There are over 112 volcanic formations across the country of Costa Rica, with seven volcanoes currently active (lava flows, incandescent rocks, fumaroles, ash columns, etc.). Natural volcanic activity has highly contributed to the country's rugged terrain and the overwhelming natural beauty of Costa Rica’s landscape.

Only ten volcanoes in Costa Rica are known tourist destinations, leaving a whole new world yet to discover. Centuries old volcanic eruptions helped create the fertile soils that now bless the tropical boundaries of this small, agriculturally based country.

Historically, sudden eruptions have attributed to death and destruction, once again reminding all mankind of Mother Nature's awesome power. Today, modern geologic predictions make visiting volcanoes much safer, although visitors should always obey any warnings and/or instructions that are posted.

Fortunately, several of Costa Rica’s major volcanoes are now protected by the government's National Parks System (VolcanoesTurrialba, Irazú, Poás and Rincón de la Vieja). Currently, Volcano Arenal is part of an active Conservation program. Volcanoes Miravalles and Tenorio are part of a protection area as well. Climbing some volcanoes to the top to have a closer look at the craters is permitted, while others must be appreciated from a not-so-up close and safer distance.




From its base at night, see the glowing lava flowing down frequently. This cone-shaped volcano exploded violently in 1968 and since then its activity has been constant with temporary surges now and then for the delight of visitors coming to see it from all around the world. Several nice hot springs resorts have been built to take advantage of the benefic properties of these naturally heated mineral waters.



Traveling outside Costa Rica’s Central Valley and immersing into  the northern plain lands, you’ll came face to face with mighty Arenal Volcano. Along the way you’ll have the opportunity to stop at the Town of Sarchi or Naranjo and experience some of the country’s finest handicrafts, locally produced. You’ll also witness the diversity of crops that these volcanic lands sustain: All kinds of tropical fruits like pineapple and oranges, sugar cane, cassava, plantains and many,  many others. You’ll arrive in La Fortuna, the nearest town to the volcanic cone, just in time for lunch. In the afternoon there will be plenty of time to enjoy the soothing   hot pools and cascades of Baldi Complex.

Just before dinner you’ll be taken to an overlooking place ( Mirador ) which is the closest you can approach to this fiery neighbor without leaving the established secure zone. A delicious dinner will be served afterwards at one of the local hotels and then you’ll be ready for your return to San Jose.

This Tour departs from Don Carlos Hotel at 8:40 a.m. and returns at 10:15 p.m. Both lunch and dinner are included.

Arenal & Baldi Springs One Day Tour: $ 79.00  RESERVE


Exactly the same Tour as described above only that visiting famous Tabacon Hot Springs Resort and Grand SPA instead of Baldi Springs.

Arenal & Tabacon Springs One Day Tour: $ 99.00   RESERVE


Day 1: After breakfast, departure from Don Carlos Hotel or your selected Hotel in San Jose. Same itinerary as the One Day Tour. Overnight stay will be either at Arenal Volcano Inn, Volcano Lodge or Lavas Tacotal Hotel (depending on availability of space)  All these nice Hotels are comfortable and their particular location offers an excellent view of mighty Arenal.     
 
Day 2:  A 7:30 a.m. you’ll be heading towards Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge. The first part will take you by land to the northern village of Los Chiles, very near from the Nicaraguan border. From there on you’ll slowly navigate the banks of the Rio Frío and the Caño Negro Wetlands. This place is considered among the best in our country for observing aquatic birds, both resident and migratory. Off course that monkeys, large iguanas, toucans, colorful butterflies and some other local residents are not rare to be found.

This overnight  excursion departs at 8:40 a.m. and returns to Don Carlos Hotel next day at 10:15 p.m. approximately. All meals are included. Two options are available:

Arenal – Caño Negro 2D/1N (with Tabacon Hot Springs): $ 230.00 - RESERVE

Above prices have been established for a minimum of  02 participants. For individual travelers, a single supplement applies. Please contact us for further information.




At 11.269 feet above sea level, Irazu is the highest volcano in the country. The majestic Irazu is 18 miles from Cartago, the old capital of Costa Rica. From its lunar style landscape surroundings, it's possible to see both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts on a clear day. During the 1960's, this volcano became active and dropped volcanic ash on San Jose for two years. Irazu Volcano National Park is centered around the summit of this cool and misty strato volcano.

First stop on this tour is the volcano (walking shoes & a light jacket recommended). The tour then continues to the famous Basilica of the Virgin of the Angels in Cartago, the old capital of Costa Rica, followed by an enjoyable one hour visit to the lovely Lancaster Orchid Gardens. The final stop on this tour is the scenic Orosi Valley with its multiple sightseeing options like the Reventazon River, the dam of Cachi, the "Dreamer's House" (a local artisan's place where he exhibits some of his well known, non traditional sculptures & crafts) and the famous colonial church of Orosi (one of the oldest and best preserved churches in Costa Rica).

This Volcano Irazu Combination tour departs Hotel Don Carlos at 8:30 am and returns back to the hotel at 5:00 pm. Lunch is included. Irazu volcano 1/2 day tour returns at about 1:00 p.m. (no lunch).

Irazu Volcano "Combination" full day tour $63.00 - RESERVE
Irazu Volcano "only" 1/2 day tour $40.00 -
RESERVE


Without having to travel too far away from San Jose, visit Costa Rica’s highest cone: Irazu Volcano, a protected area belonging to the National Parks System. Experience impressive views of the countryside of the Province of Cartago and spectacular views from the summit of mighty Irazu. After this, the tour will take you through the City of Cartago, the former Capital City of the country, including a stop at the Basilica de la Virgen de los Angeles, Costa Rica’s beloved patron and protector. The rest of the morning and part of the afternoon you’ll be visiting Rancho Rio Perlas Resort, nestled on the evergreen hills surrounding the Town of Orosi. There will be plenty of time to hike the cloud-forest trails within the property, enjoy the natural hot mineral pools and taste a delicious buffet-style lunch. Your friendly guide will strive to provide you a memorable excursion. Later, you’ll visit the Town of Orosi and its surroundings, including the coffee plantations of this area, the Colonial Church of Orosi, a local artisan’s workshop, Ujarras Panoramic Viewpoint and the Cachi dam, among others.

 This Tour departs from Don Carlos Hotel at 7:30 a.m. and gets back
approximately at 4:30 p.m.  Lunch is included.

A minimum of 02 participants is required to confirm this trip.
Price per person: $ 85.00
 - RESERVE




Poas Volcano is considered to have the largest active crater in the world. The summit contains a number of explosion craters and one of them contains a large lake containing liquid sulphur. The unique natural environment of Volcano Poas is a lush, tropical cloud forest setting with an enjoyable nature trail winding through it. Only about an hours drive from San Jose, Poas is a strato volcano that has erupted at least 39 times since 1828 and is in state of nearly continuous, but mild activity.

The first stop on this tour is the Poas Volcano (walking shoes & light jacket are recommended). This tour passes through some of Costa Rica's very finest coffee producing areas. The other part of the tour stops at the colorful country town of Sarchi, a laid back community, typical of Costa Rica and home of the traditional, painted "ox carts".

This Volcano Poas Combination tour departs Hotel Don Carlos at 8:00 am and returns back to the hotel at 5:00 pm. Lunch is included. Poas volcano 1/2 day tour returns at about 1:00 p.m. (no lunch).

 
Poas Volcano - Sarchi "Combination Tour" $60 - RESERVE
Poas Volcano -"only" 1/2 day Tour $40 - RESERVE



Home | About Costa Rica Downtown Hotels - Hotel Don Carlos | Costa Rica downtown hotel Rooms and Rates | Costa Rica downtown hotel Gift Shop
Where we are | Costa Rica downtown hotels Services | Plan your Event
About Costa Rica | Tours at Costa Rica Downtown Hotels | Costa Rica Hotels Car Rentals | Hotel Reservation Form | Contact Us

For comments or hotel information, please fill in our ›Infomation Request Form‹ or contact Hotel Don Carlos at:
Hotel Telephone: (506) 2221-6707 | E-mail: info@doncarloshotel.com | P.O. Box: J.B.C.sjo41251 pobox025240 Miami Florida ,33102 | San José Downtown, Costa Rica.
© 2005 Hotel Don Carlos, a Costa Rica Downtown Hotel. Our Costa Rica hotel is located in the oldest historical section of San Jose Downtown.