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Tours & Prices
Other Web Sites for Disabled Travelers in Costa Rica and Nicaragua |
Tours and Prices
All reservations for tours from cruise ships must be made at least 48 hours in advance, or a 15% additional late fee will charged. Failure to notify cancellation 72 hours in advance will result in a no-show charge.
Special Tours and Prices for People on Cruise ShipsFrom Pacific side ports of Caldera/Puntarenas:
A Special Tour for Wheelchair Travelers Puerto Caldera/Puntarenas Local Tour
Mata de Limon, a small village near Puerto Caldera, was one of Costa Rica's first sea resorts, as was Puntarenas for Costa Ricans. Both of these beach towns have seen better days but have gradually been on a slight upswing since more cruise ships have come to Costa Rica. There are several souvenir stands near the pier and along the beach promenade in Puntarenas Local vendors sell an assortment of Costa Rican products from locally grown coffee to T-shirts and artisan crafts. Our first stop in Puntarenas is the historic church built in 1902. It is one of only two churches in Costa Rica whose front faces the east. Casa de La Cultura next door is an art gallery, library and museum. Next we drive up the Paseo de las Turistas, the main street along the beach which passes by various hotels and restaurants. The ferry-loading berth is located at the very end of the point; here one catches the ferry to Playa Narjanjo and Paquera on the Nicoya Peninsula. Before heading out of the city we catch a glimpse of the Rio Naranjo Estuary bordering the north side of the city. Another optional attraction is Parque Marino del Pacifico, the new aquarium which opened on April 26, 2002. It is dedicated to the study and preservation of Costa Rican marine biology. 
Then there is a short drive through Mata de Limon; from the pier one can view the mangroves along the estuary of Boca de Caldera. Heading southwest we drive to the bridge over the Rio Tarcoles to view crocodiles along the riverbanks amidst cows grazing in nearby pastures. This is adjacent to Carara Biological Reserve, a protected area and haven for many species of wildlife and birds, including the scarlet macaw [note: separate entry fee per person is required]. It should be noted that a paved accessible trail is currently under construction and may require extra personnel to assist. An optional tour is the Jungle Crocodile Safari (flat deck) boat on the Rio Tarcoles (ramped from dock to boat) excellent for seeing birds and crocodiles from a close but safe distance [note: 2 hours plus separate fee per person is required]. Heading toward Orotina, the fruit growing area, we stop and snack on tropical fruit at local roadside stands. In San Mateo we drive past the church and main plaza with a stop at Ceramica San Mateo to see authentic Costa Rican pottery. We loop back to Puntarenas on a back road to Esparza, passing by rustic houses and country farms. Special shopping and photo stops will also be made along the way. Other options and restaurants on local tour:
Return to top. Sarchi /Grecia Tour from Puerto Caldera/Puntarenas
At Sarchi we'll watch the local artisans in their workshops painting brightly colored designs on oxcarts and furniture. This is a very old tradition that has been imitated all over the country. One will be able to leisurely look in the numerous souvenir shops that specialize in these handicrafts. We'll lunch at one of the local restaurants serving authentic Costa Rican typical foods such as casados, arroz con pollo, meat and seafood. One of the most interesting places that we'll see is a workshop still using water-powered machines to make authentic ox carts in the old traditional way. The last stop in Sarchi will be to view the Sarchi Norte Church and the beautifully hand carved wooden sculptures inside. Our return route to Caldera/Puntarenas will be via the Pan American Highway passing by sugar cane fields and breath taking views of the mountain ranges. Photo and shopping stops are made along the way. Other options and restaurants on Sarchi tour:
Return to top. INBioparque Tour from Puerto Caldera/Punteranas
Other options on tour:
Return to top. Sarchi/Grecia/Zacero from Puerto Caldera/Puntarenas
Other options and restaurants on Zacero tour:
Return to top. San Jose City Tour from Puerto Caldera/Puntarenas Starting out from Puerto Caldera/Puntarenas we follow the windy old oxcart highway to San Jose, the capital and largest city of Costa Rica. We'll stop briefly in the fruit growing area Orotina to sample tropical fruit at a local stand. In nearby San Mateo we pass by the main plaza and church. While in town we'll see the beautiful pottery made by Costa Rican artisans at the Ceramica San Mateo. Then through the bucolic countryside scattered with Brahma bulls and coffee plants growing in neat little rows on the hillsides. At the crossroad of the Pan American Highway we turn east toward San Jose, the center for commerce and culture in the country. See the new ox cart sculpture by Manolo in Atenas. It depicts how coffee was originally transported over the mountains from the Central Valley to Puntarenas a century ago.
Our tour continues as we travel past government buildings and beautiful parks. Before leaving the city we drive into San Pedro, past the University of Costa Rica and and San Pedro Mall. We return to Caldera/Puntarenas via the Pan Am Highway, passing by coffee and sugarcane plantations. The views of the breath taking mountain vistas are well worth a photo stop. Arriving safely back at the dock, your ship awaits you after a very enriching experience in San Jose. Other optional sites to explore in San Jose:
Return to top.
The tour blends agriculture and processing into an educational experience of pineapple production. There are four WC accessible stations where the visitor sees the evolution from planting, harvesting, and packaging including a dehydration process. Learn about the history of pineapples as well as taste the newest and sweetest variety grown. The on-site tour is approximately two hours and costs $17 pp. Suggested starting price is $379 US not including meals, admissions to other attractions or additional tours. Approximate length of tour is 6-8 hours. *This tour can be combined with the nearby Tropical World of Butterflies tour $5 pp.Return to top. Cahuita National Park/Puerto Limon Local Tour
Other options on this tour:
Return to top. Costa Flores/E.A.R.T.H. from Puerto Limon
Costa Flores is about 1-1/2 hours from Puerto Limon. It is a tropical farm/factory and garden farm that specializes in helconia growing and exportation. The garden is beautifully landscaped and is accessible. The owner designer is an American architect who lives in Costa Rica. One can either have lunch at nearby typical restaurant or bring a box lunch from the ship. The entrance fee is $18 per person cash only.
Other option on this tour:
Suggested starting price for the above tour(s) is $385 US not including entrance fee(s). Approximate length of tour is 6-8 hours. Return to top.
The bio-diversity of flora and fauna is abundant within this reserve which includes over 5,000 plants; 700 species of trees; 400 species of native and migratory birds; and predators such as pumas and jaguars. English speaking guides trained in biology give informative tours. Trails are cemented and wheelchair accessible. Advance reservation REQUIRED. Other options on the tour:
Return to top. A Special Tour for Wheelchair Travelers
Day 1. Airport arrival and hotel transfer in our full size van that is equipped with a Ricon elevator and complete safety tie downs/seat belts. Our English speaking driver and guide will transport you safely to your hotel (Vista del Valle, Marriott, Courtyard Marriott, Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn, Comfort Inn, or Rodeo Inn)
Day 3. Driving tour to Puerto Viejo, Sarapiqui area past the La Paz waterfall in AM. Arrive PM to La Selva biological reserve station. Take tour with bilingual naturalist guide. Overnight stay (La Selva, Centro Neotropico Sarapiqui or La Quinta). Day 4. Drive to Arenal an active volcano. Visit Tabacon Spa, Lake Arenal and La Fortuna area. Overnight stay (Tabacon Resort, Arenal Observatory Lodge or La Pradera) Day 5. Drive back to Central Valley via San Carlos. Stop in Zacero to see famous topiary garden and shop for souvenirs in the artisan town of Sarchi. Continue to Rio Tarcoles/Carara. Overnight stay (Los Suenos Marriott, El Paraiso Escondido or Villa Lapis) Day 6. Tour one of the following: the Rio Tarcoles by Jungle Crocodile Safari (flat deck boat); Rain Forest Aerial Tram Pacific or visit Carara Biological Reserve. Return to Central Valley via old cart route through San Mateo and Atenas. Overnight stay (Vista del Valle, Marriott, Courtyard Marriott, Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn, Comfort Inn or Rodeo Inn) Day 7. Hotel pick up and airport transfer for flight home. Note: Hotels are wheelchair accessible and chosen by client based on budget and availability. Tour package includes van, driver/guide service, gas and snacks. The above tour is offered for $1,800 excluding hotels, meals and admission to attractions. Please note that the above prices do not include admission fees to museums, parks, and other attractions. Return to top. © 1998-2006 Vaya con Silla de Ruedas, S.A. Material on this page may not be reproduced without written permission from Vaya con Silla de Ruedas, S.A. |
Make a reservation to ensure that you have the tour you want. It is especially recommended during the high tour season September-May. A 50% deposit is required. All reservations are accepted on a first come, first serve basis. It will be fully refunded if we are notified no later than 72 hours. *Exception applies to tours from cruise ships; a $60 service fee will be charged if we are at port and the ship is unable to dock or whatever reason(s). 
Caldera means "caldron" in Spanish and the climate can be very warm. Puntarenas refers to long peninsula of sand that the city is actually built on. Although Puerto Caldera is used primarily for freighters but it still receives some cruise ships. The renovated pier in nearby Puntarenas was made exclusively for cruise ships and is located a few blocks from 'el centro' or the downtown area.
Sarchi is a quaint and popular artisan community located in the Central Valley just off the Pan American Highway. As we leave the coast from Puerto Caldera/Puntarenas we'll pass through the agricultural areas of Orotina and San Mateo. Our first stop will be at a local stand to sample a snack of the tropical fruit. In San Mateo we pass by the local church and main plaza with a brief stop to see pottery made by Costa Rican artists at the Ceramica San Mateo. Traveling on the scenic old "oxcart route" we wind our way uphill past country farms and see coffee plants growing on the hillsides. In Grecia, medium-size city recently voted the cleanest in Central America; we'll see the famous metal church and pass through the central market place.
Our air-conditioned van will transport you to INBioparque via the old ox cart road and the Pan American Highway past beautiful mountain vistas and coffee plantations. We arrive at the newest educational and recreational attraction in Costa Rica. It is just 15 minutes from San Jose in Santo de Domingo de Heredia. Here you will be introduced to various examples of bio-diversity found throughout the country. The encounter with the natural environment includes high-tech multimedia exhibits as well as nature trails with native flora and fauna. This nonprofit and non-government scientific institution promotes the value of biodiversity through research and education. The site is totally wheelchair accessible.
Essentially we follow the same route as the Sarchi/Grecia tour. However, the town of Zacero is included. There we stop to see the world famous topiary work of Evangelisto Blanco in front of the church. We take the scenic drive via San Ramon in order to see the church built from Krups armament steel before heading back to Caldera/Puntarenas on the Pan Am Highway. Photo stops
and shopping stops are made along the way.
As we enter the outskirts of Alajuela we see jets arriving and taking off from Juan Santa Maria International airport. One of our first sites will be the U.S. Embassy in Pavas as we pass through the affluent community of Rohrmoser. Nearby is La Sabana Park, which was once an airport; the terminal is now an art museum. Driving up Paseo Colon, the major avenue into the downtown area, we pass by the metropolitan cathedral and arrive at the National Theatre. This neo-classical building decorated with baroque sculptures is considered to be the architectural treasure of Costa Rica. Across from the Plaza de la Cultura is the Grand Hotel where we can have coffee or lunch, listen to the marimba musicians and people watch in the busiest section of the city. Up the street is an old fort that is now the National Museum, displaying the history of the country from pre-Columbian to the present.
One of the newest and unique tours offered from Limon is located on a plantation about an hour from the port. We see pineapples cultivated and prepared for shipment to the multinational company, Del Monte.
We start with a short city tour of Limon. Highlights include Isla Uvita, Parque Vargas, el centro or downtown and drive along the Caribbean coast past resorts and banana plantations. Then onto Cahuita National Park. A lush tropical rainforest located along on the Caribbean. The approximate 2.5 miles of beach contains numerous species of birds, monkeys and other wildlife amongst palm trees, marshlands and mangroves. Directly off shore is a large corral reef. A drive through the park offers an excellent opoportunity to see the above. There are also abundant tables to have a picnic lunch on the beach. Another option is to have a typical Caribbean lunch at a restaurant in the local seaside resorts of Cahuita or Puerto Viejo.
Upon your arrival to Puerto Limon you'll see Isla Uvita the site of Columbus' 4th landing to the New World in 1502. After a short city tour of Limon including the colorful el centro or downtown, Parque Vargas and a short drive along the Caribbean coast we'll head to either E.A.R.T.H. or Costa Flores. You will have chosen one of these attractions in advance.
E.A.R.T.H. is about 30 minutes before Costa Flores just off the main highway. It is an acronym (Escuela de Agricultura de la Region Tropical Humeda) and is a teaching/working university that specializes in ecological growing of crops in the tropics. 500 students come from all over the world but mainly from Latin America. Classes are conducted in Spanish but they have English speaking guides. It is accessible but we would have to utilize a paratransit van to get from one area to another, since the campus is very large. You'll also visit a banana-packing factory and paper-making factory. The cost is approximately $30 per person, which includes lunch.
La Selva Biological Station is comprised of 3,900 acres of which almost 73% is primary tropical rainforest. It is located on the Caribbean side of the country and receives an average of 150 inches of rain annually. In 1954 Dr. Leslie Holderidge established it as an experimental farm to improve natural resource management. Since 1968 when it was bought by the Organization for Tropical Studies, it has contributed to rainforest research.
Although Costa Rica is developed in many ways it is still a 3rd world country and falls short in many places for wheelchair accessibility. Currently the government and concerned organizations are making some improvements. Vaya con Silla de Ruedas "Go with Wheelchairs" was the pioneer "paratransit" tour service in Costa Rica. SAFETY is always paramount as well as your comfort and enjoyment. Please come and explore the wonders of this beautiful paradise with our ADA equipped van and guide service. Our expertise in this specialized field is incomparable and your concerns are always ours. So just relax and experience this unique little country .
Day 2. Begins with a specially planned San Jose City wheeling tour in AM. Followed by a visit to one of the following in the PM: INBioparque (special park dedicated to education and research of the environment); Café Britt (coffee tour); The Butterfly Farm; Zoo Ave (wild life refuge zoo). Overnight stay at the same hotel as day 1.