RAINFOREST: If you only had one day to spend in San Jose, Costa Rica?

Question

If you only had one day to spend in San Jose, Costa Rica and wanted to go see the Rainforest, where would you go? I found all the National Parks list for Costa Rica, but really don't know which one to go to. I hear of all the exotic and rare wild life I want to see - the sloths, red macaws, monkeys, etc. in the Rainforest and wish to see these sorts of things even if it is farther. So, what is also the CLOSEST things to do (outside of San Jose City tours) but not just seeing a coffee plantation or butterfly farm? I know about the Arenal Volcano, but what is the best rainforest? (And what is the best rainforest/park to see all the wildlife) And what is the closest rainforest if not the best? I travelled and stayed in the Daintree Rainforest in Australia and LOVE it. I live on a beach in Florida so have no desire to go to a beach since I live on one already, hence why I want to see and take pictures with my nice Canon EOS camera of animals/fauna, etc. in the dense rainforests.

Answer 1

if you like your camera BE CAREFUL!! i went to Costa Rica and the humidity and sudden rain in the rain forest ruined my camera, a very nice one and i was quite upset.  i would recommend getting a waterproof case.  San Jose just isn't that close to most of the non-traveled rainforest's.  the best one for wildlife (for me) was the cloud forest (Monte Verde) it was amazing!! there were sloths just hanging by the doors and windows and hummingbirds everywhere!  also iguanas and toucans and wild butterflies.  more than i can mention.  amazing huge old trees with cactus growing on the higher branches, the base covered in moss and other small plants.  i would also recommend la fortuna waterfall as an extremely beautiful photo spot, it's an amazing country with beauty around every corner; I'm sure you wont have any trouble getting great pic.s   .   also i would go to a restaurant in San Jose called pollo fiesta or something that means chicken party, it's soooo amazing!  you absolutely need to try the guacamole!  have fun!!

Answer 2

There is a full-day tour offered by several companies, "The Best of Costa Rica" or some such name (they vary according to the company), and this tour takes you to, yes, a coffee plantation but also to Poas Volcano, La Paz Waterfall Gardens (butterflies, hummingbirds and reptiles), and best of all, to the Sarapiqui River, where you board a small boat that cruises up the river. Wildlife flourishes along the banks - monkeys, caimans, birds of all sorts, iguanas, bats, etc. - you'll see plenty. This is one of the best places, and most convenient places to see wildlife in Costa Rica. The tour returns to San Jose through Braulio Carrillo National Park, a beautiful spot. All in all, 8-9 hours of great fun, and only $79 per person. They will pick you up at any hotel in San Jose and bring you back. I recommend the company called Expediciones Tropicales. Your hotel might encourage you to take some other company's tour (the one that pays them the highest commission), but you can insist that you want the Expediciones Tropicales tour. You'll be glad you did.

Answer 3

The closest rain forest would be Braulio Carillo and perhaps the tram ride there.  It is hard to see wildlife however--especially mammels.  No red macaws near San Jose (need to go to Pacific Coast near Carara National Park).  I would recommend La Paz water fall too.  If I had one day in San Jose I would probably either do the Britt Coffee tour and go to La Paz water falls OR I would go white water rafting.