Poas Volcano
Scenic drive to the top of Poas, one of the world’s widest accessible volcanic craters. Stand on the edge and look down into the bubbling blue cauldron. Currently Poas has active fumaroles in the inner crater. 2nd crater, Botos, is a crystal clear rain-fed lake surrounded by jungle that is reached by a walk through a dwarf cloud forest.
From hotel: 45 mins Duration: Approx 4 hrs
Depart: Your choice but for the best view, 8am best. Return: 12pm
Price: w/ Xandari driver: $85 for 1-3 pax or $100 for 4-9 pax (round-trip), plus $10 p/p entrance fee. Note: Wear long pants, comfy shoes. Bring light jacket plus rain gear.
La Paz Waterfall Gardens
Experience Costa Rica’s biodiversity. Cloud and rainforest coexist at this 4300 to 5000 ft altitude.
3km of paved trails with viewing platforms. 4 majestic waterfalls. Hummingbirds, big cats,
a huge butterfly enclosure, restaurant.
From hotel: 1.5 hrs Duration: Approx 5 hrs Depart: Early am Return: Early pm
Price: w/ Xandari driver: $115 for 1-3 pax or $130 for 4-9 pax (round-trip), plus $32 p/p Adult or $18 p/p Child entrance fee + $12 p/p buffet lunch. Note: Wear long pants and walking shoes. Bring light jacket and rain gear.
Poas Volcano & La Paz Waterfall Gardens
From hotel: Approx. 1 hr Duration: Approx. 7 hrs Depart: For Poas, 8am best.
Return: Your choice. Price: w/ Xandari driver $130 for 1-3 pax or $150 for 4-9 pax (round-trip), plus entrance fees: Poas $10 p/p; La Paz $32 p/p Adult or $18 p/p Child. Lunch $12 p/p.
Rainforest Canopy at Colinas del Poas
Rainforest canopy adventure close to Poas Volcano. 14 cables, 24 platforms, 2 km total journey.
Nature trails for walkers. From hotel: 45 mins Duration: 5 hrs
Note: Wear long pants and sturdy shoes. Bring rain jacket, camera, change of clothes, and cash for entrance fee. Departure: Tours available at 9am, 11am, 2pm
Price: w/ Xandari driver: $85 for 1-3 pax or $100 for 4-9 pax (round-trip) plus
$50 Adult p/p entrance fee and refreshments when tour is finished.
Doka Coffee Processing Tour
Scenic drive through coffee plantations to Doka Coffee Mill.
View the actual processing, drying and roasting of coffee,
plus an explanation of coffee picking.
From hotel: 25 mins Tour: 1 hr Depart & Return: Your choice.
Tours: 9am, 10am, 11am, 1:30pm, 2:30pm, 3:30pm Mon to Fri (Sat and Sun, last tour 2:30pm).
Price: $16 p/p includes tour, coffee sampling. With Xandari driver $40 for 1-3 pax or $60 for 4-9 pax round trip.
Zoo Ave – Bird & Animal Zoo
Small, fascinating zoo set in gardens, operated by the non-profit Nature Restoration Foundation.
Originally a bird zoo, but now includes a variety of Costa Rican monkeys, mammals and reptiles.
All animals were former pets or injured wildlife.
From hotel: 20 mins Open: Daily 9am–5pm Price: $15 Adult or $2 Child (2-9 years), plus $45 round-trip for 1-3 pax or $60 for 4-9 pax w/ Xandari driver, or approx. $12 taxi each way.
River Rafting: Class II & Class III
Sarapiqui & Reventazon Rivers
World-class whitewater plus gorgeous scenery. Time on river: Approx 2.5 hrs
From hotel: 2 hrs Duration: 9 hrs Depart: 6am Return: 3pm Price: From $75 p/p includes for round-trip, typical Costa Rican breakfast, lunch, equipment and guides. Note: Bring rubber-soled shoes, shorts, t-shirt, swimsuit, sunscreen, towel, a complete change of clothes including shoes, and a plastic bag for wet clothes. Disposable waterproof camera recommended. OPTIONAL: Rafting at noon to Sarapiqui River Depart: 12md Price: $75 p/p includes round-trip from Garden Court, lunch, tropical fruits and 2.5 hrs rafting on the river.
River Rafting: Class III & Class IV
Pacuare River
Beautiful river canyon. For adventuresome beginner or experienced rafter.
Time on river: Approx 5 hrs From hotel: 3 hrs Duration: 12 hrs Depart: 6am Return: 6pm
Price: $95 includes round-trip, typical Costa Rican breakfast, lunch, equipment and guides.
Optional: Connoisseur Rafting, Premium Trip. Price: $149 p/p. Avoid San Jose traffics jams and multiple pick up/drop offs. 3 rafts max for intimate wilderness experience. Personal service includes: Separate van per hotel to bus to the river, deluxe Costa Rican-style meal, gourmet river buffet, photo CD, fresh towels, and a cocktail at the end of your trip. Note: Bring rubber-soled shoes, shorts, t-shirt, swimsuit, sunscreen, towel, a complete change of clothes including shoes, and a plastic bag for wet clothes. Disposable waterproof camera recommended.
Butterfly Farm
This farm rears and exports live butterflies. Learn about the 4 stages of a butterfly’s life cycle – egg, larva, pupa, adult. This is a diverse, beautiful, living collection.
From hotel: 45 mins Tours: 8:30am, 11am, 1pm, 3pm Duration: 2 hrs.
Depart & Return: Your choice but early departure advised. Price: Entrance fee $15 Adult or $7.50 Child. With Xandari driver $65 round-trip for 1-3 pax, or $80 for 4-9 pax.
Calypso Catamaran Day Cruise
Cruise by Nicoya Bay’s Gulf Islands in a Manta Ray Catamaran with glass bottom for underwater viewing. Experienced naturalist guide. Full-service bar, jacuzzi.
From hotel: 2 hrs Duration: 12 hrs Depart: 7am from departure point
Return: 7:30 – 8pm Price: From $119 Adult or $65 Child, plus $16 one-way to departure point. Includes: Air-conditioned bus round-trip from departure point, continental breakfast, gourmet lunch, refreshments.
Note: Bring swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and bug repellent.
San Jose City Tour by Day or Night
The Day Tour: Introduces you to Costa Rican culture, history and crafts. Visit San Jose’s historical sites, museums, parks and neighborhoods. Souvenir shopping.
The Night Tour: Costa Rican nightlife from discos to musical and theatrical performances at the National Theater.
From hotel: 45 mins Duration: 4 hrs minimum Depart & Return: Your choice
Price: w/ Xandari driver: $24 per hour (incl. driving time) plus museum entrance fees, meals.
Note: Wear comfortable shoes. Museums normally closed Mondays.