Lankester Botanical Garden – Nature at its Finest!

Lankester Botanical Garden

Lankester Botanical Garden is a haven for orchid lovers with nearly a thousand different types of orchids. There are so many that you will see plenty in bloom. The gardens open at 9 a.m. and allow entrance until 3 p.m. You can also come across other families of vegetation including palms and bamboo. There is a gift shop on-site, so you can pick up a souvenir so you can keep part of the Lankester Gardens with you always!

Lankester Botanical Gardens is a wonderful day tour from San Jose.    After leaving the city behind you will feel the mountain air revive you as nature surrounds you. Charles H. Lankester, a world-renowned orchidologist, and conservationist, first started the garden in the 1940s. He spent his life studying Costa Rica’s plants and preserved his knowledge of the many diverse species of flora in a private garden on his farm. After his death, the American Orchid Society and the Stanley Smith Horticultural Trust got together and donated his botanical garden to the University of Costa Rica to preserve its wonders for posterity.  Through the efforts of the University, the garden has since grown and prospered.

Why Visit the Gardens?

The Lankester Botanical Garden are more than just a simple decorative garden; they are informational and have exquisite displays of beautiful plants, flowers, and trees! Known primarily for their orchids, you can see an incredible amount of beautiful exotic orchids. The gardens have over 15,000 species of orchids! All were varying in size and color, from the tiniest ones to whites and vibrant purples! They have orchids native to Costa Rica, exotic orchids, and miniature orchids. All placed in an artistic way so you can see them at their best. The Lankester Gardens has a lot more than just orchids!

What You Can See!

The gardens have beautiful easily accessible trails that lead you through different settings and show you a myriad of flowers and trees. Following the trail, you will see a beautiful collection of bamboo and even a majestic Japanese garden! In the Japanese garden, you can see a koi pond, a traditional Japanese house, and a serene, picturesque landscape. Continuing on the trail, you will enter the secondary growth forest. This area has been recovered from farmland, and in the forest, you can hear the chirp of birds and scuttling of little critters in the vegetation. What comes after the forest is a bit of a surprise, cacti and succulent garden! Filled with tiny to giant cacti this area of the Lankester Botanical Gardens is unique. Along the trail, you will also see giant ferns, palms, bromeliads, and heliconias, including the beautiful Ave del Paraiso.

Go and Find out Yourself!

The Lankester Botanical Gardens is a perfect place to spend the day, strolling through the beautiful, relaxing gardens. Once you go, you’ll see why the gardens are so unique! These are the top 5 reasons to go to the Lankester Botanical Gardens:

1. The Lankester Botanical Garden have thousands of species of orchids!
2. It is very close to San Jose
3. The trails are accessible for all physical ability
4. It is perfect for all ages, children to seniors!
5. The gardens are BEAUTIFUL!!!

Britt Coffee Lovers Tour

Enjoy the first part of your day with our coffee experts at the Café Britt Classic CoffeeTour. This tour will introduce you to all the aspects of the coffee making process including what makes the industry more sustainable than before and how different micro-climates can influence the flavor and quality and the beans. Your tour will end with a visit to the factory where you can sample some chocolate and of course, delicious coffees.

Recommended Ages: All ages.

Duration of the trip (approximately): Half day.

Ram Luna

Peaceful and Delicious Tour in San Jose!

A perfect tour for the first or last night of your stay in Costa Rica, also located right out of San Jose. Ram Luna is a perfect addition to any day in Costa Rica. This exclusive dining experience set in the hills overlooks the entire city of San Jose. The lights of the city accompany you as you eat a perfectly prepared meal of your liking. This restaurant is quaint and beautiful and serves guests much more than just food. Traditional activities and even a firework presentation included on this one of a kind journey to Costa Rica!

An Extravagant Addition to Any Vacation!

The restaurant is one of the finest restaurants in all of San Jose. Located on the curves of Escazú Hills. This exquisite restaurant towers above everything in the area and is perfect for any size groups or couples. On Wednesday nights, guests of Ram Luna are invited to watch a special entertaining presentation put on by locals. This presentation is filled with beautiful flowing colors and traditional dances of Costa Rica. It is unbelievable, and offers guests and locals incomparable memories while overlooking the bright lights of the city!

A Show Ending in Fireworks!

Wednesday nights are indeed a great time to visit Ram Luna Restaurant. Your view of the city, although determined by weather, is alone worth the adventure. Serving anything from freshly caught fish to fresh steaks, Ram Luna has it all. The staff at Ram Luna is delightful and full of energy and class as well. When the night slowly comes to an end, and you are stuffed with fantastic food and unforgettable traditional dances, you will bear witness to an excellent firework presentation put on by your hosts. If you are looking for a beautiful adventure with great food and sights, Ram Luna is the ideal choice!

San Jose Private City Tour

San Jose Costa Rica Tours

San Jose Costa Rica Tours begin on the East side of San Jose. Firstly, they take you through the Heart of the city. You will see some of San Jose’s most iconic landmarks. For example, the Democracy Plaza, the National Museum, the National Court, and Hispanidad Fountain. Also, the Rodrigo Facio Campus on the University of Costa Rica, the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum and the exquisitely ornate National Theater. There you will be with a professional tour guide. They will offer you valuable information regarding these historical treasures.

San José Main Attractions

Then, the tour goes through the western section of San Jose. The spectacular  La Sabana Metropolitan Park with the Costa Rican Museum of Contemporary Art. Also, the National Stadium, the housing area of Rohrmoser, the Nunciatura, the Nobel Peace Prize Winner and Republic President Oscar Arias Sanchez’s House.

Finally, end off your city tour with the local market. There you can buy crafty souvenirs from your trip to San Jose! Also, we highly recommend bringing a camera!

6-in-1-Tour with Rainforest Adventure

Rainforest Adventures Costa Rica, offers a complete eco-adventure package for you and your family to enjoy. This “6 in 1” one day tour includes a full exploration of the Braulio Carrillo National Park, with the aerial tram, zip-line circuit, the stunning butterfly and orchids garden, fascinating terrariums, a naturalistic guided walk and a visit to the hanging bridges for amazing photo opportunities.

Whats Included: Transportation, guide and lunch

Recommended Ages: 5+

What to bring: Sunscreen, comfortable clothes, closed toe shoes

Aerial Tram with Rainforest Adventure

Discover the jungle from above! As you are flying through the rainforest your guide will explain and help to spot wildlife. This 1.10 hour long Tram ride is one of the longest in Costa Rica! Afterwards you will be able to experience more nature on a guided walk on several nature trails, hanging bridges, butterfly & orchids gardens and terrariums!  

Whats Included: Transportation, guide and lunch

Recommended Ages: 3+

What to bring: Sunscreen, comfortable clothes, closed toe shoes

Whitewater Rafting on Pacuare River with Exploradores Outdoors

Go for a rafting adventure on one of the top five rafting rivers in the world! Known for its scenery and rapids Pacuare River will surely get your adrenaline pumping. This 18 mile (30 kilometer) long experience includes 52 class II – III rapids! Before you immerse yourself into this adventure you will receive a safety briefing to guarantee your security throughout the ride. After approximately 40 minutes you will enter the 5 mile (8 kilometer) long Pacuare River Gorge. You will be able to have striking views on Huacas waterfall. The lush rainforest and the rapids will round off your adrenaline-filled tour! 

Whats Included: Transportation, guide, breakfast and lunch

Recommended Ages: 12+

Tour Duration (approximately): 4 hours

What to bring: Sunscreen, rubber soled shoes that can get wet, swimsuit, shorts of a quick-drying material, towel, change of clothes, some money to buy photos, souvenirs or drinks

San José City Bus Tour with VIP

Jump on this unique double decker bus and drive downtown San José to witness the city’s main historical landmarks for a better understanding of Costa Rica’s evolution and a panoramic cultural experience. You will see Costa Rica’s cherished National Theater, Art Museum, Metropolitan Cathedral the old and authentic Central Market, and the new National Stadium. Besides that receive an in-depth description of the National Monument as well as the historical episode at the Democracy Plaza. Be guided safely through the busy streets! 

Whats Included: Transportation, guide, drinks and lunch

Recommended Ages: All ages

Tour Duration (approximately): 4 hours

What to bring: Sunscreen, rubber soled shoes that can get wet, swimsuit, shorts of a quick-drying material, towel, change of clothes, some money to buy photos, souvenirs or drinks 

Tortuga Island Cruise with Calypso

You will board a yacht or catamaran at Puntarenas and enjoy a smooth ride on the Gulf of Nicoya. On your way to Tortuga Island, you will be greeted by sea birds and pass a beautiful archipelago. Finally, you will arrive to your Port of Call. Here, you will be able to take a walk on immaculate white sandy beach, or swim and snorkel in clear turquoise waters. You will spend about half a day here and can choose from various activities such as a canopy tour, hiking trails, snorkeling, … Or you can simply relax on the beach while your crew prepares an exquisite buffet-style lunch.

Whats Included: Transportation, guide, snorkeling, banana boat, drinks, breakfast and lunch

Recommended Ages: 4+

Tour Duration (approximately): 4 hours

What to bring: Sunscreen, bathingsuit or shorts, hat, sunglasses, Camera, light weight long sleeved shirt, towel, some cash for alcoholic beverages and souvenirs

The best of Doka, Grecia & Sarchí (Oxcart factory) with Expediciones Tropicales

Be prepared for a lot of culture, traditions and a lot of beauty! You will begin your tour with a wonderful drive through sugar cane and coffee plantations to then arrive in Grecia! Grecia is a beautiful town with a famous metal church. The factories of Sarchi will impress you with all their arts & crafts made by talented and skilled labor and artistry. Especially their famous ox carts will make a lasting impression. Round off this tour with a typical lunch.   

Whats Included: Transportation, guide, entrance fee to Doka (coffee tour) and lunch

Recommended Ages: All ages

Tour Duration (approximately): 7 hours

What to bring: Sweater, camera, binoculars, comfortable shoes, raincoat

Orosi Valley & Lankester Gardens Tour with Expediciones Tropicales

Take in the lush scenery of the Orosi Valley and visit the Basilica of our Lady of the Angels and the Lankester Gardens. The latter is a University research project that cultivates and conserves more than 800 species of orchids, bromeliads and other flora. Experience a touch of history and visit one of the few remaining colonial churches and have a lunch bursting with Costa Rican flavors at one of the local restaurants.

Whats Included: Transportation, guide and lunch

Recommended Ages: All ages

Tour Duration (approximately): 7 hours

What to bring: Sweater, camera, binoculars, comfortable shoes, raincoat

Poas Volcano, Doka Coffee Plantation & La Paz Waterfall Gardens with Expediciones Tropicales

Have a lovely breakfast at Doka Coffee plantation, followed by an intriguing tour on the property where you will be able to learn about the ancient techniques. Afterwards your combo tour will continue with a visit to Poas Volcano. This active 8885 ft (2708 meter) high stratovolcano erupted lastly in April 2017! You will surely feel the energy surrounding this place. Your guide will show and explain you the different ecosystems on your hike to Botos Lagoon. Your last stop on this tour will be La Paz Waterfall Gardens. Enjoy a delicious lunch before hiking through the rainforest and observing different species of wildlife and plants. This tour is a must-do for all nature lovers!

Whats Included: Transportation, guide, breakfast and lunch

Recommended Ages: All ages

Tour Duration (approximately): 10 hours

What to bring: Insect repellant, hat, walking shoes, binoculars, camera, rain jacket

Arenal Volcano & Tabacon Hot Springs Tour with Expediciones Tropicales

This tour combines the roughness of nature with luxury set amidst lush greenery. You will experience Costa Rican traditions on your way to Arenal as you are stoping in the famous town of Sarchi, known for their many crafts and arts. Cross various plantations with agricultural produce until arriving in La Fortuna. Enjoy lunch with a view of the volcano at a cozy restaurant. Arrive at Tabacon Hot Springs and relax and rejuvenate in their 72 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit (22 to 40 degrees Celsius) Hot Springs. To round off your tour you will be served a wonderful dinner, again with breathtaking views of the volcano.

Whats Included: Transportation, guide, lunch and dinner

Recommended Ages: All ages

Tour Duration (approximately): 13 hours

What to bring: Sunscreen, insect repellant, swimsuit, water shoes, change of clothes, binoculars, camera

Doka Coffee & La Paz Waterfall Gardens Tour with Expediciones Tropicales

On the Doka Coffee Estate you will be able to learn all about the ancient process to produce some of the best coffee! Have a delicious breakfast and enjoy a coffee tour in an actual coffee plantation. Afterwards you will continue to La Paz Waterfall Gardens, where you will be treated to a delicious lunch. Spot various wildlife such as wild cats birds, butterflies, frogs and monkeys and appreciate beautiful nature while wandering on their hiking trails through tropical rain forests!

Whats Included: Transportation, guide, breakfast and lunch

Recommended Ages: All ages

Tour Duration (approximately): 10 hours

What to bring: Insect repellant, walking shoes, hat, rain jacket, binoculars, camera

Irazu Volcano, Orosi Valley & Lankester Gardens Tour with Expediciones Tropicales

Your tour will start with a visit at Irazu Volcano! Last erupted 1994 and with an elevation of 2.1 miles (3.4 kilometers), you will surely be impressed! The next part of this tour takes place in the lush Orosi Valley, and affords many opportunities for scenic views along the way. You will visit the Basilica of our Lady of the Angels and the Lankester Gardens, a University for investigation that protects more than 800 species of orchids, bromeliads and countless species of other plants. Continue to the Valley of Orosi, an area that overflows with beauty. Visit one of the few remaining colonial churches and have a typical lunch at one of the local restaurants.  

Whats Included: Transportation, guide and lunch

Recommended Ages: All ages

Tour Duration (approximately): 10 hours

What to bring: Sweater, camera, binoculars, walking shoes, rain jacket

Poas Volcano, Doka Coffee Plantation, Grecia & Sarchi Tour with Expediciones Tropicales

Your tour will start with a visit to Poas Volcano. This active 8885 ft (2708 meter) high stratovolcano erupted lastly in April 2017! You will surely feel the energy surrounding this place. Your guide will show and explain you the different ecosystems on your hike to Botos Lagoon. After that, you will be able to learn all about the ancient process to produce some of the best coffee on the Doka Coffee property! Have a delicious lunch and enjoy a coffee in an actual coffee plantation. With regained strength visit Grecia and witness the stunning metal church, which is a national monument! Your last stop and to round off this tour you will explore the town of Sarchí and be able to shop some souvenirs.

Whats Included: Transportation, guide and lunch

Recommended Ages: All ages

Tour Duration (approximately): 8 hours

What to bring: Sweater, walking shoes, binoculars, camera

Rain Forest Adventure 3 in 1 with Expediciones Tropicales

You will start your rainforest adventure with a boat ride on Sarapiqui River. Floating down the river you will be able to connect with nature and really enjoy the scenery. Continuing with a hike on Selva Verde Eco Lodge’s private trails, you will be able to observe a great variety of flora and fauna. Afterwards enjoy a delicious lunch to have regained strength for your Rainforest Aerial Tram. Ride on a gondola through the treetops while your guide looks out for various wildlife. This Tram is located on a 475-hectares (1200-acre) private reserve. Do not forget to take your binoculars!

Whats Included: Transportation, guide and lunch

Recommended Ages: 8+

Tour Duration (approximately): 10 hours

What to bring: Sunscreen, insect repellant, hat, closed toe shoes, binoculars, camera, rain jacket

Ram Luna Viewpoint with Expediciones Tropicales

Admire panoramic views at dusk complimented by a delicious dinner and a traditional show. Ram Luna, perched high in the mountains overviewing the Central Valley is a hotel, which offers exactly that. Enjoy the typical Costa Rican buffet and watch the local artisans exhibiting their unique creations.

Whats Included: Transportation, guide, dinner, open bar and show

Recommended Ages: All ages

Tour Duration (approximately): 5 hours

What to bring: Sweater, camera

La Paz Waterfall Gardens Tour with Expediciones Tropicales

Imagine lush tropical rainforest, spectacular waterfalls, flowing white rivers, butterflies, birds, snakes, sloths, monkeys, and jaguars. You will see all of this at La Paz Waterfall Gardens! Wander down over 2.1 miles (3.5 kilometers) of trails while visiting the 10 animal exhibits. You can truly spend a whole day here! Visit the Butterfly Observatory, Hummingbird Garden, Serpentarium, Frog Exhibit, Tica House, Trout Lake and different bird watching areas to round off your perfect tropical day!

Whats Included: Transportation, guide and lunch

Recommended Ages: All ages

Tour Duration (approximately): 7 hours

What to bring: Hat, comfortable shoes, binoculars, camera

San Jose City Tour with Expediciones Tropicales

Receive an in-depth look into Costa Rican culture and history with this city tour. San José, Costa Rica’s capital has a lot to offer such as parks, museums and a lot of art and architecture. You will start in Sabana Park and make your way through the city visiting the historic National Theater and the Gold Museum. Afterwards you will continue your way to the University of Costa Rica, the Supreme Court and various sites of interest. You will have the chance to buy some souvenirs as well in a little craft shop!

Whats Included: Transportation, guide and entrance fee to the Gold Museum and National Theatre

Recommended Ages: All ages

Tour Duration (approximately): 5 hours

What to bring: Comfortable shoes, camera

Discover San José City Tour

Today you are going to discover San José with a local guide! You will explore heart of the capital, La Sabana Metropolitan Park, the Central Market, the National Theater, an architectural masterpiece from the 19. century, different neighborhoods like Barrio Escalante, Amón, Otoya and Tournon and the University of Costa Rica. And what would be a San José city tour without a visit to one of the famous museums? Your guide will give you the choice between the Jade, Gold and National Museum. Wander down the Central Avenue Boulevard and Boulevard Circuito Judicial to the Plaza de la Democracia and the Supreme Court of Justice. Casa Amarilla, the National Park and the National Library cannot be missed as well and to round off your San José City Tour your guide can take you to a cozy restaurant to have a traditional lunch if you would like to. Keep in mind that entrance fees to any attractions and lunch is not included. Enjoy your cultural discovery tour!

Whats Included: Transportation, guide

Recommended Ages: All ages

Tour Duration (approximately): 4 – 5 hours depending on your choices

What to bring: Comfortable shoes, camera, rain jacket, money for entrance fees, snacks, drinks and lunch

Rainforest Aerial Tram

The Pacific Coast with Rainforest Adventure

The best way to experience the tropical cloud and rainforests is by aerial trams. Also, most of the life forms of the forests are found in the canopy. Near the top of these gigantic trees, and the Pacific Rain Forest Tram allows you to discover the secrets of the hanging world of the precious Transitional Rainforest, unique in this part of the world. It aims at raising the world’s consciousness to the beauty. And the important role these forests play in the well-being of Planet Earth, and of our own.

Explore the Transitional Tropical Rainforest 

This junction shows a rare variety of species only found in this type of region. Making this aerial tram tour unique and exceedingly interesting. As well as being of rare beauty. This Ecotourism Tour counts with 22 acres of virgin forest with an explosive array of wildlife. Ride the rainforest aerial tram and experience the jungle up close. Or have a personal adventure with the thrilling zip line. Marvel at the splendors of Costa Rica with a Tour of Birding. Also, or discover the species of snakes and amphibians in the Serpentarium.

Amenities, Activities, and Tours

The 18 Gondolas of the Rainforest Adventure Aerial Tram Tour hold nine passengers each including a bilingual naturalist guide. All for a complete and comprehensive tour of the canopy and an understanding of the rich ecosystem of Costa Rica’s rain forests. Too, this is a Birding Paradise with over fifty species of Native birds. The Rainforest Adventure is committed to helping save them from extinction. In the Serpentarium, you get a close look at around twenty species of snakes and reptiles. Those seeking a little more excitement and adventure will love the Canopy Zip Line Tour. Get a clearer view of the magnificent canopies and a closer encounter with its inhabitants. Monkeys are a common site on the canopies.

Facilities and Services

The Pacific Aerial Tram has a lovely coffee shop at your disposition where you can enjoy a Costa Rican cup of coffee. As well as a choice of cold drinks, snacks, pastries, fruits, and sandwiches. The Aerial Tram is also close to some of the most fantastic Beaches including the famous Jaco Beach and Playa Hermosa, the latter better known for its excellent surfing. Ask the guides for the fascinating Tours you can do as well, this will include the Carara National Park, Manuel Antonio National Park, and the Central Pacific Conservation Area. Finally, some of the finest Resorts and Hotels Offering quality accommodations are conveniently located along the Central Pacific Coast while the beach towns have extensive choices of hotels as well like the Amapola Resort, Los Suenos Resort and Golf, or the Hotel Villa Caletas to name just a few.