The Wiköl Private Difference

Visit Poás Volcano National Park, home to one of the country’s most active volcanoes, and take a short walk to the crater viewpoint to admire its vast crater and striking turquoise lagoon (weather permitting). Continue to La Paz Waterfall Gardens, a lush reserve featuring five accessible waterfalls and Costa Rica’s largest wildlife sanctuary, where rescued sloths, monkeys, and toucans can be observed up close. A private guide ensures a smooth, flexible experience, bringing together Costa Rica’s top highlights in one well-paced day from San José.

• Duration: Full Day
• Difficulty: Easy
• Recommended for: Nature lovers, families, photographers, visitors with limited time
• Distance/Walking: Short walks on wellmaintained paths
• Highlights: Poás crater lagoon, cloudforest environment, five La Paz waterfalls, Costa Rica’s largest wildlife sanctuary 

Explore downtown San José on foot, including the vibrant Central Market, where locals shop for traditional foods and everyday goods. Visit either the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum or the Jade Museum, showcasing Costa Rica’s rich pre-Columbian heritage. End at the National Theatre of Costa Rica with a specialty coffee at Alma del Café. A refined introduction to the capital’s culture and daily life.

• Duration: Full Day
• Difficulty: Easy
• Recommended for: Landscape enthusiasts, cultural travelers, families
• Highlights: Irazú summit craters, panoramic highland views, Orosi Valley lookouts, colonial church, Basilica of Los Ángeles

Fly from San José to Tortuguero National Park, enjoying aerial views of mountains and rainforest. Explore its iconic canals by boat, one of the best places in Costa Rica to spot wildlife such as monkeys, sloths, caimans, and tropical birds. Visit the village of Tortuguero to learn about local conservation efforts, followed by a Caribbean-style lunch. When conditions allow, a short hike offers panoramic views of the rainforest and coastline.

• Duration: Full Day
• Difficulty: Easy
• Recommended for: Wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, eco travelers
• Distance/Walking: Mostly seated boat exploration; optional light hike
• Highlights: Scenic flight, rainforest canals, guaranteed wildlife viewing, Tortuguero village, Caribbean cuisine

Travel from San José toward the Caribbean slopes and enter the Pacuare River for approximately 18 miles of rafting. The route alternates thrilling rapids with quieter stretches through rainforest, steep canyon walls, and waterfalls, creating a rare combination of adrenaline and natural beauty. Professional river guides manage safety and the flow of the experience, and a well-earned meal is included before the return to San José.

• Duration: Full Day
• Difficulty: Moderate / adventure
• Recommended for: Adventure seekers, active travelers, and nature lovers
• Minimum Age: 12 years
• Highlights: Class III-IV whitewater, rainforest canyon scenery and waterfalls, calmer stretches for taking in the landscape, professional river guides and safety support.

Ascend to Irazú Volcano National Park, home to Costa Rica’s highest active volcano, to explore its summit craters and, on exceptionally clear days, sweeping views across the Central Valley and occasionally toward both coasts. Descend into the green Orosi Valley, known for its coffee-growing landscapes and historic character, and visit the Church of San José de Orosi, the country’s oldest functioning church. The day concludes at the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels, Costa Rica’s most important pilgrimage site, before returning privately to San José.

• Duration: Full Day
• Difficulty: Easy
• Recommended for: Landscape enthusiasts, cultural travelers, and families
• Highlights: Irazú summit craters and highland panoramas, scenic Orosi Valley viewpoints, historic Church of San José de Orosi, Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels

This private walking experience takes travelers into the heart of downtown San José to discover traditional cantinas and their stories, while tasting Costa Rica’s iconic guaro. At each stop, a traditional boca — a small savory dish typically served alongside drinks — accompanies the experience, offering a taste of the country’s everyday culinary culture.

Made from sugarcane by the National Liquor Factory since 1856, guaro is Costa Rica’s traditional spirit. Rather than visiting polished cocktail bars, this experience focuses on the character, history, and informal atmosphere of the city’s traditional cantinas, offering an authentic glimpse into a lesser-known side of San José.

• Duration: Approximately 3 hours
• Schedule: Monday – Saturday | Start times between 11h00 and 19h00
• Difficulty: Easy / urban walking
• Recommended for: Adults interested in local culture, history, and authentic experiences
• Minimum age: 18 years
• Highlights: Traditional San José cantinas and taverns, introduction to Costa Rica’s traditional guaro, local history and stories behind the city’s cantina culture, walking experience through downtown San José, friendly, bohemian atmosphere, a different perspective on Costa Rican everyday culture.