If you are staying in or around San Jose for a day or two we recommend several destinations.

Buena Vista Hotel

You will have to take a taxi at the airport to get to the Buena Vista but most cabbies know it. You will take a quick 25 minute drive through Alajuela and up a small mountain road to the steps of Buena Vista. Once you arrive, their friendly staff will take it from there. The reception desk clerk speaks English. Check-in is worry free and they are conscious of the environment. There is a small artistically tiled pool in a garden courtyard and plant species are labeled. There is also a small hiking trail (with many tropical varietals lining the trail including lime and orange trees) behind the hotel that has a great vista of a neighboring coffee plantation. There is a small intimate bar, restaurant, and they also offer twenty minutes of free internet.

The Doka Estate

If you love coffee, peek into the inner workings of coffee production by visiting Tour de Café. The self-titled ‘Real Coffee Tour’, is a third-generation coffee plantation. The Doka Estate winds you through their property and educates their visitors up close and personal to ‘real coffee’. The Doka Coffee Estate is located near the lush Alajuela Poas Volcano, the rich soil and ideal growing climate make this farm famous for its distinctive coffee.

The Butterfly Farm

The Butterfly Farm raises live butterflies for exhibit in Europe. On the bright and educational butterfly tour you learn about relationships between the beautiful insects and their eco-system. The farm’s owners make it possible to observe a butterfly emerging from its chrysalis during each tour. Some lucky visitors may even see butterfly’s emerging and taking off on their first voyage. For extra savings combine the butterfly farm tour with Café Britt’s original coffee tour (combo $70.00, children $50.00). Open daily, tours 8:30 a.m., 11a.m., 1p.m. and 3 p.m.; 438-0400.

Two hours; $15, students $10, children 5-12 $7.00, children under five free; $25.00 including transport to and from San Jose, $15.00 for children

Both tours offer transportation and lunch.

Arenal Volcano and Pineapple Cooperative

Without a doubt one of the most impressive sights of the country is the majestic Arenal Volcano. Enjoy a worthy side trip and find all the beauty this area has to offer near the volcano, lagoon, and hiking trail. For a truly different attraction take a leap and learn about one of the most outstanding pineapple cooperatives in Costa Rica. Coopesanjuan Cooperative, (northern plains area) dedicated to cultivating pineapple and yucca, is an expedition like no other. The co-op maintains 200 hectares of conserved tropical forest land. This conservation land has become home of the lapa verde, a bird distinguished by its colorful plumage. Ask your Villas Tranquilas reservations specialist for more information.