Note: All tours leave from Atenas, which can be easily accessed by bus from San Jose or Alajuela. Special arrangements can be made for transport from areas other than Atenas for an additional fee. Tours include roundtrip transport from Atenas, guide and entrance fees.. Unless otherwise noted, lunch is not included. Four persons maximum.
1. Carara National Park
The Park has the only transition forest in Central America that combines both wet and dry type habitats, home to 480 species of plants, including trees and shrubs, with 14 endemic species and 29 species that are considered rare and endemic,124 species of reptiles, corresponding to 53% of the species of reptiles in Costa Rica (234). 112 species of mammals out of 237 species in the country, 62 species of amphibians, and 420 species of birds, making it one of the most important sites in CR for observing birds in their natural state. Notable, is that the park has one of the largest remaining populations in the Country of the Scarlet Macaw, which is an endangered species.
Trails are mostly on level terrain and take about 2.5 hrs. to walk. A portion of the trails are paved for easy access for handicapped persons.
Fee: $45/person.
2. Tarcoles River and Mangrove Birding/Crocodile Tour
Two-hour boat tour for observing upwards of about 50 bird species that include native, migratory and coastal birds, along with one of the world’s largest population of American Crocodiles.
Fee: $65/person
3. Poas Volcano National Park
The volcano has the largest active crater in the world measuring 1050 feet deep and nearly a mile across. The crater is surrounded by lush vegetation consisting of a primeval cloud forest displaying elfin forests featuring miniature trees, epiphytic bromeliads, ferns and orchids, and has a lagoon at its center with steaming sulfur emissions. The elevation near the crater’s edge is about 8000 feet, so dress for cold and possibly wet weather. The Park’s policy limits visit to the crater to 20 minutes, but has no time restriction for visiting the museum that displays information on the history and origin of the volcano, or visitor’s center, gift shop, and restaurant.
Fee: $65/person
4. La Paz Waterfall Gardens
Located a little more than a half-hour from Poas Volcano, the site consists of a hotel, nature park, wildlife refuge and 5 prominent waterfalls, the highest one measuring 120 ft. More than 100 species of wildlife are displayed, consisting of jungle cats, butterflies, frogs, snakes, monkeys, sloths, a variety of different bird species, including up to 24 species of hummingbirds. The landscape is covered by an abundance of ornamentals, bromeliads, heliconias, orchids and tree ferns. Several trails meander through the primary forest alongside the river that feeds the waterfalls. A fantastic all-you-can-eat buffet lunch, rated 4 forks, is included in the entrance fee.
Fee: $120/person
5. Doka Coffee Tour
An immersive coffee journey that takes you from the vibrant seedbeds to the aromatic roasting rooms. Experience the magic of Costa Rican coffee through each step of its journey, enhanced by the stunning backdrop of our plantation. Tour takes about one hour and can be combined with either the Poas Volcano or La Paz Waterfall Gardens tours.
Fee: $45/person, including lunch.