https://sanjosewalking.com/tour/9amtour/ TOURS | Stray Cat Hostel
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TOP TOURS

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Irazu Volcano & Thermals Hacienda Orosi

  • Duration: 9 Hours

  • Location: Cartago City, Central Valley

  • Estimated Departure from San José: Between 6:30 A.M – 7:30 A.M

On the top of the volcano you can observe the main craters and on a clear day Pacific Oceans and Caribbean Sea.

As we descend to the city of Cartago we will stop at the Virgin of the Angels Basilica that according to religious custom is a peregrination site for many believers.

Surrounded by rainforest and lush vegetation, La Hacienda Orosi has been blessed by mother earth with nascent hypothermal mineral water.

These rich springs of mineral hypothermal “telluric” waters (non-magmatic or volcanic ), are filtered between the layers of the earth and spring in the middle of the rainforest at more than 65 degrees Celsius.

 

 

The minerals, salts and ions that compose this water enrich the skin tissues, stimulate the senses. Hacienda Orosi is a mystical land where the positive energy is perceived as you walk, tranquility as you breathe and peace as you enjoy of this place.

* Children (3 – 10 years old): 25% off discount Children 0-2 years old pay US$14.00 car seat charge fee

 

Cancelation Policy for one day tours

  • – Cancellation must be made a full 48 hours prior to the service, otherwise a penalty of 100% will be applied 90% refund if cancel 48 hours or more (10% charged to cover bank refund fees).

  • – No refunds for No shows.

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PRICE PER PERSON INCLUDES: USD $135

  • ROUND TRIP TRANSPORTATION

  • BILINGUAL GUIDE ( ENGLISH – SPANISH )

  • LUNCH

  • ENTRANCE FEE TO THE VOLCANO AND HACIENDA OROSI

What to bring

HAT LIGHT JACKET OR SWEATSHIRT

WALKING SHOES

SWIMSUIT

INSECT REPELLEN

CAMER BINOCULARS

 

 

MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK

 

Duration: 12 hours

Location: Manuel Antonio Central Pacific

Estimated Departure from San José: Between 6:00 A.M. – 7:00 A.M.

 

Manuel Antonio National Park is considered one of the most beautiful parks in Costa Rica. On this tour, you will visit pristine beaches, with coral reefs, bordered by exuberant vegetation and the natural wonders of the tropical rainforest.

 

Relax and enjoy the natural beach and rainforest Manuel Antonio National Park is considered one of the most beautiful parks in Costa Rica.

 

On this tour, you will visit pristine beaches, with coral reefs, bordered by exuberant vegetation and the natural wonders of the tropical rainforest.

 

The beaches in Manuel Antonio are highly coveted as some of the best that Costa Rica has to offer. On the way to Manuel Antonio National Park, you will travel along the coastline enjoying scenic views, including African palm plantations.

 

You will also travel past small villages along the Pacific Coast, until you reach the port of Quepos and the ultimately the National Park. Since access to the park itself is closed to vehicles, you will hike to the preserve, crossing a creek. Once in the park, you can simply relax and enjoy the beach, sunbathe, or hike through the park’s trails, which will allow you to observe Manuel Antonio’s abundant flora and fauna.

 

Several species of monkeys, iguanas, birds and possibly even the three-toed sloth can be seen. If you chose to hike the trail to Cathedral Point, do not forget your camera; the views of the park and the sea are simply spectacular!

 

PRICE PER PERSONINCLUDES: USD $135

  • TRANSPORTATION

  • BILINGUAL GUIDE (ENGLISH / SPANISH)

  • ENTRANCE FEE TO THE NATIONAL PARK

  • BREAKFAST AND LUNCH

 

This tour will not operate on Mondays or Wednesdays. *A minimum of 4 passengers is required for Wednesday’s operation. Your reservation will be placed on hold until the tour meets the minimum required passengers. Once this requirement is fulfilled, we will send you a confirmation message. Children (3 – 10 years old): 25% off discount Children 0-2 years old pay US$14.00 car seat charge fee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COMBO TOUR POAS

 

Description

Duration: 10 hours

Location: Alajuela, Central Valley Estimated

Departure from San José: Between 06:00 A.M. – 07:00 A.M.

Remarks: The total stay at the Poas Volcano National Park will be 40 minutes: 10 minutes walking on the trek to get to the crater viewpoint, 20 minutes at the crater viewpoint, and 10 minutes walking back.

There is no access to Botos Lagoon and in case of fog, there is no extra waiting time as we used to do in the past. Due to the altitude and activity of the Poás Volcano, this tour is not recommended to any person with heart conditions, high blood pressure, people who have had a recent surgery, pregnant women or children. As we ascend the mountain, we will notice a change in temperature and vegetation; we will see coffee plantations as well as fern, flower and strawberry farms along the way, creating a beautiful array of colors and visuals.

 

We will visit the Doka Coffee Estate for a delicious breakfast. Then we will be treated to a coffee tour in an actual coffee plantation where we will learn the ancient techniques used by the experts to produce some of the best coffee in Costa Rica and around the world.

 

The careful process involved in the cultivation, harvesting and roasting of the Golden Bean will then be illustrated, very hands-on, and then we will savor the delectable product.

 

After the coffee tour, we will continue to Poas Volcano National Park, where there is a noticeable change in temperature and exuberant vegetation of the cloud forest. The Poás Volcano, is an active 2,708-metre (8,885 ft) stratovolcano. 

 

The crater of the volcano is over a mile across and 1050 feet deep. It has erupted 40 times since 1828, including April, 2017. At the Volcano we will have time to enjoy the impressive main crater with its sulfur fumaroles, and hike on a trail to the beautiful Botos Lagoon as we learn about the different ecosystems in the park.

 

PRICE PER PERSONINCLUDES: USD $149

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  • TRANSPORTATION

  • BILINGUAL GUIDE (ENGLISH/SPANISH)

  • ENTRANCE FEE TO DOKA COFFEE TOUR

  • ENTRANCE FEE TO POAS VOLCANO NATIONAL PARK

  • ENTRANCE FEE TO LA PAZ WATERFALL GARDENS

  • BREAKFAST

  • LUNCH

 

 

After Poás, we will continue to La Paz Waterfall Garden, where we will enjoy a buffet lunch (rated 4 Forks by the Costa Rican Tourism Council) that includes multiple selections of Traditional Costa Rican dishes and much more. At La Paz Waterfall Gardens we will go through walking trails surrounded by lush tropical rain forest.

 

Here we will appreciate flowing white rivers, spectacular waterfalls, birds, butterflies, monkeys, and hummingbirds. There are also, educational animal exhibits to enjoy such as the Aviary, the Butterfly Observatory, Hummingbird Garden, Serpentarium, Jungle Cats Exhibit, and the Frog Exhibit. This is definitely a tour enjoyed by nature lovers from all ages. *Children (3 – 10 years old): 25% off discount Children 0-2 years old pay US$14.00 car seat charge fee Cancelation Policy for one day tours

  • – Cancellation must be made a full 48 hours prior to the service, otherwise a penalty of 100% will be applied 90% refund if cancel 48 hours or more (10% charged to cover bank refund fees).

  • – No refunds for No shows.

 

            What to bring

  •  HAT

  • LIGHT JACKET OR SWEATSHIRT

  • WALKING SHOES

  • INSECT REPELLENT

  • BINOCULARS

  • CAMERA

  • RAINCOAT

 

 

 

VOLCAN ARENAL+HOT SPRINGS BALDI

 

  • Description

  • Duration: 13 hours

  • Location: Arenal Area, Northern Region

  • Estimated departure from San José: 7:30 A.M. – 8:30 A.M.

 

 

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.

 

PRICE PER PERSONINCLUDES: USD $151

  • TRANSPORTATION

  • BILINGUAL GUIDE (ENGLISH/SPANISH)

  • ENTRANCE FEE TO BALDI HOT SPRINGS

  • LUNCH

  • DINNER

 

 

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.

* Children (3 – 10 years old): 25% off discount Children 0-2 years old pay US$14.00 car seat charge fee Cancelation Policy for one day tours

  • – Cancellation must be made a full 48 hours prior to the service, otherwise a penalty of 100% will be applied 90% refund if cancel 48 hours or more (10% charged to cover bank refund fees).

  • – No refunds for No shows.

 

 

 

PACUARE 1-DAY TRIP 

Daily departures from San José, the Caribbean Coast and the Arenal Volcano, giving you the choice to start and finish at the place of your convenience. Half way between these locations is our Exploration Center, a private base for our river trips and our Tortuguero Expeditions.

PACUARE RIVER 1-DAY 

This is the Premier River of Costa Rica

RATE: $99.00 USD
Difficulty: Class III-IV
Distance: 30 kms/18 miles
Number of rapids: 38
Approximate river time: 4 hours
Minimum age: 12 years

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2-DAY TORTUGUERO EXPEDITION

$159 per person – Tortuguero Economy (Accommodations in Hostel TortugueroCoconut Hostel B&B, Cabinas Tortuguero or similar)

$174 per person – Tortuguero Standard (Accommodations in, La Casona or similar)

 

We have daily departures from San José, the Caribbean Coast and the Arenal Volcano, giving you the choice to start at the place of your preference. This is an excellent option to be combined with our Río Pacuare Rafting trips

Both the economy option and the standard option are located  only five minutes  from the Tortuguero National Park.

 

They are  focused on the respect, protection and conservation of the environment and of the flora and fauna of the area. Both feature rooms with private bath, hot water and fans. They have authentic Caribbean style, painted with bright colors that identify the culture of the area and  lush  gardens.

Prices based on double occupancy. For single travelers, an additional charge of $15 per night applies.

 

DEPARTURE / RETURN LOCATION   San José, Puerto Viejo or Arenal with option to change destination.

DEPARTURE TIME     Pick- Ups in San José and Southern Caribbean Coast. In Arenal Pick-Ups start earlier, approximately  5:20 – 5:40 a.m.

RETURN TIME     Approximately 5:30 pm

 

WHAT TO BRING

Light clothes, swimming suit, sunscreen, hat, camera (ideally water proof), water bottle, comfortable walking shoes, insect repellent, binoculars, raincoat. For the night-tour please wear dark clothes.

 

INCLUDED

1 naturalist Canoe tour

1 tour of town
1 night of lodging
2 breakfasts
Transportation to/from San José, Puerto Viejo or La Fortuna town (hotels outside La Fortuna have extra cost)

 

NOT INCLUDED

Lunches
Dinner
National Park entrance ($15)
Caribbean Conservation Corporation ($2)
Turtle nesting night tour ($35 from the downtown)

 

Tortuguero National Park is the best place in Costa Rica to encounter wildlife. It consists of a large system of waterways irrigating the majority of the Northern Caribbean area of the country. Because of its remote location and difficult access this pristine rainforest remains virtually untouched and it is home to many animals like sloths, monkeys, crocodiles, toucans, trogons, water birds, colorful frogs and butterflies. This National Park is also the prime nesting site for the green and leatherback sea turtles from July to October, during which months an optional turtle nesting night tour will be available.

 

On the first day we will drive to the Caño Blanco embarking area where we will access the main canal to go north into the National Park. We will check in and at 2:00 p.-m. there will be a visit to Tortuguero Village.

On the second day we will embark on a Canoe trip into the jungle where you will explore the lagoons and hidden canals, as we go deeper into the forest the canals become smaller and the surrounding wildlife gets closer. You can expect to receive plenty of good information from your naturalist guide. We work hard at making this tour a learning experience.

After the Canoe tour we will go back to our hotel for breakfast and check out. At 12 noon we start our boat ride out back to Caño Blanco and drive out with the option to be dropped off in San José, Puerto Viejo or the Arenal Volcano.

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