Below are Some of the many attractions That Can Be Experienced on day trips from the Orquideas Inn. A Large Percentage of These Are Located near the resort Less Than an hour away.

Our information desk's Knowledgeable friendly English speaking staff will be Delighted to help you Either Before or After you get here. Tell them What would you like to see and do and They Will design an Itinerary for you and make all the NECESSARY Arrangements.

If you prefer Not to drive and / or want a guide to Accompany you, We Have Experienced drivers personable English speaking guide available. They will make sure your Costa Rican adventure That is fun filled, safe, and informative. Can They show you the real Costa Rica and Explain ITS wildlife, flora, fauna, history and culture.

Most guided day trips start around 9:00 a.m. After breakfast and return Before dinner

Our tour desk Can Also custom design guided or non guided tours THROUGHOUT Costa Rica. They Also Provide personalized transportation THROUGHOUT the country. They Can Also make your car rental at very competitive prices Arrangements with the convenience of pick up and drop off at the hotel.

VOLCANO

Poas Volcano

An active volcano That stands tall and is 8.659 feet Located in the middle of a scenic National Park. It is Reached by a paved road right to the top, from Where the crater is only a ½ mile gentle hike. Poas' crater is the 2nd largest in the world and Its geyser's Still spew sulfuric steam making it the largest geyser in the world. Marked trails There are many virgin-through Cloud Forest and Also to beautiful Botos Lagoon Which Was Formed in one of the volcano's extinct craters.

Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs

Located in 7,200 acre national park. Currently it is the most active volcano in Costa Rica with Almost constant activity and lava flow. If the skies are clear and your timing is right to the flowing lava Provides natural spectacular fireworks show, Which Is Often Accompanied by an earth shaking rumble. It's an experience That can not be described. Also the park has trails and old forest-through lava flows, Which are unique and enjoyable. Also Arenal is blessed with Several Naturally heated thermal springs to soak in and relax. They range from basic to luxurious Including swim up bars, restaurants and professional spa services to pamper you.

Irazu Volcano

The Highest of Costa Rica's four active volcanoes (11.080 feet) and ITS Historically most active. It last erupted in 1963. A good paved road to the top from Which you overlook a landscape That Has Been Compared to the moon's. Magnificent views of the Central and Orosi Valleys and on a clear day the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea

WATERFALLS

La Paz

WHERE A private park to a series of five waterfalls and hiking trails Powerful Through the tropical forest meander Alongside the La Paz River. Beside beautiful views of the falls They Also Have An Orchid garden, Numerous hummingbirds, a Serpentarium and a huge butterfly farm That make this an exceptional place to visit.

Los Chorros

Less Well Known But Also much less crowded. Two beautiful waterfalls drop down Into secluded pools. One of Which You Can Actually go in and swim under and behind the waterfall. Rustic hiking trails wander Through the forest next to a small Picturesque river. Several picnic areas.

NATIONAL PARKS

Braulio Carrillo

A deep rainforest That Receives an average of 177 inches of rain per year. The park has beautiful rivers, waterfalls and more species of plants Than 6.500 and animals. The park has hiking trails Also, picnic areas and information center.

Tapanti

Located in the Orosi valley Considered one of the most beautiful in Costa Rica. Scenic hiking trails and gentle meander Through the forest and by the river side. Nearby are the ruins of Costa Rica's oldest church (built in 1693) WHERE view the tranquil gardens Surrounding mountains.

Los Angeles Cloud Forest Reserve

Close to San Jose with the same eco-system as Monteverde But less crowded. Great choice for viewing a cloud forest and bird watching. The Almost constant moisture created by dense clouds That form Almost daily, Give rise to an incredible diversity of plants, birds, and Other wildlife. The book contains over six miles of trails.

TROPICAL GARDENS AND RESERVES

Else Kientzler Botanical Gardens

An Outstanding botanical garden comprising seven hectares. Over 2000 Different plant types from around the world. Beautiful 40% wheelchair accessible footpaths, with benches and rest areas. Informative guided tours and special garden area available for the blind to experience the plants-through textures, sounds, scents & Flavors.

Lancaster Gardens

Beautiful botanical garden for STI renowned collection of over 800 orchid varieties. Paved walking trails wander in and out of forests and sunny fields showcasing a total of over 3.000 species of plants.

La Selva Biological Station

A combination research facility and reserve. This is one of the finest places for bird watching in Costa Rica with More Than 300 species. Informative guided tours are led by Experienced Naturalists.

Tirimbina Biological Reserve

A 750 acre private reserve near La Selva That self guided tour features over a network of trails and suspension bridges Several Impressive, BOTH over the Sarapiqui River and Through the Forest Canopy.

INBio Park

Part museum, education center and Nature Park. Two large pavilions Explain Costa Rica's Biodiversity and natural wonders. Hike on trails Showing tropical rainforest, dry forest and premontone forest ecosystems. Also Park features a butterfly garden and wonderful animal sculptures by Costa Rican artist José Sancho.

ZOO AND ANIMAL PARKS

Zoo Ave

Macaws, toucans, parrots and dozens of majestic Other tropical birds in a natural park like setting. Also exhibits of monkeys, crocodiles, iguanas and Other animals. Only Avise, or confiscate animals are donated Housed here.

Butterfly Farm

Large enclosed garden WHERE approximately 30 Different species of butterflies flutter around your head. The demonstration room shows the butterflies' life cycle from egg to caterpillar and pupae.

Amigos de las Aves

Experience up-close and interact with dozens of macaws and Other Birds. See baby macaws and learn all about birds from Richard and Margot, the founders. A non-profit organization Dedicated to the breeding, conservation and reintroduction of endangered Great Green and Scarlet macaws. A truly unique experience.

World of Snakes

Interesting and informative displays featuring over 150 snakes Representing over 50 species.

COFFEE TOURS

Doka Estate

Family owned for three generations. Their renowned Three Generations high quality coffee has won the award for best coffee in Costa Rica three times acclaim as well as international. They offer small informative Educational tours of Their coffee plantation and roasting plant.

Cafe Britt

One of Costa Rica's Leading Brands. Tour includes coffee fields, roasting plant and tasting session.

Precolumbian Ruins

Guayabo National Monument

A small (population 10,000) dates from excavated town That between' 1.000 BC to AD 1400. Ruins Consist of paved roads, aqueducts, stone bridges, house and temple foundations, gravesites and Petroglyph.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

Rainforest Arial Tram

Fascinating 90 minute ride-through the tree tops on a private reserve Bordering Braulio Carrillo National Park. They Also Have well groomed hiking trails.

Canopy Tours

A unique and exciting way to experience the tropical rainforest canopy WHERE Two-Thirds of Its species live. You strap on a harness and zip Through the Treetops while hanging from a cable. There are a number of excellent THROUGHOUT Costa Rica canopy tours.

River Rafting and Kayaking

Professional reliable services are available on Several Different rivers from beginner level to expert. The rivers run-through lush tropical forests teeming with wildlife. The most popular are the Pacuare, Sarapiqui and Reventazon.

Horseback Riding

Several excellent riding adventures are available. One of Our favorites is not far from San Jose. It goes-through a tropical forest and a coffee plantation to a beautiful secluded waterfall with spectacular views of the Central Valley.

ATV Tours

An exciting and Challenging adventure-through cloud forest to the Poas Volcano. See a side of this spectacular natural wonder the way most people Have Never Experienced and enjoy breathtaking views of the Central Valley.

Bungee Jumping

For the daring or crazy you can jump off 262 foot high bridge spanning a small river. That's Not Enough If You Can Also scale the rock cliffs and rappel.

Day on Calypso Catamaran Cruise to Tortuga Island

A full day tour and cruise to this beautiful uninhabited island on a motorized catamaran. Spend a leisurely day exploring, swimming, and relaxing, includes live music and superb lunch with wine.

Mountain Biking

Fat pull explorations are Growing Fast in Costa Rica. Variety of one day and multi day tours are available. High end bikes and gear are available to rent.

Hiking

There are wonderful hiking trails in all of the national parks and most private reserves. Depending on your informative Needs You choose from guided or self guided tours on gentle well Challenging Marked rustic trails or paths.

Bird Watching

With over 850 species of resident and Migratory Birds, Almost everywhere in Costa Rica is a bird lover's paradise. Some of the best bird watching sites in the central valley are La Selva Biological Station, Los Angeles Cloud Forest Reserve and National Wildlife Reserve Tapanti Where You Can See the endangered resplendent quetzal rightfully consider to be the MOST beautiful bird in the world.

SMALL TOWN TOURS

Sarchi

Costa Rica's main artisan town. The famous painted oxcarts are made here. Dozens of souvenir, gift and handicraft shops sell local crafts and Central American. Sarchi Costa Rica and in particular STI is Known for hand carved wood crafts and furniture. Beside the shopping, have a unique Sarchi That church is painted pink with aquamarine trim That a lot of people resemble like a birthday cake.

Greece

Picturesque little town next to Sarchi That Is Known for unusual metal church STI STI just behind Central Park.

Zarcero

Located just above Sarchi and Greece, Zarcero Picturesque is Reached on a road lined with cedar trees. It is Known for the wild menagerie of sculpture ITS shrubs in central park. Sculptured include a monkey on a motorcycle, people and animals dancing, an ox pulling a cart and a large elephant. Just behind the park is a Picturesque rural church.

Jaco

A true beach town Daytona Beach style with lots of shops, restaurants, bars and clubs, WHERE Tourists and Costa Ricans alike suntan, swim, and shop During the day and party down at night. Surfing is excellent Also Because Of The Consistent beach break.

Cartago

Costa Rica's first city Founded in 1563. The city center has a nice park with the ruins of a large church That was Destroyed by an earthquake in 1910 Before It Was finished. Its most famous building is the beautiful Basilica of Our Lady of Angels Dedicated to the Bold, the Black Virgin, Which Is Costa Rica's Patron Saint. According To Legend The first Bold Revealed herself to a young girl on this site in1635. The walls of the church are Covered with tiny silver images left by people as thanks miraculously cured here. Thousands of people a year make the pilgrimage here Still to be cured and show Their devotion.

MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES

National Museum

The largest and most Comprehensive museum of Costa Rican history and culture. Displays date from pre-Columbian times to the present Located in a traditional Spanish style courtyard building That was to become Army barracks.

Gold Museum

One of the largest collections of pre-Columbian gold in the Americas. More Than 2000 displays feature artifacts weighing a total of More Than 20.000 troy ounces.

Jade Museum

A large collection of artifacts dating Fascinating Jade from 500 BC to 800 AD Also on display is Any Extensive collection of pre-Columbian terracotta artifacts.

National Art Center

A full city block in size. It contains Several performing art centers and the museum of contemporary art.

Costa Rica Art Museum

Displays original works of art in all mediums by Costa Rica's best artists.

Children's Museum

A must if Traveling with Children. An Extensive collection of entertaining exhibits, most of Which Encourage hands on play. A simulated earthquake or make music by dancing across the floor.

SAN JOSE METROPOLITAN AREA

San Jose is not a Picturesque city with a lot of historical architecture Other Than the St. Joseph Cathedral, the National Theater, and Some of the restored mansions in Barrio Amon. It is however Probably the most cosmopolitan city in Central America. The busy, noisy streets teem with activity day and night. If You Have the time and patience, it is worth seeing Mainly for shopping, museums viewing, and nightlife.

Shopping

There are Numerous shops, art galleries and souvenir shops on the pedestrian only Avenida Central, the Central Market or Bustling Which The Town contains a mix of shops, restaurants and dance clubs. Most of the shops offer Costa Rican Not Only But Also Guatemalan, Panamanian, Nicaraguan and Colombian handicrafts.

Dining

San Jose has Numerous Choices eating from local small sodas to elegant gourmet dining. Cuisine from all over the world is Usually served basis at moderate prices.

Nightlife

Centers around the casinos, dance clubs, discos and bars abound That in the San Jose area. The discs are dance clubs and lively with salsa and merengue music Being the most popular. The Varied bar scene has something for everyone, and although small by Las Vegas standards There are a number of casinos to challenge you from casual to formal.