6-Day Costa Rica Adventure: Volcanoes, Tropical Islands, Waterfalls & Lake Paddleboarding

After breakfast, meet your guide at your hotel in San José at 7:00 AM and set off on a scenic private journey through Costa Rica's beautiful countryside. Travel past coffee plantations, sugar cane fields, citrus groves, and rural communities as you head towards Irazú Volcano National Park. Explore the volcanic craters, admire the spectacular mountain scenery, and continue through the picturesque Orosi Valley, Ujarrás Ruins, and Cachí Lake. Enjoy a delicious local lunch before discovering the historic city of Cartago and its famous religious and architectural landmarks. ­ Duration: Approximately 9 hours Departure Time: 7:00 AM Expected Return: Approximately 5:00 PM Location: San José, Costa Rica Tour Type: Private guided day tour Pickup Point: Your hotel in San José and surrounding areas ­ Includes Hotel pickup and drop-off in San José and surrounding areas Private transportation in an air-conditioned minibus Professional, certified naturalist guide Sightseeing stops along the route Bottled water Approximately one-hour visit to Irazú Volcano National Park, including a nature walk to the main crater Cartago city tour, including the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels and the Santiago Apostol Parish Ruins Visit to Orosi Valley and its historic church Visit to the Orosi Church Museum Visit to Ujarrás Ruins Lunch at a local restaurant ­ Excludes Additional food and drinks not specified in the tour Personal expenses Gratuities Optional activities not listed in the inclusions ­ Highlights Explore Irazú Volcano, Costa Rica's highest active volcano Admire the colourful crater lake and dramatic volcanic landscapes Enjoy panoramic mountain views and, on exceptionally clear days, views towards both the Pacific and Atlantic sides of Costa Rica Discover the lush Orosi Valley and its traditional villages Visit the historic Ujarrás Ruins and admire the scenery around Cachí Lake and its hydroelectric dam Explore Cartago's historic centre and the impressive Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels Learn about Costa Rica's history, natural environment, and cultural heritage from a certified naturalist guide Enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant ­ Itinerary 1. Hotel Pickup in San José Meet your guide at your hotel at 7:00 AM and begin your private day trip through Costa Rica's countryside. Enjoy a comfortable drive in an air-conditioned vehicle while your guide points out coffee plantations, sugar cane fields, citrus groves, fruit stands, and rural farming communities along the way. ­ 2. Irazú Volcano National Park Travel to Irazú Volcano, located approximately 1.5 hours from San José. At an elevation of 3,432 metres (11,260 feet), it is Costa Rica's highest active volcano. Explore the main crater area and enjoy a nature walk while learning about the volcano's geological history and activity. Look out for the distinctive crater lake, which can appear greenish-yellow or change colour depending on mineral conditions. On clear days, the summit may offer far-reaching views across Costa Rica, although cloud cover is common. ­ 3. Orosi Valley Continue to the beautiful Orosi Valley, known for its lush green landscapes, rolling hills, and traditional rural communities. Discover the region's cultural heritage and enjoy views of one of Costa Rica's picturesque valleys. ­ 4. Orosi Church and Museum Visit the historic Orosi Church and its museum to learn about the area's religious and colonial heritage. Admire the traditional architecture and discover the role the church has played in the local community. ­ 5. Ujarrás Ruins and Cachí Lake Explore the historic Ujarrás Ruins, the remains of a colonial-era church set amid the scenic countryside. Continue to Cachí Lake and admire the surrounding mountains and reservoir, with a view of the area's hydroelectric dam. ­ 6. Lunch at a Local Restaurant Take a break at a beautiful local restaurant and enjoy lunch included in your tour. Relax and sample local cuisine before continuing to the historic city of Cartago. ­ 7. Cartago City Tour Discover Cartago, one of Costa Rica's oldest cities. Visit the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels, an important pilgrimage destination known for its religious significance and distinctive architecture. Continue to the Santiago Apostol Parish Ruins near the city's main square. These unfinished church structures are a notable local landmark whose construction was interrupted by earthquakes in the early 20th century. ­ 8. Return to San José After exploring the volcano, valley, historic sites, and city landmarks, relax on the return journey to your hotel in San José. Arrival is expected at approximately 5:00 PM, depending on traffic and local conditions. ­ Description Discover the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Costa Rica on a private full-day excursion from San José. This diverse journey combines volcanic landscapes, mountain scenery, historic churches, colonial ruins, and traditional countryside communities. ­ Begin at Irazú Volcano National Park, where high-altitude trails and dramatic crater views reveal the region's geological character. Continue through the lush Orosi Valley, visit the historic church and museum, and explore the Ujarrás Ruins beside the scenic landscapes around Cachí Lake. ­ After enjoying lunch at a local restaurant, discover Cartago's historic centre, including the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels and the atmospheric Santiago Apostol Parish Ruins. With private transportation and a knowledgeable naturalist guide, this tour offers a memorable combination of Costa Rica's natural wonders, history, and local culture.

After an early-morning pickup from your hotel in San José, set off on a full-day adventure to Tortuga Island, one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful tropical destinations. Travel by bus to Puntarenas, then board the Great Bay’s Princess catamaran for a scenic cruise across the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy onboard refreshments, music, and entertainment before spending approximately five hours relaxing on the island’s white-sand beaches and turquoise waters. ­ Tour Details Duration: Approximately 12 hours Departure location: San José, Costa Rica Pickup time: From approximately 5:00 AM; exact time depends on your hotel Pickup point: Your hotel in San José Tour type: Full-day island and catamaran experience Destination: Tortuga Island, Costa Rica ­ Highlights Discover Tortuga Island, known for its white-sand beaches and turquoise waters. Enjoy a scenic catamaran cruise from Puntarenas across the Pacific Ocean. Relax on the island for approximately five hours with a beach chair and umbrella. Enjoy a snack-style breakfast, onboard refreshments, and a freshly prepared island lunch. Experience DJ music and entertainment from a Costa Rican singer. Enjoy five alcoholic beverages, including spirits and beer. Spend your free time swimming, relaxing, playing beach volleyball, or exploring the island. Add optional activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, banana boat rides, and nature trails at an additional cost. ­ What's Included Hotel pickup and return transportation from San José Bus transportation between San José and Puntarenas Catamaran cruise to and from Tortuga Island Snack-style breakfast served on the bus Onboard fruit, fish ceviche, a sandwich, and drinks Unlimited non-alcoholic beverages during the cruise Five alcoholic beverages, including spirits and beer DJ music and onboard entertainment Beach chair and umbrella on Tortuga Island Island lunch, including salads, grilled fish and chicken, rice with vegetables, sautéed vegetables, a glass of house white wine, dessert, and coffee ­ What's Not Included Optional activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, banana boat rides, and nature trails Personal expenses Any services or items not specifically listed as included ­ Itinerary Early Morning: Hotel pickup in San José and bus transfer to Puntarenas, with a snack-style breakfast served on board Morning: Board the Great Bay’s Princess catamaran and cruise to Tortuga Island, enjoying refreshments, music, and onboard entertainment. Late Morning to Afternoon: Spend approximately five hours on Tortuga Island, relaxing on the beach, swimming, or enjoying optional activities at an additional cost. 1:00 PM: Enjoy a freshly prepared island lunch with salads, grilled fish and chicken, vegetables, dessert, coffee, and a glass of house white wine. Afternoon: Return by catamaran to Puntarenas, then travel by bus back to San José. Evening: Arrive in San José and return to your hotel. ­ Description Tortuga Island, known locally by its indigenous name “Tolinga,” lies approximately 12 nautical miles from Puntarenas on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific coast. Its white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and tropical surroundings make it an inviting destination for a day of relaxation and outdoor activities. ­ The island features protected forest and diverse coastal flora and fauna. During this excursion, the journey is part of the experience, with a catamaran cruise featuring refreshments, music, and entertainment. Once ashore, you can enjoy the beach at your leisure or choose optional activities for an additional fee. ­ A freshly prepared lunch and a selection of included drinks round out the experience, making this tour a memorable way to enjoy Costa Rica’s Pacific coast.

Departing from your hotel in San José, explore lush jungle trails, cross mountain streams, look for colorful wildlife including scarlet macaws, and enjoy a refreshing swim in natural freshwater pools. After the hike, savor an artisanal lunch at The Crocs Skywalk, with panoramic views of the Tárcoles River and its famous crocodiles. ­ Tour Details Duration: Approximately 7–8 hours Departure time: 7:00 AM Departure point: Your hotel in San José Tour type: Guided rainforest hike and culinary experience Minimum participants: 1 person Age requirement: No strict age restriction; a moderate level of hiking fitness is recommended. ­ Highlights Hike through a private tropical rainforest near Carara National Park. Discover the impressive Bijagual Waterfall, described by the operator as rising approximately 328 metres. Follow a guided 7-kilometre rainforest trail with river crossings. Look for scarlet macaws and other wildlife with help from an expert local guide. Refresh yourself in natural freshwater pools. Enjoy an artisanal lunch at The Crocs Skywalk. Take in panoramic views of the Tárcoles River and its crocodile habitat. ­ What's Included Round-trip air-conditioned transportation from your hotel in San José Professional bilingual local guide Shared binoculars or spotting scopes for wildlife observation Guided hike along approximately 7 kilometres of private rainforest trails River crossings and access to natural swimming pools, subject to conditions Artisanal lunch at a selected countryside restaurant Adventure insurance for the included activities ­ What's Not Included Personal expenses Additional food and beverages not specified in the package Any services or activities not expressly listed as included ­ Itinerary 7:00 AM: Hotel pickup in San José and transfer to the Central Pacific rainforest region. Morning: Meet your local guide and begin a guided hike through lush rainforest trails, crossing mountain streams and looking for native wildlife. Late Morning: Reach the spectacular Bijagual Waterfall area and enjoy the surrounding rainforest scenery. Midday: Take a refreshing break at natural freshwater pools, conditions permitting. Afternoon: Continue to The Crocs Skywalk for an artisanal lunch and panoramic views of the Tárcoles River. Return: Transfer back to your hotel in San José, with the tour concluding approximately 7–8 hours after departure. The itinerary is approximate and may vary depending on weather, trail conditions, wildlife activity, and transportation arrangements. ­ Description Experience the natural beauty of Costa Rica’s Central Pacific on an active excursion combining rainforest exploration, wildlife observation, and local cuisine. Accompanied by a knowledgeable bilingual guide, follow forest trails through a biodiverse landscape, cross pristine streams, and discover the impressive Bijagual Waterfall. Keep an eye out for scarlet macaws and other wildlife along the way. ­ After the hike, enjoy a relaxed culinary stop at The Crocs Skywalk, where an artisanal lunch is complemented by sweeping views of the Tárcoles River and its crocodile habitat. This experience is ideal for travellers who want to combine outdoor adventure with Costa Rica’s remarkable scenery and regional flavours.

After breakfast, meet your private guide at your hotel in San José, Alajuela, or Heredia and set off on a scenic drive to Lake Arenal for a guided stand-up paddleboarding adventure with spectacular views of Arenal Volcano. Continue to Baldi Hot Springs to relax in the geothermal pools, explore the tropical gardens, enjoy the water slides, and savour an included buffet meal before returning to your hotel. ­ Tour Details Duration: Approximately 12 hours Departure time: 7:00 AM Departure point: Your hotel in San José, Alajuela, or Heredia Tour type: Private guided adventure and hot springs experience SUP activity: Approximately 2 hours Hot springs: Baldi Hot Springs Resort ­ Highlights Enjoy a guided stand-up paddleboarding adventure on Lake Arenal. Admire panoramic views of Arenal Volcano from the water. Look for tropical birds, iguanas, and other wildlife along the lake’s forested shoreline. Relax in the geothermal pools at Baldi Hot Springs. Explore tropical gardens and enjoy the resort’s water slides. Savour a buffet meal featuring Costa Rican and international dishes. Travel comfortably with private, air-conditioned round-trip transportation. ­ What's Included Private round-trip transportation from your hotel in San José, Alajuela, or Heredia Modern, air-conditioned vehicle or minibus Guided stand-up paddleboarding tour on Lake Arenal, approximately 2 hours Paddleboard, paddle, leash, and life jacket Professional bilingual naturalist and safety guide Admission to Baldi Hot Springs Resort Buffet meal at Baldi Hot Springs, scheduled for lunch or dinner according to the arrangement One complimentary bottle of water ­ What's Not Included Additional food and beverages beyond the included buffet meal and water Personal expenses Any services or activities not specifically listed as included ­ Itinerary 7:00 AM: Private pickup from your hotel and scenic drive toward La Fortuna. 10:30 AM: Arrive at Lake Arenal for a safety briefing and approximately two hours of guided stand-up paddleboarding with volcano views and wildlife spotting. 12:30 PM: Transfer to Baldi Hot Springs Resort. 1:00 PM: Enjoy a buffet meal and relax in the geothermal pools, tropical gardens, and water slides. 4:00 PM: Depart for the return journey to the Central Valley. 7:00 PM: Arrive back at your hotel. All times are approximate and may vary depending on traffic, weather, lake conditions, and the day's operating schedule. ­ Description Discover two of the Arenal region’s most enjoyable experiences in one private day trip. Begin with stand-up paddleboarding on Lake Arenal, Costa Rica’s largest lake, where calm waters and beautiful volcanic scenery create a memorable setting for an outdoor adventure. With guidance from a bilingual naturalist, learn the basics of paddling and explore the shoreline while enjoying views of Arenal Volcano and the surrounding landscape. ­ After your time on the lake, continue to Baldi Hot Springs Resort for an afternoon of relaxation. Soak in geothermal pools surrounded by lush tropical gardens, enjoy the resort’s water slides, and recharge with an included buffet meal before returning to your hotel. ­ This combination of outdoor activity, scenic landscapes, and thermal relaxation is ideal for travellers looking to experience Costa Rica’s natural beauty and wellness attractions in a single excursion. ­ Important information: Stand-up paddleboarding is weather- and lake-condition-dependent. Follow your guide’s safety instructions and wear the provided life jacket. Confirm the buffet meal timing and the resort’s current pool and slide availability before departure.

After breakfast, meet your driver and transfer to Juan Santamaría International Airport SJO. We recommend scheduling your hotel pick-up up to 4 hours before your flight departure time. Please note that hotel check-out is at 12:00 noon, and late check-out will be subject to availability.