TOURCATALOG Jaco & Central Pacific Area
Jacamar Naturalist Tours Phone: 2479-9767. info@arenaltours.com www.arenaltours.com
MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the most visited destinations of all Costa Rica national parks and reserves. With a very enjoyable weather throughout the year – despite of some rain during the low season - this charming yet small biological peninsula consists of several beaches, mangroves and coastal dry and humid forest. This protected area is very popular due to its wide variety of flora and fauna. An experienced guide will accompany you on this picturesque oasis of life where you will get amazed of its natural wonders. Of its most important fauna we find monkeys, birds, iguanas, crabs, sloths and some other mammals. Manuel Antonio is the perfect place to enjoy nature which is merged into the beauty of its white sand beaches. This coastal preserve holds the most important population of the Squirrel Monkey or “Tití” Monkey in Costa Rica – the smallest and most endangered species of monkeys in the country – with a maximum size of 80cm (31 inches), these mammals are famous to be the most important living attraction in town. We cannot leave Manuel Antonio without taking a delicious lunch with a great ocean view. The park is closed on Mondays during the low season.
Duration: 3/4 day Difficulty: Easy Minimum Pax: 2 pax What to Bring: Sun block, swimsuit and towel, beach sandals, insect repellent, binoculars, camera and hat. Tour Includes: transportation, soft drinks, bilingual guide, national park entrance fee and lunch.
CROCODILE RIVER CRUISE Come observe the Great American Crocodile in our famous river safari on Tárcoles River. Our captain will surely spot the biggest crocodiles in the river for you to enjoy a great up close encounter with these magnificent reptiles. You’ll be amazed by the wide diversity of birds we find in this area. Your guide will point out different kinds of mammals, birds and reptiles that flourish in this mangrove system. Depending on the season you will be able to spot different migratory aviary species; from October to April you can glimpse ospreys, gulls, cormorants, pelicans and frigates. The Tárcoles River is a shelter for approximately 56 types of birds and is a refuge for the famous scarlet macaws as well.
Duration: 3 hours Difficulty: Easy Minimum Pax: 2 pax / Maximum Passengers: 60 pax What to Bring: light comfortable clothing and shoes, sun block, insect repellent, hat, binoculars and camera. Tour Includes: transportation, covered boat, bilingual guide, entrance fee and bottled water and soft drinks.
ARENAL VOLCANO & HOT SPRINGS Your vacation in Costa Rica will not be completed without visiting La Fortuna area with its active volcano and its Rainy and Humid Forest, the best way to enjoy this volcano will be taking the hike near by the Arenal Volcano national park to walk on the first lava flow (1968), at these place you also have the chance to see some of present activity (depending on weather conditions), plus the view from the Arenal lake, !great hike!!, followed by a delicious lunch at the hot springs restaurant, then time to relax your mind and body as you enjoy of these therapeutic volcanic hot water springs, surrounded by mother nature, rain forest, volcano and magnificent infrastructure of pools, waterfalls and wet bars that will make your visit to these place very pleasant. On the way back to Jaco the dinner will be served at a local restaurant in San Ram贸n Town. Hot Springs choices: Baldi, Ecotermales, Paradise, The Springs, Titoku and Tabac贸n (different rates).
Duration: Full day Difficulty: Easy Minimum Pax: 4 pax. What to Bring: Swimsuit, towel, light comfortable clothing and shoes, light jacket and sun block. Tour Includes: transportation, bilingual guide, bottled water, Hot Springs entrance fee and lunch.
CARARA NATIONAL PARK We drive for about 25 minutes from Jaco area to Carara National Park. This incredible protected area measures about 4,700 Hectares and is home to approximately 48% of Costa Rica’s aviary species. This tour will show you the importance of the region, as it is situated in a transitional region between the tropical dry forest and the humid pacific rainforest. Carara Preserve showcases colorful species of flora and fauna from a varied ecosystem. This sanctuary is populated by many different species of birds and animals, amongst them the white face and howler monkeys, iguanas, toucans and trogons. Carara also holds an important population of scarlet macaws, the main attraction in town.
Duration: 4 hours Difficulty: Easy Minimum Pax: 2 pax. Maximum Pax: 80 pax What to Bring: light comfortable clothing, walking shoes, sun block, insect repellent, hat, camera and binoculars. Tour Includes: transportation, bilingual naturalist guide, national park entrance fee and bottled water.
DOKA ESTATE, POAS VOLCANO & LA PAZ WATERFALL GARDENS
This blended tour offers something for everyone. Coffee lovers will have the chance to visit a renowned coffee plantation at Doka Estate Farm and Coffee tour. Nature lovers will be amazed by panoramic views over the Central Valley as we head for Poås Volcano with its huge active crater – the biggest in the world (one mile diameter) --. We will also visit the beautiful and picturesque La Paz Waterfall Gardens, surrounded by uprising tropical foliage and filled with hummingbirds, a special zoo with several species of cats such as the Puma and Jaguar, toucans, monkeys and so much wildlife. Our tour will continue with an energizing hike through an elaborated trail with impressive views of 5 different majestic waterfalls.
Duration: Full Day. Difficulty: Moderate. Minimum Pax: 4 pax. What to bring: Running shoes, warm clothing, raincoat, binoculars, camera, insect repellent, sun glasses, extra $. We include: Lunch, water, naturalist guide, transportation and all entrance fees.
MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST EXPERIENCE
Discover the heart of the majestic Cloud Forest! Being a model for sustainable ecotourism sites, Monteverde is located on the mountain range that divides the continent in two, with a high altitude that makes Monteverde a cloudy and tempered place, giving special conditions for its flora and fauna. This cloudy atmosphere is very conducive to producing life and greatly enriches the environment, helping to support a complex and diverse ecosystem, one that harbors over hundred species of mammals, reptiles, 450 species of birds, thousands of insects, and over 2,500 species of plants. Accompanied by a naturalist guide, you will witness one of the finest suspension bridges hikes in this world renowned natural reserve. Panoramic views of the immense variety of fauna and flora are absolutely breathtaking. Monteverde also has an amazing zip line course including the longest and highest cable in the Country. It is also possible to tailor your activities and visit unique places such as the coffee plantation, home of the country’s most refine and rich coffees, visit the Santa Elena reserve or the Monteverde Preserve. Monteverde and Santa Elena town has the advantage of being accessible to all, with picturesque souvenirs and tasty restaurants.
Duration: Full day Difficulty: Moderate. Minimum Pax: 2 pax. What to bring: Hiking or running shoes, warm clothing, raincoat, binoculars, camera, sun block, insect repellent, sun glasses, hat, extra $. We include: Lunch, water, guides, transportation and the entrance fee for the Selvatura park.
SAN JOSE CITY TOUR & SARCHI ARTISANS
This tour will have you drawn into Costa Rican history and culture by experiencing the great museums and historical sites of San José city, such as the National Theater, a masterpiece in art and architecture and definitely the greatest source of national pride for all Costa Ricans. The ornate playhouse was built in 1897 when high-class Costa Ricans (coffee oligarchy) wanted to turn the capital into a must stop on the world opera circuit. To build it, the president decided to collect a tax, passing the cost to coffee exportations. We will also visit the Culture Plaza, an architecturally unremarkable concrete plaza in the heart of downtown which is usually visited by locals to have a rest on the concrete benches, eat an ice-cream cone and admiring the wide gamut of San José street life. The Pre-Columbian Gold Museum is another site that cannot be missed in our city tour, this museum has an extraordinary collection of gold objects that reflects the worldview, social structure, and goldsmith of the preColumbian Costa Rica. On our way back, you will witness other sites of interest and you will feel the warmth of its people and the incredible art-craft and typical oxcarts at Sarchí Town, cradle of Costa Rican artisans.
Duration: Full day between 6 to 7 hrs. Difficulty: Easy Minimum Passengers: 4 pax What to bring: Camera & binoculars, extra $ Includes: transportation, guide, lunch, entrance fees for the museum and theater. Special Note: National Theater and museums are usually closed on holidays. Also National Theater is closed on Sundays during the rainy season (May to November).
SAVEGRE RIVER WHITE WATER RAFTING
Get ready for a day of adrenaline and extreme fun! This Jaco tour provides transportation from your hotel to the river put it. You will enjoy the scenic road trip as it takes you over winding gravel roads through remote countryside landscapes. While you are attempting to tame the rapids of Savegre River, your guide will be riding beside you to ensure your safety. This river features class II and class III rapids. Once you reach the end of the river you will be able to take a closer look at your surroundings and admire the colorful flora and fauna. Your guide will lead you to a stunning waterfall where you will stop for snacks. You can take advantage of this relaxing pause and swim a little in the calm pond nearby. Your guide will help you find notable species of primary jungle vegetation. You will also be served a delicious homemade meal for lunch. Transportation will be arranged to return you to your hotel.
Duration: Full day Difficulty: Moderate-High. Minimum Pax: 2 pax / Maximum Passengers: 40 pax What to Bring: Rubber-soled shoes, swimsuit; shorts of a quick-drying material; hat with a brim for sun; towel; waterproof sun protection; T-shirt is optional. Bring an extra change of dry clothes for after rafting. Tour Includes: transportation, river gear, continental breakfast, lunch, soft drinks & fruits, bilingual guide.
VILLA LAPAS SKY-WAY
Villa Lapas is a natural reserve that borders Carara national park. Experience the raw power of the rainforest through our Sky Way walking tour…1.5 miles (2.5 km) in length, and five suspended bridges at more than 180 feet above the ground! Each of these bridges is an astonishing 300 feet length, crossing through the very heart of the tropical rainforest. This allages tour lets you observe the primary and secondary rainforest vegetation. Make yourself one with the jungle! Keep your eyes open to see the numerous bird species, mammals and other varied fauna that call this forest home. From your new found perspective you will enjoy scenic views of the Pacific Ocean and Tárcoles River (notorious worldwide among crocodile and bird enthusiasts). A guide will accompany you throughout this interesting tour ensuring that you complete this memorable experience knowledgeable on the wildlife and vegetation of our beautiful country. This is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Bird-watching Fans and pros from all over the world confirm this fact. There is plenty to look in our Sky Way, including the beautiful and greatly endangered Scarlet Macaw, the yellow-billed Cotinga, and the Black-hooded Antshrike among many others.
Duration: 3,5 hours. Difficulty: Easy Minimum Passengers: 2 pax Maximum Passengers: 20 pax What to Bring: casual clothing, camera and walking shoes Tour Includes: bottled water fruits, bilingual guide.
SURF LESSONS
Jaco Beach is one of the best sites for surf learning in Costa Rica. The size of its waves and beach conditions makes this area an ideal place to initiate on your surfing. This beginner's surf lesson is a two hour long surf trip. We introduce surfing fundamentals, etiquette, safety, wave dynamics, paddling skills, surfboard positioning, maneuvering, proper stand-up and riding techniques. Surfing at Jaco is very safe, fun and easy going. Our guides will give you tips to learn all you need; so come to us! Our trained and fun instructors do not guarantee that you will be able to stand up on your surfboard and ride your first wave in your first class, but most of our clients achieve it. But we guarantee you to have lots of fun and new friends during the lessons. Professional Photography may be added to the lesson for an extra charge.
Pick Up Time: According to the tide. Duration: 2,5 hrs. Difficulty: Moderate Minimum Pax: 2 pax / Maximum Pax: 40 pax What to bring: Ability to swim and a good sense of humor. Bathing Suit, Change of clothes, sun screen, sunglasses with cords, sandals and beach towel. Tour Includes: Transportation, bilingual instructor, equipment, rashguard and bottled water.
CATAMARAN ADVENTURE
The catamaran will chart a picturesque course departing from Quepos gliding around the back of Manuel Antonio national park. Your guide will point out notable wildlife and vegetation specimens, so be sure to have your camera ready. You will pass by panoramas adorned with islands, cliffs and rock formations. You can admire aviary nesting grounds and marine wildlife. Beverages and snacks are available onboard the catamaran throughout the trip. After touring the coastline, your captain will set anchor on Bisanz beach where you can take advantage of the pit stop to snorkel at this secluded bay. You are most likely to spot parrotfish, starfish, angelfish and if you are lucky a dolphin! During your chartered course you will be able to savor a tasty barbeque lunch onboard the catamaran while admiring the lovely waterscapes. You will then head back to the dock where there will be transportation waiting to take you back to your hotel. This Manuel Antonio tour does not require previous experience. Water visibility varies depending on the season.
Duration: 6 ½ hours. Difficulty: Easy-Moderate Minimum Pax: 4 pax / Maximum Pax: 100pax What to Bring: Sunglasses, bathing suit, waterproof camera, sandals and beach towel. Tour Includes: Transportation, bilingual guide, snacks, lunch and beverages.
CARARA NATIONAL PARK & CROCODILE RIVER CRUISE
We drive for about 25 minutes from Jaco area to Carara National Park. This incredible protected area measures about 4,700 Hectares and is home to approximately 48% of Costa Rica’s aviary species. This tour will show you the importance of the region, as it is situated in a transitional region between the tropical dry forest and the humid pacific rainforest. Carara Preserve showcases colorful species of flora and fauna from a varied ecosystem. This sanctuary is populated by many different species of birds and animals, amongst them the white face and howler monkeys, iguanas, toucans and trogons. Carara also holds an important population of scarlet macaws, the main attraction in town. After admiring nature during your hike in the park, you’ll enjoy our famous boat tour on Tárcoles River for a unique crocodile and wildlife sightseeing experience, through this important ecosystem. Our captain will surely spot the biggest crocodiles in the river for you to enjoy a great up close encounter with these magnificent reptiles. You’ll be amazed by the wide diversity of birds we find in this area. Your guide will point out different kinds of mammals, birds and reptiles that flourish in this mangrove. Depending on the season you will be able to spot different migratory aviary species; from October to April you can glimpse ospreys, gulls, cormorants, pelicans and frigates. The Tárcoles River is a shelter for approximately 56 types of birds and is a refuge for the famous scarlet macaws as well.
Duration: Full Day. Difficulty: Easy Minimum Pax: 2 pax / Maximum Pax: 36 pax To Bring: light clothing, walking shoes, sun block, bug repellent, hat, camera and binoculars. Included: transportation, bilingual naturalist guide, lunch, entrance fee and water.
BIJAGUAL WATERFALL HORSEBACK RIDE We will pick you up at your hotel and drive for about 45 minutes through scenic panoramas. Upon arrival you will receive a safety briefing from your guide and you will mount up and set off to explore the area on horseback. You will ride up the trail and observe stunning jungle vegetation which your guide will point out and explain. You will hear the waterfall before you see it, but once you do you will be stunned with its beauty. The Bijagual waterfalls house many secrets of Mother Nature; visitors can explore the area on foot and relish the up close look at exotic flora and fauna. You may be able to observe toucans and scarlet macaws. This tour is filled with impressive views of the Pacific Ocean and coastal fishing villages. Be sure to take some story worthy snapshots to talk about back home.
Duration: Half day. Difficulty: Moderate-High. Minimum Pax: 4pax. Maximum Passengers: 12 pax What to Bring: Hat, sun block, walking shoes, insect repellent and camera. Tour Includes: transportation, horseback riding equipment, experienced bilingual guide, entrance fee to the waterfall and snacks.
TOURCATALOG •J a c o & C e n t r a l P a c i f i c A r e a
FOR RESERVATIONS PLEASE CALL TO: 2479-9767. EXT. 108 reservations@jacamartours.com OPERATIONS AT JACO: 4701-9798 (From 9am to 5pm) operaciones.jaco@arenaltours.com EMERGENCY PHONE: 6050-3664. MADE BY: RANDALL QUIRÓS MARKETING & SALES randall@arenaltours.com