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Exciting
Day Trips
Pag.
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Aerial Tram
Explore
the rainforest's canopy on the Aerial Tram! Only 45 minutes
from San José.
Pick up at your hotel for the 50-minute drive past Braulio
Carillo National Park and the Rio Sucio Bridge, to the
1000-acre private nature reserve, where the Aerial Tram
is located. An open-sided vehicle will shuttle guests
1.5 km to the Aerial Tram Visitor's Center. Guests will
first go on an introduction rainforest walk prior to boarding
the tram cars for a 1.3 km aerial excursion. The ride
will stop several times as passengers board at two different
stations. The round-trip takes approximately 2 hours for
the trams to glide on a breathtaking journey-below, through,
and above the canopy. Lunch is included on site after
which you will return to your San Jose hotel.
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| Carara
National Park
The
Carara National Park is located at the geographical
midpoint of the Pacific Coast. Carara Biological Reserve
has a transitional climate because it is located in
between the hot dry northwestern region of Costa Rica
and the rainy southwestern region of Costa Rica; therefore,
it contains flora and fauna from both regions. It has
year-round wet habitats and several streams and rivers,
making the reserve a green oasis of epiphytes, ferns
and palms. It is home to parrots, parakeets, toucans,
trogons, three species of monkeys, and one of only three
viable populations of the Scarlet Macaws in Central
America. After visiting the reserve, enjoy a relaxed
lunch break and afternoon swim at the beach. Before
returning to San Jose in the late afternoon, you can
visit a different sector of the reserve.
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Cerro
de la Muerte / Lankaster
Experience
the best botanical garden in Costa Rica and have a good
chance at spotting the famous Resplendent Quetzal!
At
11,000 feet above sea level this is an area of tropical
alpine vegetation. At the Cerro de la Muerte, there
are many different members of the plant community will
be familiar because of their close affinities with temperate
zone relatives. Hike a trail in montane (what does montane
mean?) oak forests, home to the Resplendent Quetzal
and Emerald Toucanet, and seek out birds such as the
Timberline Wren, Volcano Junco, Wrenthrush, Long-tailed
Silky Flycatcher, and Flame Throated Warbler (all endemic
to these high elevations). Continue to the lovely Lankaster
Gardens with acres of cultivated orchids, anthuriums
(what are anthuriums?), and ferns and the birds they
all attract-a truly spectacular tropical garden.
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Driving
City Tour-San José
Get
a taste of San José City and its surrounding
areas!
This
tour immerses you into the rich Costa Rican culture
and history by experiencing the beautiful museums and
historical sites of San José. It begins with
an orientation and drive through the beautiful Sabana
Park. Next the tour will continue through the historic
National Theater, which was completed in 1897 and is
a masterpiece in art and architecture. Then you will
head to the University of Costa Rica, the Supreme Court,
and other sites of interest. A brief stop will be made
in Moravia allowing you to browse through the beautiful
craft shops before returning to your hotel.
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Guayabo
National Monument
See a spectacular Pre-Columbian settlement!
Pickup at your San José hotel for the scenic
drive through the small roadside towns of Pacayas, Capelladas,
and Santa Cruz until you reach Guayabo. The Guayabo
National Monument is an archaeological site with still-functioning
aqueducts that are over 800 years old. It is also an
area of natural wonders including magnificent scenery
and birds such as the Chestnut-headed Oropendola and
the Scarlet-rumped Cacique.
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Inbioparque
Enjoy
a great introduction to Costa Rica's biodiversity and
national parks!
It is located only 20 minutes from San Jose, in Santo
Domingo de Heredia. Enjoy an interactive exhibition
and interpreted trails as well as learn about Costa
Rica's experience on conservation and sustainable uses
of biodiversity. Enjoy lunch on site before returning
to your hotel.
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OTS La Selva
This privately funded research station has become a
model for many others to follow!Transfer to the Atlantic
lowlands of Sarapiqui for a visit to La Selva Station,
an internationally recognized center for tropical rainforest
research and education. La Selva is owned and operated
by the Organization of Tropical Studies (OTS), a non-profit
consortium of more than 50 educational institutions
in the United States and Costa Rica. La Selva provides
a 3-hour guided hike through the private reserve, where
you will have the chance to see over 300 species of
birds and other wildlife. Enjoy lunch at the OTS or
in the nearby town of Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui. Afternoon
return to San Jose.
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Sarapiquí
Boat Tour
Explore Costa Rica's wildlife on a Jungle
Boat Tour!
Morning
pick up at your San Jose hotel for drive to the Caribbean
lowlands of Sarapiqui. Upon arrival at Puerto Viejo de
Sarapiqui (Old Port), you can relax and absorb the scenery
of monkeys, iguanas, crocodiles, and birds while aboard
a boat which will cruise down the Sarapiqui River. The
tour also includes a stop on the river banks to enjoy
activities such as hiking, horseback riding, or lounging
on hammocks underneath thatched roofs "ranchos".
Transportation will be provided back to San José.
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