Hotel Grano de Oro: Tour & Activities

Activities and day tours to Costa Rica’s highlights are readily arranged at the hotel reception desk. A few of the more popular excursions include the following:

San Jose City Tour – Learn about Costa Rican culture and history, visiting major sites of interest including the famous National Theatre and National Museum. Take a bit of time out for some shopping in the local markets and artisan centers.

Cafe Britt Coffee Tour – After a short drive to the city of Heredia, you’re treated to an award-winning multimedia presentation that highlights coffee’s history in Costa Rica and the evolution of the “golden bean” from the plantation to your cup.

Pueblo Antiguo – Travel through time and transport yourself back into Costa Rica’s fascinating past with the unique presentations of Pueblo Antiguo, where the architecture, customs and traditions come together to explain the origin of this small country and its friendly people. Come and enjoy this unforgettable night filled with color, culture and a typical Costa Rican dinner.

Pre-Colombian Gold Museum – This intriguing museum has an extraordinary collection that reflects the worldview and metalworking techniques of the Pre-Colombian people of Costa Rica from 500 BC to 1600 AD. It is within walking distance from the hotel; ask at the reception desk for directions.

Jade Museum – This museum shows one of the largest collections of jade in the world and the largest in the Americas, including pre-Colombian artifacts and reproductions. Since jade was a valuable material for pre-Columbian cultures of Central America and Mexico, the museum displays a large collection of human and animal figures as well as of necklaces dating from 500 BC to 800 AD. It also has an exhibition of valuable jewelry of foreign and national artists.

Zoo Ave – This is a must see half-day activity in Alajuela. Zoo Ave is a non-profit organization that uses the admission fees for environmental education, Costa Rican wildlife rescue and the care of endangered species. It is host to an amazing number of bird species native to Costa Rica, as well as a good variety of other animals. Each animal enclosure provides descriptions of the different species and interpretive signs about important threats to Costa Rican wildlife.

Rain Forest Aerial Tram – One man’s dream and his scientific curiosity to explore the treetops became reality in 1994 with the successful creation of the world’s first Rainforest Aerial Tram in Costa Rica. Just 45 minutes from San José, you’ll experience the thrill of riding in the canopy to see the most complex community of life on earth: the rainforest.

Butterfly Farm – Few places in the world offer visitors a more in-depth view and appreciation of butterflies. At the Butterfly Farm, widely recognized as one of the most popular destinations close to San José, all guests receive a two-hour guided tour inside an enclosed tropical garden. Here you will see hundreds of Costa Rican butterflies flutter around flowers as trained guides explain the life cycle and natural history of these fascinating creatures. Early morning tours may allow the treat of watching butterflies emerging from their chrysalides. On export days, visitors may watch thousands of pupae being packed for export.

White Water Rafting – Combine the excitement of the rapids with some of Costa Rica’s most beautiful scenery. Rivers as Pacuare, Sarapiquí and Reventazón are internationally renowned for their white-water rafting.

Calypso Catamaran Cruise – A scenic drive brings you to the costal Pacific city of Puntarenas where the ocean liners dock. You’ll cruise the calm waters of the beautiful Gulf of Nicoya, feast on a sumptuous buffet and amuse yourself playing beach volleyball, snorkeling and relaxing.

Poas Volcano & Sarchi – After a drive through the lush coffee plantations of the Central Valley, you arrive at Poas Volcano. The tour also takes in the town of Sarchi, known for its native oxcart art.

Arenal Volcano at Night – Begin the tour with a quick visit to the town of Grecia to see its unique metal church, then continue on to Sarchi, known for its beautiful and original arts and crafts. Spend the afternoon relaxing in the hot springs of Tabacon Resort. Finish the evening by experiencing the power of nature at a safe distance from the volcano. You may even feel the ground tremble and see the lava flow down the side of the volcano.

Contact Reception Desk About Tours

The reception desk staff at Grano de Oro will be pleased to answer any questions you may have about these or other tours. Tours can be booked through our receptionists prior to or during your trip. Some tours can be combined with others in the same day. Just let us know your interest and we will help you plan.

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