Atlantic Park Rainforest: Birding Tour + Optional Transfer from San Jose


Photo provided by Rain Forest Aerial Tram

Take to the rainforest trails for an easy 3-mile (5-km) hike with a specialized birding guide. Over 365 species of birds reside in the Atlantic Park Rainforest, and you're likely to spot at least 70 different varieties. A light breakfast is also included.

Just 50 minutes from San Jose, the Atlantic Park Rainforest is a sanctuary that shelters ecotourism and a research park unlike any in the world. This rainforest hike offers plenty of action, interspersed with down time to explore the rainforest and the Corinto River. Several stretches can be a bit physically challenging, as sections of the trail may be muddy or irregular.

The Aerial Tram Ride: Explore different levels of the rainforest from the comfort of a gondola. You'll even explore the treetops (or canopy)—considered the most difficult level to access and, until now, the least understood part of the forest. In their search for light and space, many plants have colonized the treetops, turning them into small ecosystems. Animals are very abundant throughout the tropical rainforests, but can be difficult to spot during the day; the wildlife in the park is free to wander naturally. The most common species found here are butterflies and birds, including toucans, parrots, woodpeckers, sparrow hawks, eagle-hawks, tanagers, wrens, and many others. Reptiles like snakes and lizards, as well as amphibians such as "blue jeans frogs," can also be found in the rainforest. Mammals, usually found in the forest treetops, include three monkey species, two kinds of sloth, two kinds of anteater bears, and of course a great number of bat species. Insect species, many of which are still unknown to scientists, are abundant in the canopy. The course is very secure and very quiet; this allows visitors to listen to the many different sounds of the rainforest. The length of the tram ride is about one hour.

Inclusions :

  • Roundtrip transfer, beginning from your San Jose hotel (optional transfer upgrade)
  • Transportation within the park
  • Entrance to rainforest park
  • Admission to all attractions
  • Guided walking tour
  • Specialized guide
  • Bird list
  • Flight on an Aerial Tram gondola
  • Light breakfast

Duration:
Approx. 5 1/2 hours + 2 hours for transfer

Hours of operation:
  • Mon.: 9 AM–4 PM
  • Tues.–Sun.: 6:30 AM–4 PM

    Departure time and location:
    5:30 AM, from the lobby of your San Jose hotel (optional transfer upgrade)

    Return time and location:
    Approx. 3:30 PM, to your San Jose hotel (optional transfer upgrade)

    Accessibility information:
    The Rain Forest Aerial Tram offers easy accessibility for seniors, children, and people with disabilities, though some trails run through rough terrain. Assistance is available for entering and exiting the tram cars. A trained nature guide accompanies visitors on each gondola, which means there is assistance at all times, as well as interpretive narration for people with visual impairments. Most facilities throughout the park are accessible to those using mobility aids, including the Visitor's Center, the Rain Forest Cafe, the gift shop, and the washrooms, which have large stalls equipped with grab bars.

    Note:
    Reservation confirmation is required. Please contact Rain Forest Aerial Trams in advance of the date you wish to participate. You must be at least 13 to participate. A minimum group size of 6 is required for the tour to run; if the group size is not reached, the tour is subject to cancellation and all tickets are refunded. Rain Forest Aerial Tram is a smoke-free facility; smoking is not allowed anywhere on the premises. The trams travel from the ground to a height of 95 feet (30 meters), with each gondola capable of carrying five guests and a guide or three guests, one wheelchair guest, and a guide (seats are removed in order to accommodate the wheelchair user). The maximum capacity per gondola is 1,120 pounds (510 kilos). The treetop tour is narrated in Spanish or English. Please wear comfortable walking shoes, shorts or light pants, a hat or cap, and raingear. Bring camera and film, insect repellent, binoculars, and cash for incidentals. All customers/participants are required to sign liability waivers before participating in this activity.

Pricing

Photos

Photo provided by Rain Forest Aerial Tram
Photo provided by Rain Forest Aerial Tram
Photo provided by Rain Forest Aerial Tram

Redemption Details

After booking your activities or services—3 easy steps:
1. Print your voucher; locate the voucher in your travel confirmation e-mail or in the My Trips/My Itineraries link on the site.
2. Follow the redemption instructions on your voucher; it is critical to do this before you depart.
3. Take all vouchers with you; for each activity, you must redeem one voucher per person.

How to redeem your voucher(s):
As the Atlantic Park rainforest restricts the number of visitors to the park on an hourly basis, advance reservations are required. Please contact Rain Forest Aerial Trams at least 48 hours prior to your desired date and time; the customer service number and e-mail address will be listed on your voucher. On the date of your tour, please be ready in your hotel lobby at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled pick-up time. Upon pick-up, you will be required to present your voucher(s) and valid photo identification. If you are not on the hotel pick-up list, you must make your own way to the park. Please call to make advanced reservations; you will want to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your scheduled admission time. A minimum group size of 6 is required for the tour to run; if the group size is not reached, the tour is subject to cancellation and all tickets are refunded.