24 Hours in Costa Rica

  1. 8:00AM: Poás Volcano National Park
    1 hour 30 minutes (28.3 km) from San José

    Start your day off with a bang by visiting Poás Volcano. This active volcano has one of the largest craters in the world. The view from the top is breathtaking. It’s a great place to go hiking and immerse yourself in nature. Make sure to bring a jacket as it can get chilly at the summit.

  2. 11:00AM: La Paz Waterfall Gardens
    1 hour (43.1 km) from Poás Volcano National Park

    La Paz Waterfall Garden is home to five waterfalls, beautiful gardens, and a wildlife sanctuary. The gardens are situated in a cloud forest, so the weather is mild and misty. You will see many animals such as sloths, toucans, and butterflies.

  3. 1:00PM: La Casita del Café Britt
    51 minutes (38.6 km) from La Paz Waterfall Gardens

    If you need a pick-me-up, La Casita del Café Britt is the place to go. Here, you can take a coffee tour, which includes a visit to the plantation and the roasting factory. You also get to taste different types of coffee. The café has a great view of the Central Valley.

  4. 3:00PM: Doka Estate Coffee Tour
    31 minutes (21.4 km) from La Casita del Café Britt

    Doka Estate is one of the largest coffee plantations in Costa Rica. The guided tour through the estate highlights the coffee-making process, from the plant to the cup. You will learn about the history of coffee in Costa Rica and the importance of sustainability in coffee production. The tour ends with a coffee tasting.

  5. 6:00PM: Arenal Volcano National Park
    2 hours 40 minutes (126 km) from Doka Estate Coffee Tour

    End your day at Arenal Volcano National Park. Arenal is a dormant volcano and has been inactive since 2010. It’s a great place to go hiking, horseback riding, or relax in one of the hot springs. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to see the lava flows at night.

Time and Costs Estimates:

  • Poás Volcano National Park (1.5 hours, $15)
  • La Paz Waterfall Gardens (1 hour, $50)
  • La Casita del Café Britt (2 hours, $25)
  • Doka Estate Coffee Tour (1.5 hours, $20)
  • Arenal Volcano National Park (3 hours, $15)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $125

Useful Tips:

If you have more time, you could stay overnight in Arenal and explore the area more. Another option is to visit Manuel Antonio National Park, which has beautiful beaches and wildlife. If you have less time, consider skipping La Casita del Café Britt or Doka Estate Coffee Tour. These are both coffee tours, so you might want to pick one or the other. Also, keep in mind that some of these activities require physical activity, so wear comfortable shoes and clothes. Bring a jacket or sweater as it can get chilly in some areas.

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