Volcanoes and National Parks
Written by Viator, August 2010
RECOMMENDATION Keywords:
Must-Do Experience,
Nature & Wildlife,
National Park,
Volcano
San Jose in Costa Rica is many things to many people. Looming skyscrapers, glitzy malls, busy businessmen and a fast-paced lifestyle is perhaps the more obvious appearance to those visiting on work or for short durations. But San Jose can also be the nature lover’s paradise as it offers an ideal gateway to Costa Rica’s many beaches, rainforests, volcanoes and national parks.
A visit to the Tortuguero National Park allows for scenic boat rides through dense rainforests and banana plantations to one of the few remaining nesting sites of the endangered green turtle. To see the many sides of Costa Rican culture, take a full-day tour of some of San Jose’s most interesting sites – the still-active Poas Volcano, the unique Doka Coffee Estate and the old city of Sarchi.
Alternatively, embark on a visit to Irazu Volcano, Orosi Valley, and Lankester and discover San Jose’s highest volcano, expansive botanical gardens and a colorful old city, all within a day. Manuel Antonia National Park and Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs are the other popular day-long guided tours popular among tourists and locals alike. So the next time you plan a visit to this bustling Central American city, be sure to check out its quiet and enchanting side too!
Latest Replies
Reply by Viator, April 2013
Doing what: Tortuguero National Park
A MUST-DO if you want to see beautiful scenery, watch animals in their natural habitat, travel up a river to a small village with a beautiful beach and learn a lot about plants, history, animals, the ecosystem and much more. Frequent stops en route, good food and lots of photo ops. Tomas, operator and owner of Jungle Tom Safaris, who is passionate about his work, is probably the best guide anyone can hope for. I highly recommend this tour.
Reply by Viator, April 2013
Doing what: Manuel Antonio National Park Day Trip from San Jose
A long day but well worth the trip. Watching the crocodiles from the bridge and seeing the animals in their natural habitat combined with a great view of the ocean at Manuel Antonio was the highlight of the trip. Food was good and the bus comfortable. The walk to the beach was a little bit too long when carrying a bag with beach gear, water ,camera and lunchbox provided by the tour company. Aside from not having enough time at the park, the tour was a great experience, and I highly recommend it. Next time I stay a night or two!
Reply by Viator, April 2013
Doing what: Irazu Volcano, Orosi Valley and Lankester
A great experience with a highly educated guide. The weather was perfect and the views spectacular. We were only three people on the tour, the van was comfortable and the lunch was very good. I never felt rushed and our guide was always there to answer any questions. We made several stops on the way, and there were many opportunities for photo shoots. A great tour and I highly recommend it.
Britt B
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