Grand Tour of Costa Rica Vacation Package

Welcome to Costa Rica. After clearing immigrations and customs follow to the exit and take the transfer to the hotel, less than 30 minutes away.
Check in to the Barcelo San Jose Palacio.

The Arenal Volcano with Baldi Hot Springs tour is by far a favorite among travelers.This tour offers the auspicious site of the imposing Arenal Volcano and the soothing thermal waters of Baldi Hot Springs. Not to mention the lush vegetation and unforgettable views that make this place one to remember.

Enroute to the Arenal Volcano, we will stop at the famous town of Sarchi, known as the birthplace of Costa Rica’s Artisans. In Sarchi, you will be able to appreciate many of the art crafts and souvenirs that Costa Rica has to offer. Also you will see the world’s largest ox cart according to the Guinness Book.

The cart is 2 stories high, nearly 45 feet long (14 meters) and weighs 4400 lbs. (2 tons), and took 70 days to complete. Made out of wood (cedar) and decorated with bright colors, designed based on our typical and traditional oxcarts.

The journey will then continue, traversing diverse plantations with agricultural products, including pineapple and plantain farms, mango groves, ornamental plants and even cattle ranches until arriving to the small town of La Fortuna, and stopping to enjoy lunch at a cozy restaurant with a magnificent view of the volcano.

The impressive Arenal Volcano is a magnificent natural wonder that is situated in La Fortuna (The Fortune) of San Carlos, previously assumed to be dormant, until in 1968, when it experienced a major eruption. Now is visited by tourist from all around the world hoping for the opportunity to witness volcanic activity, such as the white plumes of smoke that emanate from the conical shaped behemoth.

Then you will go on to relax at one of the best hot springs in the area where you will revel in the cleansing and rejuvenating effects of the thermal waters, as well as an optional massage or other special treatment, if you choose, that must be reserved ahead of time to ensure availability. Spa treatments are not included and are payable directly at the resort.

The facilities at Baldi provided 25 separate mineral water reservoirs that flow naturally from the volcano. The medicinal waters are certified by L.N.A. (Laboratorio Nacional de Aguas), and the temperatures range from 93, 100, 102, 104, 109, 110, 113, 116, 152, providing visitors with a wide range of options that fit their preferences.

And for a perfect ending, before going back to San José, a wonderful dinner will be served with a great view of the volcano so that you do not miss any opportunity to look at the classically shaped volcano.

This tour immerses you in the rich Costa Rican culture and history by visiting some museums and historical sites of San José City.

During this journey we will visit the National Theater, also known as “The jewel of San José”, a masterpiece in art and architecture built by Costa Ricans and completed in 1897.

Then we will visit the Museum of Gold (an archaeological interest site), then the Central Market, place full of the Costa Rican cultural heritage and traditions, where you will be able to browse and buy some local art crafts.

We will also visit the Metropolitan Cathedral. As we travel around the city, we will point you out several historically important or main buildings in our city, for example The Costa Rica University, The Old Train Station, The National Liquor Factory, The National Supreme Election Bureau, the Asamblea Legislativa (equivalent to The Congress), The Metallic Building, some parks and various sites of interest.

This will be an introduction to our Capital City, and information about our economy, cultural, politics, religion and general current events.

Also, we will visit an Art Gallery, where you will be able to get some souvenirs to take back home.

6:00 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. We will be picking you up at your hotel in San Jose. For an hour and a half admire the biodiversity of a protected area, while we pass through the Braulio Carrillo´s National Park.

8:30 a.m.  Enjoy our delicious typical breakfast en route. (*)

10:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.  We will board a comfortable boat and thus the adventure will begin to enjoy this enchanting paradise, while navigating through beautiful rivers, canals and lagoons. Have a unique experience in this exceptional place surrounded by a great variety of flora and fauna of imposing beauty.

1:00 p.m.  Arrival to the Lodge. Enjoy a refreshing welcome cocktail and a delicious lunch.

2:45 p.m. We will visit the Green turtle museum (STC), the beach and the small town of Tortuguero, with all its Caribbean charm. Does not include entrance to the museum.

7:00 p.m.  Delightful dinner at the Lodge.

Tour Tortuga Island

The Gulf of Nicoya’s archipelago paradise is made up of various islands that are home to nature’s abundance. The area is a sanctuary for marine birds, with white sand beaches and flora and fauna native to our Central Pacific Coast. The world-renowned Isla Tortuga is part of this beautiful archipelago.

Located 12 miles from Puntarenas, Isla Tortuga’s 120 hectares are maintained as a protected forest. The area maintains the Bandera Azul Ecológica, a distinction awarded to certain beaches in Costa Rica for their pure, unpolluted waters. Because of the island’s location, its waves are gentle and its waters turquoise.

OUR NEW CATAMARAN:

If you enjoy cruising, we invite you to experience the pleasure on board our new boat, The Great Bay’s Princess, with a capacity for 190 passengers plus crew.

The Great Bay´s Princess is built using the latest technology, including Cummins Marine motors and satellite navigation, and meets all international security requirements. We are the only boat that has the Stability Certificate issued by the International Register of Shipping, the rating entity recognized worldwide.

Our staff has been trained for emergencies and evacuation plans. Our catamaran meets or exceeds all national requirements defined by the maritime division of the Ministry of Transportation and Public Works. Meals BL

Combo Tour

Coffee, volcano, waterfalls and rainforest come together in this fantastic full day tour. Starting with a drive by the city of Alajuela passing by the Agriculture Monument, the Monument to Juan Santamaria and the famous Mango Park we make our way out of the Central Valley.

As we ascend towards the Poás Volcano we will notice the change in temperature and vegetation, palm trees are replaced by pine and cool air overcomes the lowland heat. We will see coffee plantations as well as fern, flower and strawberry farms along the way, creating a beautiful landscape that paves the way to our next stop, The Doka Estates Coffee Plantation.

Upon arrival at Doka Coffee Estate enjoy a delicious breakfast followed by a coffee tour, in the actual coffee plantation. Here, we will learn about the ancient techniques used by the experts to produce one of the best coffees in Costa Rica. Learn about the careful process involved on the cultivation, harvesting and roasting of the Golden Bean.

Next, we will continue to Poás Volcano where we will not only admire the impressive main crater with its sulfur fumaroles, but also learn about the different ecosystems in this beautiful national park.

Following the visit to the volcano we will continue to La Paz Water Fall Garden for lunch and tour. On arrival to the La Paz, we will walk through a trail, leading to a spectacular waterfall in the middle of the rainforest.   Inside the park we will also visit the largest butterfly observatory in the country, the impressive hummingbird gallery, the serpentarium, the bird house and the frog’s exhibit. Meals BL

Hotel-Airport shuttle transfer to the airport for your return flight to the U.S. Meals B

“Itinerary variations in Tortuguero National Park occur depending on lodge assignment. The itinerary schedule & features displayed here are reflective of Pchira Lodge.”