Want to really get to see Costa Rica? If you go to Jaco and spend a bunch of time with a lot of other tourists who spend their time enjoying the city’s club scene, you may leave and realize that you never truly caught a glimpse of the untamed wilderness of Costa Rica’s “pura vida.” There are many ways that you can really get to see the unspoilt beauty of Costa Rica, but one of the best is to take a Marlin Del Rey Sailing Sunset Tour in Tamarindo.

What to Expect

Marlin Del Rey Sailing Tours have an impeccable reputation for excellence. You have been on those cheap dolphin tours where the boat is old and you never see anything too exciting. Marlin Del Rey Tours blow these chintzy tours out of the water. On the five hour long tour, you will pass miles and miles of beach with literally no signs of civilization! Talk about really getting away from it all!

Marlin Del Rey Sailing Sunset Tours leave every day at 1:30PM from Playa Tamarindo Costa Rica. The boat that you go in is incredible! It is 66 feet long, and can travel farther and faster than any other boat in all of Central America. This sailing catamaran can reaching speeds of up to 25 knots, and is so large that even with 25 other passengers, you still feel like you have the place to yourself.

The tour takes you past mile after mile of gorgeous beaches and tropical rain forests. It is common for passengers see troops of monkeys from the boat. Then, at one point, the catamaran stops at a serene bay, in which you can get out and swim around. The black sand beach you stop at is incredible, and there is a palatial private house just up the beach which is the only house you will see the whole trip. At this bay, you can decide to kayak through sea caves, snorkel in the bay, or play on the beach. This beach also features a reef, so the snorkeling is actually really good.

While you play, the Marlin Del Rey staff gets a feast of feast of fresh fruit, chips, dip, ceviche and salads ready. The thing that you should know about the Marlin Del Rey Sailing Tours is that they have an unmatched reputation for incredible customer service. If you search through reviews, you find nothing but accounts of people who rave about how far the Marlin Del Rey staff will go out of their way to make your trip great. In addition to lunch, you can also get as many homemade smoothies and drinks as you want at any point in the trip for no additional charge. The kayaks and snorkel equipment also does not cost extra.

While you sail, it is common to be able to see dolphin, flying fish, rays, and sea turtles. If you come in the fall, there is also a good chance that you will get to see whales. Finally, at the end of the trip, you get to watch the sun go down over the Pacific. The tours are all around a wonderful experience!

Tips for Visiting

If you are planning on booking a sunse tour with Marlin Del Rey Sailing, you should know in advance that the trip costs $75.00 each person. This price is probably considerably higher than you would think it would be, and may even put you off from going. But you have to consider what you are getting. Endless drinks, delicious food, free equipment, a trip to a deserted beach and reef, over five hours of sailing, and the most helpful staff that you could imagine.

Marlin Del Rey Sailing Sunset Tours are a great way to really relax, soak up the sun, and really experience the untouched beauty of Costa Rica!

Original article can be found here: Marlin Del Rey Sailing Tours

Why not enjoy the ‘pura vida’ of Costa Rica while sitting in the lap of luxury? Let the staff at Blue Dolphin Catamaran Tours cater to your every whim as you sail up and down Tamarindo’s pristine beaches. Pretty much any beach in Costa Rica’s is great, but sometimes the beach just seems to have too many tourists. So get away from the crowd on a Blue Dolphin catamaran! What could be better than having the beach all to yourself?

What to Expect

During your Blue Dolphin Catamarans cruise, you will stop at a totally private black sand beach; how cool is that? While you are sailing to the beach, you can lay out and work on your tan, go fishing for barracuda or jacks, or keep and eye out for dolphin and sea turtles, all while you enjoy an endless supply of complimentary drinks. Could you pick a more relaxing, fun way to spend your vacation?

With Blue Dolphin Catamarans, you can book a trip in the afternoon, at sunset, or when there is a full moon. Each four and a half long tour starts out in Playa Tamarindo, and goes miles and miles up the coast before heading back again. When you reach the private beach, you can go kayaking, snorkeling, or just play on the gorgeous black sand beach.

Each tour comes with complimentary use of the kayaks and snorkels, and the friendly crew will tell you the best spots to explore! They will even help you spot marine life. It is common for your guide to hop right in the water with you. Want to see a puffer fish? He will look for one for you and gently catch it so that you can see it!

The guides know the places that animals hang out, and they will help you spot wildlife throughout the tour. It is really common for passengers on the boats to see dolphin, manta rays, sea turtles, and flying fish. And in November, you are highly likely to get to see whales! While you sail, you are close enough to the shoreline that many passengers will also spot troups of monkeys jumping through the jungle tress.

Every Blue Dolphin Catamaran tour also includes appetizers, an open bar with with wine and cocktails, and even a free t-shirt. There are trampoline-like nets at the front of the boat that are great for sunbathing, shaded areas, dining tables, a really nice rest room, and even fresh water showers on board!

Tips for Visiting

If you have young children, you should take the Snorkel Sail trip, which is earlier in the day and the most fun. For a more romantic journey, the Sunset Sail trip offers the combination of a day of fun with a romantic evening watching the sun set. Finally, Blue Dolphin Catamarans also offers unique Full Moon Sail trips a couple of times a month.

If you are planning a trip to Tamarindo and looking into taking a Blue Dolphin Catamaran tour, here are a few tips you should know.
First of all, are you worried about safety as far as tours like these go? Well, you should not worry, because Blue Dolphin Catamarans is a family owned and operated business. Captain Jeff Herrman was in the U.S. Coast Guard and has been sailing for over 20 years. Blue Dolphin’s other captain, Captain Carlos Duran has over 30 years of sailing in Costa Rica.

Second, at $75 per adult and $37.50 per child, you make think that the price of taking a Blue Dolphin Catamaran tour is incredibly high. But you need to factor in all of the free food and drinks, as well as the fact that the tour is so long. This is not your typical crowded, short tourist catamaran trip.

Original article can be found here: Blue Dolphin Catamaran Tour

How does relaxing in secluded, warm hot springs while watching lava flow out of a volcano sound for a vacation? Costa Rica is a traveler’s paradise, with hidden black sand beaches, incredible surfing, and jungles at your doorstep. The country has a stable political system, many people speak English, and you can get incredible deals when you travel there! So in addition to all of the gorgeousness that Costa Rica already has to offer, let us add one more item to your itinerary.

What to Expect

If you are in the Arenal area, you really have to check out the Baldi Hot Springs. Baldi is made made up of 30 hot and cold pools of varying temperatures. The cooler pools are great so that when your body gets too hot, you can cool off for a little while before getting back in. Baldi is cheaper than any of the other hot springs in the Arenal area, but just as opulent. There are plenty of hidden away coves and pools that are perfect for honeymooners, and Baldi Hot Springs also has terrific views of the nearby Arenal volcano!

Baldi Hot Springs has the largest and most expansive set of hot spring in the Arenal area. In addition to the hot springs, there are many different walking paths and gardens, large and small cool water pools, and cascading waterfalls. The bulk of the Baldi Hot Springs is made up of man made hot tubs and pools that are much more contrived than Tabacón and Eco Termales offer. Tabacón and Eco Termales both offer a more natural, open atmosphere. However, if this natural atmosphere is what you are looking for, there are pools at the back of Baldi that are more like this. Many people do not even know about these other five pools because they are so well hidden. So when you go, make sure you walk up past the water slides to get to these hot springs, which are deeper, hotter, and less crowded.

Baldi Hot Springs offers all the amenities you could ever want. There are three swim-up bars, two waterslides, a restaurant, a Spa, and rooms to change your clothes in. There are lockers for rent, and the parking is locatd behind a guarded gate, so you do not have to worry about theft. There is a large variety of pools at Baldi, two functional waterslides, and the gardens are beautiful. Baldi Hot Springs is a perfect place to play with all of your kids, and it is also a romantic place to be alone with your spouse. At night, Baldi Hot Springs gets much quieter, and you may even be able to see the Arenal lava flows! Finally, there is also a large pyramid in the hot springs, and when you go in it, you can get a really great views of the Arenal Volcano, as well as of the whole San Carlos region.

Tips for Visiting

If you are going to be visiting the Baldi Hot Springs in the near future, here are some tips to help your trip be as fun as possible. It costs $25 per person to go to the hot springs, however, there are several hotels and travel agencies from which you can pre-purchase your tickets for only $17 each. While Baldi is less expensive than either Tabacón or Eco Termales, it is still not the cheapest activity ever. If you purchase a drink at the bar, it will cost you around $10, and just a bottle of water costs $5.

However, the hot springs give you a wristband so that you can leave and re-enter the park at your leisure. So if you do not wish to spend a lot on dinner, you do not have to eat at the Baldi Hot Springs restaraunt.

Original article can be found here: Baldi Hot Spring

The La Lora Hostel of Costa Rica could be just what you want in a hotel, located in the heart of downtown San Antonio de Belen, only a few minutes from Juan Santamaria International Airport. The La Lora Hostel is a brand new family run hostel specifically designed to appeal to the young, as well at those are who also young at heart. Which, needless to say, makes for a positive setting for you and your family. At the La Lora Hostel it’s all about relaxing, having fun, and enjoying the magnificent country that is Costa Rica. It is for these reasons that the La Lora Hostel is such a popular place to stay in the area for budget travelers.

>>Make a reservation today

No matter why you decide to come to Costa Rica, the La Lora Hostel is in a prime location to help you do it all. From extreme eco adventures to learning how to speak spanish, there is something for everyone in the area. With such a great locations one would expect that the La Lora Hostel would be more expensive than it is. But to help keep the hostel aimed at younger travelers and budget savy folks the La Lora Hostel has decided to keep its rates as low as possible.

What is even better than the fact that the hostel is in an area heavy with activity is that the La Lora Hostel is also within walking distance of it all. From restaurants, internet cafes, banks, markets and the taxi and bus station; everything you need is short walk or bike ride away. Its location is one of the things that gives the hostel such an advantage.

At the hostel, you can expect clean and comfortable accommodation, with a friendly and fun family setting. In such a nice and welcoming environment, you can get to know others, make new friends, or even just simply share your experiences with others who are staying at the La Lora. The place isn’t exactly a party hostel, but more for the laid back traveler who enjoys a good conversation and meeting new people rather than meeting new drinking buddies.

One nice feature of the La Lora Hostel is that it has been recently remolded, which is more than I can say for a number of other hostels in the country! The newly remolded hostel creates a nice and peaceful hostel which is perfect for both budget travelers and even traveling families. If you are looking for a nicer, clean hostel in the area, the La Lora Hostel might be just what you are after.

The real selling point to the La Lora Hostel though is its price. If you are a traveler on a tight budget, you can certainly make your vacation dollars go far at the La Lora Hostel. While the dorm rates might be a tad more expensive than other backpacking hostels, it is because the La Lora Hostel is a lot nicer and a lot more private than other hostels. The location of the La Lora Hostel also has a bit to d with its price. Its location allows you to be away from it all, without actually being too far away.

As I said before, the La Lora Hostel is also a great choice for families who are on a budget. More times than not, even though a hostel may provide private rooms, the atmosphere isn’t very child friendly. This isn’t the case with the La Lora Hostel. Because the place only has a limited number of beds, you don’t have to worry about large groups of backpackers and tourists. The private rooms at the La Lora Hostel are also likely to be a lot nicer than private rooms at many of the other hostels in the area.

The owners of the La Lora Hostel and their staff are always around to help offer up advice on the area, directions, and help with tours. no matter what you need, the La Lora Hostel can help!

>>Make a reservation today

Original article can be found here: La Lora Hostel

The Simón Bolívar National Zoo and Botanical Garden (Parque Zoológico y Jardín Botánico Nacional Simón Bolívar) in San Jose, Costa Rica is a must see if stuck in San Jose. The Zoo is named after the General Simón Bolívar who was famed for his escapades in South American independence and was opened in 1921 some 5 years after the original plan began its fruition. The original concept was to provide shelter and protect endangered animal species in a safe environment, as well as serve as a scientific research facility and of coarse provide education about animals and their habitats to the public and scientists alike. The origins of the zoo stem back to the ‘Garden of Plants and Animals Institute of Costa Rica’ which was founded back in 1884 by Henry Pittier Prommond, and was originally near the Liceo De Costa Rica. This had to be moved when residents who lived close by complained about all the noise from the animals at the facility. So it was moved to the northwest of San Antonio close to Barrio Otoya.

..Check out our other things to do in San Jose.

What to Expect

The local name for the zoo is Parque Zoológico Simón Bolívar and is part of the Fundazoo project. Although not the largest zoo in the world it is interesting nevertheless. The zoo is part of many programs involving wildlife which you can learn about on your visit via the excellent education and tutorial exhibits within the park, most of which are in both Spanish and English.

Every year the zoo tries to have something new to offer and among some of the major changes that are still ongoing are the facilities in which the animals are kept. Not too long ago these cages were looking a little aged, but gladly and importantly this is changing for the better.

One of the main missions of the Simón Bolívar National Zoo is the preservation of indigenous species local to Costa Rica and the park does not disappoint. Visitors are treated to some local animals that you will only ever come close to in the zoo itself; unless of course you spend many years looking around the country’s jungles and wilderness’s.

Animals in the Zoo

Among the wonderful animals from Costa Rica, Asia and Africa housed at the zoo are the cheeky white faced monkeys and many species of birds including various parrots, toucans, cranes and eagles. All housed in exhibits that closely resemble their natural habitat.

There are many cats from both the big and small groups including favorites of both children and adults, the lions. The jaguars seem buoyant and happy to and will often come in close for the cameras.

The crocodiles are a fun and interesting sight along with other reptiles such as turtles and various lizards, which can be seen in their entire splendor.

Among the usual suspects are foxes, raccoons and other rodents and marsupials which are very entertaining so make sure you don’t forget your camera.

About the Zoo

What we have to remember is that this is a zoo in a third world country. It is there to help preserve species that need a little coaxing when it comes to survival. It is a shame when you read some previous bad reviews about the zoo and its inhabitants. The reviews are often not at all in any way an accurate description of what is actually a very good zoo for its size. It is a wonderful and beautiful location and place; all who are involved in projects at the Simón Bolívar National Zoo are doing a fantastic job. Although this is not to say that the zoo probably could do with ongoing investment that would surely help create some very good projects and updating for the zoo.

Not everything can be seen out and about in the zoo; there is a lot of behind the scenes with improvements to facilities and the work going on in the various research projects and funding projects. You can find out more about this through the education facilities on site and by just simply asking the keepers who are more than happy to answer your questions. So don’t be shy, they are quite knowledgeable!

All in all you will have a wonderful experience at the Simón Bolívar Zoo, it is well worth the visit. The zoo is one of the more exciting things to do when you are stuck in San Jose for a few days.

Original article can be found here: Simón Bolívar National Zoo and Botanical Garden

A vacation like no other awaits you at the Tabacon Hot Springs Resort and Spa in Costa Rica. There are relaxing and intriguing natural environments for you to explore, and although tourists flock to Tabacon to enjoy the exciting attractions, the amount of tourists will not distract you from recharging your body and your mind. Look forward to a memorable experience due to the unique nature of the hot springs, heated by the Arenal volcano, and stay in the resort the entire time as you explore the fact that the majority of attractions are right within arm’s reach. This beautiful and tropical resort is situated on a volcano, so the hot springs and pools are heated naturally from within. You will find Tabacon in a rain forest setting with many pools, springs, spas, a swim up bar and other relaxing and interesting attractions; there will never be a boring moment.

What to Expect

The hot springs themselves are next to the main lodge of the Tabacon Hot Springs Resort and Spa, and you will find that your room overlooks the Arenal volcano. You will actually be able to hear the sounds of the volcano as steam and lava come out of its vents, so be sure to watch it at night for the spectacular display of red lava to be seen from your room window. It is recommended that you come to Tabacon during the dry season so that the Arenal volcano is easy to see. Enjoy the hot springs during the evening, a relaxing retreat from the tropical temperatures during the day, as well as Pina Coladas or other favorites. Tourists enjoy the Tabacon hot springs all year around, and while your first thought may be that playing on a volcano might be something for thrill seekers, this volcano is purely for relaxation.

There are pools of different temperatures and sizes for you to try, all with massaging waters that are mineral enriched, as well as a waterfall and interesting and exotic plants. You will also find some exciting guided tours to locations such as the Monteverde Cloud Forest and Lake Arenal. You are guided through the Monteverde Cloud Forest by a tour-guide, beginning with the 70 acre Cloud Forest reserve and being informed about old forest and new forest growth.

Then, prepare to be taken up into the tree tops where you will cascade back to the ground safely after listening to educational information about the rainforest and wildlife. Lake Arenal has a 2 hour tour by boat where fishing for trophy rainbow bass and a spectacular view of Arenal Volcano are enjoyed. Watch the eruptions of the Arenal Volcano from the boat – a truly amazing and unique experience to enjoy.

Tips for Visiting

Be sure to plan your trip ahead to book your room at Tabacon Hot Springs Resort and Spa, many tourists seek the relaxation of the hot springs and you may be disappointed if you try to book your room on short notice. Spa treatments should also be booked a day in advance to ensure your appointment. Be sure to bring water shoes that will help you walk safely on the rocks inside the hot springs, you will want to take precautions to keep yourself safe while in the water, a smart thing to do at any resort or pool.

Book your trip during the dry season for volcano views. Come alone or bring your spouse, Tabacon Hot Springs Resort and Spa in Costa Rica will quickly become one of your favorite vacation spots with plenty to do and see both in the resort as well as out on the town.

Original article can be found here: Tabacon Hot Springs and Resort

If you only have a limited amount of time to vacation in Costa Rica, I would highly suggest spending it in La Fortuna. This area has one of the highest concentration of all type of activities that are purely Costa Rica. You might not get the sun and beaches, but you get hot springs and volcanoes! Just about any sort of activity you want to partake in can easily be found in the area. And with a wide variety of accommodations, you can easily find one that fits your budget! There is even a super nice backpacking hostel that puts some area hotels to shame. It is called Arenal Backpackers.

The Volcano Arenal

Arenal in Costa Rica is a certain ‘must see’ on your list of travels around the world. One of the most famous sights in Arenal is its spectacular volcano. People flock from all over the world to see one of the most active volcanoes on Earth.

Almost everyday you can see hot lava flowing from the volcano as it rumbles into action sending columns of ash spewing into the atmosphere. Amazingly you can view these events in total safety from one of the many locations around the volcano itself.

Arenal Volcano is actually surrounded with many geological features and activities to entice your appetite for adventure and sightseeing with magnificent views.

The Hot Springs

There are many hot springs around the volcano including Baldi Springs which is 10 miles into the safety zone around the Arenal Volcano. There are ten hot pools which are serviced by a network of springs; these pools offer different temperatures ranging from warm to hot. You will also find two swim bars, a restaurant and changing facilities so you can change into your bathing attire before going for a warm swim in the pools. The Baldi springs are conveniently situated near the small town of La Fortuna making them easily accessible to travelers.

Baldi Springs is located nearer the inactive crater of Arenal Volcano and well situated so you are not to far from other activities that are available to the area such as; the more private Eco Thermales which has four hot pools a nearby waterfall, some amazing scenery and what better way to top it all off than have a delicious meal at the restaurant close by. Here is a complete list of hot springs in La Fortuna.

Town of La Fortuna

The nearby town of La Fortuna is itself a hive of activity and places to see. The town also has many hotels, banks, services, supermarkets and stores; so your every need is well catered for in the locality. The majority of which are nicely located within one or two blocks of each other in the town center.

La Fortuna offers some spectacular views and is only 4 miles away from Arenal Volcano. This is a picturesque town full of history and friendly people. You will find easy access to all activities in the region from horse riding, hikes and tours.

Famed as one of Costa Rica’s adventure centers you will definitely need to spend some time in the locality as there is just so much on offer to the region. It is actually quite difficult to put a time frame on your visit to La Fortuna as you will always find something that is new and exciting to experience.

Things to Do

Among the other experiences and adventures you will find situated in or around La Fortuna are; cave exploration, whitewater rafting, climbing, and various waterfall activities, plenty of hot springs and canopy expeditions around the volcano.

>> Paradise Adventures Costa Rica – Costa Rica’s Top Rated Wakeboard, Wakeskate and Adventure Company.

Also local to the area is Costa Rica’s largest body of water inland. Lake Arenal is full of activities; again with so much to experience you will need more than a couple of days stay in the area. The lake was increased in size by three times in 1968, and hosts Arenal Dam a hydroelectric facility that services 9% of Costa Rica’s electrical energy; a sight that is a must see on your visit to the Lake.

The lakes activities include many water sports such as windsurfing, kayaking and boating, fishing and excursions. You will experience beautiful scenery and views of the more active side of Arenal Volcano, especially night time displays from the lava flows and minor eruptions of hot ash from the summit.

Rainbow Bass sport fishing is one of the big attractions for the fishermen and women who visit the Lake, which is usually best experienced at sunset of sunrise for the best catches.

The main activities are centered around El Castillo which is on the southern most tip of the lake and nearer to the Arenal Volcano. There you will find hotels and inns, places to eat and Arenal Observatory Lodge where you can safely experience the views of Arenal Volcano and the amazing surroundings of Lake Arenal.

Why not try ‘Guapote’ a fish that is caught locally with a tasty white meat. These fish are known for there fighting characteristics and sharp teeth, so if you do go out and catch them before eating the fish be sure to expect to put up a fun fight with these members of the Cichlid family.

One thing is for certain that when you visit the area surrounding Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica you will have a world of experiences that are unique to the region, even the world. Once campaigned to be included in the ‘Seven Wonders of the World’, Arenal Volcano is definitely a place that will never leave you. Often people return again and again to take in more of what they didn’t get round to see on their previous visits as there is that much to experience.

Arenal, Costa Rica is a place memories are made of, and a place for the whole family to enjoy. Only one thing is left to do; pack your cases and get yourself out here as words to describe this magnificent land are hard to find.

Original article can be found here: Tips on Visiting Arenal and La Fortuna

If you are looking for a family adventure for your next vacation, take a look at Costa Rica’s Turu Ba Ri Tropical Park. Located in San Jose, it is an exotic location that is also family friendly. The park is 595 acres full of forest and nature. Over seven miles of hiking trails features hundreds of species of plants, flowers and trees. There are 150 bird species for the bird enthusiast to enjoy. You have your choice of many things to do, from the safe to the adventurous. There are guided nature tours, horseback riding, a canopy tour and something called a “sensational cable.” While there, you can also enjoy a homemade Costa Rican meal at one of three restaurants located within the park. And, at the end of your tour, you can cool off with a swim in the “mountain oasis” swimming pool, built in the side of a mountain.

Be sure to check out our other suggestions for things to do in San Jose.

What to Expect

The nature tour takes between two and three hours. The guided aerial tram, which provides a unique view of the entire tropical forest, is 2.000ft long, and reaches 263 feet at it’s highest point. There are four miles of trails where you can view 25 species of butterflies in the butterfly gardens, bird watching, an iguana pond and many different types of gardens. And don’t miss the riverside balcony, where you can view nine foot crocodiles!

For those who want to enjoy nature and a fun adventure, try a horseback ride through orange and mango plantations, with views of the Tárcoles River, crocodiles and tropical gardens. The ride is over two miles and lasts around an hour. A knowledgeable guide will discuss the surrounding area, while explaining the need to protect the forests for future generations. This is a tour children are able to be included in since the horses are gentle and provide a safe and comfortable ride.

For a more thrilling way to view the park, try the canopy tour. It is over 4910 feet and consists of a series of eight cables, 12 platforms, a tower and three hanging bridges. These structures are carefully designed and held to high standards. The guides are experienced and go through extensive training to ensure your safety. There is also a special braking system which allows the guides to brake at any time in case of an emergency. Get fitted with a harness, helmet and gloves and you are ready to take a trip on this spectacular zip-line!

For the most adventurous of visitors to the park, there is the “Sensational Cable.” It is a mile long cable, reaching a maximum height of 315 feet. The visitor will reach a speed of 55 miles an hour on this trip which takes about one minute.

Choose the adventures that you and your family are most comfortable with. From the safe to the daring, there is something fun for everyone!

Tips for Visiting

Once you are ready to make your trip, there is no need to worry about traveling to and from the park. Round trip transportation is provided from nearby San Jose. As soon as you arrive, you will be treated to tropical fruits, coffee and natural juices. There are bilingual guides to show you the park. And, when lunchtime comes around, you can enjoy a delicious homemade Costa Rican lunch. All visitors should be sure to wear comfortable shoes, bring sunblock and water. If doing the horseback riding tour, long pants and close-toed shoes are recommended. This is a family oriented park, but only for guests age three and up. Remember to bring your sense of adventure because this will be an action-filled, enjoyable time for the whole family!

Original article can be found here: Turu Ba Ri Tropical Park

Whether arriving by land or by sea, visitors to Costa Rica often seek a coffee experience. It’s little wonder, considering the world-wide popularity of coffee and the contribution that this Central American nation makes to our global coffee culture. Even so, visitors here are often pleasantly surprised by the fun and education that they receive when they choose to take the Cafe Britt Coffee Tour. This is one of our favorite day trips from San Jose.

What to Expect

This fascinating tour is beyond the typical; just about 30 minutes from San Jose, guests arrive at the working farm in the middle highlands, of this lush tropical land to enjoy a renewing nature walk through verdant foliage, surrounded by tropical scents and sounds, capped with a lighthearted live stage play about working with coffee, the value of the crop, and life in Costa Rica.

Throughout the tour, visitors learn about the entire cycle; from a small, green bean, to your local coffee bar. A cupping demonstration lends enlightenment into what makes a coffee “gourmet” , and how to properly taste, detect and assess its characteristics.

Coffee means a lot to the people here, and is recognized as a major contributor to democracy of this nation, but more than that, it’s also a major thread through the cultural and economic tapestry of Costa Rica. This is all brought to life in a most enjoyable way throughout the tour, where visitors enjoy the unfolding story of two farm workers and how this precious bean has affected their lives. Like the Costa Rican people in general, these are warm, friendly people that are quick to share their pride-and story-with a dramatic flourish.

While it sounds like a lot of walking, this a leisurely-paced tour over easy terrain, and can easily be undertaken by anyone in good health. Families with children are not only welcome, but parents will appreciate the structure of the entire tour, as it easily entertains even those with short attention spans.

Available Tour Packages

The Classic Coffee Tour includes a leisurely, but educational guided walk through the farm, with discussion of growing, harvesting, sustainability practices, and more, and includes a stop at the aromatic roasting plant. Following the walk, guests enjoy a witty live play, and then lunch at Don Prospero, the lovely on-site buffet restaurant. After lunch, spend some time to wander a little or buy coffee & more in the gift shop. This tour lasts approximately 1 1/2 hours.

The Cappuccino Tour is the same as the classic, but with an espresso presentation and demonstration, with instruction in making that perfect cup of espresso. Add an hour for the demonstration, for a total time of 2 1/2 hours.

The Coffee Lover’s Tour is for those that hunger for even more knowledge and coffee experience. This tour combines the Cappuccino tour with a ride to Tiera Madre, where guests visit the wet mill and enjoy a “cupping”, or coffee tasting. The mill adds an hour to the total time, for a time total of about 3 1/2 hours.

The drama is scheduled daily at 11:00AM, every day, all year long. In high season, from December through April, the show also runs at 3:00PM. All tours, presentations and discussion are conducted simultaneously in English and Spanish. Cafe Britt offers transportation from all of Costa Rica’s hotels, or transportation can be arranged locally. Most cruise lines offer pre-arranged shore excursions that may be purchased onboard.

Helpful Tips

Naturally, given the tropical climate, participants will want to wear cool, light, breathable clothing and certainly good walking shoes. A hat and sunblock are always recommended in tropical climates, too.

Guests should plan to take group transportation, not only for safety, but also for economy and logistics, too. If visiting from a cruise ship, take the excursion offered onboard rather than planning to “go it alone”, as any mishaps could leave passengers stranded. In such circumstances, it is far better to have the cruise line solve the problem.

This tour captures what travel is all about; despite the acting, it introduces visitors to real people and real situations. Sure, it may be a bit campy, but its fun and its real, and if taken for a good time in the volcanic Costa Rican jungle, the Cafe Britt Coffee Tour is well worth the time-and coffee.

Original article can be found here: Cafe Britt Coffee Tour

With all the bars, prostitutes, and surfing in Jaco; there is certainly plenty to do. But, should you feel the need to purge yourself from the town for a day, you will be happy to know there are a wealth of things to do in nearby areas. Because Jaco is a straight shot from San Jose, it is easy to find organized tours that go all over central Costa Rica.

In case you are visiting other areas of Costa Rica as well, here are some other suggested day trips:
Day Trips from Manuel Antonio
Day Trips from San Jose

Crocodile Safari

Home of one of the World’s largest crocodile populations can be found on the Tarcoles River, which is one of four rivers that flow into the Nicoya Peninsula. A perfect day trip safari while in Jaco Costa Rica.

View crocodiles and their habitat up close while crusing down the river. Some of these magnificent reptiles are up to 15 feet long. In addition, professional tour guides will explain the difficult ecosystem of the Guacalillo Estuary that is home to more than 50 different species of birds with the red macaw among them.

And excellent day trip for the whole family and is safe for children. The main receiving hall is fully handicapped accessible and can house up to 200 people at a time. The tour is a two hour boat trip that will accommodate anywhere from 20 to 60 passengers so be sure to get your cameras and video recorders ready to take hundreds of pictures. Transportation, professional guides and a boat ride are all included in this trip package.

Any vacationer needs to include this safari trip in their plans while in Costa Rica. Crocodiles slithering effortlessly through the water in a lushly beautiful landscape makes for a unique and fun trip indeed.

>>Check out our review of the Jungle Crocodile Safari

Costa Rica Café Britt Coffee Tour

Coffee drinkers will enjoy this favorite day tour. The Costa Rica Cafe Britt Coffee Tour leads the visitor from the beginning of the coffee bean to the processing plant that will eventually make the gourmet cup of coffee that all coffee drinkers crave.

In addiiton to the coffee processing facilities, the tour also includes six acres of coffee fields and tropical gardens. The visitor will discover what a typical day is like and learn how a turn of the century coffee processing business operates and visitors can even purchase dried coffee beans in order to plant their own coffee. Visitors will also be able to create their own groumet coffee if desired.

The visitor will also be able to watch the roasting of the coffee beans and the packaging process which ends in a wonderfully tasting cup of coffee.

A professional acting troupe will guide the visitors in a play of the history and importance of the coffee industry and it’s foundation to the local culture. Dressed in traditional clothing of the area, the play is a wonderful experience for adults and kids alike.

The whole family will have a wonderful time on the Coffee tour and will be a time long remembered as one of the favorite highlights of your vacation.

Buena Vista Rainforest Combo

Looking to spend a day in the rainforest? Take a Buena Vista Rainforest tour. While visiting Jaco Costa Rica, taking this 8 hour tour will guide you through the lush landscape of the Rincon de la Vieja National Park, a rainforest with several species of monkeys darting through the trees and birds chirping in the air.

There are 3 species of monkey that includes the spider monkey, white faced monkey and the howling monkey. With over 250 species of birds, a tour through this natural paradise is the ideal day trip. Other wildlife that is native to the rainforest are also certain to be seen.

Enjoy the sulphur springs for relaxation and a mud bath facial to experience the health benefits that are available deep in the rainforest. Taking a walk on a bridge or experiencing a canopy ride is a must for the traveller as they wander through ravines, rivers and volcanic springs.

Cameras are allowed so the visitors can take pictures of the natural beauty of the tropical rainforest and preserve memories of a unique vacation day.

Due to the overwhelming popularity of the Rainforest tour, reservations are required at least 5 days in advance. Book yours today.

Arenal Volcano & Hot Springs

Visiting Jaco Costa Rica cannot be complete without visiting Arenal Volcano. Listed as one of the 10 most active volcanoes in the world, Arenal Volcano has hot ash belching from the top with hot lava rocks flowing down the hillside virtually on a daily basis.

While visiting the volcano in the town of Zarcero, visitors can enjoy relaxing in thermal hot springs that are naturally heated by the close proximity of the volcano. While there, be sure to consider staying until after dark to see the spectacular views of the volcano at night.

Other activities can be found around Arenal, so if you are not sure what type of tour you would like to take or would like to take several day trips, Arenal is the place to go. Tours for everything from rafting, horseback tours, agricultural tours, caves and canopy tours can be found. Visitors will be sure to find something for everyone in their party to do.

Rappeling will be a unique experience as you feel the rumblings of the volcano or walking across hanging bridges.

Costa Rica offers a wide, unique experience for any traveller and needs to be anyone’s list as a new vacation destination.

Original article can be found here: Day Trips from Jaco