we will stop at the Virgin of the Angels Church, a pilgrimage site for many believers.

» Suggested Equipment: hat, jacket, walking shoes, binoculars and camera.

Now you can enjoy both white water rafting where the adrenaline shoots to the limit and fascinating Canopy tours above the treetops in a single tour. Discover the natural wonders of Sarapiqui, a large territory located in the northern part of the country, with crystalline rivers, abundant scenic beauty and towns full of hard-working and friendly people. We depart from San Jose crossing the Braulio Carrillo National Park to arrive at Sarapiqui where both adventure attractions can be enjoyed.

The Canopy tour consists of a one and a half hour adventure during which you will slide on ten cables of different lengths to twelve platforms inside the forest. Rafting on the Sarapiqui River on class II and class III rapids allows for an exciting adventure as well as a vibrant landscape. A group of unexpected rapids combined with slow relaxing stretches along the 9-mile stretch will make this an unforgettable experience for birdwatchers and nature lovers alike. Afterwards, we will enjoy a delicious lunch.

» Tour includes: Air-conditioned microbus transportation, naturalist bilingual guide, canopy, white water rafting gear, and lunch.
» What to bring: For the canopy: lightweight clothes, insect repellent, comfortable shoes, and an extra change of clothes
» For the rafting: swimsuit, water shoes, towel and a change of clothes.

We begin our ascension of the Irazu Volcano via the Pan-American Highway. We will enjoy a lovely panoramic view from a winding road that travels through fertile lands cultivated with all kinds of vegetables. At the top of the volcano, you can observe the main crater and on a clear day both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans are visible. As we descend to Cartago city, we will stop at the Virgin of the Angels Church, a pilgrimage site for many believers.

After visiting the Church, we will stop at Lankester Gardens, a University of Costa Rica Research Institute where over 800 species of orchids, bromeliads and countless species of other plants are protected.

We will continue on to Orosi Valley where nature overflows in unparalleled beauty. Afterwards, we will visit one of the few remaining colonial churches and stop for lunch in a local restaurant. During our tour, we will also see “La Casa del Soñador”, an example of Costa Rican primitive art.

» Suggested Equipment: hat, jacket, walking shoes, insect repellent, binoculars and camera.

This is definitely an adventure you do not want to miss. We depart the city towards the mountains that surround the Central Valley, enjoying spectacular views of vegetation, extensive coffee plantations, ornamental plants as well as pictures of typical towns in Costa Rica. As we ascend, we will enjoy climatic changes. Upon arrival, we will slide from one platform to the next flying through the canopy.

Canopy San Lorenzo is located in the middle of the tropical forest reserve in a beautiful area full of orchids, bromeliads and other ornamental plants. The sliding cable is divided into two parts:

1- The forest section, starts with small cables so the passenger will acquire confidence while admiring the forest’s canopy.

2- The adventure section will have longer cables suspended from high platforms that require large doses of adrenaline.

The total length of the cable is of 2500 meters or 8.202,10 ft. There are 19 platforms and the San Lorenzo Canopy offers a 750-meter or 2.460,63 feet cable, the longest one in the country. From one platform to the next, the guide will explain the most important features of the forest. Finally, after a short walk, we will have a delicious lunch in the restaurant Gran Vista.

» Suggested Equipment camera, light clothes, comfortable shoes, insect repellent and extra clothes.

After visiting the Basilica, we will stop at Lankester Gardens, a University of Costa Rica Research Institute where over 800 species of orchids, bromeliads and countless species of other plants are protected. We will continue on to Orosi Valley where nature overflows in unparalleled beauty.

Afterwards, we will visit one of the few remaining colonial churches and stop for lunch in a local restaurant. During our tour, we will also see “La Casa del Soñador”, an example of Costa Rican primitive art.

» Suggested Equipment: hat, jacket, walking shoes, bug repellent, binoculars and camera.

Experience the full explosion of excitement which is the thrill of white water rafting!. The scenery while rafting is just marvelous. The vegetation that will surround you plus the power of the waters will transport you into a great wild adventure. The equipment will be given, and a specialized guide will instruct you on how to manage yourself into the strong currents of the river.

Tour includes:

- Breakfast and lunch

Recommendations

- Camera
- Sandals
- Sunscreen
- Towel
- Extra clothing

Estimated Departure from San José: 9:30 a.m. (Lunch Incl.) / 12:30 p.m. (Lunch Not Incl.)

Estimated Return to San José: 8:00 pm

If you are in San José and you want to do something that is unusual and fun, but without the long drive, then the Monte Zurquí Canopy is the perfect tour for you.

Monte Zurquí is a great place located at only 15 minutes from San José, surrounded by beautiful landscapes and lush vegetation where you will experience a great adventure.

Begin with a Canopy Tour that includes 2 extreme games, continue with a rappel from a 30 feet high suspension bridge and end with a 656 yard Superman Zip Line, reaching an estimated speed of 44mph. This thrilling canopy tour is located in Santa Elena, San Isidro de Heredia, it features 8 Zip Lines and 11 Platforms, offering the opportunity to slide through the trees, make your adrenaline rise, get in close contact with nature and feel the wind in your face.

Tour includes:

• Round Trip Transportation
• Bilingual guide (English/Spanish)
• Canopy tour
• Superman Zipline.
• Lunch (Optional)

Recommendations:

• Sweater
• Walking shoes
• Insect repellent

This Costa Rican Night Tour is a spectacle displaying our XIX century traditions. Enjoy this presentation, combining beliefs, costume, architecture, music, dance and foods in a humorous manner.

This will take you directly to the roots of Costa Rica. Pueblo Antiguo is a theme park, which shows the architectural infrastructure that existed in San Jose in the beginning of the XX century through replicas of old buildings. Activities include folkloric dances, professional actors’ masquerades and other memorable traditions. This tour runs only on Friday and Saturday.

» Suggested gear: sweater and camera. Important: This tour runs only on Tuesday, Fridays and Saturdays.

Estimated Departure from San José: 7:30 am Estimated Return to San José: 5:30 pm

To get to the different attractions included during this excursion we will drive by the city of Alajuela passing by the Agriculture Monument, the Monument to Juan Santamaria and the famous Mango Park.

As we ascend towards the Poás Volcano we will notice the change in temperature and vegetation; we will see coffee plantations as well as fern, flower and strawberry farms along the way, creating a beautiful landscape.

On the way to the volcano we will visit Doka Coffee Estate for a delicious breakfast and a coffee tour, in an actual coffee plantation where we will learn about the ancient techniques used by the experts to produce one of the best coffees in Costa Rica. Learn about the careful process involved on the cultivation, harvesting and roasting of the Golden Bean.

After the coffee tour we will continue to Poás Volcano where we will not only admire the impressive main crater with its sulfur fumaroles, but also learn about the different ecosystems in this beautiful national park.

Following the visit to the volcano we will continue to La Paz Water Fall Garden for lunch and tour. On arrival to the La Paz, we will walk through a trail, leading to a spectacular waterfall in the middle of the rainforest. Inside the park we will also visit the hummingbird gallery, the serpentarium, the bird house, the butterfly garden and the frog’s exhibit.

Tour includes:

• Transportation
• Bilingual guide (English/Spanish)
• Entrance fee to Poás Volcano National Park
• Entrance fee to La Paz Waterfall Gardens
• Entrance fee to Coffee Tour
• Breakfast
• Lunch

Recommendations

- Hat
- Jacket
- Walking shoes
- Insect repellent
- Binoculars
- Camera

Take in a wonderful mountaintop view of the Central Valley while enjoying a delicious dinner buffet of traditional Costa Rican food. Also, view an impressive masquerade tradition with folk dances and marimba music and end the night with the magic of a small firework display.

Local artisans will present their wares and offer their beautiful creations. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable night!

» Suggested gear: camera and sweater.
Note: This tour runs only on Wednesdays.

Whether you're 2 or 92 no visit to Costa Rica is complete without a trip on Calypso's world famous Tortuga Island Cruise. The day begins at your hotel where you will be greeted by a bilingual guide and seated on an air-conditioned bus. The bus ride takes you to the pacific port of Puntarenas stopping along the way for Costa Rican typical breakfast.

This is an excellent opportunity to view the coffee, sugar plantations, volcanic mountains and the unique Brahman cattle that form an ever-changing panorama.

Upon arrival in Puntarenas you will board Calypso's super catamaran Manta Raya. She is actually designed by Calypso Passengers suggestions since 1975. Manta Raya has fresh water showers and full bar featuring delicious Piña Coladas made with fresh pineapple. The spacious main salon combines with an expansive deck area which includes 2 deck pools, offering a level of cruising luxury and comfort in 100% Calypso style.

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 Calypso's famous lunch. For passenger safety and convenience Manta Raya has a bow ramp which allows her passengers to disembark directly onto the beach.

Sip cold wine in the shade of white umbrellas at tables covered with white linen and be served the midday feast. A sumptuous delight, featured in Gourmet Magazine, starts with a ceviche appetizer and followed by a medley of salads. The main dish is a delightful bar-b-qued breast of chicken covered in a mouthwatering tropical sauce accompanied with julienned vegetables all cooked fresh on the grill by Calypso's expert crew.

Tortuga Island Cruise Menu

Breakfast

Served on the way to Puntarenas
• Costa Rican Typical Breakfast
On Board Manta Raya
• Freshly brewed hot Costa Rican coffee
• Selection of fresh tropical fruits
• Ice cold fruit juice and sodas

Lunch on Tortuga Island

Appetizer
• Calypso's prize winning ceviche

Salad Bar
• Italian mixed green salad with vinaigrette
• Creamy pasta primavera salad
• Refreshing cucumber dill and sour cream salad
• Fresh carrot and raisin salad with orange dressing

Main Course
• Grilled breast of chicken smothered in a delightful tropical sauce covered with freshly grated coconut
• Steamed rice
• Oven toasted plantains
• Ice cold glass of white wine

Dessert
• Piña Colada cake
• Hot Costa Rican coffee

"Tropical Dry Forest ONLY 2% left in the world today"
To protect this delicate environment this tour is available
only Wednesday and Friday with limited group size

Accessible only by boat, Punta Coral is set in a pristine Tropical Dry Forest (less than 2% left in the world today) and has a quiet beach on one side and a valley filled with flowering plants, interesting rock formations and numerous caves on the other. Troops of Howler Monkeys, Yellow Naped Amazon Parrots, a variety of hummingbirds and butterflies call this special place "home". A superb seafood lunch with chilled white wine is served in a covered dining area overlooking the ocean. Dine in casual elegance. In the afternoon, explore more of this beautiful paradise by sea kayak, take a refreshing swim in the calm waters surrounding the reserve or simply relax in the shady hammock area and enjoy the tropical breeze.

The day starts when the tour's air-conditioned bus picks you up at your hotel in San José, Jacó or Quepos / Manuel Antonio. A typical Costa Rican breakfast is served at a restaurant on the Inter-American Highway towards Puntarenas. The guide explains the scenery, interspersing his comments with anecdotes from Costa Rica's history as well as facts about the country. Upon arrival in Puntarenas, you will board the State-of-the-Art Catamaran Manta Raya for the 45 minute cruise to Punta Coral.

Spend the late morning on the easy to walk nature trails. The many varieties of trees and interesting plants are labeled and the ocean views are spectacular. There are numerous producing fruit trees on the property which provide food for the wild animals native to the area. Troops of howler monkeys, yellow naped amazon parrots, a variety of humming birds and butterflies call this special place "Home".

Enjoy a Superb Meal served with complimentary chilled white wine. After lunch, explore more nature by sea kayak, take a refreshing swim in the calm bay or simply relax in a hammock.

Calypso's One Day Adventure is a tour-de-force of everything that is magical about Costa Rica's magnificent pacific coast and is necessary before one can say he has explored Costa Rica completely.

Punta Coral Private Reserve Cruise Menu

Breakfast

Served on the way to Puntarenas
• Costa Rican Typical Breakfast

On Board Manta Raya
• Freshly brewed hot Costa Rican coffee
• Selection of fresh tropical fruits
• Ice cold fruit juice

Lunch served at Punta Coral

Appetizer
• Calypso's famous prize winning ceviche: served at the giant thatched "Mango Bar"
Salad
• Italian mixed green salad with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers and vinagrette dressing

Main Course
• Grilled Mahi Mahi Smothered in a mouthwatering cream sauce with fresh sautéed mushrooms and topped with toasted macadamia nuts.
• Steamed Rice
• Julienne Vegetables
• Toasted Plantain Strips

Dessert
• "To Die for" baked chocolate fudge with shredded coconut topped with freshly whipped real cream.
• Hot Costa Rican Coffee made and served individually at your table.

Estimated Departure from San José: 9:00 am Estimated Return to San José: 8:00 pm

BOOK THIS TOUR: click here

Located in the north of Costa Rica, the impressive Arenal Volcano is a natural phenomenon that attracts thousands and thousands of tourists due to its permanent and extraordinary volcanic activity, which on clear nights resembles fireworks with intermittent explosions of ash and lava.

On the way to the imposing Arenal Volcano there will be a stop in the famous town of Sarchi, known as the Birthplace of Costa Rica’s Artisans, the journey will continue passing by diverse plantations with agricultural products, ornamental plants and cattle ranches until arriving to La Fortuna Town, for lunch at a cozy restaurant right in front of the volcano. This excellent location will allow you the best view to see any volcanic activity. Later on, you will relax at one of the best hot springs in the area where it is also possible to enjoy an optional massage or other special treatment that must be reserved ahead of time. Before going back to San José, a wonderful dinner will be served with a great view of the volcano so that you do not miss any opportunity to look out for the incandescent light explosions.

Tour includes:

- Transportation
- Bilingual guide (English/Spanish)
- Entrance fee to Baldi Hot Springs
- Lunch
- Dinner

Recommendations

- Swimsuit
- Towel
- Sweater

Estimated Departure from San José: 6:00 am Estimated Return to San José: 8:00 pm

This excursion departs from San José very early in the morning towards Puntarenas where you will board the yacht to Tortuga (Turtle Island), a beautiful island located in the Gulf of Nicoya, Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica.

At Tortuga Island you will experience a day full of beautiful skies, great ocean views and live music. On board the yacht tropical fruits and natural drinks will be served and at the island there will be time to explore the surroundings, sunbathe, swim, take an optional tour like kayaking and canopy; and enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by the crew.

Tortuga Island has an area of 120 hectares with 4 main hills, and a 500 meter beach granted with the blue flag certification. On the way to Tortuga Island you will see the San Lucas Island which in the past was a security prison where no human rights existed, a dark age in Costa Rica´s history.

The journey to Tortuga Island will be on board a yacht with 2 Cummins Marino 300 HP motors, radar, satellite navigation systems, VHF marine radio, bathrooms and drinking water.

Bay Island is committed not only to give you a enjoyable journey but also a safe trip, the yacht’s captain has more of 10 years of experience and an international maritime license and the crew is trained for emergency situations.

Tour includes:

• Ground transportation San Jose - Puntarenas - San Jose
• Bilingual guide throughout the trip.
• Typical Costa Rican breakfast.
• Maritime transport on board Bay's Princess Yacht
• Tropical fruits and natural soft drinks
• Fish Ceviche and other snacks
• Live music and on board dancing
• Buffet lunch

Recommendations

- Swimsuit
- Sunblock
- Sandals
- Cool comfortable clothes
- Towel and camera

Estimated Pick up time: 6:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Estimated Duration: 7 hours

Twenty minutes outside of San Jose you will cross the Continental Divide and enter Braulio Carrillo National Park. After a half hour trip through the park, the bus will reach a 1000 acre private reserve of virgin forest.

Open-sided vehicles shuttle passengers from the parking area to the Visitor's Center. The shuttle trip provides an introduction to the forest, as visitors pass a small river and numerous tree snags with nesting holes of various birds - the White Hawk is regularly seen here, as well as the Pale-billed Woodpecker and many others.

After a quick briefing on canopy exploration and the construction of the tram, visitors divide into smaller groups for a 45 to 90 minute (optional) nature walk with a trained naturalist guide. The trails are well-groomed and provide an excellent introduction to the rain forest.

Time now to board the Aerial Tram. The Open-sided cable-cars hold 5 passengers and a guide. The guides are quite knowledgeable about flora and fauna. They'll point out orchids and different species of trees and are quick to identify the calls of the many birds that inhabit this unique environment.

The tram ride lasts about an hour and fifteen minutes. The lower, outbound leg of the tram journey takes you skimming over hilltops and in and out of the sub-canopy, a dark world of overburdened tree limbs dripping with mosses, ferns, and orchids. Lianas and vines drape over branches and traverse forest spaces, and act as highways for birds and insects. The ride will stop several times as passengers board at either loading station.

The return leg of the ride reveals the most dramatic portion of the trip as the cars glide on a breath-taking journey through and above the airy canopy.

Tour includes:

- Round trip transportation from/to San Jose downtown hotels
- One meal (breakfast or lunch depending on departure time)
- Introductory video
- Guided walking tour
- Tram Ride accompanied by an experienced-bilingual guide (Spanish/English).

Recommendations

- Cool comfortable clothes
- Walking shoes
- Insect repellent
- Rain poncho
- Camera - Binoculars

Estimated Departure from San José: 7:00 am Estimated Return to San José: 5:00 pm

Panaca is a Theme park where visitors can interact with a wide variety of domestic animals. Strategically located in San Mateo, only 1 hour away from San Jose and other important destinations, this park is the ideal place for animal lovers and those who want to spend a nice time with family and friends.

During the tour of Panaca it is possible to observe a great of collection of approximately 3500 domestic animals, as well as some shows and exhibitions of pigs, horses, cattle and dogs.

Tour includes:

• Transportation
• Bilingual guide (English/Spanish)
• Entrance fee to Panaca
• Lunch

Recommendations

- Comfortable clothes and shoes
- Hat
- Sun block
- Insect repellent

Drive to Sarapiquí area, through the extraordinary rain forest of Braulio Carrillo National Park, one of the most important rainforest reserves of Costa Rica. On arrival to Sarapiqui, a beautiful area known for its impressive natural richness, you will board a boat for a relaxing ride on the Sarapiqui River where you will feel in close contact with nature and admire the inspiring surroundings.

After the boat ride you will continue with a walk on Selva Verde eco lodge’s private trails which are a heaven for nature enthusiasts, hikers, bird and wildlife watchers. Following lunch and on route to San Jose, a visit to the famous Rainforest Aerial Tram is included, for a ride on a gondola through the tree canopy in company of a naturalist guide that will talk to you about the wonderful rainforest.

The Rain Forest Aerial Tram – Atlantic is a 475-hectares (1,200-acre) private reserve that shares a 10 km border with Braulio Carrillo National Park, constituting a buffer zone between the park and farming lands.

Tour includes:

- Transportation
- Bilingual guide (English/Spanish)
- Boat ride on the Sarapiqui River
- Guided walk on Selva Verde Trails
- Rain Forest Aerial Tram Tour
- Lunch

Recommendations

- Comfortable clothes and shoes
- Hat
- Sun block
- Insect repellent
- Camera