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Tours
San José City Tour (Afternoon)
Pick-up time: 12.40 p.m. aprox.
Duration: 4 hours
 The tour starts taking you through the East of the city of San José, passing
the Democracy Park, National Museum, Federal Courts, Los Yoses neighborhood,
San Pedro Mall Center and Rodrigo Facio University city of Costa Rica.
We will continue drive down through Barrio Dent, Calderón Guardia Museum, Train
Station and the National Park. We will stop at the National Monument in the
National Park. You will see very close the Congress Building, National Library
and one of the principal buildings "Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones".
We will continue through the Morazan Park, Metallic building School, Insurance
Institute, España Park, The Yellow House and through SENAC or old factory of
alcoholic beverages. Next close the Central Park of San José, Melico Salazar
Museum and the Metropolitan Cathedral.
We will stop at the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum and Opera House for a tour.
After the tour, we will continue to the West of the city visiting La Sabana
Metropolitan Park, Art Museum (old control towel of the principal Airport of
San Jose) Nunciatura Apostólica Mr. Oscar Arias residence who won a Nobel Peace
Prize in 1987, Los Yoses and Rohrmoser neighborhoods.
We will continue to Plaza Esmeralda where you can taste a delicious cup of
coffee, buy some souvenirs or cigars.
Note: Opera House closed on Sundays. The Gold Museum closed on Mondays instead
we will visit Children Museum or Natural Science Museum (La Salle)
Suggested equipment: Camera
Arenal Volcano by night and
Tabacón Hot Springs (One day)
Pick-up time: 9 a.m. aprox.
Duration: 11 hours
 Arenal Volcano is located on the plains of San Carlos, famous for the beauty
of its landscape, the picturesque villages and its special climate. The Arenal
Volcano is magnificent, drawing attention to its powerful explosions of ash and
lava which appear as multicolored fireworks at night, making Arenal one of the
most active volcanoes in the Américas. And if this wasn't enough, just in front
of the volcano, so close that you can feel the colossus vibrate, we will visit
the most beautiful gardens with hot springs that complete the fascinating night
of natural wonders. After dinner, on the way back to San José, you will
understand why this has become one of the most popular tours in Costa Rica.
During this tour we also visit Sarchi well known for the beauty of the
handcrafts that they produce (Lunch and dinner included)
Suggested equipment: Swimsuit, sweater, insect repellent and a towel.
Irazú Volcano (One day)
Pick up time: 8.30 a.m. aprox.
Duration: 5 hours
 In route to Southern area by taking Pan-American highway we will start the
ascent of the colossus "Iztarú". The winding road traverses the fertile earth
that is cultivated with many kinds of vegetables while an extensive panorama is
being observed. At the top, of the volcano the principal craters are seen and
on a clear day it might be possible to distinguish both the Atlantic and
Pacific Oceans. We will continue descending to the city of Cartago, stop at the
Basílica of Los Angeles, a traditional pilgrimage center for many Catholics.
Suggested equipment: Hat, light jacket, comfortable walking shoes, binoculars
and camera.
Irazú Volcano, Lankester Gardens & Orosi Valley (One day)
Pick up time: 8.30 a.m. aprox.
Duration: 8 hours
In route to Southern area by taking Pan-American highway we will start the
ascent of the colossus "Iztarú". The winding road traverses the fertile earth
that is cultivated with many kinds of vegetables while an extensive panorama is
being observed. At the top, of the volcano the principal craters are seen and
on a clear day it might be possible to distinguish both the Atlantic and
Pacific Oceans. We will continue descending to the city of Cartago, stop at the
Basílica of Los Angeles, a traditional pilgrimage center for many Catholics.
After our visit to the Basilica of los Angeles we will continue to Lankaster
Gardens, investigation center of the University of Costa Rica which protects
more than 800 species of orchids and bromeliads, in addition of other varieties
of plants.
The tour continues with a ride through the unique beauty of the Orosi Valley.
We will visit one of the few colonial churches and is also where we will stop
to enjoy a delicious lunch. On the way back to San Jose we will visit the
rustic Casa del Soñador, well know for the rustic Costa Rican art.
Suggested equipment: Hat, light jacket, comfortable walking shoes, insect
repellent, binoculars and camera.
Isla Tortuga (Pacific Island Cruise)
(One day)
Pick up time: 6.00 a.m. aprox.
Duration: 11 hours
 Costa Rica is famous for its romantic day cruises to its exotic Pacific Islands
in the Gulf of Nicoya.
After a comfortable ride to the Pacific coast, you will board a luxurious yacht
for the Pacific Island Adventure. Our final destination, Tortuga Island, famous
for its pristine white sand beaches and crystal clear water that give us the
opportunity to enjoy different activities. A delicious seafood buffet will be
served on the beach. You will not want to miss this island paradise adventure.
(Snacks and Lunch included).
Suggested equipment: Sweater, camera, binoculars, swimsuit, sun block and towel.
Canopy Tour (One day)
Pick up time: 9.00 a.m. aprox.
Duration: 7 hours
 This is definitely an adventure you don't want to miss. We will leave the city
and head up to the mountains surrounding the Central Valley offering a scenery
of spectacular vegetation, coffee fields, ornamental plants and picturesque
villages typical for Costa Rica. As we ascend you will experience the climate
changes, common of our country.
The Canopy Tour is once in a lifetime experience, consisting of sliding in a
cable between platforms flying through the canopy.
The Canopy of San Lorenzo is located in the middle of a tropical forest
reserve on a beautiful site where we will encounter orchids, bromeliads and
other flowers.
The length of the cable is 8200 feet between 19 platforms. The Canopy of San
Lorenzo has one of the longest cables in the country.
During the tour, the guide will explain to the participants the most important
things about the forest that we are visiting.
Finishing the tour, after a short walk we will enjoy a delicious lunch at Gran
Vista Restaurant in the Valle Escondido Hotel.
Suggested equipment: Camera, light clothes, comfortable shoes and insect
repellent.
El Pueblo Antiguo (The old town) (Nightly activity) Only Fridays and Saturdays
Pick-up time: 6.30 p.m. aprox.
Duration: 3 hours
 Learn about Costa Rica's culture origins with this show. A spectacle where you
will come in contact with our nineteenth century's traditions. Enjoy a humorous
show where you will get to know our beliefs, dresses, architecture, music, food
and dance. Discover Costa Rica's traditions at Pueblo Antiguo.
The different buildings in this unique theme park highlight the various
architectural trends found in Costa Rica between 1880 and 1930. The main
objective of Pueblo Antiguo is to revive Costa Rican traditions in a similar
context. The combination of live actors, live music and folkloric dances
present a vibrant living experience allusive to the past.
Suggested equipment: Sweater and camera.
Dinner at Tierra Tica RAM Luna Restaurant and View Point (Night activity that only operates
Wednesdays.)
Pick up time: 5.00 p.m. aprox.
Duration: 4 hours
Take pleasure from seeing the magnificent view of the Central Valley from this
high point of the mountains surrounding the valley while enjoying a delicious
buffet with traditional Costa Rican dishes. Also watch an amusing traditional
masquerade show followed by pleasant marimba music and typical dances. Finish
the evening admiring the magic of bright fireworks . Also you may watch local
artisans work in their crafts.
Suggested equipment: Camera and sweater.
Carara Biological Reserve & Beach Resort (One day) Saturdays only
Pick up time: 6.40 a.m. aprox.
Duration: 10 hours.
 We begin our trip with a delicious breakfast on the way to the Pacific coast.
In approximately two hours, you will have the opportunity to visit one of the
few places showing the transition between rain forest and the dry tropical
forest. This characteristic has made the trip very informative, since you can
find a big diversity of birds, plants, reptiles and other mammals.
A delicious lunch will be served in one of the best hotels of tropical
atmosphere in Jaco Beach.
Suggested equipment: Insect repellent, camera, binoculars, hiking shoes,
raincoat, swimming suit, sun lotion and towel.
Orosi Valley and Lankester Gardens (One day)
Pick up time: 10.30 a.m. aprox.
Duration: 6 hours
After our visit to the Basílica de los Ángeles we will continue to Lankester
Gardens, the center of investigation of the University of Costa Rica that
protects more than 800 species of orchids and bromeliads in addition to various
other plants.
Thereafter we will continue to the Orosi Valley with its extraordinary beauty.
Here it is possible to visit one of the few colonial temples that are still in
use at today's date and the Orosi Valley is also where we will make our stop to
enjoy a delicious lunch. On the way back we will have the possibility to
observe the rustic Casa del Soñador, well know for the rustic Costa Rican art.
Suggested equipment: Hat, light jacket, comfortable walking shoes, insect
repellent, binoculars and camera.
Poas Volcano - La Paz Waterfalls Gardens (One day)
Pick-up time: 8:00 a.m. aprox.
Duration: 8 hours
 The tour will take you along the Pan-American heading towards the town of
Alajuela and pass by the way to the Agriculture Monument, Juan Santamaria
statue and the famous Mangos' Park. During the ascent to the volcano we stop
at the coffee fields for an explanation, then we will pass through fern farm,
strawberry plantations and flowers farms.
On the top of the volcano we will spend enough time to observe the principal
crater with its sulphur fumaroles.
As we continue towards the Caribbean area, we will stop to discover La Paz
Waterfall Gardens, a Nature Park where we will walk on the truly spectacular
trails that will lead us to Magia Blanca Falls (the largest and the most
spectacular of the falls in the area). At the Park you will also witness the
largest enclosed butterfly observatory in the country and a amazing hummingbird
gallery with a beautiful collection of tropical jewels. A buffet lunch will be
ready for us after the tour.
Now we are ready to go back to San José
Suggested equipment: Hat, light jacket, hiking shoes, insect repellent,
binoculars and camera.
Poás Volcano National Park/Grecia/ Sarchí
(One day)
Pick up time: 8.30 a.m. aprox.
Duration: 8 hours
The tour will take you along the Pan-American heading towards the town of
Alajuela and pass by the way to the Agriculture Monument, Juan Santamaria
statue and the famous Mangos' Park. During the ascent to the volcano we stop
at the coffee fields for an explanation, then we will pass through fern farm,
strawberry plantations and flowers farms.
On the top of the volcano, we will spend enough time to observe the principal
crater with its sulphur fumaroles.
Thereafter, we will walk to the beautiful Botos lagoon where you can see the
diverse flora and fauna of the cloud forest. At this time we will be ready to
take a delicious lunch in one of the restaurants at the area.
The tour continues with a visit to Grecia, a nice town that is considered one
of the cleanest in Latin América and where we can find the only metallic church
in Central America, a national monument that fill their natives with pride. We
will also visit the Central Market of Grecia lifestyle of Costa Rican people.
The tour continues by visiting Sarchi, which is the center of Costa Rican
handcraft with an abundance of craftsmen that work in fine woods. You will have
time to see the artist works in the fabric of the famous oxcarts and
additionally you can choose your own souvenir to take back home.
Recommendations: Light jacket, hiking shoes, binoculars and camera.
Grecia & Sarchí (Oxcart Factory) (One day)
Pick up time: 11.00 a.m. aprox.
Duration: 5 hours
 Grecia is located in Alajuela province and surrounded with a vast of the sugar
cane plantations. This beautiful city is considered one of cleanest cities in
Latin América. You can find its unusual metal church, which is painted a deep
red and has white gingerbread trim. We will also visit the central Market of
Grecia lifestyle of Costa Rican people. The tour continues by visiting Sarchi,
which is the center of Costa Rican handcraft with an abundance of craftsmen
that work in fine woods. You will have time to see the artist works in the
fabric of the famous oxcarts and additionally you can choose your own souvenir
to take back home.
Recommendations: Light jacket, walking shoes, binoculars and camera.
White Water Rafting
(One day)
Pick up time: 06:00 a.m. aprox.
 Experience the thrill of white water rafting! Full explotation of excitement.
The scenery while rafting is just marvelous. The vegetation that will surround
you plus the power of the waters of the river 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.
(Breakfast and lunch included).
Suggested equipment: Camera, sandals, sunscreen, towel and extra clothing.
- Class III Sarapiquí River
Pick up time: 6:00 a.m. approximately
Duration: 10 hours
- Class VI Pascua and Pacuare
Pick up time: 6:30 a.m. approximately
Duration: 10 hours
4 in 1 The best of Costa Rica (One day)
Pick-up time: 6.20 a.m. aprox.
Duration: 11 hours
The tour will take you along the Pan-American heading towards the town of
Alajuela and pass by the way the Agriculture Monument, Juan Santamaria statue
and the famous Mangos' Park. During the ascent to the volcano we stop at the
coffee fields for an explanation, then we will pass through fern farm,
strawberry plantations and flowers farms. A delicious breakfast will be served
in a nice restaurant of the area
On the top of the volcano we will spend enough time to observe the principal
crater with its sulphur fumaroles.
As we continue towards the Caribbean area, we will stop to discover La Paz
Waterfall Gardens, a Nature Park where we will walk on the truly spectacular
trails that will lead us to Magia Blanca Falls (the largest and the most
spectacular of the falls in the area). At the Park you will also witness the
largest enclosed butterfly observatory in Costa Rica and a amazing hummingbird
gallery with a beautiful collection of tropical jewels. A buffet lunch will be
ready for us after the tour.
Once we arrive at Puerto Viejo we will be ready to enjoy a relaxing boat ride
on the Sarapiquí River, just sit back and observe the wildlife that is around
you. The monkeys, iguanas, crocodiles, and the variety of birds will allow you
to relax and concentrate on the scenery. During the boat ride our guide will
also explain to us about life style of the friendly people that live at the
river margins. Before returning to San Jose we will drive through the
unforgettable rain forest of Braulio Carrillo National Park, one of the most
important rainforest reserves for Costa Rica.
Includes: Breakfast, coffee fields visit, Poás Volcano National Park crater and
trails tour, La Paz Waterfalls gardens butterfly, hummingbird and waterfalls
trails. Buffet lunch, Sarapiquí River float with drinks onboard and ride
through Braulio Carrillo National Park.
Suggested equipment: Hat, light jacket, hiking shoes, insect repellent,
binoculars and camera.
Rafting and Canopy Combo in Sarapiqui
Pick-up time: 8.00 a.m from the last hotel
Costa Rica provides White Water Rafting experiences that take your adrenalin to
top levels and fascinating Canopy Tours going high above the treetops. Now you
can enjoy the two activities in an extraordinary way. Discover the natural
marvels of Sarapiqui; an extensive territory located in the northeastern parts
of the country, with a variety of crystal clear rivers, an abundance of
beautiful tropical forests and villages inhabited by friendly and laborious
people.
Leaving San José the tour traverses the majestic scenery of Braulio Carrillo
National Park and arriving in Sarapiqui we will enjoy two adventurous
attractions: the Canopy Tour in the middle of a secondary forest with trees of
high altitude and after lunch the White Water Rafting in the agitating waters
of the River Sarapiqui.
The Canopy Tour takes about an hour and a half and the nine cables of different
length stretch over the forest with the last one crossing the Sarapiqui River.
The rafting at Sarapiqui River has different levels between class II and class
III, presenting vibrant scenery to those who want to participate in this
exciting activity. Nine miles of unexpected rapids in combination with calm and
relaxing intervals makes this an unforgettable experience for bird watchers and
nature lovers.
The tour includes:
Transportation ,bilingual guide, equipment for canopy, equipment for rafting
and lunch.
What to bring:
For the canopy: Light clothing, insect repellent, comfortable shoes and extra
clothes.
For the rafting: Swimsuit, fastened shoes, towel and extra clothing.
The Best of the Pacific
 From San José we will head towards the Pacific Coast through the old Spanish
route of 1606.
Once we reach our destination, we will start the jungle boat tour that goes
along the Tarcoles River. Our guides will introduce you to the world of
crocodiles and different species of birds.
Thereafter we will arrive at one of the most beautiful protected areas, the
Punta Leona Beach Resort, an exotic paradise surrounded by 750 acres of lush
tropical rainforest, pristine white sand beaches and the deep blue waters of
the Pacific.
The day is at leisure and you will have plenty of time to enjoy the pleasant
weather as well as activities such as water sports, swimming in the crystal
clear water of the sea or just relaxing by the pool. At lunch time a delicious
meal will be served at one of the nearby restaurants.
As an optional activity in the afternoon we also offer a guided tour through
the jungle. The tour takes approximately 1.5 hours and is a good opportunity to
see animals such as amphibians, reptiles, and scorpions.
The sunset at Punta Leona is an extraordinary experience and after enjoying
this spectacular natural view we start our journeys back San Jose.
What to bring:
For the river: Hat, sunblock, insect repellent, binoculars and camera.
For the resort: Shorts or skirts, sandals, swimsuit and towel.
For the jungle (optional activity): Comfortable shoes
1. Because of the fact that Expediciones Tropicales is an operator of daily
tours, there are no conditions about the time in advance in which a reservation
should be made, with the exception of the tours that require a certain number
of passengers to be done. This fact would be informed immediately.
2. To guarantee the reservation, the information about the passenger should be
faxed, and the payment should be done upon confirmation; excluding the cases in
which the client is already in compliance with the regulations about credit
through our Accounting Department.
3. Any special information about the passenger should be written in the voucher
and faxed at the time of scheduling the reservation (Ex.: changes in dates,
lodging, diet, etc.).
4. The agency or client that makes a reservation should require a written
confirmation from our Reservations Department, as a guarantee for the service.
5. The agency that schedules the reservation may request Expediciones
Tropicales to take the payment directly from the client at the pick up time.
However, the agency should take total responsibility in the case of "no show"
by paying the normal service fee to Expediciones Tropicales.
6. Written cancellations must be received at least 24 hours prior to the
departing time of the tour, in order to avoid any charge.
7. Charges about cancellations of tours that require lodging are conditioned to
the respective hotel cancellation policy.
8. Expediciones Tropicales is responsible for operating the tour since the
confirmation of the reservation is done. As a result, the charge for
cancellations received less than 24 hours prior to the service will be of 100%.
9. Despite the above policy, if a passenger requires to cancel a reservation
less than 24 hours in advance, Expediciones Tropicales gives the option of
changing the date of service, but only if the tour is a regular one.
10. Regular tours are defined as the one-day tours that are operated by
Expediciones Tropicales.
11. In the case of "NO SHOW" the service will be charged according to our
regular fees.
12. Expediciones Tropicales will wait 5 minutes for a passenger after the
specific pick up time. Then, the guide will ask the Hotel to stamp his
document in order to prove that he was there at that time and he will continue
the tour. For that, the client will be charged as NO SHOW.
Children:
13. Passengers over 10 years old will pay the adult normal fee.
14. Passengers between 3-10 years old are considered children. Their fee is
75% of the adult fee.
15. Passengers under 3 years old are considered infants and do not pay any
fee. Parents will assume their expenses and provide their meals.
Other Policies:
16. Expediciones Tropicales reserves the right to change the route of any tour
if it is considered to be beneficial to the client. Expediciones Tropicales
reserves the right to exclude any participant in the tour if his/her behavior
is unbecoming or injurious to the welfare of the group.
17. In some cases, Expediciones Tropicales acts as an agent and requires
external services from hotels, tour operators, restaurants, etc. In these
cases, their insurance and cancellation policies have priority over ours.
Nevertheless, our vehicles have the best insurance coverages allowed by the
Costa Rican government.
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