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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.
Upon receiving the above information, the client will be sent a copy of the voucher with charges in (colones) local currency. Balance of payments may also be paid by MC and VISA cards. Client will sign voucher and be given a copy in person. Please note that a 5% service is added. *The credit card is perfectly acceptable however the preferred method of payment is $US cash.
Special Tours and Prices for People on Cruise ShipsFrom Pacific side ports of Caldera/Puntarenas:
From Caribbean Atlantic ports of Limon/Moin:
A Special Tour for Wheelchair Travelers $2070 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. Cahuita National Park/Puerto Limon Local Tour
Other options on this tour:
Return to top.
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. 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. This tour can be combined with the nearby Tropical World of Butterflies tour $5 pp. The enclosed butterfly garden covers 530 square meters in a unique circular design, which includes two paths that are wheelchair accessible. Garden also has a 5 square meter pool with fish and a waterfall. English speaking guide. Grounds include fruit trees, medicinal plants and a restaurant serving Costa Rican typical food. Wheelchair accessible bathroom. Approximate length of tour is 6-8 hours. Return to top. Costa Flores/The Tropical World Of Butterflies Tour from Puerto Limon/Moin
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. The enclosed butterfly garden covers 530 square meters in a unique circular design, which includes two paths that are wheelchair accessible. Garden also has a 5 square meter pool with fish and a waterfall. English speaking guide. Grounds include fruit trees, medicinal plants and a restaurant serving Costa Rican typical food. Wheelchair accessible bathroom. Approximate length of tour is 6-8 hours. Return to top. La Selva or La Tirimbina Tour from Limon/Moin
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. Veragua Rainforest Tram Tour
Friendly and knowledgeable English speaking guides conduct 2-3 hour private tours. Reservations required ($65 pp). *It should be noted that the reserve is located in a remote area. The road from the main highway is unpaved and a bit rough in places. The ride on unpaved road is about a half hour. Every precaution is taken to prevent jostling about however one needs to consider road conditions beforehand! Further information and pictures can be found at www.veraguarainforest.com (with permission of Veragua Rainforest Park.) Return to top. Traditional Costa Rican Farm Tour
Here’s a great way to experience the past and present of an authentic
Costa Rican farm. English speaking guides lead
you through accessible trails of coffee, fruit and other native tropical
plants. Traditional painted carts pulled by oxen will carry you to a
working “trapiche” (sugar cane press), where you’ll participate in the
process. You’ll learn about macadamia cultivation from planting,
harvesting, processing and packaging. Most of the trails are hard packed and wheelchair accessible. Washrooms are accessible as well. A must see if you’re interested in the traditions of Costa Rican farming combined with the technologies of today. Reservations required ($20 pp).
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, Las Cabinitas or Hotel el Silencio de Campo) 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 Vista Pacifico) 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, Quality 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 $2,070 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. © 1998-2010 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). 
We are now accepting Master Card and Visa International Cards as a convenience. In order to use your credit card for deposits and prepayments; full information below MUST BE faxed to 011 506 2454-2810.
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.
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 on
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.
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.
Veragua
is a private 4000-acre rainforest adjacent to La Amistad International
Park shared by Costa Rica and Panama. It is dedicated to preservation,
research and education. There are trails, exhibit halls, butterfly
garden, vivarium, aerial tram, restaurant, and bathrooms that are all
wheelchair accessible. 
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.