The capital of Costa Rica, San José, is located in the centre of the country, about 1'100 m.a.s.l. in the so-called ¨Meseta Central¨, the Central Valley. The city is surrounded by a mountain range of volcanic origin in the north and a mountain range of non-volcanic origin in the south. Thanks to the fertile volcanic soil and its spring-like climate all year round, the Central Valley offers perfect conditions for the production of coffee, ornamental plants and fruit.
The many different architectural styles and the traffic chaos during rush hour, meandering past the fruit and vegetable stands in the narrow streets, make San José seem unattractive at first. At second glance, however, one can find many beautiful buildings, interesting museums, excellent restaurants and also evening entertainment. An exciting destination is the Central Market in the middle of the centre, where you can find everything your heart could desire from food to clothes, souvenirs, flowers, fish and meat to beauty and medical products. The attractive main post office is one of the last colonial buildings in the city. Marimba bands sometimes play in the Plaza de la Cultura, a lively meeting place for residents and visitors, and right next door is the National Theatre, modelled on the Paris Opera. Don't miss a visit to the Gold Museum located under the Plaza de la Cultura, where, as in the Jade Museum, you will learn many interesting things about the pre-Columbian history of the Costa Rican natives. A visit to the National Museum is also worthwhile, where you can get an impression of the country's more recent history.
Barrio Escalante has become a mecca for night owls in recent years, with restaurants and bars lined up in a relaxed atmosphere. Excellent restaurants with local and international cuisine for every budget, bars, discos and casinos can also be found in the rest of the city. As in all big cities, we recommend getting around by taxi at night rather than strolling through unfamiliar parts of the city on foot.
Outside San José there are many natural attractions such as the Poás and Irazú volcanoes, coffee plantations, national parks and other interesting places to which we offer guided half and full day tours with pick-up at the hotel.

The city of Alajuela, second largest of the country, is located in the Central Valley in the province of the same name, close to the most important international airport, the Juan Santamaría (SJO). This city is one of the few in Costa Rica conserving a historical centre of the 19th century, united by a system of boulevards and urban parks. Here, the national hero Juan Santamaría, who fought against the North American invasions to Central America in the 19th century, was born. In his honour, a bronze monument was built in the park of his name in 1891. The culturally most important places such as the cathedral, the Historical Culture Museum Juan Santamaría and others are situated near Central Park.
One of the most important tourist attractions of the region, doubtless, is the Poás Volcano, located about 30 km north of the city. Due to its increased activity lately, it had been closed to the public during some time and was reopened under strict visiting restrictions. Its slopes with its fertile volcanic soil are rich in biodiversity and ideal for agriculture e.g. for cultivating coffee, vegetables and fruit such as strawberries and blackberries, as well as for livestock farming, producing meat and dairy products.
More points of interest in the surroundings are the villages of Grecia with its entirely metallic church, Sarchí with its colourful typical oxcarts and Naranjo with its beautiful church and its artistic park with bushes trimmed in many different human, animal and abstract shapes.

The well-known Rincón de La Vieja area is located in the province of Guanacaste, a little north of the provincial capital Liberia. 14,300 hectares are protected by the Rincón de la Vieja National Park, whose main attractions are the active volcano of the same name and its associated phenomena such as steaming fumaroles, lagoons and bubbling mud pools. But volcanic phenomena such as natural saunas and hot thermal mud baths, as well as biodiverse forests, can also be found outside the national park. An impressive variety of animals, wild plants, insects and birds live in this diverse area, including howler, spider and capuchin monkeys, coatis, armadillos, raccoons, anteaters, blue-crowned motmot, toucans, reptiles of all kinds and the rare puma, tapir and jaguar. The national park also protects a large number of wild Guaria Morada orchids, Costa Rica's national flower. Malinche trees, covered with bright orange flowers at the end of the dry season, can be found throughout the area, as well as the giant Guanacaste tree, Costa Rica's national tree. There are three trails of varying length through the park, which take you through wooded and open areas, past volcanic phenomena and beautiful waterfalls in a natural environment rich in wildlife. Marvel at beautiful waterfalls in the middle of the dense forest, sign up for one of the exciting nature and adventure tours offered in the area and admire the stunning sunsets over the surrounding plains, and with a little luck, even the volcanoes of Ometepe Island in Nicaragua.

When North American Quaker families settled in Santa Elena in the Monteverde region of Costa Rica's lush Tilaran Mountains decades ago, the Monteverde Reserve was considered ¨the¨ attraction of the area, and today it remains one of the most important wildlife sanctuaries in Central America. Trying to catch a glimpse of the famous quetzal, a majestic, long-tailed bird with green-red plumage, while exploring enchanting trails that wind through the dense primary cloud forest is a unique experience. There are many relaxing and adventurous ways to get to know the jungle in all its heights, such as suspension bridges, zip lines and even a sky tram.
Discover the countless species of bromeliads and orchids growing in the huge trees as you walk across the suspension bridges in the treetops and watch the mist slowly drift in. Be surprised by playful groups of monkeys and colourful birds that often hang out near the bridges. Glide from one platform to the next on steel cables strung between the treetops - an adrenaline-fuelled, fun zip-line experience. Listen to the sounds of nature on an enchanting night tour, visit butterfly gardens, the frog pond or a coffee tour and enjoy the fantastic views of the Gulf of Nicoya from the many lookout points.
The town of Santa Elena offers accommodation for every budget, most of which is run by local families. Numerous restaurants and bars cater for your physical well-being, as well as grocery shops, pharmacies and banks.
Be enchanted by the richness of nature and wildlife, crowned by the friendly and caring hospitality of the people of Monteverde.

The charming, peaceful town of La Fortuna lies at the foot of the active, perfectly conical Arenal Volcano, surrounded by mountains near Lake Arenal. The area is undoubtedly one of the highlights of Costa Rica. Although the volcano has been almost inactive since 2010, its mighty presence is still fascinating, and especially on sunny days you can see the giant in all its amazing splendour. The village of La Fortuna itself has developed into a lively place with a wide range of restaurants, bars, hotels, shops, pharmacies, banks and everything else you might need. The area of El Castillo is located on the western side of Arenal Volcano on the shores of Lake Arenal, and also offers precious views of the colossus, as well as of Lake Arenal. Sign up for one of the countless nature and adventure activities on offer, many of which have the volcano as their centrepiece, such as hiking over the old lava fields, hanging bridges, bird watching, mountain biking, horse riding, rafting, excursions to the stunning La Fortuna waterfall, zip lining, abseiling, boat trips on Lake Arenal, to name but a few. Thanks to the proximity of the volcano, you can enjoy a variety of natural hot springs fed by the volcano, either at your hotel or available for a day or evening visit. Finish off an adventurous day with a relaxing soak in one of the hot springs, your favourite cocktail in hand, while enjoying the stunning views of Arenal Volcano.

In the northern part of Costa Rica, along the San Carlos River and close to the Nicaraguan border lies the small area called Boca Tapada. The touristic infrastructure consists of very few small, family-run hotels that offer rustic accommodations, therefore this place is perfect for those who seek peace, quiet and harmony with nature.

The almost untouched tropical rainforest that in parts extends up to the river banks is the main attraction and can be enjoyed best on foot, by motorboat, or by kayak. A surprising variety of birds can be spotted here, including the Great Green Macaw, an endangered species. Other animals inhabiting this area are frogs, various species of monkeys, sloths and countless crocodiles in the water. With lots of luck, visitors may even spot tapirs or other large mammals.

Spend your free time in the hammocks or on the terrace, contemplating the surrounding nature or reading a good book while enjoying the peace and quiet of this amazing place.

This gorgeous region is the perfect place for adventure and nature enthusiasts. Due to the many rivers flowing in this area, the main attraction is rafting, which is offered both for beginners and advanced levels.

In this beautiful part of the country, you can also find some of the most important protected zones such as Braulio Carrillo National Park, Tirimbina Reserve and La Selva Biological Station, places that have been crucial for researchers and important in the discovery of new species of flora and fauna.

Sarapiquí is also famous for its large banana, cacao, pineapple and coffee plantations, all of which play a big part in this region´s economy. One of the best things to experience here is the chocolate tour, in which you will learn the technique the indigenous used to process this fruit, how it is grown and harvested and, of course, may try the finished product.

If you wish to discover the rainforest in all its glory, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí is the perfect place.

About an hour south of Limón on the Caribbean coast lies the well-known seaside resort of Puerto Viejo de Limón. The predominantly black population and numerous European immigrants characterise the region. Reggae music can be heard everywhere and locals and visitors alike enjoy a relaxed lifestyle in the numerous restaurants, cafés and bars. Most of the hotels are located on the road that runs parallel to the coast. Dreamlike white and black, palm-fringed sandy beaches line bay after bay and the further south you go, the more secluded these little paradises become.
The most important protected areas in the region are the Cahuita National Park in the north and the Gandoca Manzanillo Nature Reserve further south.
Guided hikes, snorkelling, boat trips for dolphin watching, various water sports and visits to the Bribri indigenous villages are among the most popular activities.
A hire car or bike is recommended to visit the beautiful beaches on your own.