Costa Rica Excursions
LA PAZ WATERFALL GARDENS
Cost: $50. Half-day tour on Mondays.
Departs the property at 8:45am, returning at 1:30pm.
La Paz Waterfall Gardens is located near the Poas Volcano on an area of the country called “Cara Blanca”. It will take us about 45 minutes to get there from Pura Vida. Once we arrive, we have for our enjoyment over 3.5 kilometers of walking trails that lead you to a Butterfly Observatory, Hummingbird Garden, serpentarium, Frog Exhibit, Tica House, bird watching areas and different views of the several waterfalls in the property. This is a guided tour; they will enhance your experience with their knowledge of Costa Rica’s natural history.
CANOPY ADVENTURE (ZIP LINE)
Cost: $60. Half-day tour on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Departs the property at 8:45am, returning at 1:30pm.
Canopy Adventure is a family business that has been running since 1998, and is located at a 450 acre private state where the owners also have a western cedar plantation used to supply wood for the sawmill at their property. Canopy touring or zip lining is an activity whose cradle is Costa Rica. Canopy tours can be found in many different areas of the country. The one we chose to share with our guests is located on a cloud forest at the foot of the Barva Volcano, an inactive volcano surrounded by beautiful forest which is part of the Braulio Carillo Park.
SKY WALK AND WILDLIFE BOAT TOUR
Cost: $110. Full day tour on Wednesdays.
Departs the property at 7:30am,returning at 6:00 pm. Includes meals.
On this 400 acre private reserve, you will hike along a 2.5 mile trail which includes a series of 5 suspended bridges. At a height of 70 feet about the forest floor, these bridges over a perfect view of the canopy’s flora and fauna, which provides the added benefit of least disturbance to the creatures of the forest. The next phase of the tour takes you on a two hour boat ride along the Guacalillo river canals, a mere twenty minute bus ride from Villa Lapas. Among the lush pacific coast mangroves, you may have the opportunity to see such wonders as scarlet macaws, howler monkeys, and several other species of tropical birds.
HOT SPRINGS AND ECO-TOURING HIKE
Cost: $110. Full day tour on Wednesdays.
Departs the property at 7:30am, returning at 6:00 pm. Includes all meals.
This tour includes a 2.5 hour commute. Once we arrive, we will have the opportunity to go on an eco-exploring hike. The hike begins through pastures and then continuing to a secondary growth forest section and finishing through the property’s private reserve. After enjoying a delicious lunch we will go straight to the Rainforest hot springs site which will help you find the peace and tranquility that you so much long for.
WHITE WATER RAFTING
Cost: $110. Full day tour on Wednesdays.
Departs the property at 5:30am, returning at 6:00 pm.
*Difficulty: Class III-IV
*Distance: 30km / 18 miles
*Number of Rapids: 52
*Approximate river time: 4 Hours
*Minimum age: 12 years
The Paucuare River is one of the best choices for your adventure treks in Cota Rica. There is not another trip in the country that offers you a perfect blend of wilderness exposure and excitement, both in one day. Pacuare is world famous for its sheer beauty. A true river gorge, it is flanked by steep, green walls. Here you enjoy the feeling of total isolation from urban life and the realness of being connected with nature. Amazing views of this virgin tropical rainforest area appear before your eyes as you descent this true exploratory land. Wildlife is abundant with sloths, toucans, parrots, coatis, morpho butterflies and color frogs being common sights.
GUIDED HIKE IN THE SURRONDING HILLS
Cost: Free Half-day tour on Thursday
An informative walk in the coffee fields that surround the spa. For about an hour and a half as you walk, you will learn about coffee from the time it’s planted all the way to the time it is served in your mug, along with some general history of Costa Rica and how coffee relates to it.