Below are some of the many attractions that can be experienced on day trips from the Orquideas Inn. A large percentage of these are located near the resort less than an hour away.

Our information desk’s friendly knowledgeable English speaking staff will be delighted to help you either before or after you get here. Tell them what you would like to see and do and they will design an itinerary for you and make all the necessary arrangements.

If you prefer not to drive and/or want a guide to accompany you, we have experienced personable English speaking guide drivers available. They will make sure that your Costa Rican adventure is fun filled, safe, and informative. They can show you the real Costa Rica and explain its wildlife, flora, fauna, history and culture.

Most guided day trips start around 9.00 A.M. after breakfast and return before dinner

Our tour desk can also design custom guided or non guided tours throughout Costa Rica. They also provide personalized transportation throughout the country. They can also make your car rental arrangements at very competitive prices with the convenience of pick up and drop off at the hotel.

Poas Volcano

An active volcano that stands 8,659 feet tall and is located in the middle of a scenic National Park. It is reached by a paved road right to the top, from where the crater is only a ½ mile gentle hike. Poas’ crater is the 2nd largest in the world and its geyser’s still spew sulfuric steam making it the largest geyser in the world. There are many marked trails through virgin Cloud Forest and also to beautiful Botos Lagoon which was formed in one of the volcano’s extinct craters.

Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs

Located in a 7,200 acre national park. It is currently the most active volcano in Costa Rica with almost constant activity and lava flow. If the skies are clear and your timing is right the flowing lava provides a spectacular natural fireworks show which is often accompanied by an earth shaking rumble. It’s an experience that can’t be described. The park also has trails through forest and old lava flows, which are unique and enjoyable. Arenal is also blessed with several naturally heated thermal springs to soak in and relax. They range from basic to luxurious including swim up bars, restaurants and professional spa services to pamper you.

Irazu Volcano

The highest of Costa Rica’s 4 active volcanoes (11,080 feet) and historically its most active. It last erupted in 1963. A good paved road to the top from which you overlook a landscape that has been compared to the moon’s. Magnificent views of the Central and Orosi valleys and on a clear day the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea.

La Paz

A private park where a series of five powerful waterfalls and hiking trails meander through the tropical forest alongside the La Paz River. Besides beautiful views of the falls they also have an Orchid garden, numerous hummingbirds, a serpentarium and a huge butterfly farm that make this an exceptional place to visit.

Los Chorros

Less well known but also much less crowded. 2 beautiful waterfalls drop down into secluded pools. One of which you can swim in and actually go under and behind the waterfall. Rustic hiking trails wander through the forest next to a small picturesque river. Several picnic areas.

Braulio Carrillo

A deep rainforest that receives an average of 177 inches of rain per year. The park has beautiful rivers, waterfalls and more than 6,500 species of plants and animals. The park also has hiking trails, picnic areas and information center.

Tapanti

Located in the Orosi valley considered one of the most beautiful in Costa Rica. Scenic and gentle hiking trails meander through the forest and by the river side. Nearby are the ruins of Costa Rica’s oldest church (built in 1693) where tranquil gardens view the surrounding mountains.

Los Angeles Cloud Forest Reserve

Close to San José with the same eco-system as Monteverde but less crowded. Great choice for viewing a cloud forest and bird watching. The almost constant moisture created by dense clouds that form almost daily, give rise to an incredible diversity of plants, birds, and other wildlife. The reserve contains over 6 miles of trails.

Else Kientzler Botanical Gardens  

An outstanding botanical garden comprising seven hectares. Over 2000 different plant types from around the world. Beautiful footpaths 40% wheelchair accessible, with benches and rest areas. Informative guided tours available and special garden area for the blind to experience the plants through textures, sounds, scents & flavors.

Lancaster Gardens

Beautiful botanical garden renowned for its orchid collection of over 800 varieties. Paved walking trails wander in and out of forests and sunny fields showcasing a total of over 3,000 species of plants.

La Selva Biological Station

A combination research facility and reserve. This is one of the finest places for bird watching in Costa Rica with more than 300 species. Informative guided tours are led by experienced naturalists.

Tirimbina Biological Reserve

A 750 acre private reserve near La Selva that features self guided tours over a network of trails and several impressive suspension bridges, both over the Sarapiquí River and through the forest Canopy.

INBIO Park

Part museum, education center and Nature Park. 2 large pavilions explain Costa Rica’s Biodiversity and natural wonders. Hike on trails showing tropical rainforest, dry forest and premontone forest ecosystems. Park also features a butterfly garden and wonderful animal sculptures by Costa Rican artist José Sancho.

Zoo Ave

Macaws, toucans, parrots and dozens of other majestic tropical birds in a natural park like setting. Also exhibits of monkeys, crocodiles, iguanas and other animals. Only injured, donated or confiscated animals are housed here.

Butterfly Farm

Large enclosed garden where approximately 30 different species of butterflies flutter around your head. The demonstration room shows the butterflies’ life cycle from egg to caterpillar and pupae.

Amigos de las Aves

Experience and interact up-close with dozens of macaws and other birds. See baby macaws and learn all about birds from Richard and Margot, the founders. A non-profit organization dedicated to the breeding, conservation and reintroduction of endangered Scarlet and Great Green macaws. A truly unique experience.

World of Snakes

Interesting and informative displays featuring over 150 snakes representing over 50 species.

Doka Estate

Family owned for 3 generations. Their renowned high quality coffee Tres Generaciones has won the award for best coffee in Costa Rica three times as well as international acclaim. They offer small educational informative tours of their coffee plantation and roasting plant.

Cafe Britt

One of Costa Rica’s leading brands. Tour includes coffee fields, roasting plant and tasting session.

Guayabo National Monument

A small (population 10,000) excavated town that dates from between 1,000 B.C to A.D. 1400. Ruins consist of paved roads, aqueducts, stone bridges, house and temple foundations, gravesites  and petroglypha.

Rain Forest Arial Tram

Fascinating 90 minute ride through the tree tops on a private reserve bordering Braulio Carrillo National Park. They also have well groomed hiking trails.

Canopy Tours

A unique and exciting way to experience the tropical rainforest canopy where two-thirds of its species live. You strap on a harness and zip through the treetops while hanging from a cable. There are a number of excellent canopy tours throughout Costa Rica.

River Rafting and Kayaking

Professional reliable services are available on several different rivers from beginner level to expert. The rivers run through lush tropical forests teeming with wildlife. The most popular are the Pacuare, Reventazon and Sarapiqui.

Horseback Riding

Several excellent riding adventures are available. One of our favorites is not far from San José. It goes through a tropical forest and a coffee plantation to a beautiful secluded waterfall with spectacular views of the Central Valley.

ATV Tours

An exciting and challenging adventure through the cloud forest to Poas Volcano. See a side of this spectacular natural wonder the way most people have never experienced and enjoy breathtaking views of the Central Valley.

Bungee Jumping

For the daring or crazy you can jump off 262 foot high bridge spanning a small river. If that’s not enough you can also scale and rappel the rock cliffs.

Day Cruise on Calypso Catamaran to Tortuga Island

A full day tour and cruise to this beautiful uninhabited island on a motorized catamaran. Spend a leisurely day exploring, swimming, and relaxing, includes live music and superb lunch with wine.

Mountain Biking

Fat tire explorations are growing fast in Costa Rica. A variety of one day and multi day tours are available. High end bikes and gear are available to rent.

Hiking

There are wonderful hiking trails in all of the national parks and most private reserves. Depending on your needs you choose from informative guided tours or self guided on gentle well marked trails or rustic challenging paths.

Bird Watching

With over 850 species of resident and migratory birds, almost everywhere in Costa Rica is a bird lover’s paradise. Some of the best bird watching sites in the central valley are La Selva Biological Station, Los Angeles Cloud Forest Reserve and Tapanti National Wildlife Reserve where you can see the resplendent endangered Quetzal reputed to be the most beautiful bird in the world.

Sarchí

Costa Rica’s main artisan town. The famous painted oxcarts are made here. Dozens of souvenir, gift and handicraft shops sell local and Central American crafts. Costa Rica and Sarchi in particular is known for its hand carved wood crafts and furniture. Besides the shopping, Sarchi has a unique church that is painted pink with aquamarine trim that a lot of people resemble like a birthday cake.

Grecia

Picturesque little town next to Sarchi that is known for its unusual metal church just behind its central park.

Zarcero

Located just above Sarchi and Grecia, Zarcero is reached on a picturesque road lined with cedar trees. It is known for the wild menagerie of sculpture shrubs in its central park. Sculptured include a monkey on a motorcycle, people and animals dancing, an ox pulling a cart and a large elephant. Just behind the park is a picturesque rural church.

Jaco

A true Daytona Beach style beach town with lots of shops, restaurants, bars and clubs, where tourists and Costa Ricans alike suntan, swim, and shop during the day and party down at night. Surfing is also excellent because of the consistent beach break.

Cartago

Costa Rica’s first city founded in 1563. The city center has a nice park with the ruins of a large church that was destroyed by an earthquake in 1910 before it was finished. Its most famous building is the beautiful Basilica of our Lady of Angels dedicated to La Negrita, the black Virgin, which is Costa Rica’s Patron Saint. According to legend La Negrita first revealed herself to a young girl on this site in1635. The walls of the church are covered with tiny silver images left as thanks by people miraculously cured here. Thousands of people a year still make the pilgrimage here to be cured and show their devotion.

National Museum

The largest and most comprehensive museum of Costa Rican history and culture. Displays date from pre-Columbian times to the present located in a traditional Spanish style courtyard building that was a former Army barracks.

Gold Museum

One of the largest collections of pre-Columbian gold in the Americas. Displays feature more than 2000 artifacts weighing a total of more than 20,000 troy ounces.

Jade Museum

A large collection of fascinating Jade artifacts dating from 500 B.C. to 800 A.D. Also on display is any extensive collection of pre-Columbian terracotta artifacts.

National Art Center

A full city block in size. It contains several performing art centers and the museum of contemporary art.

Costa Rica Art Museum

Displays original works of art in all mediums by Costa Rica’s best artists.

Children’s Museum

A must if traveling with children. An extensive collection of entertaining exhibits, most of which encourage hands on play. A simulated earthquake or make music by dancing across a floor.

San José is not a picturesque city with a lot of historical architecture other than the San José Cathedral, the National Theater, and some of the restored mansions in Barrio Amón. It is however probably the most cosmopolitan city in Central America. The busy, noisy streets teem with activity day and night. If you have the time and patience, it is worth seeing mainly for shopping, museums viewing, and nightlife.

Shopping

There are numerous shops, art galleries and souvenir shops on the pedestrian only Avenida Central, the bustling Mercado Central or El Pueblo which contains a mix of shops, restaurants and dance clubs. Most of the shops offer not only Costa Rican but also Guatemalan, Panamanian, Nicaraguan and Colombian handicrafts.

Dining

San José has numerous eating choices from small local sodas to elegant gourmet dining. Cuisine from all over the world is served at usually moderate prices.

Nightlife

Centers around the Casinos, dance clubs, discos and bars that abound in the San José area. The dance clubs and discos are lively with salsa and merengue being the most popular music. The varied bar scene has something for everyone, and although small by Las Vegas standards there are a number of casinos to challenge you from casual to formal.

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