Irazú Volcano, Orosi Valley & Lankester Gardens From San José

Eric as guide was very konwledgeable and I especially enjoyed the history of Costa Riica and national symbols

Tour guide Max was great! He was very good at describing not only the volcano, but the crops growing on the mountainside along the road. Also the history of the area and country. The lunch was in a beautiful setting by a lake. Lankester Gardens was good, plus we got to visit 2 historic churches on the way back.

Had a great time, Eric was very knowledgeable about everything on the tour.

While this trip did a lot in one day, it wasn't worth the money or time. I would recommend that people don't sign up for the second half of this tour. Just go see the volcano (which probably isn't visible during June-September due to rainy season clouds). After the volcano, we spent a very long time driving a church, the gardens and then to a restaurant in Orosi Valley that wasn't that special. What was also weird about the resturant was that the service and food took a long time, so it was very odd to awkwardly sit with other strangers on the trip for two hours before a very long 2 hour drive back to San Jose. It would have been better if we had stayed at the Lankester garden longer. We were rushed through the garden and our guide told us some "facts" that were false about plants and spiders. Very weird to just make things up? It would be better to go to Lankester Garden on your own so you can actually look at the plants and read the signs.

I learned so much from our tour guide Jesus. He is so knowledgeable, friendly and accommodating to all guests.

Our tour guide was nice, lunch was fabulous and explained everything about our tour. We also got a one-in-20+-years experience of seeing both peaks without cloud cover at Irazú!

Our multilingual tour guide Nancy was excellent today. Friendly, informative, took loads of photos for us and generally made the day extra special. We loved the hotel pick and drop off and were glad that we made it to IRAZU before all of the crowds. Really loved this tour. Thanks guys. ❤️

We have visited many places during the trip and each of them was wonderful and totally different from each other. It was a great trip, we have felt that if we had some 15 minutes more on each of the stations it would have been even better.

The volcano is a must. We got very lucky with the timing and it was clear when we arrived and we could see absolutely everything. The view is incredible. The clouds rolled in while we were there and then the view was gone. Lankester Gardens is very educational if nothing else. The incredible variety of orchids and other flora is nothing short of amazing. The basilica has a funeral going on so we were limited on what we could see but it was still very enjoyable. The lunch spot had amazing views and good food as well. The bus air conditioner worked very well and kept us comfortable.

Everything about this tour was perfect from the moment our personal guide we were fortunate to get a personal tour that Day picked us up at our hotel and took us to the volcano and the valley and we were able to spend extended time as our wonderful tour guide Franklin Campos. he was so knowledgeable and educated us on so many different things involving the volcano the valley and the people of Costa Rica. We went on to tour, the beautiful Catholic Church. Just being in its presence was a religious peace. Then we went on to have a wonderful lunch nearby at a new restaurant. His tour company was trying, and it was superb and it was perfect that he was able to join us and we continued learning about the history of Costa Rica and building a friendship that will cross the ocean even after we leave. Then to top off the tour, we got to enjoy the beautiful garden of Lancaster complements of the university of Costa Rica. We were able to take our time and enjoy every plant tree bird that the garden held at one time they have 30,000 species of orchids from being planted to full bloom. I would greatly recommend this tour and if you are fortunate to have as your guide, a very fine gentleman named Franklin Campos, I assure you you’re in for a treat.

This tour had a lot of great variety on the trip which is great for people with a short time in the San Jose area. I would have loved some more guidance in the history of the volcano and more guidance generally but the tour guild was enthusiastic and open to questions; the food was excellent and the views were incredible.

I enjoyed our tour guide Martin, who knew so much about volcanos, history, and Costa Rican culture. He was a delight! Overall the bus trip up the volcano offered incredible views of the countryside. The higher up you go, be prepared for weather changes. It was freezing and wet because you are literally in the clouds. This can impact visibility so binoculars may be of help. If you feel slightly dizzy once you arrive you can opt to get coffee, treats, or souvenirs from a nearby shop. We were given several opportunities to take photographs of one of the oldest basilicas in CR. The Lankester Gardens is an incredible place with so many species of native and thriving plants that can't be found anywhere else. We only spent about an hour here, but it is worth another visit. Incredible pictures here too. We finished the tour with lunch at a restaurant along a river with more incredible views. Look up in the trees to find a character of a bird among multiple drooping nests. Epic day especially if weather permits!

I had a great trip and Pedro was a wonderful guide. We were fortunate to have a very clear day at Irazú and got a good view of Turrialba as well. The lunch by the lake in Orosi Valley was spectacular!

Our guide, Eric, was so knowledgeable and personable. We had terribly rainy weather so it was too cloudy to see the volcano crater. I highly recommend canceling if the weather is going to be bad. The gardens are amazing and the lunch was delicious.

The volcano was hidden in the clouds so we haven't seen much of it but otherwise the stops were very interesting, the tour perfectly organized and the guide professional.

We had a beautiful day to see the volcano and walk in the craters. The Botanical gardens were fantastic and so much to see. Our guide Donald and drivee Julio were wonderful and answered all our questions.

A good organised tour. The pickup at the hotel was on time. The bus was clean and comfortable. Our driver, David, made sure that we were on time, but safe at our destinations. The tour guide, Donald, was very friendly and knowledgeable. I found out alot about the history, geography and botany of Costa Rica. All the sites that we visited were great, but I found the Irazu volcano the most exciting. And the lunch during the trip was great, as well. I can only recomend this tour.

The tour guy explained to us both English and Spanish. It was interesting to the history of Costa Rica . He was very knowledgeable about the plants and the volcano. It was a fun day.

Now this was a experience that you will never for get if you need to work out your legs this is for you the waterfalls was a beautiful site to see must do..

Excellent way to get out of San Jose and do some sightseeing. Max was our tour guide / driver and was phenomenal. Funny and informative. The day was 10+ hours long so having a guide with a pleasant demeanor was appreciated. Good lunch spot on a river. We stayed at each stop just the right amount of time. Highly recommend this tour.

Excellent educational tour. Incredible sights and an incredible experience! The food was delicious and the guide was excellent!

Love the restaurant, the trip was amazing... there were many things . mMe encantó el viaje, sobre todo el restaurante.

We were extremely fortunate that it was a clear day! Being on top of the volcano, seeing the magnificent views and listening to our guide's informative talk was awe-inspiring. Then we saw the stunningly beautiful orchids of the Lankester Gardens afterwards. So glad we took this tour!

Nice to be picked up at the hotel. We were a small group of 10 people in the morning and only 8 in the afternoon. Our guide Marco did a great job explaining all to us in Engish & Spanisch. Our driver David drove us safly everywhere. The Lankester Garden was just amazing- a MUST for all orchids' fans. And we had a woderful Lunch on a terrace with lake view. A marvelous Day!

We were the first to be picked up since staying near the airport, so very early start. Had plenty of time to walk around Irazu, then Lankester gardens, the basilica and cartago and a nice lunch in the Orosi valley, near a lake. Would recommend without hesitation if you want to get out of San Jose for a day!

We were lucky to have a clear day to view the 3 volcanic craters and the Caribbean sea over the mountain range. Fingers of clouds sat below us and at a distance. It was sunny, but windy and cold at this altitude, so we were glad we brought a coat. The Lankester garden in Cartago was another highlight, containing sections of orchids, ferns, cactus/ succulents, a Japanese garden, and other tropicals. Our guide Adrian was very knowledgable about the flora and educated us about epiphytes and parasites. I was impressed with the ornate gold-lined arches in the Basilica in Cartago. Our last stop at the ruins of the first church in CR seemed like a bonus bc it was not listed in the tour itinerary. We hit 10,000 steps by this time. La Casola Del Cafatel was a lovely place to relax over a traditional lunch. It is a grand property that houses the restaurant and a coffee plantation (we did not visit). We sat on a covered terrace overlooking a lake and watched hummingbirds drink nectar from the blossoms of plants growing on nearby arches. Great day of CR history, culture, and nature in the valley, espacially after you've seen San Jose. (Logistics: The van stops regularly for restroom breaks and snack purchases. Well organized!)

We had a very educational day with our guide Martin. He taught us all about the history and ecology of this area and it surrounding valleys. Once we were free from city traffic the drive through the country side was beautiful!

Totally recommended. We had a very nice, informative trip. Lots of information. Our driver Jesus, Chucho, was very nice and explained sooo much to us. We enjoyed every part of the tour.

Great guide with Martin. Lots of Information given during the tour. Comfortable vehicle with a safe driver. Really nice place for lunch surrounded by greenery and views on a lake. Really worth the money.

The tour was nice but we couldn‘t really see the volcano! But anyway the guide was great, and we saw beautiful landscapes :)

Great service but wasn’t able to see the volcano due to poor weather condition. Thank you for all the service!

The trip to irazu volcano was great! Our guide Gary was excellent! He shared so much information with us about Costa Rica on our bus ride to the volcano and home. We were able to get a great view of the craters before the clouds came in. The gardens at Lankaster were beautiful. Gary walked around with us for a short time to point out highlights and then gave us time to walk on our own. Lunch was amazing! It was the best food I’ve had on our trip and the view was so pretty! We then had a surprise stop at some ruins and Gary told us all about that too. Our driver (sorry I dont remember his name) was very nice and a very safe driver. It was a great day and I would highly recommend this tour company and Gary as your guide!

Our tour was really cool. Our tourgide Erik knows a lot and explain a lot about the country, the Vulkan and more. It was a really cool day.

We cannot say enough about how amazing our guide, Max, was. He went above and beyond every step of the way on our tour/adventure of Irazu Volcano, Orosi Valley, and the Lankester Gardens! He was extremely experienced and knowledgeable. If you do this tour (highly recommend) you MUST request Max. He will make sure you have an unforgettable experience.

This is an ambitious agenda for a one day tour. Our guides picked us up the hotel promptly at 6:05. After picking up just one other group, a family of 4, we went on to Irazú. We were fortunate to have good weather and views of and from the volcano were magnificent. We then went on to a brief stop in Cartago to see the cathedral (beautiful), then to Lankester Gardens, and then to lunch at a lovely restaurant in the Orosi valley. The problem was that it was a long time between a sketchy breakfast before 6 a.m. to lunch after 1 p.m. We were not able to the give the gardens the attention they deserved -- hungry and tired. Not sure if the logistics would allow this schedule to be rejigged and have lunch before going to the Gardens.. At the end of a long day, we hit San José's nightmarish rush hour traffic on the return. This is not the fault of the organizer, but meant we didn't get back to our hotel until after 7 p.m. A long day, but worth the effort in order to see Irazú.

Excellent tour with guide Eric and driver Antonio. Informative and a beautiful blue sky day to learn a lot about this country. Tourists caused us all a delay as they got on the wrong bus and when asked more than once didn’t realize it! They should all compensate our delay and needless driving around the Center of very busy San Jose. We weren’t picked up or dropped off in Alujuah at our hotel and had to pay out of pocket 15$ - need sure why not? I’ve done other tours from the same hotel and they would pick up and drop off. They caused a bit of stress. We paid the same as others on the tour / feel we should have been compensated. Tour 10/10 - as I said - amazing trip - logistics 0/10 on pick up and delivery.

Everything excellent, punctuality, the guide Erik very attentive and kind, in general everything super good.

Excellent and very nice. Very responsible with the schedule. Both the guide and the chauffeur had a great look out for us all

The guide gave directions from the van and did not accompany us to the tours so we did not have precise details of the place. The worst part is that when the food for the customers arrived, Mr. Max took his and the driver's plates, not knowing if all the customers had our dishes. He was upset to question his unprofessionalism as he ate and customers without food. I definitely won't be rehiring with this agency.

The tour is beautiful, but the guide Max is a rude person and as he is very very overweight he hardly does the activity with the group. Everything is narrated by the bus and when you arrive at the place it just tells you: you have x time to travel it. Also at lunchtime, the man took his plate and sat before everyone else without checking that the others were being served and when Sr made the remark he was upset and continued ruder. Too bad your service deserved the tour

Magnificent landscape, an amazing view. Walking the volcano crater is a unique experience!! Best trip I've ever done!!

Excellent tour. Due to climatic reasons we could not see the craters of the volcano, but the rest of the activities were enjoyed despite the rain. Lunch at the hacienda was a bonus. The company super recommended, punctual and well prepared. The guides very friendly and prepared.

La cratera del volcan eres muy impactante, porque yo pude caminar por ella. Son 3 extensas crateras, y una muy profunda, en el día que yo fue, lluvió mucho y formó un arco iris. No eres posible mirar las dos costas (Pacifico y Caribe), el guia dice a nosostros que solo una vez en 34 años se fue posible mirar las dos en un dia. Em Valle Orosi con ruinas de Ujarras eres hermosa, y el almuerzo se fue en un sitio muy rico.

El recorrido fue muy bueno, solo que muy cansado la ruta de ida y vuelta a San José por el tráfico y la cantidad de visitantes que recogimos

Un tour bastante comodoro originalmente pensaba que subiríamos a pie al volcán irazú y en realidad fue en una camioneta muy cómoda, vistas naturales preciosas nos tocó ver tres quetzales. Mi hermana estuvo encantada con la visita a la iglesia. Y para mí fue increíble la visita al jardín Lankester con la colección enorme que tienen de orquídeas. Culminamos con una comida en una finca de cafetal y la comida estuvo increíble. Muy recomendable

Excelente atención, buenas explicaciones, cumplidos y todo en orden. Sigan con este tiempo de tours. Gracias.

The destinations are really beautiful, the transportation is comfortable and they are also great pick-ups. Although at the time of making the reservation we saw many references and this tour was quite accessible to us in relation to our time and money, we hoped that since it is a one-day tour the guide, María, would explain to us in detail what this would consist of. I regret to mention that we felt quite distant from her throughout the tour, given that her attitude was blasé and very unfriendly. We felt that more than giving us a tour to understand all these wonderful destinations, for her it was a procedure that had to be finished quickly. We hope you have better luck with the guide if you decide to take it.

The Irazú National Park is impressive, due to its height and climate you suddenly feel in another place and it is a very cool feeling, the visits along much of the way are very beautiful, José explained to us very well along the way what we were about observing, we visited Cartago, some viewpoints, the food is in a very nice place and there are also coffee plantations around it and you can walk towards a river near the restaurant, the Lankester garden is very beautiful, and it is a good tour, José told us He was explaining about the trees, plants and more.

Alcanzar la cima del volcán en plena niebla y ver cómo se aclara y aparece el volcán completo. Los jardines Lankester están muy interesantes, pero haría falta un poco mas de tiempo.