San José City Tour
Departure time: 8:00 a.m. or 1:00p.m.
Includes: Guide, transportation
Duration: 41⁄2 hours.
Join us for an exciting day in the capital, as we tour this handsome
city. Our journey will take you past La Sabana Park, the ambassadorial
residences, the National Stadium, the National Theater and the
Metropolitan Cathedral, with a brief stop for shopping. You will then
pass through Moravia to see the world famous Costa Rican handicraft
and art before you stop for a delicious typical lunch at one of San
José’s most beloved restaurants.
Orosi Valley and Lankaster Gardens Departure time: 8:00 a.m
Includes: Guide, transportation, and lunch.
Duration: 6 hours.
Join us for this popular tour to the beautiful Lankaster Gardens where
over 3000 species of plants, including a spectacular collection of
orchids, await you. Once you walk the trails of this botanical
paradise, we head for the Orosi valley to the Orosi Church. Within the
walls of the oldest church in Costa Rica, you will experience the
presence of our Spanish predecessors and their strong religious
heritage. We will then stop for a delicious lunch of typical Costa
Rican Cuisine at a Riverside restaurant before returning you to your
hotel.
Sarchí Ox Cart Factory and Grecia Departure time: 8:00 a.m..
Includes: Guide, transportation, and lunch.
Duration: 4 hours.
Enjoy this scenic trip to see the oldest church in Costa Rica in the
quaint city of Grecia.
Tour this historic monument where the past comes alive before you
continue on to the Oxcart Factory in Sarchí, which is Costa Rica's
artisan center. Home to some of Costa Rica's finest handcrafted art,
you will be able to see the artisans painting the world famous
oxcarts. They are beautifully decorated and come in various sizes so
you can take one home with you! After this day of discovery we will
stop for a delicious lunch of typical Costa Rican cuisine.
Coffee Tour Departure time: 8:00 a.m..
Includes: Guide, transportation, and lunch.
Duration: 4 hours.
The entertaining and informative day starts with a guided tour through
one of Costa Rica’s most famous coffee plantations. Then, enjoy a
multimedia presentation for all ages using professional actors to
describe coffee production from the farm to the beverage we all know
and love. Finally, you will be treated to a delicious lunch and have a
chance to sample this fine product.
Butterfly Farm Departure time: 8:00 a.m. or 1:00 p.m.
Includes: Guide, transportation, and entrance fee.
Duration: 4 hours.
The Butterfly Farm began as a private enterprise but now offers a two
hour guided tour teaching you the incredible details of the complex
life-cycle of some of the world's most beautiful butterflies. It is
home to over 500 butterflies, 50 different tropical plants and a
beautiful waterfall. It is located on a peaceful farm in Alajuela,
less than one hour from San Jose.
IN Bio Park Departure time: 8:00 a.m..
Includes: Guide, transportation, and entrance fee.
Duration: 4 hours.
This fascinating tour takes us to Heredia where you will experience
the In Bio Park, a place that is part museum, part educational center,
and part nature park. Don´t miss this opportunity to learn about the
diverse flora and fauna that makes Costa Rica so beautiful.
Enjoy a relaxing drive through the beautiful coffee plantations and
mountains of the Alajuela Province to the Poas Volcano, which rises
8,884 feet above sea level and is one of the most spectacular
volcanoes in Costa Rica. It is known as the biggest geyser in the
world because of its plum form eruptions. We then take you back to
your hotel for an afternoon at leisure.
Irazú Volcano Half Day Departure time: 8:30 a.m.
Includes: Guide, transportation, and entrance fee.
Duration: 5 hours.
The Irazú Volcano tour offers an opportunity to sample some of Costa
Rica's natural beauty and rich heritage. First, we will ascend the
majestic Irazú Volcano (11.000 feet above sea level) in the province
of Cartago. After admiring the enormous crater and breathtaking views
(both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans can be seen on a clear day!), we
continue our tour to the beautiful Lankaster Gardens. Here over 3000
species of plants, including a spectacular collection of orchids,
await you.
FULL DAY EXCURSIONS
Arenal Volcano and Tabacón Hot Springs Departure time: Day: 9:00 A.m.
Includes: Guide, transportation, entrance fee, lunch and dinner.
Duration: 11 hours.
Recommended clothes: Pants, jacket, swimming suit, tennis shoes
and sandals, change of clothes.
Don´t miss this rare opportunity to experience the power of
earth's constant growth by visiting the site of a live erupting
volcano. Arenal is one of the most active volcanoes in the
Americas, and you can feel the ground tremble when it erupts. View
this magnificent spectacle from the soothing waters of the Tabacon
Hot Springs, a resort with 12 mineral pools that are naturally
heated by the volcano. This magnificent resort also features an
indoor jacuzzi and a full spa that offers over a dozen
rejuvenating treatments. On our way to Arenal we will travel up
the central volcanic mountain range, and stop for a delicious
lunch of typical Costa Rican cuisine. Later, after you are fully
relaxed from the hot springs, you will enjoy the top notch buffet
offered at the Tabacon resort. On the trip back, you will have an
opportunity to see the volcano at night so you can admire the full
impact of it´s beauty and power.
Poás Volcano, La Paz Waterfall Gardens and Sarapiquí River -5
in 1- Departure time: 6:30 a.m.
Includes: Guide, transportation, breakfast, entrance fees, lunch
and boat ride.
Duration: 11 hours.
Visit FIVE major tourist attractions in only one day.
ONE: Enjoy a relaxing drive to the “Poás Volcano” through the
beautiful coffee plantations and mountains of Alajuela Province,
which rises 8,884 feet above the sea level and is one of the most
spectacular volcanoes in Costa Rica. It is known as the biggest
geyser in the world because of its plumiform eruptions.
TWO: Enjoy more dazzling scenery en route to the most beautiful
waterfall in Costa Rica "La Paz Waterfall", which is located in a
lush nature park featuring three other amazing waterfalls.
THREE: The next stop is the famous "Butterfly Garden", the largest
butterfly observatory in the world! Learn with a detailed
explanation of lifespan of butterfly. Look and be close of this
beautiful animal. Relax walking through an amazing hummingbird
garden, before enjoying a delicious buffet lunch.
FOUR: Let’s go to “Puerto Viejo of Sarapiquí” passing through
plantations of pineapple, yuca, coconut and heart of palm, to take
a boat and go down the Sarapiquí River. Take a look to the sloths,
howler monkeys, crocodiles and toucans. Our guide will enlighten
about the unique lifestyle of the friendly people who live
alongside the river.
FIVE: At the end of the trip, lets get back to San José, passing
through the Braulio Carrillo National Park, the second largest
park in Costa Rica of an spectacular mix of rain forest and cloud
forest. At the end of the day, you will feel like if you had been
in a dream, but you just had enjoy the 5 in 1 Tour, a special
moment to know Costa Rica as it is: a piece of heaven on earth.
The Poas Volcano and Sarchi / Oxcart Factory Tour is an unforgettable
combination of the spectacular natural wonders and unique
craftsmenship of Costa Rica. We begin with a drive through the lush
coffee plantations of the Alajuela Province as we ascend the
magnificent Poás Volcano. Once you reach the summit of 8,884 feet
above sea level, you will see the steaming fumaroles of the awesome
crater which is 1.5 km wide and take in the breathtaking view of the
central valley. This is the most visited national park in Costa Rica.
After admiring the wonders in Poás National Park, you will enjoy a
scenic trip to the Oxcart Factory in Sarchí with a stop for a
delicious lunch of typical Costa Rican cuisine. Sarchí, which is Costa
Rica's artisan center, is the home to some of Costa Rica's finest
handcrafted art and you will be able to see the artisans painting the
world famous oxcarts. They are beautifully decorated and come in
various sizes so you can take one home with you!
This tour is a must for those who wish to experience the rich
diversity of Costa Rica.
First, you will enjoy a relaxing drive through the beautiful coffee
plantations and mountains of the Alajuela Province to the POAS
VOLCANO, which rises 8,884 feet above sea level and is one of the most
spectacular volcanoes in Costa Rica. It is known as the biggest geyser
in the world because of its plumiform eruptions. Next, you will enjoy
more scenery en route to the most beautiful waterfall in Costa Rica
"LA PAZ WATERFALL." After the waterfall, you will take a guided tour
of the park’s butterfly garden, the largest butterfly observatory in
the world! Then take time to observe the amazing hummingbird garden,
before enjoying a delicious buffet lunch.
Irazú Volcano, Orosi Valley and Río Perlas Hot Springs Departure time: 8:30 a.m.
Includes: Guide, transportation, lunch and entrance fees.
Duration: 8 hours.
Recommended Clothing: Swimsuit, pants, change of clothes, tennis shoes
or hiking boots, towel
The Irazú Volcano tour offers an opportunity to sample some of Costa
Rica's natural beauty and rich heritage. First, we will ascend the
majestic Irazú Volcano (11.000 feet above sea level) in the province
of Cartago. After admiring the enormous crater and breathtaking views
(both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans on a clear day!), we continue
our tour to the beautiful Orosi valley to the Orosi Church. Within the
walls of the oldest church in Costa Rica, you will experience the
presence of our Spanish predecessors and their strong religious
heritage. We will then head to the luxurious Rio Perlas Hot Springs
for a delicious lunch and an afternoon of relaxing in the hot springs
surrounded by lush gardens and tropical birds.
Irazú Volcano, Orosi Valley and Lankaster Gardens Departure time: 8:30 a.m.
Includes: Guide, transportation, lunch and entrance fee.
Duration: 8 hours.
ADVENTURE TOURS
Pacuare River Class lV Whitewater Rafting Departure time: 6:30 a.m.
Includes: Guide, transportation, breakfast, and lunch.
Duration: 11 hours.
Recommended Clothing: Swimsuit, Jacket, change of clothes,
waterproof shoes or sandals, towel
The Pacuare rafting trip is great for the more experienced rafter
and offers the perfect combination of great tropical scenery and a
white water adrenaline rush. You depart San José at 6:30 a.m. for
a scenic 2 hour drive to the "put in" on the Pacuare River,
stopping to enjoy a great breakfast on the way. Our experienced
guides will rig the rafts and give clear and concise instructions
to ensure total safety. You then proceed down the river for a
mid-afternoon "take-out", where you will enjoy a delicious river
side lunch.
Reventazón River Class lll Departure time: 7:00 a.m.
Includes: Guide, transportation, breakfast, and lunch.
Duration: 10 hours.
Recommended Clothing: Swimsuit, Jacket, change of clothes,
waterproof shoes or sandals, towel
The REVENTAZON MID-SECTION is a perfect combination of great
tropical scenery and a white water trip for first-time rafters.
You depart San José at 7:00 a.m., for a scenic 2 hour drive to the
"put in" on the Reventazón River, stopping to enjoy a great
breakfast on the way.
Our experienced guides will rig the rafts and give clear and
concise instructions to ensure total safety. You then proceed down
the river for a mid-afternoon "take-out", where we will enjoy a
delicious river side lunch.
Inquire about the Sarapiqui River Class II Departure time: 6:3I0 a.m.
Includes: Guide, transportation, breakfast, and lunch.
Duration: 11 hours.
Around San Jose
At the heart of a country striving to dimension itself worldwide as a
sanctuary of peace and democracy, for its natural richness, as well as
an axis of technological development, lies San José city, open gateway
to many interesting destinations, which in itself offers alternatives
for those remaining in it.
Our capital is abundant in cultural places, such as theaters, museums,
art galleries, concert halls, with crafts and fine arts works of the
highest order, not forgetting popular and modern music, as well as
classical, ballet and opera, and street theater of an avant garde,
elaborated style and expression, typical foods, and high cuisine to
suit the most demanding tastes, in an ambiance characterized by
pleasant manners and spontaneity, is the excellent Costa Rican tourism
product.
The Municipal Government of San José, the Costa Rican Tourism Board,
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cult, the Ministry of Public
Security and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, proudly
present a proposal for a historical walk, which includes part of the
values and attractions of our main city San José.
Legislative Assembly
The Congress or Parliament, here called Legislative Assembly, is the
First Power of the Republic, and is distributed in several neighboring
buildings; among the main ones are: Ancient Sión School (Antiguo
Colegio de Sión), the Blue Castle Castillo Azul), the Pink House of
the Salazar family, and the building of the Plenary, all of them
historically valuable, conceived with different purposes originally,
later used as presidential houses, and now as offices and
consultancies of the 57 deputies.
Located: Between central and 1st avenues, 15th-19th streets. Open
Monday through Friday, from 8:00 to 16:00. Phone number (506)
243-2000, Guided visits: (506) 245-2545, ext. 2546.
Costa Rica’s National Museum, ancient Bellavista Fort
The Bellavista Fort was built in 1917, on the peek of Moras’ Hill,
Cuesta de Moras ( family name of the people living there), place
occupied by the dwelling of Mauro Fernández, reformer of Costa Rican
education. This building has a place in our history, not by being a
witness of military deeds, but because in 1948, José Figueres Ferrer,
three times President of Costa Rica, wielding a hammer, stroke its
walls, in an allegorical abolishment of the army, thus founding the
National Museum, guardian of precious treasures of Costa Rica’s
cultural heritage.
Located: Between central and 2nd Ave., 15th-17th St. Open Tuesday
through Sunday, from 8:30 to 16:30. Phone numbers: (506) 257-1433,
256-6016, 257-0012. Fax: (506) 256-4139.
Museum of Shapes, Spaces and Sounds, ancient Atlantic Railroad
Station
The Atlantic railroad, built between 1871 and 1890, facilitated the
contact with European markets. Before it was built, travel was done
through the port of Puntarenas, making it more difficult. The railroad
station began operating in San José in the seventies, but it was not
until 1908 that the present building came to be. With the closing of
the railroad service, it became a Museum, an interactive design
proposed for disabled persons and the general public, offering an
alternative approach to the Arts.
Located: 3rd Ave., 17th and 23rd St. Visits (January & February, from
Tuesday through Saturday), from 9:30 to 15:00 hours. March-December,
Monday through Friday, from 9:00 to 15:00 hours. Telefax (506)
222-9462 or 223-4173. E-mail: Museum of Shapes, Spaces and Sounds,
ancient Atlantic Railroad Station
National Park
Relevant symbol of the turn of the nineteenth century, the National
Park features the National Monument, dedicated to the heroic deeds of
the 1856-1857 War against the expansionist, pro-slavery attempts of
the American filibuster William Walker. It’s a key spot of the “calle
de la Estación”, or 3rd Avenue, which runs from the Atlantic Railroad
Station to the Morazán Park, which was called “Paseo de los Damas” or
Damas Drive not because of the ladies but because of the tree species
it had. Located: Between 1st and 3rd avenues, 15th and 17th streets.
National Cultural Center (CENAC)(former National Spirits and
Liquors Factory)
For the year of 1850, the president Juan Rafael Mora Porras created
the National Spirits and Liquors Factory (FANAL), to improve the
income of the Public Treasury and avoid production of illegal liquor.
Due to the simplicity of design of the façade and distribution of
internal spaces, the building seems of colonial style. Presently it
houses the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports’ offices, as well as
the “1887” and FANAL theaters, the Colegio de Costa Rica and the
Museum of Contemporary Art and Design.
Located: 7th Ave., between 11th and 15th St. Visits: Monday through
Friday, from 8:00 to 16:00 Theaters: According to schedule. Phone
numbers: (506) 255-3638 or 255-3376. Fax: (506) 256-6722.
Old Main Customs House
It was built between 1889 and 1891, to the East side of the capital,
and was related to the Atlantic Railroad Station, which is one of the
greatest nineteenth century buildings preserved to this day.
Presently, it is administered by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and
Sports, which uses it for national and international cultural and
artistic activities and shows. Behind it is located the former Coin (Cuño)
Building, presently the Theater La Aduana. Located: Between 3rd and
9th avenues, 23rd street.
Jade Museum “Marco Fidel Tristán Castro”
This museum groups a series of important archaeological pieces, of
precolumbian ages. Its purpose is to protect, conserve and divulge the
Costa Rican indigenous heritage. There you may appreciate polychromic
pottery, gold works, and jade pieces, of the Mesoamerican area, and
mainly of certain regions of Costa Rica, among which Guanacaste and
Nicoya (Northern Pacific); Central Valley; Atlantic Watershed and
Great Chiriquí.
Located: 7th avenue, between 11th and 9th streets, eleventh floor of
INS. Open from Monday through Friday, from 8:30 to 15:30 Phone number
(506) 287-6034. Fax (506) 255-3456.
Museum of Contemporary Art and Design
Located in the former rums’ factory of the National Liquors Factory,
it’s noted by its walls made of boulders, nearly one meter thick, and
cedar timber work. Has six show rooms, where permanent and temporary
collections are displayed. It also offers innovative proposals of
contemporary art and design, a library, video collection, special
movies’ projections, and reunions on topics like present day
creativity, at a national and international scale; has as well a
Central American Arts Documentation Center.
Located: 7th avenue, between 11th and 13th streets. Attention to the
public: from Thursday to Saturday, from 10:00 to 17:00 Phone number:
(506) 257-9370 Fax: (506) 257-8702 E-mail: Museum of Contemporary Art
and Design For more information visit Museum of Contemporary Art and
Design
Yellow House (Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cult)
In the year 1912, Andrew Carnagie donated funds to build the
headquarters for the Central American Court of Justice in the city of
San José. Works were ended by 1916. The new building has an ornamented
lintel in its façade, of barroque influence. In 1919, when the court
was dissolved, the building came to be property of the Costa Rican
Government. On repeated ocassions it was to be the Presidential House
and for some months, it lodged the Legislative Assembly. Nevertheless,
since its beginnining and until now, the “Yellow House” as it is
usually called, has mainly been headquarters for the Ministry
(previously Secretariat) of Foreign Affairs and Cult. The building
also houses the Museum “Marqués Manuel María Peralta,” who was one of
the most important Costa Rican diplomats.
Located: 7th Avenue, between Streets 11 and 13. Attention to the
Public: From Monday through Friday, from 8:00 to 16:00 hours. Guided
visits, once a week, with previous appointment. Tel.: (506) 223-7555
Fax: (506) 257-9062 E-mail: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cult For
more information visit Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cult
Metallic Building
The Metallic Building is a symbol of public education, supported by
the liberal Costa Rican state by the end of the nineteenth century.
Just as the Morazán Park, it was built over a dried and filled swamp,
by means of a contract signed with a Belgian manufacturing company, of
iron material, which was brought in separate pieces to be assembled in
the country. Since the beginning of the twentieth century, this
building houses two primary schools, bearing the names of relevant
figures in the field of Education, Buenaventura Corrales and Julia
Lang.
By the end of the nineteenth century Morazán Park was the heart of the
city’s social and political life; for decades, parties celebrating the
New Year, took place there, until they moved to González Víquez Plaza
in 1930. A very traditional activity was the “greeting” that
“josefinos” performed for New Year’s eve, as well as the popular and
frequented music open-air concerts. For this reason, in 1920, it was
decided to build the Music Shrine, with the best architectonic
finishes and excellent acoustics.Located: Morazán Park, between 3rd
and 5th Ave., 5th and 9th St.
Museum of the Central Bank of Costa Rica, Culture Plaza
The Central Bank of Costa Rica offers two important museums, to those
visiting the Culture Plaza, at the center of the capital city: the
pre-Columbian Gold “Alvaro Vargas Echeverría”, which exhibits a
significant collection of gold objects, manufactured between 500 B.C.
and the arrival of the Spaniards in the sixteenth century, and the
Coin or Numismatic Collection “Jaime Solera Bennett”, which displays
an important selection of bills and coins, illustrating Costa Rica’s
economic evolution.
Located: In the underground of the Culture Plaza, Central Avenue, 5th
Street. Attention to the public: Daily from 9:00 to 16:30 Phone
numbers: (506) 243-4202 or 243-4214 Fax (506) 243-4220 E-mail:
Pre-Columbian Gold Museum For more information visit Pre-Columbian
Gold Museum
Melico Salazar Popular Theater
Its construction ended in1928, following José Fabio Garnier’s design.
In the beginning it was called Raventós Theater, after its owner’s
name, and offered the best shows, mainly cinema. At the later eighties
decade, and to render homage to Manuel “Melico” Salazar, one of the
brightest performers of Costa Rican opera, its name was changed, as
was the kind of shows offered, aiming to open a space for more popular
forms of artistic expression, as well as the Bohemia Coffee Shop, a
space for conversation.
Located: 2nd avenue, avenue 0. Open to the public: Coffee Shop, from
Monday through Saturday, from 10:00 to 22:00. Sundays, when there are
performances. Theater: Guided visit, with previous appointment.
Performances, according to timetable. Phone numbers (506) 221-4952 or
233-5424. Fax (506) 233-5387 E-mail: Melico Salazar Popular Theater
National Theater
Representing the Europeist aspirations of the liberal coffee-growing
society, the National Theater was built by the end of the nineteenth
century, with a strong tax on coffee production. The monumental
architecture, painting and sculpture works of famous artists, mainly
Italian. The taste and refinement in all finishes of this national
jewel, which stand in sharp contrast with the underdevelopment of the
country in that time, to the point that it was said in Europe that
Costa Rica was a village encircling the National Theater. But voilà,
the National Theater is still there, and the village has somewhat
changed.
Located: 2nd avenue, between 3rd and 5th streets. Visits: from Monday
through Saturday, from 9:00 to 16:00. Shows according to timetable.
Phone numbers: (506) 221-3756 or 221-9417 Fax: (506) 223-4990. E-mail:
National Theater
Metropolitan Cathedral
At the end of the eighteenth century, the hermitage of San José de la
Boca del Monte – name given to the capital at the time – was moved to
the place where the Cathedral is located today. Of sun-dried brick and
straw roof in the beginning, it was rebuilt as a stone church, with
Salomonic columns, which having endured earthquakes, was remodelled
and transformed into what it is today, with the North side aggregate
where the chapel El Sagrario (Sacrarium) is and the Southern side
where the Metropolitan court is.
Located: Between 2nd and 4th avenues, 0-1 streets. Mass Service
schedule: from Moday through Saturday: 6:30, 11 and 17:00. Sundays: 7,
9, 10:30, 12, 16, 18, 20:00. Every Thursday, Holy Hour at 15:00. Phone
number: (506) 258-1015 or 221-3820. Fax: (506) 221-2427.
Central Park
In 1868, when San José’s water-supply system was first created, a
water fountain was installed on the main plaza of the city; it was
surrounded with a gate brought from England. In 1885, the plaza was to
become the Central Park, to be remodelled again, in order to improve
the urban landscape of the city. This park is at the heart of the
city, crossroad for so many people coming daily from different parts
of the country, to spread out for their everyday activities. Located:
Between 2nd and 4th avenues, streets 0-2nd.
Post Office Building
Of reinforced concrete, an eclectic style, notably of French
influence, the Post Office and Telegraph was built between the years
1914-1917, based on architect Luis Llach’s design. It’s an elegant and
monumental work, with beautiful corner towers, the main entrance with
coupling fringes. Presently, besides the post office, it houses a
Philatelic Museum that shows tourists the history of Costa Rica in
that specific area.
Located: 2nd street, 1st and 3rd avenues. Attention to the public:
Monday through Friday from 7:30 to 18:00. Saturdays from 6:30 to
12:00. Philatelic Museum: Monday through Friday from 8:00 to 17:00.
Phone numbers: (506) 223-9766 (Museum 223-1969). Fax: (506) 233-5182
E-mail: Philatelic Museum For more information visit Post Office
Building
Central Market
After the Main Plaza was transformed into the Central Park, a place
known as New Plaza was chosen, to create the city’s market. The
property has experienced many changes since then, without losing its
essence: being the hearth of cultures for Costa Rican society and a
daily representation of the cultural heritage that is constructed day
by day, in a process where the traditional is combined with the
modern.
Located: Between Central and 1st avenues, 6th and 8th streets. Open:
From 8:00 to 16:00. Phone number: (506) 295-6104.
