San José: history, culture and traditions

After breakfast we will begin getting to know San José, the capital and cultural center of the country.

This first experience will let you better understand Costa Rica before we venture into its great natural landscapes.

A city full of history

We will visit some of the most representative places of San José, including the National Theater, one of the most emblematic buildings in the country.

Built in 1897, the theater represents an important part of Costa Rican history and is known as one of the great architectural jewels of the capital.

During the tour we will also see different historical and cultural landmarks of the city, such as:

The old train station.

The former National Liquor Factory.

The Supreme Electoral Tribunal.

The Legislative Assembly.

The Metallic Building.

The Central Market.

Different parks and public spaces.

Throughout the tour we will learn about aspects of the history, culture, economy and daily life of Costa Rica.

The pre-Columbian legacy

The experience also includes a visit to the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, where you can discover the extraordinary tradition of the indigenous peoples of Costa Rica and their skill in working metals.

The tour ends at a workshop specializing in jewelry and gold pieces, where we will learn more about the techniques traditionally used.

An introduction to Costa Rica before beginning our adventure through its volcanoes and forests.

Overnight in San José.

Today we leave San José behind to head toward the mountains of Alajuela.

As we climb, the landscape changes.

The city is left behind and coffee plantations, ferns, flowers, strawberries and lush mountains appear.

The flavor of Costa Rica

Our first stop will be Doka Coffee Tour, an authentic coffee plantation.

Here we will learn about the process behind one of the products that has most influenced the history and economy of Costa Rica.

We will discover how coffee is grown, harvested and processed and learn about the traditional techniques used by the experts.

In addition, we will enjoy a breakfast to start the day.

Poás Volcano

We will continue toward Poás Volcano National Park.

As we approach the volcano, the landscape takes on a completely different appearance.

The high-altitude forest, the mist and the volcanic activity create a spectacular setting.

We will reach the designated lookout to contemplate the enormous main crater and, when conditions allow, we will also visit the Botos Lagoon area.

The visit to the park lasts approximately an hour and a half, including the walk, the observation time and the visit to the lagoon.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens

After the volcano we will continue to La Paz Waterfall Gardens.

Here we will once again venture into the tropical forest.

A trail leads to a spectacular waterfall surrounded by vegetation.

During the visit we will also be able to see the hummingbird gallery, the serpentarium, the aviary and the frog exhibit.

Afterwards we will enjoy lunch before returning to San José.

Coffee + volcano + forest + waterfalls: a day that perfectly sums up the natural diversity of Costa Rica.

Overnight in San José.

First stop: Sarchí

On the way we will make a stop in Sarchí, famous for its craft tradition and for its colorful oxcarts.

The typical oxcart is one of the most recognizable symbols of Costa Rican culture and reflects a craft tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation.

We will be able to learn about this tradition and contemplate the famous cart of enormous dimensions located in the town.

Afterwards we will continue our tour toward Arenal.

Facing the Arenal Volcano

As we approach La Fortuna, the imposing Arenal Volcano will begin to appear among the mountains.

Its conical shape dominates the landscape and has become one of the great natural symbols of Costa Rica.

After enjoying lunch we will continue to one of the most relaxing experiences of the trip.

Baldi Hot Springs

The hot springs are part of the essence of Arenal.

At Baldi Hot Springs you can enjoy different pools of water naturally heated by the region's geothermal activity.

Surrounded by tropical vegetation, the setting is perfect for relaxing after the tour.

To end the day we will enjoy a dinner with views of the volcano, when weather conditions allow it to be seen.

Afterwards we will continue to our hotel.

A day of craftsmanship, volcanoes, nature and relaxation.

Overnight in Arenal.

After breakfast we will leave the Arenal region behind and begin our journey toward the Central Pacific coast.

The landscape will change progressively as we descend from the mountains toward the lowlands.

The vegetation becomes more tropical, the climate warmer and the ocean begins to draw near.

Welcome to Manuel Antonio

We will reach the Manuel Antonio region, where the tropical forest meets some of the most famous beaches in Costa Rica.

After settling into your hotel you will have the afternoon free.

You can walk around the surroundings, enjoy the beach, relax by the pool or simply rest.

After several days of discoveries, this afternoon will be your chance to slow down.

Overnight in Manuel Antonio.

Manuel Antonio National Park

Today we will have one of the most special experiences of the trip.

We will visit Manuel Antonio National Park, one of the most emblematic natural destinations in Costa Rica.

Where the jungle meets the sea

The appeal of Manuel Antonio lies in its extraordinary combination of ecosystems.

Here the tropical forest reaches practically to the coast and the trails cross lush vegetation before reaching beaches of crystal-clear waters.

We will begin a walk along the park's trails accompanied by our naturalist guide.

During the walk we will learn about the history, geography and biodiversity of the region.

A walk full of life

With a little patience and the help of our guide we will be able to observe different wildlife species.

Monkeys.

Sloths.

Iguanas.

Raccoons.

Birds.

And many other species that inhabit this tropical forest.

The guide will help spot animals that are often difficult to discover with the naked eye among the leaves and branches.

The reward: the beach

After walking through the forest we will reach the coast.

Here you will have time to relax, enjoy the beach and take a swim if conditions allow.

It is one of those places where you can go from walking among tropical trees to standing before the ocean just a few minutes later.

In the afternoon you will have free time to continue enjoying Manuel Antonio and its surroundings.

Jungle + wildlife + beach + Pacific.

The experience that turns this trip into a true tropical expedition.

Overnight in Manuel Antonio.

After breakfast we will begin the return to San José.

We will leave the Pacific behind and gradually return toward the Central Valley.

During the trip you will again be able to observe how the Costa Rican landscape changes: from the tropical coast to the mountains and finally to the urban area of San José.

On arrival you will have the rest of the day free.

You can take the opportunity to shop, visit a place that was still pending or simply rest.

It will be your last night in Costa Rica.

Overnight in San José.

After breakfast the time will come to say goodbye.

Our private transfer will take you from your hotel to Juan Santamaría International Airport to catch your return flight.

In just eight days you will have traveled through some of the most representative environments of Costa Rica:

city, culture, coffee, volcanoes, waterfalls, hot springs, jungle and Pacific beaches.

But perhaps the memory that lingers most will be that moment when you saw a monkey among the trees of Manuel Antonio or contemplated the ocean after walking through the jungle.

Pura vida and until the next adventure!