Top Things to do in Province of Alajuela
Top Restaurants in Province of Alajuela
Top 10 Day Trips from in Province of Alajuela, Costa Rica
Discover the best top things to do in Province of Alajuela, Costa Rica including Private must do Day Trip to the Arenal Rainforest, 4-in-1 Arenal Volcano Tour: Hanging Bridges, La Fortuna Waterfall, Volcano Hike, and Tabacon Hot Springs, Day Trip from San Jose to La Paz Waterfall Gardens & Safari in Sarapiqui River, Transportation full or half day in la Fortuna, Semi Private La Paz Waterfall Gardens & Safari in Sarapiqui River from San Jose, 1 day excursion to Hanging Bridges + Thermal Spa in Arenal, Private Hanging Bridges / Waterfall / Volcano Hike Combo, NEW! Jungle Safari Float on Sarapiqui River, Full-Day Bajos del Toro Hiking Experience, 3-in-1 Arenal Volcano Combo Tour: River Safari Float with La Fortuna Waterfall and Volcano Hike.
Restaurants in Province of Alajuela
1. Private must do Day Trip to the Arenal Rainforest
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Arenal Volcano is a must do while your visit to Costa Rica. The rain forest and abundant biodiversity you can find there makes fit worth to visit. The most special part of the day, is that is a private and guided tour which means we go totally focus on the experience just for you.
Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Private tour, Transport by private vehicle, Bottled water, Full breakfast plate, Full costarían style lunch
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By Kimberli H
This was by far the best tour we took while in Costa Rica, thanks to our incredible guide, Jorge. Jorge planned a day like no other for us. He was kind, humorous, polite, respectful, fun, and quite knowledgeable. We experienced the best of Costa Rica, truly la pura vida!!!! We saw gorgeous waterfalls, unique birds and animals, and other amazing flora and fauna. We enjoyed comfortable, well paced hiking, an exhilarating waterslide, thrilling ziplines, soothing thermal pools, marvelous rejuvenating mud, delicious food and so much more!!!! Jorge also played some great music and is truly a rock and roll aficionado. Jorge treated us like rock stars and with our sincere gratitude for his efforts, we enjoyed a tour of a lifetime. We highly recommend this tour, especially with Jorge. He is SIMPLY THE BEST!!!!
2. 4-in-1 Arenal Volcano Tour: Hanging Bridges, La Fortuna Waterfall, Volcano Hike, and Tabacon Hot Springs
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 43 reviews
Join this 4-in-1 tour where you get to see the best of Costa Rica in 12.5 hours. Channel your inner bravery and cross the Arenal Hanging Bridges to catch unbelievable views of the forest. Observe the stunning La Fortuna Waterfall and partake in a thrilling Volcano Hike. Visit Tabacon Hot Springs and enjoy a traditional Costa Rican meal in a local home. We know there is not always enough time to do as much as desired... but we can do it with you!
Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off only from La Fortuna/ Arenal, Lunch, Local guide, Dinner, Air-conditioned vehicle, All Fees and Taxes
Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off outside La Fortuna/ Arenal, Gratuities
Reviewed By shannonwE5057TA
Without a doubt, the highlight day of our first trip to Costa Rica was our 3-in-1 tour with RainForest Explorers. We had Carlos as our guide and driver for the first two stops - Mistico Hanging Bridges and hiking at the base of the Arenal Volcano. Carlos was truly an amazing guide and such a fun person to spend the day with. He was excellent at spotting animals and super knowledgeable about everything we saw. Mistico was beautiful, but I think without Carlos we would have walked through it in half an hour and not seen a single animal. Instead, we saw two different troops of monkeys (Spider and Howler), a tarantula, a viper, bats, Blue Jeans Poison Dart Frogs, many birds and butterflies, and on and on. It was a wonderful tour! He used his Swarovski scope to give us a great look at the animals, and also took photos and videos through it with our phones. At the end of our walk through the Hanging Bridges, Carlos cut up a fresh pineapple to snack on before we got back in the van. Even the pineapple came with a lesson, where we found out that pineapple is a multiple fruit. Next, we drove to the base of Arenal Volcano to hike up some of the old lava rocks. We got our geology lesson for the day, saw some more beautiful animals, and took some great photos. Apparently Arenal rarely shows her full face, but we had an absolutely clear view of the Volcano throughout the entire day. After Arenal, Carlos drove us to the private restaurant owned by RainForest Explorers. Yuliana, the founder of the company (who does a great job running the scheduling and customer service), and her mom Ileana welcomed us warmly to the restaurant. Ileana taught us how to make tortillas, but our results shouldn’t be representative of her teaching skills, ha! After we made tortillas, we were fed a delicious lunch of casado tipico (protein, salad, gallo pinto, avocado, and plantains - amazing), guanabana juice, and coffee made in a chorreador. It was our favorite meal of the entire trip. We hung out for a little while after lunch (and got up close and personal with a sloth that was hanging out on a fence on their property), said a sad goodbye to Carlos, and then Yuliana’s brother Edgardo drove us to Eden Chocolate Farm for a tour. After the chocolate tour (also a great tour), Edgardo picked us up and drove us back to our hotel. It was the perfect day! We would recommend RainForest Explorers for anyone looking for a touring company in the Arenal region.
3. Day Trip from San Jose to La Paz Waterfall Gardens & Safari in Sarapiqui River
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Take a walk through an enchanting Costa Rican landscape alive with rescued jaguars, resplendent butterflies, exotic birds, and tropical cascades with a tour to the La Paz Waterfall Gardens. Travel from San Jose to this private nature reserve, designed to educate visitors and provide a sanctuary for rescued wildlife through a variety of gardens and exhibits. Also discover the beauties of the Sarapiqui River all in one day. Tour includes: Profesional bilingual guide, comfortable & air conditioning transportation, bottled water, rain coat, buffet lunch, entrance fee and boat ride Daily departure from San Jose Hotels: 7:00 am What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes, light clothing and your camera
Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, National Park fees, Buffet lunch, Driver/guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Guaranteed to skip the long lines, Transport by air-conditioned minivan
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By meator3
I was in Costa Rica in January, now I have traveled to Colombia. I have waited several months but I cannot shake how HORRIBLE this tour was. We were supposed to have a tour bus but was instead packed into a sedan. At some point the tour guide was alluding to us going to a nicer restaurant and having us pay for his lunch because the office "did not send the money over" for the included meal. I have been on many tours before and many after but this one was easily the worst. Our tour guide was out taking pictures of his own on every site instead of actually guiding us. What took the cake was when we thought we were going to see a coffee plantation but instead he pulls over on the side of the road to a ditch to show us mounds of dirt that supposedly were growing coffee and he said he couldn't take us to an actual plantation because "The Nicaraguans are harder working and the Costa Rican youth are always on their phones now so it won't be worth it". We paid 100+ dollars EACH for a glorified taxi ride across the country. 0/10 don't recommend
4. Transportation full or half day in la Fortuna
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
La Fortuna. private transportation service around the Area A private, air-conditioned minivan. We Will pick you up at your Hotel and then will stop whenever you want to grab a bite to eat, use the bathroom or simply take a photo of the beautiful views along the way. We recomed you visit places that you can be with out a tour guide La Fortuna Waterfall, Arenal Volcano, Hanging bridges. Choclate and coffe tours, visit buterffly garden or you can use this service to go shoping around the best souvenir in the area and we will give you the best recomendtions on restaurants and bars You will get Wi-fi on board free and also you would get a bottle a Water on our trips. Arenal vacations offers transportation all over Costa Rica!
Inclusions: Accommodation as per itinerary, One-way private transfer, Round-trip private transfer, Private Driver, Fuel surcharge
Exclusions: Gratuities, Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Drinks, Food and drinks, Entrance payments
Reviewed By ipritcha
Alvaro is a fantastic driver and guide, and knows how to look after visitors to Costa Rica. I would highly recommend his services to anyone thinking of visiting and give him a 10/10. Pura vida!
5. Semi Private La Paz Waterfall Gardens & Safari in Sarapiqui River from San Jose
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Take a walk through an enchanting Costa Rican landscape alive with rescued jaguars, resplendent butterflies, exotic birds, and tropical cascades with a tour to the La Paz Waterfall Gardens. Travel from San Jose to this private nature reserve, designed to educate visitors and provide a sanctuary for rescued wildlife through a variety of gardens and exhibits. Also discover the beauties of the Sarapiqui River all in one day.
Inclusions: National Park fees, Buffet lunch, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Guaranteed to skip the long lines, Transport by air-conditioned minivan
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By meator3
I was in Costa Rica in January, now I have traveled to Colombia. I have waited several months but I cannot shake how HORRIBLE this tour was. We were supposed to have a tour bus but was instead packed into a sedan. At some point the tour guide was alluding to us going to a nicer restaurant and having us pay for his lunch because the office "did not send the money over" for the included meal. I have been on many tours before and many after but this one was easily the worst. Our tour guide was out taking pictures of his own on every site instead of actually guiding us. What took the cake was when we thought we were going to see a coffee plantation but instead he pulls over on the side of the road to a ditch to show us mounds of dirt that supposedly were growing coffee and he said he couldn't take us to an actual plantation because "The Nicaraguans are harder working and the Costa Rican youth are always on their phones now so it won't be worth it". We paid 100+ dollars EACH for a glorified taxi ride across the country. 0/10 don't recommend
6. 1 day excursion to Hanging Bridges + Thermal Spa in Arenal
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
This tour in Arenal is the best option from San José if you want to combine the best of two experiences in one day, our tour offers the possibility of taking a tour of hanging bridges in the middle of the rainforest and then enjoying a delicious 100% thermal bath natural in an exclusive thermal resort, with more than 25 different pools. There are 9 suspension bridges and 11 normal bridges, we walk through the rainforest for 3.2 kilometers, we will have panoramic views of the forest and animal watching. Our Thermal Spa is located right next to the volcano and the water that they have in their pools comes directly from the Arenal Volcano with an average temperature of 36 to 37 degrees Celsius, it is the perfect temperature to relax after a walk, the water has properties rejuvenating and you can appreciate the difference in the smoothness of the skin after finishing the tour, in addition the water helps to remove all impurities from the skin of the body.
Inclusions: Lunch, Private transportation, Air-conditioned vehicle, Bottled water, Suspension Bridges Admission, All Fees and Taxes
Exclusions:
Reviewed By suzannek544
The six hour tour only took two. The dept of health had closed down the city due to a COVID outbreak. Everything was closed. Can’t really blame the operator. Probably also went faster because there were just the two of us.
7. Private Hanging Bridges / Waterfall / Volcano Hike Combo
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Traluxu Travel is a local economy committed with our environment, well known for offering the best nature, culture, and relaxing experiences, which encourages us to share with all visitors the beauty of our country, focused on accomplishing and performing Responsible Travel practices.
Inclusions: Lunch, Snacks, Bottled water, Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, WiFi on board, Fruits, Telescope
Exclusions:
Reviewed By BrittanyCM333
Zender is enthusiastic guide, experienced in locating & identifying local flora and fauna, and describing their behaviors and interactions. He is kind & laid back, and I highly recommend him! We learned tons about the plants and animals in the park, and he pointed out a huge viper and tiny bats and bees in the middle of the day that we wouldnt have otherwise known were there. Thank you, Zender!
8. NEW! Jungle Safari Float on Sarapiqui River
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Families love this La Fortuna Safari Float. A perfect tour for all ages! One of the best Arenal tours for families visiting La Fortuna and those who want to take it easy on their vacation in Costa Rica.
Inclusions: transport,snack, Lunch, life-jacket, friendly bilingual guide
Exclusions:
Reviewed By jenniferdA7334IQ
Desafio was perfectly professional and seriously fun from the time we met them. Moises and Ralph were an absolute delight and made the day so much more fun! We also did the canyoneering in Lost Canyon and that was just as amazing. Both lunches we had were incredible. When I return to Costa Rica I will definitely be having more serious fun with Desafio!
9. Full-Day Bajos del Toro Hiking Experience
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
On this hike we will travel through the area of Valverde Vega in Alajuela, and to Bajos del Toro to visit an area which is recognized for its stunning waterfalls. Discover the most hidden gems of Costa Rica located in a remote valley between extinct volcanoes and experience the richness of the natural forest. We will visit unbelievable waterfalls that change between blue and turquoise colors. Their tones vary in the summer or winter due to volcanic activity at Poas Volcano. Come join me. One trip. So many ways to explore. Distance: 6 - 7 km approx. (A shorter or longer distance can be arranged if previously requested, as long as it is within the same time schedule). Duration: 8 - 10 hours. Difficulty: Easy / Medium. Departure: 7:00 a.m. Note: The terrain on this hike includes dirt roads, mountain trails through rain forest paths and along streams
Inclusions: Bottled water, Breakfast, Snacks, Lunch, Guide/Expert from the area, Trekking poles, Hotel pick up & drop off
Exclusions: Travel insurance, Tips
Reviewed By cizungualine
Event hough the hike is only about 4 miles, it wasn't easy because it's climbing. The view at the top was all worth it! Eric was very patient with me taking breaks every 5 min lol. Tthis was the best tour I had through the whole vacation. If you're looking for hiking in Costa Rica Dotico Tours is exceptional. Thanks for the experience!
10. 3-in-1 Arenal Volcano Combo Tour: River Safari Float with La Fortuna Waterfall and Volcano Hike
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 36 reviews
Start the day with a unique experience at Penas Blancas River and join a safari float! See wildlife in their natural environment during your 2-3 hour float. Afterwards, visit La Fortuna Waterfall, a perfect place to take pictures, swim in the pristine water, and look at the wonderful scene. Enjoy a late lunch and hike before heading back to your hotel.
Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off only from Arenal/La Fortuna, National Park fees, Lunch, All activities, Driver/guide
Exclusions: Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop-off outside Arenal/ La Fortuna
Reviewed By shannonwE5057TA
Without a doubt, the highlight day of our first trip to Costa Rica was our 3-in-1 tour with RainForest Explorers. We had Carlos as our guide and driver for the first two stops - Mistico Hanging Bridges and hiking at the base of the Arenal Volcano. Carlos was truly an amazing guide and such a fun person to spend the day with. He was excellent at spotting animals and super knowledgeable about everything we saw. Mistico was beautiful, but I think without Carlos we would have walked through it in half an hour and not seen a single animal. Instead, we saw two different troops of monkeys (Spider and Howler), a tarantula, a viper, bats, Blue Jeans Poison Dart Frogs, many birds and butterflies, and on and on. It was a wonderful tour! He used his Swarovski scope to give us a great look at the animals, and also took photos and videos through it with our phones. At the end of our walk through the Hanging Bridges, Carlos cut up a fresh pineapple to snack on before we got back in the van. Even the pineapple came with a lesson, where we found out that pineapple is a multiple fruit. Next, we drove to the base of Arenal Volcano to hike up some of the old lava rocks. We got our geology lesson for the day, saw some more beautiful animals, and took some great photos. Apparently Arenal rarely shows her full face, but we had an absolutely clear view of the Volcano throughout the entire day. After Arenal, Carlos drove us to the private restaurant owned by RainForest Explorers. Yuliana, the founder of the company (who does a great job running the scheduling and customer service), and her mom Ileana welcomed us warmly to the restaurant. Ileana taught us how to make tortillas, but our results shouldn’t be representative of her teaching skills, ha! After we made tortillas, we were fed a delicious lunch of casado tipico (protein, salad, gallo pinto, avocado, and plantains - amazing), guanabana juice, and coffee made in a chorreador. It was our favorite meal of the entire trip. We hung out for a little while after lunch (and got up close and personal with a sloth that was hanging out on a fence on their property), said a sad goodbye to Carlos, and then Yuliana’s brother Edgardo drove us to Eden Chocolate Farm for a tour. After the chocolate tour (also a great tour), Edgardo picked us up and drove us back to our hotel. It was the perfect day! We would recommend RainForest Explorers for anyone looking for a touring company in the Arenal region.
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