8-Day Costa Rica Discovery: San José, Arenal Hanging Bridges, Volcanoes, Rainforest Adventures & Coffee Culture

After breakfast, wait for your driver at your hotel in San José or the surrounding area for a 9:00 AM pickup. Join a professional, certified guide on a private bus and walking tour through Costa Rica’s vibrant capital, discovering its historic landmarks, impressive architecture, cultural attractions, and traditional neighborhoods. Explore the city’s main squares and avenues, visit the National Museum, admire the magnificent National Theatre, and enjoy a delicious traditional Costa Rican lunch before continuing your sightseeing adventure. ­ Tour Details Duration: Approximately 6 hours Departure time: 9:00 AM Pickup location: Your hotel in San José and surrounding areas Tour type: Private transportation with guided sightseeing Language: Confirm with the supplier ­ Highlights Discover the history, culture, and traditions of Costa Rica’s capital. Explore La Sabana Metropolitan Park, a major green space with an interesting aviation history. Admire the architectural beauty of the National Theatre of Costa Rica. Visit the National Museum with a professional guide. See Central Park, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and Plaza de la Cultura. Discover historic neighborhoods, including Barrio Amón and Barrio Otoya. View the historic Post Office building and other important civic landmarks. Enjoy a traditional Costa Rican lunch. Travel comfortably in an air-conditioned minibus with a professional guide. ­ What’s Included Hotel pickup and drop-off in San José and surrounding areas Private transportation in an air-conditioned minibus Professional, certified naturalist tour guide Guided sightseeing around San José Entrance fee and guided visit to the National Museum Traditional Costa Rican lunch Bottled water ­ What’s Not Included Entrance ticket to the National Theatre Additional museum or attraction admission fees not specifically mentioned Personal expenses Tips and gratuities Food and beverages not included in the lunch Any services not listed under “What’s Included” ­ Itinerary Hotel pickup: Meet your driver at your hotel at 9:00 AM and travel into central San José. La Sabana Metropolitan Park: Discover the capital’s major urban park and learn about its former role as the city’s international airport. Historic city centre: See Central Park, the Metropolitan Cathedral, Melico Salazar Theatre, the National Theatre, and Plaza de la Cultura. National Museum: Explore Costa Rica’s cultural and historical heritage during a guided visit. Traditional lunch: Enjoy a typical Costa Rican meal. Historic neighborhoods and civic landmarks: Continue sightseeing around Barrio Amón, Barrio Otoya, Parque España, the Metal School, the Yellow House, the National Monument, the old railway station, Democracy Square, Parque Morazán, and the historic Post Office. Return transfer: After approximately six hours of sightseeing, return to your hotel. ­ Description Discover the character and heritage of San José on a guided city tour combining comfortable transportation, walking visits, historic landmarks, and local cuisine. This experience offers an introduction to Costa Rica’s capital, from its leafy urban spaces and elegant theatres to its museums, traditional neighborhoods, and important government buildings. ­ Begin at La Sabana Metropolitan Park, a popular gathering place for residents and a former international airport. Continue into the historic city centre to see Central Park, the Metropolitan Cathedral, Melico Salazar Theatre, and the National Theatre of Costa Rica. Admire the National Theatre’s impressive architecture and learn about its importance to the country’s cultural life. ­ Visit Plaza de la Cultura and explore the National Museum with your guide to discover more about Costa Rica’s history and cultural heritage. Afterward, enjoy a delicious traditional lunch featuring local flavours. ­ In the afternoon, explore the capital’s historic neighborhoods and civic landmarks, including Barrio Amón, Barrio Otoya, Parque España, the Yellow House, Democracy Square, and the old railway station. Finish with a view of the striking historic Post Office building before returning to your hotel. ­ With private transportation, a knowledgeable guide, a museum visit, and a traditional lunch included, this tour is an excellent way to experience San José’s main sights and cultural highlights in one day.

After breakfast, wait for your driver at your hotel in San José, Alajuela, or Heredia for a 7:00 AM pickup. Travel through the scenic mountains of Braulio Carrillo National Park toward the lush rainforest of Sarapiquí. Enjoy three exciting nature experiences in one day: an aerial tram ride through the rainforest canopy, a wildlife-watching boat safari along the Sarapiquí River, and a guided nature walk featuring tropical gardens and interactive exhibits. A traditional Costa Rican lunch is included before your return journey. ­ Tour Details Duration: Approximately 9.5 hours Departure time: 7:00 AM Return: Approximately 4:30 PM Pickup locations: Hotels in San José, Alajuela, and Heredia Tour type: Private guided excursion Transportation: Private, air-conditioned vehicle or minibus ­ Highlights Travel through the beautiful mountain landscapes of Braulio Carrillo National Park. Ride an aerial tram through the tropical rainforest canopy. Enjoy a wildlife-watching boat safari on the Sarapiquí River. Look for toucans, monkeys, sloths, iguanas, caimans, and tropical birds. Explore rainforest trails on a guided nature walk. Visit the Butterfly Garden, Orchid Garden, and Reptile Terrarium Savour a traditional Costa Rican lunch surrounded by nature. Enjoy private round-trip transportation from your hotel. ­ What’s Included Private round-trip transportation from hotels in San José, Alajuela, or Heredi Air-conditioned, insured vehicle or minibus Guided aerial tram canopy ride (approximately 1.5 hours) Guided Sarapiquí River boat safari (approximately 1.5 hours Guided rainforest nature walk Access to the Butterfly Garden, Orchid Garden, and Reptile Terrarium Traditional Costa Rican lunch Bottled water Professional naturalist guide ­ What’s Not Included Additional food and beverages Personal expenses Tips and gratuities Any services not specifically listed under “What’s Included” ­ Itinerary 7:00 AM – Hotel pickup: Meet your driver and begin the scenic journey through the mountains toward Sarapiquí. Morning – Sarapiquí River safari: Explore the river by boat while looking for tropical wildlife and birds. Late morning – Rainforest aerial tram and nature walk: Discover the rainforest canopy, walk along forest trails, and visit the Butterfly Garden, Orchid Garden, and Reptile Terrarium. Lunch – Traditional Costa Rican meal: Enjoy a local lunch at the rainforest restaurant. Afternoon – Return journey: Travel back through the countryside toward the Central Valley. Approximately 4:30 PM – Hotel drop-off: Return to your hotel. ­ Description Discover the extraordinary biodiversity of Costa Rica on a full-day rainforest adventure combining three memorable experiences in the Sarapiquí region. Departing from San José, Alajuela, or Heredia, your journey begins with a scenic drive through the mountains and lush landscapes of Braulio Carrillo National Park before reaching the Caribbean lowlands. ­ Take to the treetops on an aerial tram ride, gliding through different layers of the rainforest while your guide explains the area's unique ecology. Keep your eyes open for colourful birds, monkeys, and other wildlife that inhabit the canopy. ­ Continue to the Sarapiquí River for a relaxing boat safari. As you travel along the riverbanks, your guide will help you look for iguanas, caimans, turtles, howler monkeys, herons, kingfishers, and other wildlife. Sightings vary with weather and natural conditions. ­ Complete your rainforest experience with a guided walk along forest trails and visits to the Butterfly Garden, Orchid Garden, and Reptile Terrarium. These exhibits offer a closer look at the region's fascinating plants, insects, amphibians, and reptiles. ­ Take a break to enjoy a traditional Costa Rican lunch surrounded by the natural beauty of the rainforest before returning to your hotel. With private transportation, guided activities, and lunch included, this combination tour offers a convenient way to experience several sides of Costa Rica's tropical wilderness in one day.

After breakfast, wait for your driver at your hotel for a 7:00 AM pickup and travel in a private, air-conditioned vehicle to the Arenal Volcano region. Begin your day with a guided rainforest walk at Mistico Hanging Bridges Park, crossing suspension bridges and exploring forest trails while looking for Costa Rica’s fascinating wildlife. In the afternoon, unwind at Baldi Hot Springs, where you can relax in naturally heated thermal pools surrounded by tropical gardens and enjoy a delicious buffet meal. ­ Tour Details Duration: Approximately 12 hours Departure time: 7:00 AM Return: Approximately 7:00 PM Pickup location: Your hotel in the Arenal/La Fortuna area (confirm the supplier's service area) Tour type: Private guided excursion Guide: ICT-certified bilingual naturalist guide for the hanging bridges walk ­ Highlights Explore Mistico Hanging Bridges Park on a guided rainforest hike Walk a scenic route of approximately 3 kilometres through lush tropical forest. Cross 16 bridges, including six hanging bridges suspended above the forest floor. Look for sloths, monkeys, toucans, tropical frogs, and other native wildlife. Enjoy views of Arenal Volcano, weather permitting. Relax in the 25 thermal pools at Baldi Hot Springs. Have fun on the resort’s water slides. Enjoy a buffet meal at Baldi Hot Springs. Travel comfortably with private round-trip transportation. ­ What’s Included Round-trip private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle Professional, ICT-certified bilingual naturalist guide for the hanging bridges walk Entrance fees and reservations for Mistico Hanging Bridges Park Admission to Baldi Hot Springs Resort Buffet meal at Baldi Hot Springs High-powered spotting scope for wildlife viewing Bottled water ­ What’s Not Included Additional food and beverages Personal expenses Tips and gratuities Any services not specifically mentioned under “What’s Included” ­ Itinerary 7:00 AM – Hotel pickup: Meet your driver and travel to Mistico Hanging Bridges Park. Morning – Guided hanging bridges walk: Explore the rainforest on a guided hike, crossing suspension bridges and looking for wildlife. Around midday – Transfer to Baldi Hot Springs: Continue to the thermal resort. Afternoon – Buffet meal and hot springs: Enjoy your included buffet meal and relax in the thermal pools, tropical gardens, and water slides. 4:30 PM – Return journey: Leave the resort and travel back to your hotel. Approximately 7:00 PM – Hotel drop-off: Arrive back at your accommodation. ­ Description Experience two of the Arenal region’s most popular attractions in one memorable day, combining rainforest exploration with a relaxing thermal spa visit. ­ Begin at Mistico Hanging Bridges Park, where a knowledgeable naturalist guide leads you along forest trails and across a network of bridges suspended among the treetops. Discover the rainforest’s remarkable biodiversity as you look for sloths, monkeys, toucans, tropical frogs, and other wildlife. A spotting scope helps you observe animals and birds that might otherwise be difficult to see. On clear days, the park also offers impressive views of Arenal Volcano. ­ After your rainforest adventure, continue to Baldi Hot Springs, a tropical resort featuring multiple thermal pools at different temperatures. Spend the afternoon soaking in the warm mineral-rich waters, enjoying the landscaped gardens, or trying the resort’s water slides. ­ A buffet meal at Baldi is included, with lunch or dinner depending on the confirmed schedule. After a day of nature, relaxation, and delicious food, return to your hotel by private vehicle.

After breakfast, wait for your driver at your hotel in San José, Alajuela, or Heredia for a 10:00 AM pickup. Travel through the scenic Central Valley to the renowned Café Britt coffee plantation in Barva de Heredia, where you’ll discover Costa Rica’s rich coffee-growing heritage. Join a guided plantation tour, learn how coffee beans are harvested, processed, roasted, and packaged, and enjoy a tasting experience featuring gourmet coffee and chocolate. Complete your visit with a traditional Costa Rican buffet lunch before returning to your hotel. ­ Tour Details Duration: Approximately 5 hours Departure time: 10:00 AM Return time: Approximately 3:00 PM Pickup locations: Hotels in San José, Alajuela, and Heredia Tour type: Private guided tour Difficulty level: Easy, with walking during the plantation visit ­ Highlights Visit the famous Café Britt coffee plantation in Barva de Heredia. Discover the history and traditions of Costa Rican coffee production. Learn about coffee cultivation, harvesting, roasting, and packaging. Explore the plantation and its tropical gardens with a professional guide. Enjoy an interactive coffee-tasting and cupping presentation. Sample a selection of gourmet coffees and chocolates. Browse the factory shop for coffee, chocolates, and souvenirs Savour a traditional Costa Rican buffet lunch. Enjoy private, air-conditioned round-trip transportation. ­ What’s Included Private hotel pickup and drop-off in San José, Alajuela, or Heredia Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle Professional, certified bilingual naturalist guide Admission to Café Britt and guided plantation tour Interactive coffee-tasting and cupping experience Coffee and chocolate tastings Traditional Costa Rican buffet lunch Bottled water ­ What’s Not Included Breakfast Alcoholic beverages Additional meals and drinks not specified Personal expenses and souvenir purchases Tips and gratuities Drop-off at a location different from the original hotel pickup Any services not specifically listed under “What’s Included” ­ Itinerary 10:00 AM– Hotel pickup: Meet your driver and travel through the Central Valley toward Barva de Heredia. Café Britt plantation tour: Discover the coffee-growing process, explore the plantation, and learn about roasting and packaging. Coffee and chocolate tasting: Sample different flavours and learn how to appreciate the characteristics of gourmet coffee. 12:30 PM – Traditional lunch: Enjoy a Costa Rican buffet lunch at the plantation. 2:00 PM – Return journey: Depart the plantation and enjoy the scenic drive back. Approximately 3:00 PM – Hotel drop-off: Return to your hotel. ­ Description Discover the story behind Costa Rica’s world-famous coffee on a private half-day excursion to Café Britt in Barva de Heredia. Set in the scenic Central Valley, this experience combines local culture, coffee education, flavourful tastings, and traditional cuisine. ­ Upon arrival, join a guided walking tour through the plantation and learn how Costa Rica’s volcanic soils and growing conditions contribute to the character of its coffee. Discover the journey from coffee plant to finished product, including harvesting, processing, roasting, and packaging. ­ Continue with an interactive coffee-tasting session, where you can explore different roast profiles and aromas while sampling gourmet coffee and chocolate. You’ll also have free time to browse the factory shop for freshly roasted coffee, sweet treats, and souvenirs. ­ Before returning to your hotel, enjoy a traditional Costa Rican buffet lunch featuring local flavours. With private transportation, a guided plantation visit, tastings, and lunch included, this tour offers an enjoyable introduction to one of Costa Rica’s best-known coffee experiences.

After breakfast, wait for your driver at your hotel in San José or the surrounding areas, including Escazú, Sabana, and Alajuela, for a 7:00 AM pickup. Enjoy a scenic drive through Costa Rica’s Central Valley, passing dairy farms, strawberry plantations, flower nurseries, and traditional roadside stalls on your way to Poás Volcano National Park. With a professional bilingual naturalist guide, discover the impressive active volcanic crater, learn about the region’s unique geology, and enjoy the surrounding cloud-forest scenery. Along the way, make short stops to sample local treats and browse traditional souvenir shops before returning to your hotel around midday. ­ Tour Details ­ Duration: Approximately 5 hours ­ Departure time: 7:00 AM ­ Return time: Approximately 12:00 PM ­ Pickup locations: Hotels in San José and surrounding areas, including Escazú, Sabana, and Alajuela ­ Tour type: Private guided excursion ­ Guide: Certified bilingual naturalist guide ­ Highlights ­ Visit Poás Volcano National Park and admire its impressive active crater. ­ Enjoy scenic views of Costa Rica’s Central Valley and countryside. ­ Learn about volcanic activity, crater lakes, and the surrounding cloud forest. ­ Travel past strawberry plantations, dairy farms, flower nurseries, and local cheese producers. ­ Stop at selected roadside stands and souvenir shops. ­ Sample a traditional Costa Rican snack. ­ Enjoy private transportation in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle. ­ Return to your hotel around midday. ­ What’s Included Private hotel pickup and drop-off in San José and the specified surrounding areas Private transportation in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle or minibus Professional, certified bilingual naturalist guide Scenic sightseeing stops along the route Poás Volcano National Park entrance fee and reservation Bottled water Traditional local snack ­ What’s Not Included Lunch Additional food and beverages Personal expenses and souvenir purchases Tips and gratuities Any services not specifically listed under “What’s Included” ­ Itinerary 7:00 AM – Hotel pickup: Meet your driver and guide for the scenic journey toward Alajuela Province. Morning – Countryside sightseeing: Enjoy views of farms, flower nurseries, strawberry plantations, and local roadside markets, with short stops as conditions allow. Poás Volcano National Park: Visit the crater lookout and learn about the volcano’s geology and surrounding ecosystem, subject to park access and weather conditions. Late morning – Scenic return: Travel back through the countryside, with opportunities for brief stops at local shops or fruit stands. Approximately 12:00 PM – Hotel drop-off: Return to your hotel in the San José area. ­ Description Discover one of Costa Rica’s most remarkable natural attractions on a private half-day excursion to Poás Volcano National Park. Rising high above the Central Valley, this active volcano is known for its immense crater, dramatic volcanic landscape, and misty cloud-forest surroundings. ­ Your journey begins with a scenic drive through the countryside of Alajuela Province. Along the way, admire rural landscapes dotted with dairy farms, strawberry plantations, flower nurseries, and small local businesses. Depending on the route and operating conditions, you may have opportunities to stop at roadside stalls, browse local crafts, or sample a traditional Costa Rican sweet such as a prestiño. ­ At Poás Volcano National Park, follow the designated visitor route to the crater viewpoint, where you can learn about the volcano’s activity and geological history. The crater and its acidic lagoon create a striking natural landscape, although visibility can change quickly with clouds, wind, and volcanic conditions. Access to the lookout and other park areas is subject to official safety rules. ­ After exploring the park, enjoy the scenic drive back toward San José, with brief local stops where time and conditions permit. This tour combines natural scenery, geology, and a taste of Costa Rican countryside life in a convenient half-day experience.

After breakfast, wait for your driver at your hotel in San José or the surrounding area for a 9:00 AM pickup. Travel through the scenic Costa Rican countryside to Sarchí, a charming town renowned for its colourful hand-painted oxcarts, traditional woodworking, and artisan crafts. Discover the cultural heritage behind one of Costa Rica’s most iconic national symbols, visit the world’s largest oxcart monument and the town’s historic church, and browse local souvenir shops filled with handcrafted wooden furniture, decorative objects, and traditional artwork. Enjoy a delicious Costa Rican lunch before returning to your hotel. ­ Tour Details Duration: Approximately 6 hours Departure time: 9:00 AM Pickup location: Your hotel in San José and surrounding areas Tour type: Private guided excursion Transportation: Private, air-conditioned minibus ­ Highlights Visit Sarchí, one of Costa Rica’s best-known artisan towns. Discover the history and cultural significance of traditional Costa Rican oxcarts See the world’s largest oxcart monument. Visit Sarchí Church and admire its distinctive architecture. Explore two local souvenir shops featuring traditional crafts and woodwork. Learn about the craftsmanship behind colourful, hand-painted oxcarts. Enjoy scenic views of the Costa Rican countryside. Savour a traditional Costa Rican lunch. Travel comfortably with private transportation and a professional guide. ­ What’s Included Private hotel pickup and drop-off in San José and surrounding areas Private transportation in an air-conditioned minibus Professional, certified naturalist tour guide Scenic sightseeing along the route Visit to the world’s largest oxcart monument Visit to Sarchí Church Visits to two souvenir shops in Sarchí Traditional Costa Rican lunch Bottled water ­ What’s Not Included Additional food and beverages Personal expenses and souvenir purchases Tips and gratuities Any services not specifically mentioned under “What’s Included” ­ Itinerary 9:00 AM – Hotel pickup: Meet your driver and guide before departing San José for the scenic journey to Sarchí. Sarchí town visit: Discover the town’s famous oxcart traditions and visit the world’s largest oxcart monument. Sarchí Church: Explore one of the town’s notable local landmarks. Artisan shopping: Browse two souvenir shops featuring wooden crafts, decorative pieces, and locally made products. Traditional lunch: Enjoy a Costa Rican meal before beginning the return journey. Approximately 3:00 PM – Hotel drop-off: Return to your hotel in the San José area. ­ Description Experience the traditions and artistry of Costa Rica on a private day trip to Sarchí, a picturesque town known for its colourful oxcarts and skilled artisans. Located approximately 40 kilometres from San José, Sarchí has long been an important centre for traditional woodworking, decorative painting, and handcrafted souvenirs. ­ The Costa Rican oxcart is a powerful national symbol, reflecting the country’s agricultural heritage and the historical importance of transporting coffee beans and other goods to markets and ports. In the nineteenth century, these carts were essential for travelling along rural roads, and their distinctive designs gradually developed into a celebrated local art form. ­ During your visit, discover the town’s oxcart-making traditions and see the impressive giant oxcart monument. Learn how decorative patterns and vibrant colours have been passed down through generations, preserving a unique part of Costa Rica’s cultural identity. ­ Continue to Sarchí Church and explore local artisan shops, where you can browse handcrafted wooden bowls, trays, furniture, masks, jewellery, and other souvenirs. These traditional products offer a glimpse into the creativity and craftsmanship that make Sarchí famous. ­ After exploring the town, enjoy a delicious Costa Rican lunch before travelling back through the countryside to San José. This experience is ideal for travellers interested in local history, traditional crafts, cultural landmarks, and authentic Costa Rican traditions.

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.