CULTURAL CITY ATTRACTIONS

San Jose has a large selection of year-round cultural events, commendable museums and theaters as well as a small, but attractive entertainment scene.

Both the National Theater and the Melico Salazar present year-round concerts, ballets, and operas. The former built in the 1890’s, modeled after the Opera de Paris, is probably one of our few, well-maintained, cultural gems. The Melico Salazar is a neoclassical theater which not too long ago (20 years Apr.) used to be a large and lofty movie theater called the Cine Raventos. Melico Salazar was actually one of Costa Rica’s one and only famous tenors, who sang in the Metropolitan Opera House in New York. The theater has an old-world style cafe and bar with large windows for great views of Avenida Dos’s rambunctious life.

Many small theaters in downtown San Jose feature amusing plays, portraying the idiosyncrasies of the Costa Rican culture. However, command of the Spanish language is a must.

The Little Theater Group is a small, yet quite talented English-speaking, theater group offering two to three plays in the year. 

Check the La Nación Newspaper or the Tico Times English-speaking newspaper for the monthly theater and cultural agenda.

San Jose’s “must see” museums are the National Museum,  housed in the imposing Bellavista fortress (1887), showcasing a comprehensive natural and cultural history of Costa Rica. Westwards, heading towards the National Theater, is the underground Gold Museum displaying an impressive collection of Pre-Columbian gold. Hidden on the 11th floor of the National Insurance Building is the Jade Museum exhibiting amazingly crafted jade pieces as well as describing the intricate story of Costa Rica’s pre-Columbian civilizations.

Other museums can be found in the surrounds of the hotel: Museo de Arte Costarricense, Museo de los niños, Museo de Ciencias Naturales de La Salle,  Museo de Formas, Espacios y Sonidos,  Museo Historíco Calderón Guardia,  Museo de Insectos de la Universidad de Costa Rica.

While small, the San Jose nightlife and entertainment scene offers a little bit of everything, catering to everyone’s needs. Most malls or shopping centers offer state-of-the art cinemas, with new releases. San Jose’s largest malls, Multiplaza and Terramall, offer après-movie bars and restaurants. As it is, the bar scene is quite large. Most bars are either located in San Pedro, (the university town), or in the popular suburbs of Rohrmoser and Escazú. A few suggestions are Jazz Café,El Cuartel de la Boca del Monte and Meridiano del Este, all located in the San Pedro neighborhood, while Henry’s Sports Bar, Friday’s and Mas Tequila are all located in Escazú. Rohrmoser features the amusing and great bocas or appetizers bar, El Pollo Cervecero.

You can also find in our hotel a very good restaurant with international cuisine. Very close to Vesuvio, in the historical downtown, you will also find  nice and fancy restaurants such as Bakea,  Café Mundo, Café Moro, Los Balcones,  La Cocina de leña, Bohemia, Jurgens, Le Chandelier, Llle de France, Parrillada El Churrasco , Olio.

Good discotheques are hard to find but a few alternatives are the El Pueblo complex, near us, offering a maze of quaint bars with small dance floors. You can also try the adjoining La Plaza Discotheque.

One Day Tours

San José City Tour (morning or afternoon)

Pick up time:.....7:40 a.m. or 12:40 p.m.
Duration:.......... 4 hours

This tour immerses you in 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, we will take a walking tour through the historic National Theater. Completed in 1897, the theater is a masterpiece in art and architecture. Afterwards we will visit one of the many unique museums of Costa Rica.

We will continue heading to the University of Costa Rica, the Supreme Court and various sites of interest. A brief stop will be made in a beautiful art craft shopping store allowing you to browse through it before returning to your hotel and why not, buy some souvenirs for those who are expecting you back at home.

Suggested Equipment: camera.

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Pacific Aerial Rain Forest Tram

Created to raise the world's consciousness as to the importance of the tropical forests, the New Rain Forest Aerial Tram - Pacific allows visitors to discover the hidden secrets and hanging gardens of the Transitional Tropical Rainforest from a totally different perspective.

The Rain Forest Aerial Tram - Pacific is a new eco-tourism project with 222 acres of forest. The property offers not only one of the most interesting and exuberant forests in the Americas, but also showcases small waterfalls and scenic views of the Pacific Coast, which visitors can enjoy during the Tram ride.

Arenal Volcano by Night & Hot Springs (ONE DAY)

Pick up time:......10:00 a.m. approximately.
Duration:...........11 hours

Our most popular tour! The Arenal Volcano is one of the most active volcanoes in the Americas. From our observation point, you will feel the ground tremble and see the night sky explode with ash and lava in a natural display of fireworks. Next, we will visit the hot springs of the volcano, where you can relax in the soothing waters and be caressed by the cool night air while observing the stars and the incredible night sky above the volcano. At a convenient time after your arrival, we will treat you to a splendid dinner.

This is absolutely an evening you will not want to miss in Costa Rica!

On this tour we will also visit the town of Sarchi, well known for the beauty of the handcrafts that they produce. (Lunch and dinner included).

Suggested Equipment: swimsuit, comfortable walking shoes (if there is good weather), sweater, insect repellent, and a towel (optional).

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Poás Volcano National Park (ONE DAY)

Pick up time:......8:30 a.m. approximately.
Duration:...........5 hours

The Poás Volcano is one of the world's largest geysers with an awesome crater, over 1.5 km. wide! The volcano is active, but completely safe for viewing. This tour begins with a beautiful drive through the lush coffee plantations and flower farms of the area.

In addition to the volcano, the Poás National Park is a 9,884-acre reserve with rich tropical vegetation and animal life. The tour includes a hike through the surrounding forest that is teeming with typical plant life and exotic birds. The hike concludes at a restful, emerald green, tropical lagoon.

Suggested Equipment: sweater, camera, binoculars, comfortable shoes and rain coat.

Irazú Volcano (ONE DAY)

Pick up time:  8:00 a.m. approximately
Duration:        5 hours

The trip begins ascending the breathtaking summit of the Irazu Volcano for a view of the massive crater. On a clear day you can actually see the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans!

After an exciting tour at the volcano, we will descend to the historical city of Cartago. Here we will visit the mysterious ruins of the old Parish and view the beautiful Basilica of our "Virgen de los Angeles" with rich displays of carvings, statues and art.

Suggested Equipment: sweater, camera, binoculars and comfortable shoes.

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HIGHLIGHTS TOUR - 4 IN 1

This tour offers you the greatest variety of landscapes and vegetation that you can see in one day. It is perfect for people on a short break wishing to see the Costa Rican outstanding vegetation and scenery. The day will be fast - moving and fulfilling.

On this combination tour you will experience in one day at a no rush pace what is considered the most recommended tour in Costa Rica. After a delicious Costa Rican breakfast we will continue our upward journey to the Poas Volcano, observing on the way huge coffee fields, dairy farms, strawberry, blackberry, fern and tropical flower plantations. At an elevation of 2704 m above sea level you will experience one of the world´s widest active craters as well as enjoy a small hike on the refreshing cloud forest of this National Park.

After leaving the National Park we will be able to observe some dairy farms which have become the pride of Costa Ricans, due to the quality and the rich tasting products that are currently being exported. As we continue towards the Caribbean zone, we will stop to discover La Paz Waterfall Gardens, a Nature Park where we will walk on the truly spectacular trails that will lead us to Magia Blanca Falls ( the largest and most spectacular of the falls in the area ). At the park you will also witness a beautiful butterfly farm.

After lunch we will continue to Sarapiquí and on our way we come across the famous La Paz Waterfall, where we take some time to enjoy the splendid view. Less than a mile away we will encounter yet another waterfall surrounded by virgin forest, which becomes a great photo opportunity. Once we arrive at Puerto Viejo ( Old Port ), we will be ready to enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the Sarapiqui River, just sit back and observe the wildlife that is around you. The monkeys, iguanas, caymans, and the variety of birds will allow you to relax and concentrate on the scenery.

During the boat ride, our guide will also explain to us about the life style of the friendly people that live at the river margins.

Before returning to San José we will drive through the unforgettable rain forest of Braulio Carrillo National Park, one of Costa Rica´s most important rainforest reserves.

Wear sneakers, blue jeans, shorts and pullover or jacket.

Bring raingear, camera, sun block and insect repellent.

Includes breakfast and lunch, entrance fees and boat tour.

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Tortuguero National Park (ONE DAY)

Pick up time:......6:00 a.m. approximately.

Depart from San José accompanied by your bilingual naturalist guide.

Driving first past coffee plantations, we'll head into the mountains of Braulio Carrillo National Park where steep slopes are covered with thick cloud forest and beautiful waterfalls can be seen from the road.

Just after Braulio Carrillo National Park, we stop for a typical Costa Rican breakfast, fresh fruit, coffee, eggs and the popular Gallo pinto.

Following breakfast, we continue to a Banana Plantation, where we visit a Banana Packing Plant. Your guide will explain the process of growing and exporting that fruit.

We later abandon our bus and embark on the most exiting part of this tour: the boat trip into the jungle on the Caribbean Canals to the world famous Tortuguero National Park.

We will enjoy a hearty, typical lunch to please the hungriest of appetites.

After lunch we will take a tour to Tortuguero Town where you will have a chance to interact with the local people as you walk on the beach.

Returning to the bus, we head back to San José, making a rest stop along the way and arriving around 6:30pm

Isla Tortuga (Pacific Island Cruise) (ONE DAY)

Pick up time:  6:30 a.m. approximately
Duration:        11 hours
Costa Rica is famous for its romantic day cruises to its exotic Pacific Islands!

After a comfortable ride to the Pacific coast, you will board a luxurious yacht for the Pacific Island adventure. Our final destiny, the Tortuga (Turtle) Island which is famous for pristine white sand beaches, crystal clear water and superb snorkeling. A wonderful buffet will be served on the beach. You will not want to miss this island paradise adventure! (Includes snack & lunch).

Suggested Equipment: sweater, camera, binoculars, swimsuit, sun block and towel.

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