COSTA RICA PURA VIDA
6 Days / 5 Nights

VISITING: San José, La Paz Waterfall Gardens, Isla Tortuga, Irazu Volcano and Cartago City.

LETTER CODES: (B) Breakfast, (L) Lunch, (D) Dinner.

Brief Description:

DAY 1. Welcome to Costa Rica. Meet & Great at San Jose Airport and transfer to Hotel.

DAY 2. Discover the most important sites of San Jose, Costa Rica with our professional tour guide and in a private tour with delicious lunch.

DAY 3. Visit to the most important ecological attraction at only 1 hours from San Jose. La Paz Waterfall Garden includes 5 magnificent waterfalls with easy access and multiple exhibits of the most representative wildlife species of Costa Rica.

DAY 4. Full day tour to Tortuga Island by a deluxe Catamaran. Lunch at the beach. Free time for enjoy the beach and extra activities.

DAY 5. Private tour to Cartago Province, the former Capital City of Costa Rica. Visit the famous Irazú Volcano, Orosi Valley, Ujarras Ruins and Cartago City.

DAY 6. Transfers to International Airport. Time to say goodbye. Have a safe and pleasant journey back to home.

Day by Day Itinerary.

Day 1.   WELCOME TO COSTA RICA. Arrival to the International Airport Juan Santamaria. Upon arrival at the San Jose airport, you will be met by one of our representatives how will explain your itinerary, answer any questions and provide you with a packet of vouchers and information about your trip. Transfer to hotel and free time at leisure.

Day 2. SAN JOSE CITY TOUR. (B, L). Explore our Capital City, San Jose, with a professional guide on this bus & walking unique San Jose City Tour. Starting with a 9:00 AM Pickup directly from your hotel, you will be able to learn about our culture, architecture, customs and traditions. Touring the main streets and avenues, know La Sabana Metropolitan Park, the largest park in the middle of the city where many sport activities can be practice for free now, but in the past, was the main international airport of Costa Rica. This beloved place by the Costa Ricans, houses important attractions such as The Costa Rican Art Museum and former Control Tower of the airport, The Headquarter of the Costa Rican Soccer Federation, The National Gym, The Olympic Swimming Pool, The National Stadium, a Lake and many soccer, basketball, and tennis courses for the free use of the citizens.

In the heart of the city, know our Central Park, which dates from 1885, the main Roman Catholic Cathedral, The Melico Salazar Theater and the National Theater, our most important masterpiece and most beautiful building we have in Costa Rica. Inaugurated on October 19, 1897, our jewel is still our maximum cultural center at national and international level.

Next to the National Theater it is the Plaza de la Cultura. A very popular square where different public and open-air activities are carried out daily. Below the square is one of our most important museums. The Gold Museum. This is belonging to the Central Bank of Costa Rica and its own the largest Pre-Columbian Gold pieces found in our country.

Few blocks East the Gold Museum we have the National Museum, one of the most emblematic and important historical buildings we have in Costa Rica. A former headquarter for the military forces in Costa Rica, back in 1948 and after the civil war, the Costa Rican army was abolishing at this place and the facilities were transformed into the museum. Today, the National Museum protects the pre-Columbian patrimony and preserves the nature and cultural history of Costa Rica. During our San Jose City Tour you will be able to explore this beautiful place with our guide.

After touring San Jose City, enjoy a delicious typical lunch in a small and cozy restaurant located in an old house. This place, called Grandma’s Corner specializes in the preparation of authentic typical Costa Rican meals and they use fresh ingredients from the garden and that are very traditional.

After lunch, continue our San Jose City Tour visiting other important areas of our capital city such as Barrio Otoya and Barrio Amon, two of the most traditional neighborhoods, Parque España, Metal School, The Yellow House (host of our Ministry of Foreign Affairs), The National Center of Culture, The Parque Nacional with our National Monument (representing the Rivas and Santa Rosa Battle), Our National Congress, The old Train Station, The National Library, The Electoral Tribunal and Democracy Square, Parque Morazán and Music Temple.

Driving a little bit west from this area, you can enjoy the beautiful architecture of our Oficina de Correos or Post Office. It is a major landmark and postal center of the city. Completed in 1917, it was designed by the foreign architect Luis Llach in an eclectic style, originally has a pea green colored facade and Corinthian style pilaster. The arch centerpiece contains angels bearing the Coat of arms of Costa Rica.

After all this great San Jose City Tour experience, we will bring you back to your hotel.

Day 3.  PRIVATE TOUR TO LA PAZ WATERFALLS GARDENS. (B, L). The tour begins at your hotel, where you hop on a luxury air-conditioned motor coach or private 4X4 Deluxe vehicle for a one-hour drive along scenic roads, passing quaint villages on your way to the beautiful complex of La Paz Waterfall Gardens.

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, rescued wildlife preserve with over 100 species of animals, and an environmental education program.

With the fine attention and explanations of our naturalist tour guide, enjoy: Five waterfalls, cloud forest and rain forest, safe hiking trails, aviary with numerous species of birds, toucan feeding, insect exhibit, butterfly observatory, capuchin (white-faced) monkeys, black-handed spider monkeys, hummingbird garden with 26 documented species, hummingbird hand feeding in the mornings and afternoons, serpentarium (snake exhibit), jaguars, pumas, ocelots, margays, traditional typical  house with petting zoo and ox cart, ranarium (frog exhibit), orchid exhibit, heliconia exhibit.  All these offered at one place, makes us the best eco park in Costa Rica.

Our tour includes a delicious Buffet Lunch. It includes multiple selections of Traditional Costa Rican Dishes, Full Salad Bar, Pizza, Garlic Bread, French Fries, Fresh Fruits, Rice Pudding and unlimited Fresh Fruit Juice, Coffee and Tea.

After finishing all these unique Eco Attractions, and by the middle of the afternoon, return to your hotel in San Jose.

Day 4.  TORTUGA ISLAND TOUR (B, L). Your breath-taking, adventure begins with a pickup from your hotel and a relaxing drive through the wonderful Costa Rican countryside on an air-conditioned transportation and recent model deluxe vehicle or minibus. You will be heading to the Pacific Ocean, crossing beautiful landscapes on your way to Puntarenas, about 90 minutes’ drive from San Jose.

Located 12 nautical miles from Puntarenas, Isla Tortuga (called “Tolinga” by the natives) is a sanctuary of white sand beaches and turquoise waters that houses marine birds, flora and fauna, typical of Costa Rican Central Pacific area. With an extension of 120 hectares, it maintains a protected forest awarded with the Ecological Blue Flag; distinction that is delivered to beaches in our country that have free of pollution waters.

Tour Includes:

• Round trip transportation from San Jose
  •  Bilingual specialized guides: ENGLISH / SPANISH (another language, please consult).
  •  Snack-type breakfast served on the bus.
  •  90 minutes trip on board our CATAMARAN “THE GREAT BAY’S PRINCESS” and / or “BAY’S PRINCESS”.
  •  Refreshments: Fruits, fish ceviche, drink and sandwich.
  •  Unlimited natural drinks.
  •  DJ music and professional animation during the tour by the Costa Rican singer of great national experience Will Matamoros, who has been a singer of well-known musical groups such as La Solution and Son Mayor.
  •  Beach chair (beach bed) and umbrella.
  •  We guarantee 5 hours of beach at Isla Tortuga.
  •  Beach volleyball.
  •  Lunch and glass of wine (see description)
  •  3 soft drinks
  •  Insurance, permits and maritime safety regulations compliance.
  * With extra charge: snorkel, banana, kayak, among others. Happy hour: 2X1 in cocktails.

This is one of the best beach tours you can take during your trip to Costa Rica. The return to the hotel will be at night.

Day 5. PRIVATE TOUR TO IRAZU VOLCANO AND CARTAGO CITY (B, L). Your breath-taking, adventure begins with a pickup from your hotel and a relaxing private drive through the wonderful Costa Rican countryside on an air-conditioned transportation and recent model deluxe vehicle or minibus. Your guide will point out many sights of interest including coffee plantations, sugar cane and citrus plantations, diverse fruit stands and rural farming communities. You will be heading to Cartago City and Irazu Volcano National Park, about 1.5 hours’ drive from San Jose.

The Irazu Volcano is still active although the last major eruptions were between 1963 and 1965, with occasional minor eruptions and some small lava flows since that time. The crater principal lake has an unusual greenish yellow coloring caused by rainfall dissolving the minerals along the crater’s walls. It has also been known to change color to rust-red depending on the minerals present.

The name Irazu could come from either the combination of ara (point) and tzu (thunder) or a corruption of Iztarú, which was the name of an indigenous village on the flanks of the volcano. In Costa Rica, it is known by the name of El Coloso (The Colossus) due to the catastrophes that it has provoked in the past.

The volcano´s summit has several craters, one of which contains Diego de la Haya, a green crater lake of variable depth. At 11,260 feet (3,432 m), the Irazú Volcano is the highest active volcano in Costa Rica. It is easily visited from San José, with a road leading right up to the summit craters. From the top, it is possible to see both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans on a clear day. However, such clear days are rare, and the volcano´s summit is usually cloud-covered.

After the visit to the volcano, you will enjoy the beauty of the Orosi Valley, Ujarras Ruins, Cachi Lake and its Hydroelectric Dam. Lunch is included in a beautiful local restaurant before to descend to the historical City of Cartago.

The so-called “Parish ruins” or ruins of Cartago are located to the east of the city’s main square. They consist of the walls and steps of a Romanesque-style temple, whose construction began in the second half of the 19th century and was interrupted as a result of the Santa Monica earthquake (May 4, 1910), and two other earthquakes, when the building was already nearing completion. In reality, they are not ruins in the historical sense, but rather an interrupted construction, but they constitute a site of great interest for visitors and give a lot of character to the center of the town.

After visit all these beautiful places, return to the Hotel by 5:00 PM.

Day 6. TRANSFER OUT. (B) Transfer to the International Airport accordingly with your scheduled flight and Goodbye.

WHATS TO BRING: Hiking Shoes, Bathing Suit, Binoculars, Camera, Beach Sandals, Suntan Lotion, Hat, Mosquito Repellent.

INCLUDE: 5 nights lodging in high quality Hotels, all land transportation within Costa Rica, all airport/ hotel transfers on scheduled arrival/ departures dates only, specified meals, specified tours and taxes.

NOT INCLUDED: International air fare, airport departure taxes, meals not specified in the itinerary, alcoholic beverages, personal equipment, extras in hotels (laundry, phone calls, and room service), gratuities, or costs associated with changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control.

RATE OPTIONS FOR THIS PACKAGE: All our packages are quoted according to our clients budged preferences in 3 categories. Silver, Gold or Platinum. Minimum 2 people.

SILVER PACKAGE	GOLD PACKAGE	PLATINUM PACKAGE
Includes 3 Star Hotels Shuttle Bus Transfers	Includes 4 Star Hotels Shuttle Bus & Private Transfers	Includes 5 Star Hotels Private Transfers
Rate per Person: $1.850	Rate per Person: $1.999	Rate per Person: $2.525

HAVE A GROUP? CONTACT US FOR A SPECIAL DISCOUNT

Contact Number Via WhatsApp: +506-8530-2973.

Click this link Private Tours from San Jose for check all our great private VIP Tours. For Multiday Vacation Packages please visit: Costa Rica Vacation Packages

Greenway Nature Tours is a certified tour operator founded in 1999
Certified by the Costa Rica Tourism Board since December 2003
Certified with Essential Costa Rica since July 2024
Member of National Tour Association in the United States.
Travellers’ Choice Award Winner by TripAdvisor Click on the link for check what people say about our tours and services.
Check our Google Reviews: https://g.page/r/Cfu8lg1dd_JBEAE/review

 IMPORTANT NOTES:

HOW TO RESERVE THIS PACKAGE: Please send an email to info@greenwaytours.com indicating: Number of passengers adults, children and ages, travel dates and selected category (Silver, Gold or Platinum)

DEPOSIT AND FINAL PAYMENTS: Once you confirm your package selection, we will send a confirmation form and request a 20% deposit. The Balance must be paid 45 days before the arrival date.

SHUTTLE BUS SERVICE: The shuttle bus is a service where a maximum of 6-7 passengers travel in the same vehicle and to the same destination. By this way, we reduce the price of the transfer service and can arrange more economical packages. The service is very good, door to door, with recent model vehicles, full insured and A/C.

PRIVATE TRANSFERS: Exclusive VIP service. Door to Door in deluxe Mini van or vehicle. Recent model vehicles, full insured and A/C.

TRAVEL DATES: You select the best date for you. All our options are available all year around and we just need your travel dates in order to check the hotel’s availability and arrange it.

HOW BIG THE GROUPS ARE: Our vacations are operated in an independent basis and you will not travel as part of a group unless you are part of a group. However, during the transfers and Daily Tours you will travel with other tourist we might have for that particular activity or service.

CAN I CUSTOMIZE A PACKAGE: Yes, you can use our packages as a base and make any change on it. We are very flexible. If these packages do not fit on your desired vacation, just send an email to us and we can prepare a new option for you.

AIRFARE IS NOT INCLUDED: All our options include the Land Portion only. Airfare must be on your own and indicate your arrival and departure dates to us in order to arrange the hotel’s bookings.

HOTEL CATEGORIES: All the hotels used by Greenway Tours had been selected considering the best standards of quality and service. Our hotels are between 3 and 5 stars. All inspected by our company’s owners and managers to guarantee an excellent service. At least 50% of our lodging contractors had been certified as Green Companies by the Costa Rican Tourist Board (Certification in Sustainable Tourism CST).

AIRPORT TRANSFERS: All our packages include Airport – Hotel – Airport Transfers with a professional bilingual tour guide upon your flight arrival.

VOUCHERS & WECOME KIT: During the transfer service to your hotel, our tour guide will provide general information about your tour and give you a welcome kit with all the vouchers and documents you will need for your trip.

FAST AND EASY COMMUNICATION WITH US: We highly recommend the use of the App WhatsApp. This is a very well-known and free communication system. If you already use it, great. Let´s get connected. If not, we invite you to download it in your phone and start using it. Our number in Costa Rica is +(506)8530-2973.