 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 regular 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.
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Traveling outside Costa Rica’s Central Valley and immersing into
the northern plain lands, you’ll come face to face with mighty Arenal Volcano. Along the way you’ll have the opportunity to stop at the Town of Sarchi 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 to La Fortuna, the nearest town to the volcanic cone, just after midday and after a short and scenic drive you’ll get to The Springs Resort for a tasteful buffet-style lunch. Throughout the afternoon there will be plenty of time to enjoy the soothing hot pools and cascades of this exclusive and recently opened complex: The Springs Resort. The views of fiery Arenal are incomparable. At sunset you’ll be taken to the Arenal Lake, which will give you spectacular views of the area and an even closer and different view of mighty Arenal. A delicious dinner will be served afterwards at one of La Fortuna’s local hotels and then you’ll be ready for your return to San Jose.
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This Tour departs from Don Carlos Hotel at 8:10 a.m. and returns at 10:30 p.m. Both lunch and dinner are included.
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Arenal & The Springs Resort Full Day Tour: $ 99.00 RESERVE
( Children up to 09 years: 25% Off )
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 Day 1: After breakfast departure from Don Carlos Hotel or your selected Hotel in San Jose. Itinerary is the same as the One Day Tour and you’ll be able to enjoy the soothing and relaxing thermal springs of luxurious Tabacon Resort. Overnight stay will be either at: Arenal Volcano Inn, Volcano Lodge or Arenal Paraíso Hotel (depending on availability of space) These three nice Hotels are comfortable and their particular location offers you an excellent view of mighty Arenal.
Day 2: We recommend you an early wake-up and breakfast so that you are able to take one of the OPTIONAL half day Tours that are available. You can
schedule them directly at the Front Desk of your Hotel. Our recommendations are: The Arenal Sky Tram or a Half Day Floating Tour on the Peñas Blancas River (either by raft or canoe) Just make sure to be back at your Hotel in time
for your return transfer to San Jose, that leaves at 1:30 p.m. approximately.
Arenal Overnight Excursion departs from Don Carlos Hotel at 8:10 a.m. and returns the next day at 5:00 p.m. approximately. Package includes: All transportation, guide, entrance fee to Tabacon Resort, lodging, lunch and dinner (first day) and breakfast (second day).
Note: Optional Tours and lunch (second day) are NOT included.
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Arenal Overnight (with Tabacon Hot Springs) $ 195.00 - RESERVE
( Minimum: 02 participants - Single travelers: Add: $ 40.00 )
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At 11.269 feet above sea level, Irazu is the highest volcano in our country.
Majestic Irazu is 18 miles north from Cartago, the former capital city of Costa Rica. From its lunar-style landscape surroundings it is possible to see both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts on a very clear day. During the mid 1960’s it had a
long period of strong activity, throwing out large amounts of ashes and rocks that
spread over a vast portion of the country. This is the reason why it has no vegetation growing at its top, but also the reason why Cartago’s soil is one of the most fertile of the entire country. Irazu Volcano National Park is centered around the summit of this temporarily quiet, yet respect-inspiring volcano.
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First stop on this trip is at famous Irazu (comfortable shoes, long pants and light sweater are recommended) You’ll have enough time to walk around the crater and
witness spectacular views at the volcano’s summit. Next destination will be Cartago, where there will be a stop at the Basilica de la Virgen de los Angeles. Here, participants will have the chance to go inside and get a closer view of this historic religious building. Next, Lankaster Botanical Gardens awaits you for a full hour guided visit. This well-known place has a great orchid collection and numerous trails with plants from all around the country. After lunch, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy several attractions at nearby Orosi Valley: The Town of Orosi with its Colonial Church, Reventazon River, the Cachi Lake and Dam and the Ruins of Ujarras, just to mention a few of them. This Tour leaves from Don Carlos Hotel at 7:30 a.m. and gets back at 4:00 p.m. approximately. Lunch is included.
There is also a Half-Day Tour available, which visits the Volcano, makes the stop at the Basilica and then returns to San Jose. No meals are included. Departure is at 7:30 a.m. and return is at 12:00 m.d.
Irazu - Orosi & Lankaster: $70.00 - RESERVE
(Children up to 10 years: 25% Off )
Irazu Volcano Half Day: $43.00 - RESERVE
(Children up to 10 years: 25% Off ) |
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This volcano is considered to have the widest active crater in the world, with a liquid sulphur lagoon at its base. The unique natural environment of this National Park is a lush tropical cloud forest setting, with enjoyable trails winding through it, and only a little more than one hour away from San Jose.
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After driving through the City of Alajuela, the second largest city of the country, you’ll begin to climb the volcano, driving through some
of our largest and most accessible coffee plantations. This is where some of Costa Rica’s premium exportation coffee comes from. Participants will be able to get right to the crater’s edge and later take a guided hike through the trails of this cloud forest sanctuary. You’ll have the chance to stop for an energizing lunch at one of the numerous countryside restaurants of the area. In the afternoon the trip will take you through the Town of Grecia, with its church made entirely of metal and also the picturesque little town of Sarchi. This is the place where our famous painted oxcarts are manufactured, along with a great diversity of souvenirs made with the country’s best hardwoods. With a little luck you’ll be able to see the artists hand-painting the oxcarts. This trip leaves from Don Carlos Hotel at 7:50 a.m. and gets back at 4:00 p.m. Lunch is included.
There is also a Half-Day Tour available, visiting Poas Volcano only. Departs at 7:50 a.m. and gets back at 1:00 p.m. approximately. No meals are included. |
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Poas Volcano, Grecia & Sarchi: $ 64.00 - RESERVE
(Children up to 10 years: 25% Off)
Poas Volcano Half Day Tour: $ 43.00 - RESERVE
( Children up to 10 years: 25 % Off )
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