La Paz waterfall. Located in northern Alajuela, near San Rafael de Guatuso. This waterfall plunges 165 feet into the R¡o Celeste. From San Rafael you will journey through the forest until you reach El Arbol de la Paz ("Peace Tree"), one of the oldest and largest trees in the country. Then you will continue through the dripping forest until you reach the waterfall.
Arenal Volcano. 80 miles northwest of San Jose. Located near the southeast tip of Lake Arenal, the Arenal Volcano ranks as one of the most active volcanoes in the world. It erupts as often as once an hour! The view is spectacular at night.
Lake Arenal. Many world-champion windsurfers call Lake Arenal one of the top windsurfing spots in the world. You can watch the volcanic eruptions of Arenal Volcano while you surf.
La Fortuna waterfall. At the foot of Arenal Volcano is the town of La Fortuna. A 4-mile hike can take you from the town to La Fortuna waterfall (164-foot cascade). Or you can get there by horseback or car and then walk for 20 minutes only.
Venado caves. Located 45 minutes north of La Fortuna, Venado is a series of eight caves with an assortment of stalactites, stalagmites, and underground streams.
Peñas Blancas River - Safari Float. In inflatable kayaks called "duckies", we'll float down the river, looking into the jungle along the banks for monkeys, iguanas, sloths, birds, and other animals.
Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve. 104 miles northwest of San Jose. So far 2,500 plant species, 400 species of birds, 500 types of butterflies, and more than 100 different mammals have been documented at Monteverde. The forest is famous for its colorful flowers, quetzals, and frogs. For the walk of a lifetime take the Sky Walk through the canopy of the cloud forest.
Zarcero Topiary Garden. 43 miles/90 minutes northwest of San Jose. You'll see cypress shrubs in the shape of animals like monkeys and elephants.
La Guácima. The town of La Guácima is the home of the Finca de Mariposas (butterfly farm). The farm has 40 rare species of butterflies for viewing and photographing.
Poás Volcano. 35 miles north of San José. Po s Volcano is one of the largest active craters in the world. On the road to the top of the volcano you'll drive through coffee fields, pastures, fern plantations, and a thick cloud forest.
Sarchí. 33 miles northwest of San José. This is one of Costa Rica's primary carpentry and crafts towns. The craftsmen form native hardwoods into furniture, bowls, platters, and other items. The most famous products are the brightly colored ox carts, that were traditionally used to transport coffee. You can tour the Chaverri Factory to see the artisans at work.