Alajuela Trip Overview
We are a company dedicated and specialized in the tour for several days, we adapt to the needs of our customers, so we have our own guides and vehicles, we are a local tour operator in the area
Additional Info
Duration: 7 days
Starts: Alajuela, Costa Rica
Trip Category: Outdoor Activities >> 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours
Explore Alajuela Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Alajuela, Alajuela Province, Costa Rica
We are a company dedicated and specialized in the tour for several days, we adapt to the needs of our customers, so we have our own guides and vehicles, we are a local tour operator in the area
Itinerary
Day 1: Pick up at the airport; Arrival in San José,
Stop At: Juan Santamaria Historical Cultural Museum, Avenida 1, Calle Central y 2, Alajuela 4050 Costa Rica
Reception at the Juan Santamaria International Airport, San José at the time of arrival of your flight, our driver receives it with a sign with your name, Depending on the schedule of your flight this day or the last one is offered by visiting the city in the city of San José and its historic center, approximate time of 3 to 4 hours.
Duration: 3 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight in 3 star hotels
Day 2: Combo Tour Poas, Doka Coffee Tour and La Paz Waterfall Gardens
Stop At: Jardins da Cachoeira de La Paz, 126 6 km North from Vara Blanca Gas Station, Vara Blanca 00000 Costa Rica
La Paz Waterfall Gardens is the #1 Most Visited Privately Owned Ecological Attraction in Costa Rica featuring the best hiking near San José, the most famous waterfalls in Costa Rica, animal sanctuary with over 100 species of animals, and an environmental education program.
Five waterfalls, cloud forest and rain forest, safe hiking trails, aviary with numerous species of birds, toucan feeding demonstration time, insect exhibit, butterfly observatory, capuchin (white-faced) monkeys, black-handed spider monkeys, hummingbird garden with 26 documented species, hummingbird hand feeding demonstration time in the mornings and afternoons, serpentarium (snake exhibit), jaguars, pumas, ocelots, margays, tica house with petting zoo and ox cart, ranarium (frog exhibit), orchid exhibit, heliconia exhibit. All of these offered at one place, makes us the best eco park in Costa Rica.
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 La Paz Waterfall Garden for a buffet lunch (rated 4 Forks by the Costa Rican Tourism Council) that includes multiple selections of Traditional Costa Rican dishes and much more.
Duration: 4 hours
Stop At: Poas Volcano National Park, Poas Volcano National Park, Province of Alajuela
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.
Duration: 40 minutes
Stop At: Hacienda Alsacia Starbucks Coffee Farm, Waze Address: Visitors Center – Starbucks On route 712 on the way to the Poas volcano, Alajuela 20101 Costa Rica
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.
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast: according to the menu and hotel options
• Lunch: Buffet service in the peace garden waterfall gardens very good quality and variety of options
Accommodation included: stay at your hotel indicated
Day 3: Transfer to La Fortuna & Arenal Volcano Hike COMBO Ecotermales Hot Springs with Dinner
Stop At: La Fortuna de San Carlos, La Fortuna de San Carlos, Arenal Volcano National Park, Province of Alajuela
After your breakfast we will pick you up at 8:30 am to take you to the fortune, upon arrival we will leave our bags at the hotel, make a quick check-in and go out for lunch
Duration: 4 hours
Stop At: Arenal Volcano National Park, Arenal Volcano National Park, Province of Alajuela
This is the quintessential Arenal Volcano tour to do when you’re in La Fortuna! The Arenal Volcano Rainforest and Natural History tour takes you through lush rainforest along the base of Costa Rica’s most-famous, iconic volcano.
Our experienced, bilingual naturalist guide will point out interesting plants and wildlife in the vibrant primary and secondary rainforest of the Arenal Volcano National Park. You’ll then arrive to the observation point of the Arenal Volcano — this is the closest you can get to the base of the Arenal Volcano — and the perfect vantage point to take remarkable photos as the sun sets behind the Arenal Volcano.
Then it’s time to head to EcoTermales Hot Springs to enjoy 2 hot springs pool areas with a bar, locker rooms, restaurant & family-style, easy-going atmosphere. Afterwards, eat a delicious dinner at the resort before being transported back to your hotel in our Desafio vans with FREE WiFi.
INCLUDES
guide
transportation
beverages
entrance to private reserve
hot springs and dinner
RECOMMENDED AGES
6-65 YEARS
DURATION
6 Hrs
WHAT TO BRING
bug repellent
camera
binoculars
hiking boots or tennis shoes
rain gear
DEPARTS
1:30pm
Duration: 6 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast: according to the menu and hotel options
• Lunch: Local food from the area will take you to eat before the tour
• Dinner
Accommodation included: stay at your hotel indicated
Day 4: Arenal COMBO Tour Whitewater Rafting and ATV
Stop At: Arenal Volcano National Park 21007 Costa Rica
You’ll start off at a private farm next to the Arenal Volcano National Park. You will be given safety instructions as well as have a chance to warm up in an open space. During this ATV Tour, you will travel through rainforest trails, farms and alongside rivers. Your bilingual guide will point out interesting plants and exotic wildlife and let you stop and take pictures! This is a great ride for beginners and advanced ATV enthusiasts or those who want to explore the beautiful and varied landscapes of the Arenal Region.
When your ATV adventure is finished, you will be heading back to town and we will take you on your next adventure: Rafting Balsa River Class 2-3. Rafting in Costa Rica is a little different than other parts of the world because the rivers here have steep gradients, lots of rapids and are a little more technical and shallow, which makes for lots of fun and adventure!
Challenge yourself by paddling down over 10 kilometers of continuous, exciting rapids with names like “Congo Loco” and “Rock around the Croc!”
As you descend down this beautiful class 2-3 river, you’ll have a chance to admire the lush greenery, vines, and different types of insects, birds, and animals — your eagle-eyed guide will even point out the monkeys, sloths, and toucans along the way!
About halfway down the river, your guides will provide you a smorgasbord of fresh tropical fruit as you relax with the rest of your group. Take a swim and immerse yourself in the wild nature around you!
When your rafting adventure is finished, enjoy a typical Costa Rican lunch at a charming rural location. After your day full of nature, adventure, and delicious food, we’ll drive you back to your La Fortuna hotel on our comfortable, air-conditioned vans with FREE WiFi!
INCLUDES
transportation; snacks; lunch; professional guides; safety instructions
RECOMMENDED AGES
16-65 YEARS
DURATION
8 Hrs
WHAT TO BRING
Clothes to get wet in; change of clothes for ATV; sturdy shoes; extra pair of dry shoes; sunglasses with straps; sun protection; bug repellent
DEPARTS
7:00am
Duration: 8 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
• Lunch
Accommodation included: stay at your hotel indicated
Day 5: La Fortuna Arenal to Monteverde Taxi Boat Taxi & HERPETARIUM ADVENTURES
Stop At: Monteverde, Monteverde, Province of Puntarenas
La Fortuna Arenal to Monteverde Van Boat Van — also known as the Taxi Boat Taxi
Travel between Arenal and Monteverde with Desafio’s Taxi Boat Taxi. This van boat van service is the fastest and a very scenic way to travel between the Arenal Vocano and the cloud forests of Monteverde. Plus, you get to have a fun and scenic boat ride on Lake Arenal and see gorgeous views of Volcano Arenal!
Monteverde is one of the most-unique villages in all of Costa Rica. It has a small-town, rural, country feel with a lot of cowboys walking around downtown Santa Elena, the main eco-touristic hot spot.
The blend of tourism and locals is fascinating. It’s not unsual to eat at a local diner or “soda” and be sitting next to a local coffee farmer or horse guide.
Here is how the travel logistics look like for the Monteverde Taxi Boat Taxi boat transfer:
8:30am We leave the downtown La Fortuna area where our office is located and make our way up to Lake Arenal picking up clients along the way.
9:30am We arrive to the earthen dam of the Arenal Volcano and park the van. You can now remove your luggage from the van and make your way down the rocky, steep path to the boat. Remember, this is an adventurous way to travel in Costa Rica! You will board the boat and your captain will point out the lifejackets and safety instructions.
We will travel across the peaceful and picturesque Lake Arenal until we reach the other side to the small town of Rio Chiquito.
There is no permanent docking area because the Arenal Lake is a manmade reservoir for the hydroelectric project and docks are prohibited. This makes the deboarding process a little difficult because the path to the van for the next leg of your journey can be muddy or slippery. Your driver and captain will try to help as much as possible with your luggage.
Things may be a little confusing when you walk to where the vans are parked, so be sure to ask your boat captain for instructions on which van to board.
10:45am Start the last part of the transfer up the winding, steep gravel road to the Cloud Forests of Monteverde. You’ll stop along the way to stretch your legs and have a snack and use the restrooms.
12pm Approximate Arrival to your hotel. You will likely pass through the small town of Santa Elena located in the center of the Monteverde Cloud Forest region. Our office Monteverde Adventure Company is located about 100 meters down from the central shopping center, so please stop in to say “hello!”
INCLUDES
Van transportation
boat transfer
door to door service
RECOMMENDED AGES
1-99 YEARS
DURATION
3 Hrs
WHAT TO BRING
camera
bionoculars
light sweater
sun protection
DEPARTS
8:30am
Duration: 3 hours
Stop At: Herpetarium Adventures Monteverde, Monteverde Puntarenas Santa Elena, Provincia de Puntarenas, Monteverde, 60109, Costa Rica
After your arrival at the hotel, and after resting a little at 4 pm we will pick you up to visit
Wildlife From Up Close
Visitors of Herpetarium Adventures can admire more than 30 species of reptiles and amphibians such us native frogs, toad, snakes and more, all in naturally simulated terrariums. This natural museum is conveniently located in Monteverde downtown, easy for everyone to visit. A bilingual guide accompanies visitors during each tour and teaches them about the wildlife, history, habitat, and unique characteristics of the species that are found throughout Costa Rica. Some of the species you’ll find here are the colorful poison arrow frog, Jesus Christ lizard, boas, snapping turtles, tarantulas, basilisk, hourglass frog, and the famous red-eyed tree frog. The Herpetarium is the ideal place to learn about Costa Rica’s wildlife and admire its local species from up close.
Exhibition
Besides the living species, there is an exhibition of bones, eggs, skins and other elements of various species, to get to know them at full.
From Up Close
Terrariums are built thinking in the species comfort and habitat but also in our visitor’s safety, to learn and enjoy the species from up close.
Day Vs Night
Entrance are valid for both day and night. Visits after dark are unique, as the species are generally more active and vocal.
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: 3 star hotel stay
Day 6: Zipline, Tram & Hanging Bridges
Stop At: Sky Adventures Monteverde Park, Sky Adventures, Provincia de Puntarenas, Monteverde, 60109, Costa Rica
An adventure package for a full day of experiences you won’t forget. Amazing views that will leave you speechless will accompany you throughout all adventures. You will be able to soar through the mountains at incredible speed, heights and lengths on our unmatched ziplines; also enjoy and explore the tropical forest of Costa Rica from a bird’s eye view on the aerial tram; and finally get to explore deeply the secrets of nature in our guided expedition on our hanging bridges and trails.
Unmatched Adrenaline Zipline Experience
Sky Trek is a thrilling zip line circuit that’s located in the magical forests of Monteverde. Your tour will start riding an open-air gondola from the ground to the highest point of the mountain where you’ll be dropped off at an observation area to admire fantastic views of the surrounding forests, the Arenal Volcano on one horizon, the gulf of Nicoya at the other. From this point, you will start riding down a unique zipline circuit that stretches across canyons, going from one mountain to another, and in between treetops. It truly is an exhilarating adventure of zip lining down the mountains. At our Sky Trek in Monteverde, you ride the tram up the mountain, and then get back to the base riding our thrilling ziplines, making it a perfect adventure activity with no walking segments – get off and jump on to the next cable. You’ll ride 7 cables that go up to 100m (328ft) in height and 750m (2460ft) in length where you will be astounded by its impressive heights, speeds that go up to 70km/h (43.5mph), views, and because you will be able to admire the surrounding mountains like in no other place.
The Best Breaking Systems
Professional certified braking systems, with a main system and a backup one; we’ll take care of the hard work, live this extraordinary moment at fullest.
No Walking
NO walking distances, get off and jump on to the next cable. This tour is all about the adrenaline rush while flying over the mountains.
Nature Inspiring Guided Treetop Walk on Hanging Bridges
Sky Walk offers a more peaceful introduction to exploring Monteverde Cloud Forest on a 2.5km (1.5mi) circuit trail that snakes through distinct levels of the wonderfully diverse ecosystem. Sky Walk uses these trails and a series of suspension bridges for a one on one experience with the flora and fauna of the forest canopy. You will hike deep into these magical tropical forests to admire nature from a distinct perspective. Crossing hanging bridges with complete views of the forest canopy, and from the forest floor on well-maintained paths – a naturalist guide will point out intriguing plant and animal life. Trails includes some uneven surfaces and several ascents and descents.
Wear comfortable and light clothes, better if they are breathable.
Bring a jacket or raincoat, just in case a friendly rain comes by.
Wear hiking or tennis shoes, comfortable and enclosed.
Sunscreen is always recommended in this beautiful tropical country.
Insect repellent will come in handy.
This activity is snack and water bottle friendly, meaning you can bring them with you on tour to keep your strength and energies up. (just remember to take back anything you brought with you and keep nature as it is).
Departure
10:30 am
Duration: 5 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: 3 star hotel stay
Day 7: Transfer to San Jose
Stop At: San Jose, San Jose, San Jose Metro, Province of San Jose
at the agreed time according to your flight itinerary you will be picked up in Monteverde to take it to the airport to take your flight back home, depending on the time of the flight you can take a city tours in San Jose this day or the first day of arrival,
Duration: 3 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.
