ABOUT US:   Ecoscape Nature Tours was founded in 1993 by its current owner and director Alfredo Valverde, an experienced travel consultant and award winning tour guide. Rather than becoming another of the many tour operators offering an array of traditional tours and services, Ecoscape Tours decided to specialize in what was clear to its owner, after several years of touring experience, was the best and most comprehensive nature tour route in Costa Rica which was being offered in those days as two separate tours taken on different days.

Thus was born the Costa Rica Highlights Tour which in essence took the best from two already beautiful tours and turned them into a spectacular nature tour which many tourists have referred to as "the best tour we've taken anywhere in the world".

To this day Ecoscape remains faithful to its original philosophy that it is better to do few things but to do them well. With this is mind, on a daily basis our best efforts and resources are placed on making sure that our Highlights Tour, in its one or two day versions, will indeed be one of the best tours you´ll take anywhere!

TOUR DURATION:  ONE DAY TOUR: Approximately 11 hrs. (from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.)OVERNIGHT TOUR: Aprox. from 6:30 a.m. the first day to 5:30 p.m. the second day

WHERE DOES THE TOUR DEPART FROM?   We leave every day from the San Jose area picking up at most major hotels and many B&B's in and around San Jose. WE DO NOT OPERATE THIS TOUR FROM ANY OF THE BEACH AREAS.

WHAT DOES THE TOUR INCLUDE?   ONE DAY TOUR: -- Breakfast and Coffee Plantation Tour- - Poas Volcano and Cloud Forest -- Coffee break at Waterfalls and Hummingbird Gallery -- Buffet Lunch and free time at Selva Verde Rainforest Lodge -- Sarapiqui Jungle River boat tour-- Drive back through Braulio Carrillo National Park.

TWO DAY OPTION: -- All of the above activities plus three added meals -- A choice between a Whitewater Rafting trip or a guided 2 1//2 hr. Rainforest Tour -- Overnight Lodging at Selva Verde Jungle Lodge and plenty of time to enjoy the rainforest.

ISN'T THE ONE DAY OPTION TOO MUCH IN ONE DAY?   Not at all, our ONE DAY TOUR is done is a very relaxing, no rush pace. You will spend more time outside the vehicle enjoying the many stops than riding inside. All the attractions are close to each other so you won't spend long hours riding the bus. Even during the time on the bus, the views from the vehicle as you drive past highland forests, pastures, canyons, waterfalls and streams are quite spectacular and an integral part of the tour.

If you would like to take more time to experience the rainforest then you should consider our OVERNIGHT OPTION!

IS THE ONE DAY OPTION RIGHT FOR KIDS OR ELDERLY PEOPLE?   Kids usually enjoy this tour because of the many stops it makes. The "are we there yet" syndrome is not common on our Highlights Tour. Elderly folks should be aware that at the summit of the volcano (8500 ft.) the air is thinner and a bit more difficult to breathe if there are weight issues or respiratory problems. Other than that, this is a great sightseeing tour with optional short walks here and there.

WHAT KIND OF TRANSPORTATION DO YOU USE?   We use 10, 25 or 40 passenger newer model vans or buses all with air conditioning.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR AND WHAT DO I BRING ALONG?   ONE DAY OPTION: The volcano is sometimes cold so bring a sweater or jacket - It can rain in the rainforest so take an umbrella or a poncho - Wear comfortable walking shoes - The river can be warm and humid so wear light clothing - Bottled water is available throughout the tour route - Binoculars and camera are recommended.

OVERNIGHT OPTION: Added to the above list, you should also bring swimming attire, insect repellant and sun-block. A MAXIMUM OF 25 lbs. OF CARRY-ON LUGGAGE PER/PERSON IS ALLOWED FOR THE OVERNIGHT OPTION.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF TAKING THIS TOUR?   It's a combination package which has put together several beautiful attractions which were often visited in several days by tourists and combined then into a spectacular, very affordable one or two day trips.

ECOSCAPE TOURS specializes in this tour. We hire only well trained, professional guides who know exactly where to stop or slow down for the best sightseeing opportunities. They share interesting information and point out things that others might pass by. Specialization sets us apart from the rest!

Our ONE OR TWO DAY TRIPS will give you a chance to see two completely different areas of Costa Rica in a relatively short time:  the Central Highlands with their cool air and cloud forest and the warm tropical world of lowland rainforest and jungle rivers.  Either option is perfect for those on a limited time schedule.