Day Itinerary
5 Activities
Day 4
149 mi
Volcanoes and Tropical Landscapes
The last day of this incredible route through Costa Rica has arrived. Today will be a day of volcanoes and tropical landscapes, but also of colourful villages and carts.
As always, it is suggested to start the day early as the journey between one place and another is often long. The first destination is the Arenal Volcano National Park, where you can hike up to the cold lava flows. Then, if time permits, you can visit the beautiful Poas Volcano crater in Poas Volcano National Park. If it is not possible to visit it, you will still enjoy the way.
In the afternoon you will visit the village of Sarchí, where the typical Costa Rican carts with their characteristic colours are produced. You can buy souvenirs and have your picture taken with a giant cart.
Before returning to the centre of San José it is suggested a stop in the outskirts for a delicious dinner.
Don't forget to bring comfortable clothes and some snacks in the car for the longer trips. Enjoy the beautiful nature of Costa Rica.
As always, it is suggested to start the day early as the journey between one place and another is often long. The first destination is the Arenal Volcano National Park, where you can hike up to the cold lava flows. Then, if time permits, you can visit the beautiful Poas Volcano crater in Poas Volcano National Park. If it is not possible to visit it, you will still enjoy the way.
In the afternoon you will visit the village of Sarchí, where the typical Costa Rican carts with their characteristic colours are produced. You can buy souvenirs and have your picture taken with a giant cart.
Before returning to the centre of San José it is suggested a stop in the outskirts for a delicious dinner.
Don't forget to bring comfortable clothes and some snacks in the car for the longer trips. Enjoy the beautiful nature of Costa Rica.
4.2 mi
15 min
08:001 hr 30 min
Parque Nacional Volcán Arenal
After a good breakfast at the hotel, the first activity of the day is a visit to the Arenal Volcano National Park. At the entrance to the park there is a car park.
Once inside you can choose to do several trails. I recommend you to do the lava flows trail, where you can see the cold lava flows that were formed in 1992.
You can read more information on the website.
Open Hours Monday - Sunday: 8:00 - 16:00 In this case, tickets are purchased at the park.
Once inside you can choose to do several trails. I recommend you to do the lava flows trail, where you can see the cold lava flows that were formed in 1992.
You can read more information on the website.
Open Hours Monday - Sunday: 8:00 - 16:00 In this case, tickets are purchased at the park.
40.6 mi
1 hr 30 min
11:0045 min
Restaurante Mirna y Pachi
After visiting the park, you will return to San José, but first we suggest a few stops to get to know the beauty and culture of this country.
One of those stops at a restaurant en route for an early lunch. Here you will find traditional Costa Rican food.
Open Hours Monday - Sunday: 6:30 - 21:00
One of those stops at a restaurant en route for an early lunch. Here you will find traditional Costa Rican food.
Open Hours Monday - Sunday: 6:30 - 21:00
50.4 mi
2 hrs 15 min
14:001 hr
Parque Nacional Volcán Poás
The other stop I recommend is a visit to the Poás Volcano National Park. Both the way to the volcano and the way back to San José is a beautiful road surrounded by tropical plantations and small villages.
To enter the park you need to make an online reservation and be there at the indicated time. In this case, it should be at 14:00 so that you have time to visit the viewpoints, as the park closes at 16:00. Also, the possibility of seeing the beautiful crater with the lake depends on the weather conditions. Many times it is foggy and you can't see anything. Nevertheless, it is worthwhile to get to know the surroundings.
Open Hours Monday - Sunday: 8:00 - 16:00
You can read more information in this website.
If you find the time is too short or you can't get a ticket for that time, you can still take the trail to enjoy the scenery. Another option is to continue along road 141 to the village of Zarcero before visiting Sarchí. In Zarcero you will find a small village where there is a famous park (in front of the village church) where an artist has shaped cypress trees. You will find trees in the shape of animals, carts, aeroplanes, etc. After visiting this park and walking around the village, you can continue your journey to Sarchí.
To enter the park you need to make an online reservation and be there at the indicated time. In this case, it should be at 14:00 so that you have time to visit the viewpoints, as the park closes at 16:00. Also, the possibility of seeing the beautiful crater with the lake depends on the weather conditions. Many times it is foggy and you can't see anything. Nevertheless, it is worthwhile to get to know the surroundings.
Open Hours Monday - Sunday: 8:00 - 16:00
You can read more information in this website.
If you find the time is too short or you can't get a ticket for that time, you can still take the trail to enjoy the scenery. Another option is to continue along road 141 to the village of Zarcero before visiting Sarchí. In Zarcero you will find a small village where there is a famous park (in front of the village church) where an artist has shaped cypress trees. You will find trees in the shape of animals, carts, aeroplanes, etc. After visiting this park and walking around the village, you can continue your journey to Sarchí.
26.4 mi
1 hr 20 min
16:301 hr 30 min
Fabrica de Carretas Eloy Alfaro
After visiting the Poás volcano or the village of Zarcero, the proposal is to visit Sarchí.
Sarchí is a small village where the typical Costa Rican carts are made. These colourful carts were (and still are) used to transport coffee, chocolate and other products.
In the town of Sarchí is one of the most famous factories: the Eloy Alfaro factory. It is well worth a visit. You can see the people who make and paint them. A real beauty! There is also a very large shop selling handicrafts.
In the central square of the village there is a giant cart for taking pictures.
The factory closes at 17:00, but you can stroll around the main square of the village, visit the church and see the giant cart.
Open Hours Monday - Sunday: 7:00 - 17:00 You can park your car at the factory.
In the town of Sarchí is one of the most famous factories: the Eloy Alfaro factory. It is well worth a visit. You can see the people who make and paint them. A real beauty! There is also a very large shop selling handicrafts.
In the central square of the village there is a giant cart for taking pictures.
The factory closes at 17:00, but you can stroll around the main square of the village, visit the church and see the giant cart.
Open Hours Monday - Sunday: 7:00 - 17:00 You can park your car at the factory.
27.2 mi
1 hr
19:001 hr 30 min
Terrazza Toscana
As there was an early lunch, you can also have an early dinner before returning to San José.
In this case, the suggestion is to drive to this area on the outskirts of San José, where you will find a shopping centre and several dining options: from Italian and Peruvian food to haute cuisine specialising in meats.
One such place is Terraza Toscana, where you can enjoy good food and good Italian wine.
Open Hours Monday - Saturday: 12:00 - 22:00 Sunday: 9:00 - 22:00
Open Hours Monday - Saturday: 12:00 - 22:00 Sunday: 9:00 - 22:00