Puntarenas Excursions
NATUWA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
SAN JOSE TOUR – GOLD MUSEUM & NATIONAL THEATER
EXCLUSIVE COFFEE TOUR AT HACIENDA DOKA
ATV ADVENTURE
HORSEBACK RIDING & NATURAL POOLS
AN AUTHENTIC CHOCOLATE EXPERIENCE
CANOE OUTRIGGERS
KAYAK TOUR
BUTTERFLY GARDEN & SLOTH HABITAT AT SELVATURA PARK
HANGING BRIDGES & TREETRAM AT MONTERVERDE CLOUD FOREST
TREETRAM & NATURE HIKE AT MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST
ESPIRITU SANTO COFFEE FARM & SARCHI TOUR
ELSE KIENTZLER BOTANICAL GARDEN & OXCART WHEEL PAINTING WORKSHOP
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HANGING BRIDGES AT VILLA LAPAS
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JUNGLE CROCODILE SAFARI
CARARA NATIONAL PARK DAY & JUNGLE CROCODILE SAFARI
NATUWA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Located inland, only 45 minutes from the port town of Puntarenas, sits Natuwa Wildlife Sanctuary. It is well-known for its successful efforts in providing refuge and protection to wildlife in danger of being hunted, caged, and victims of deforestation. Among some of the most common residents are jaguars, ocelots, monkeys, tapirs, white-tailed deer, and sloths.
You will be guided through the lush jungle trails and observation stations, and get to see some of Costa Rica’s most impressive wildlife. Your guide will give you interesting facts about the animals and the conservation efforts carried on by the Sanctuary. You will observe local species such as jaguars, ocelots, sloths, monkeys, tapirs, white-tailed deer, as well as international species like cockatoos, African parrots, and Brazilian monkeys. Experience the breathtaking beauty and diverse wildlife of Costa Rica while supporting the conservation of endangered species.
Minimum: 10
Maximum: 90
Meal/Beverage: 1 bottle of water
What to bring: Comfortable clothing and shoes sunblock, hat
SAN JOSE TOUR – GOLD MUSEUM & NATIONAL THEATER
San Jose, located in the heart of the Central Valley, is the capital city of Costa Rica. It is the center of all government and business institutions, renowned for its metropolitan structure, lively city center markets, and scenic mountain views. San Jose is also the cultural center of the country, home to several historic landmarks and museums, such as the Gold Museum and National Theater.
The tour begins with an hour and a half long scenic drive to metropolitan San Jose. Once in the city, you will pass by the Sabana Metropolitan Park and the National Stadium, as you make your way to the center.
Having arrived in the center, you will get off at Plaza de la Cultura. You will get to visit the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, which houses an extensive collection of Costa Rica's most priceless pieces of pre-Columbian gold and other artifacts, including historical currency and some contemporary regional art.
Next, you will visit the National Theater of Costa Rica. Constructed in 1897, it features a columned neoclassical facade flanked by statues of Beethoven and famous 17th-century Spanish dramatist Calderón de la Barca. The lavish marble lobby and auditorium are lined with paintings depicting various facets of 19th-century life.
Afterward, a delightful light lunch will be served at Gran Hotel Costa Rica, Curio Collection by Hilton. It dates back to the 1930s, is a historical-architectural monument of Costa Rica, and features contemporary urban interiors.
Minimum: 15
Maximum: 60
Meal/Beverage: lunch
What to bring: Comfortable clothing and shoes, sun block and hat
EXCLUSIVE COFFEE TOUR AT HACIENDA DOKA
Nestled in the fertile highlands of Alajuela in the Central Valley, Hacienda Doka is home to some of Costa Rica’s best coffee. Scenic, green and serene, this property is an iconic destination tailored for coffee lovers seeking to immerse themselves in the rich history and artisanal process of coffee production in Costa Rica. This historic coffee estate offers visitors a captivating experience that blends education, entertainment, and sensory delight.
The tour begins with a scenic 2-hour drive through the Costa Rican countryside, to the Alajuela region of the Central Valley.
Once having arrived at Hacienda Doka, you will get to wander about the estate, and check out the historic buildings and machinery used for coffee production. Your guide will tell you about the estate’s history, and give your information regarding its coffee production.
Next, you will get to participate in a coffee tasting session and specialized workshop. Here, expert baristas guide visitors through a unique sensory experience, exploring the various flavor profiles and aromas that distinguish the estate's specialty coffees. From tasting different varieties to practicing artisanal brewing methods, each activity is designed to delight the senses and deepen appreciation for coffee.
A traditional lunch will be served at a private small lounge, followed by the specialized workshop.
Minimum: 15
Maximum: 30
Meal/Beverage: lunch, natural fruit juice and coffee in different brewing methods
What to bring: Comfortable clothing and shoes, hat, sunblock
ATV ADVENTURE
15 minutes away from the beach town of Jaco, amidst the rainforests of the Central Pacific, Vista Los Suenos Adventure Park awaits adrenaline-seekers and nature-lovers alike. Surrounded by nature, the park offers many exciting activities. Among one of the most popular is riding ATVs.
The tour begins with a scenic hour-long ride to Vista Los Suenos Adventure Park in the Central Pacific. Upon arrival, you will get brief instructions at the adventure center, and go on a test-run of the ATVs on a private track. If you do not pass the test, you will not be allowed to partake in the ATV tour.
Get on your ATV and ride along jungle trails, dirt paths and past rivers, accompanied by your guide. You will make brief stops along the way, to enjoy the ocean-view lookout points. Your final stop is an oasis of private waterfalls, where you will get to rest, relax and take a swim, before returning to the adventure center.
Minimum: 10
Maximum: 70
Meal/Beverage: fruits and water
What to bring: closed shoes, swimsuit, towel, change of clothes, sunblock, hat
HORSEBACK RIDING & NATURAL POOLS
15 minutes away from the beach town of Jaco, amidst the rainforests of the Central Pacific, Vista Los Suenos Adventure Park awaits adrenaline-seekers and nature-lovers alike. Surrounded by nature, the park offers many exciting activities. Horseback riding is among one of the most sought-after activities.
The tour begins with a scenic hour-long ride to Vista Los Suenos Adventure Park in the Central Pacific. Upon arrival, you will receive some brief safety and riding instructions, you will get your gear on, get on your horse and ride!
Nothing quite like discovering the wonders of the rainforest on horseback. As you make your way through the jungle trails, keep an eye out for wildlife – you’ll surely spot some. Be sure to stop and enjoy the amazing views along the way!
After a nice and slow 45-minute ride, you will hike for 10 minutes through the private reserve, to the pristine natural pools where you can enjoy a refreshing swim.
Minimum: 10 passengers
Maximum: 20 passengers
Meal/Beverage: fruits and water
What to bring: long pants, closed shoes or water shoes, swimsuit, towel, hat, sunblock
Minimum age to participate: 4 years, children 4 to 5 can ride with one of the parents paying an extra charge.
AN AUTHENTIC CHOCOLATE EXPERIENCE
15 minutes away from the beach town of Jaco, amidst the rainforests of the Central Pacific, Vista Los Suenos Adventure Park awaits adrenaline-seekers and nature-lovers alike. Surrounded by nature, the park offers many exciting and interesting activities. A very popular choice of activity is the Chocolate Experience.
The tour begins with a scenic hour-long ride to Vista Los Suenos Adventure Park in the Central Pacific. Upon arrival, you will go on a short nature walk through the transitional rainforest, during which you will get to see a variety of flora and fauna.
Next, the Chocolate Experience begins, in which you will get to observe varieties of cocoa beans, and learn about them. You will be told about the ancestral history of cocoa as well as its impact on the world economy. Now, for the fun part - you will get to taste the cocoa fruit raw, witness the production processes, and then taste different types of delicious chocolate mixed with a variety of tropical fruits.
After the activity, you can browse through and buy different types of organic chocolate bars and cacao products, with varying cacao percentages and flavors.
Minimum: 10 passengers
Maximum: 80 passengers
Meal/Beverage: fruits and water
What to bring: comfortable clothes, sunblock, hat
CANOE OUTRIGGERS
Playa Agujas, only 30 minutes away from beach town Jaco in the Central Pacific, is ideal for water sports such as canoeing. Paddling away on the outriggers (Hawaiian style canoes) is not only a whole lot of fun, but also great exercise. Also, a great way to enjoy the scenery.
The tour begins with an hour-long, scenic drive to the tropical Playa Agujas. After some brief safety and paddling instructions, you will go aboard your outrigger and paddle away into the blue. You will glide past spectacular cliffs filled with frigate birds and pelicans, and your guide will point out interesting landmarks along the way.
No experience is necessary to partake in this tour.
There will be experienced guides, all necessary equipment, bottled water, fruit, showers and changing rooms.
A colorful picnic lunch will be served at the beach.
Minimum: 15 passengers
Maximum: 40 passengers
Meal/Beverage: fruits, water, life jackets
What to bring: hat, sunblock, water shoes, swimsuit, change of clothes, towel
KAYAK TOUR
Playa Agujas, only 30 minutes away from beach town Jaco in the Central Pacific, is ideal for water sports such as kayaking. Paddling away on the kayaks is not only a whole lot of fun, but also great exercise. Also, a great way to enjoy the scenery.
The tour begins with an hour-long, scenic drive to the tropical Playa Agujas. After some brief safety and paddling instructions, you will go aboard your kayak and paddle away into the blue. You will glide past spectacular cliffs filled with frigate birds and pelicans, and your guide will point out interesting landmarks along the way.
No experience is necessary to partake in this tour.
There will be experienced guides, all necessary equipment, bottled water, fruit, showers and changing rooms.
A colorful picnic lunch will be served at the beach.
Minimum: 10 passengers
Maximum: 28 passengers
Meal/Beverage: fruits and water, life jackets
What to bring: hat, sunblock, water shoes, swimsuit, change of clothes, towel
BUTTERFLY GARDEN & SLOTH HABITAT AT SELVATURA PARK
Located in the depths of the greenest Cloud Forests of Monteverde, you can find the amazing 850-acre ecological adventure and nature park, Selvatura Park. The private reserve offers several exciting experiences such as the canopy tour, hanging bridges, nature hike, reptile and amphibian exhibition, Butterfly Garden, and Selvatura Sloth Habitat. Entirely surrounded by lush, green vegetation, featuring total access to breathtaking wildlife, this park has it all!
The tour begins with a scenic 2-hour long drive through the Puntarenas countryside. Upon arrival at Selvatura Park in Monteverde, you will first visit the beautiful Butterfly Garden, home to more than 30 species of breathtaking butterflies native to Costa Rica. As you make your way through the colorful, flower-filled gardens, your guide will give you interesting facts about the varying species of butterflies you encounter.
Next, you will go to the Selvatura Sloth Habitat, a wildlife sanctuary dedicated to the well-being and care of sloths that have been rescued from the threats of poaching, habitat destruction, illness, and accidents. As you walk around observing these gentle creatures in their new and safe habitats, your guide will tell you all about them, as well as the sanctuary itself. Selvatura Park’s main goal is to educate people on the importance of environmental conservation, and to protect and preserve the sloth, recently-named a national symbol.
Lunch will be served before heading back to Port.
Minimum: 20 passengers
Maximum: 40 passengers
Meal/Beverage: light lunch
What to bring: comfortable walking shoes, hat, sunblock, rain poncho
HANGING BRIDGES & TREETRAM AT MONTERVERDE CLOUD FOREST
Located in the depths of the greenest Cloud Forests of Monteverde, you can find the amazing Treetopia Park. The private reserve offers several exciting experiences such as the Adventure-mania, Zipline tour, Challenge Course, SkyWalk hanging bridges, and TreeTram. The park features breathtaking views of the cloud forest, has top-notch infrastructure, and the latest equipment.
The tour begins with a scenic 2 and a half-hour long drive through the Puntarenas countryside. Upon arrival at Treetopia Park in Monteverde, you will go on the SkyWalk, a nature hike through the trails of the cloud forest and past 3 hanging bridges, entirely surrounded by lush, green vegetation and diverse wildlife. The whole experience lasts about 2 hours.
Next, you will go on the TreeTram, a cableway that takes you over Monteverde’s cloud forests. It is renowned for its breathtaking views from a height of 5700 feet above sea level. Be sure to have a camera handy!
Lunch will be served before heading back to Port.
Minimum: 15 passengers
Maximum: 40 passengers
Meal/Beverage: light lunch
What to bring: comfortable walking shoes, hat, sunblock, rain poncho, camera
TREETRAM & NATURE HIKE AT MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST
The tour begins with a scenic 2 and a half-hour long drive through the Puntarenas countryside. Upon arrival at Treetopia Park in Monteverde, you will go on the TreeTram, a cableway that takes you over Monteverde’s cloud forests. It is renowned for its breathtaking views from a height of 5700 feet above sea level. You’ll get to relax and enjoy the view. Be sure to have a camera handy!
Next, you will go on a leisurely nature hike through the jungle trails of Treetopia Park. The trails are about 2km long, surrounded by lush, green vegetation, the soothing sound of birds and monkeys in the air. Keep an eye out for wildlife – you will surely see some extraordinary exotic animals in their natural habitats! At the end of the trail, you will cross a 230-meter-long bridge, from where you can enjoy the jungle views from another angle. At the end of the bridge, you will find the main Building of the Park.
Minimum: 15 passengers
Maximum: 80 passengers
Meal/Beverage: Light lunch
What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes, hat, sun block, rain poncho
ESPIRITU SANTO COFFEE FARM & SARCHI TOUR
Located in the depths of the greenest Cloud Forests of Monteverde, you can find the amazing Treetopia Park. The private reserve offers several exciting experiences such as the Adventure-mania, Zipline tour, Challenge Course, Sky Walk hanging bridges, and Tree Tram. The park features breathtaking views of the cloud forest, has top-notch infrastructure, and the latest equipment.
The tour begins with a scenic 2 and a half-hour long drive through the Puntarenas countryside. Upon arrival at Treetopia Park in Monteverde, you will go on the Tree Tram, a cableway that takes you over Monteverde’s cloud forests. It is renowned for its breathtaking views from a height of 5700 feet above sea level. You’ll get to relax and enjoy the view. Be sure to have a camera handy!
Next, you will go on a leisurely nature hike through the jungle trails of Treetopia Park. The trails are about 2km long, surrounded by lush, green vegetation, the soothing sound of birds and monkeys in the air. Keep an eye out for wildlife – you will surely see some extraordinary exotic animals in their natural habitats! At the end of the trail, you will cross a 230-meter-long bridge, from where you can enjoy the jungle views from another angle. At the end of the bridge, you will find the main Building of the Park.
Minimum: 15 passengers
Maximum: 80 passengers
Meal/Beverage: Light lunch
What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes, hat, sun block, rain poncho
ELSE KIENTZLER BOTANICAL GARDEN & OXCART WHEEL PAINTING WORKSHOP
Situated beyond the picturesque green hills of Alajuela’s countryside, sits the quaint artisan town of Sarchi. Home to both historic and artistic wonders, Sarchi displays the ultimate representation of Costa Rican culture.
The tour begins with an hour and forty-five-minute-long scenic drive from the Port of Puntarenas, past the green hills and mountains of Alajuela, to the artisan town of Sarchi. First, you will visit the mesmerizing Else Kientzler Botanical Garden, home to a collection of tropical plants consisting of around 2,000 species, from places as varied as Madagascar, Japan, New Zealand, Bahamas, India, Java and, of course, Costa Rica. As you go on a leisurely stroll around the gardens, past colorful, exotic plants of all types, be sure to enjoy the panoramic views, and take lots of photographs! You will have time for a serene nature walk amidst a neighboring forest, as well as an awesome labyrinth! A delicious typical lunch will be served at the Garden’s restaurant.
Next, you will get to visit a traditional Costa Rican Oxcart wheel painting workshop. Oxcarts are a symbol of Costa Rican art, culture and history, and an important means of transport in the olden days. The painting of its wheels, featuring bright colors and vibrant designs, is a world-renowned Costa Rican artform. Aside from observing artisans painting the wheels, you will have the opportunity to participate in a workshop in which you will paint a small oxcart wheel to take home as a momentum of your visit!
Before heading back to Puntarenas, you will get to visit a traditional Costa Rican Oxcart factory nearby, where they are made!
Minimum: 15
Maximum: 40
Meal/Beverage: 1 bottle of water & traditional Costa Rican lunch
What to bring: Comfortable clothes and shoes, sunblock, hat
HANGING BRIDGES AT VILLA LAPAS
Perched by the riverside at the edge of Carara National Park, Villas Lapas Jungle Village is a nature paradise in the Central Pacific of Costa Rica, surrounded by tropical gardens and 500 acres of lush rainforest landscape.
The tour begins with an hour-long scenic drive from the Port of Puntarenas to the beautiful Villas Lapas Jungle Village. You will start off with a nature hike through the rainforest, and cross five suspension bridges. During the hike, you will get to learn about the rainforest's biodiversity and observe different species of trees, amphibians, birds, and mammals! Be sure to stop every once in a while, and truly take in the mesmerizing beauty of the rainforest and the panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.
Next, you will visit Villa Lapas’ stunning replica of Costa Rica’s historical Santa Lucia Town – a quaint, charming touch to the natural surroundings. The Santa Lucia replica town includes a church, a local cantina, a lake, and restaurant where a typical lunch will be served.
Minimum: 15
Maximum: 90
Meal/Beverage: 1 bottle of water and fruit juice
What to bring: Comfortable clothes and shoes, sunblock, hat
JUNGLE CROCODILE SAFARI
The Tarcoles River, situated in the Central Pacific region of Costa Rica, is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna. Among them, the most popular to the region, and the biggest attraction, are crocodiles! Renowned for its nature-immersed activities, one of the most popular is the Jungle Crocodile Safari.
The tour begins with an hour-long scenic drive from the Port of Puntarenas to the green riverbanks of Tarcoles. Here, amidst the soothing sounds of birds singing, you will go on a boat safari down the scenic river. The serenity of the surrounding rainforest meets the thrill of seeing real, live crocodiles lurking all about! Be sure to keep an eye out for other tropical wildlife, including exotic birds, iguanas, and snakes. Renowned for birdwatching, this location is home to over sixty different species of resident and migratory, terrestrial and coastal birds.
A specialized naturalist guide will accompany you, pointing out and providing information on crocodiles, as well as the ecology and landscape of this natural refuge. Be sure to bring along a camera to photograph and film wildlife at close range!
Minimum: 20
Maximum: 180
Meal/Beverage: 1 bottle of water
What to bring: Comfortable clothes and shoes, sunblock, hat
CARARA NATIONAL PARK DAY & JUNGLE CROCODILE SAFARI
Carara National Park is located in the Central Pacific region of Costa Rica. It is a transitional forest, where varying species of dry forest and humid forest converge. It is renowned for its diversity of exuberant flora and fauna, including the beautiful Scarlett Macaw.
The tour begins with an hour-long scenic drive from the Port of Puntarenas to Carara National Park. Upon arrival, you will go on an exciting nature hike through the rainforest trails. As you make your way through the jungle trails, you will observe giant trees, exotic plants and a wide variety of wildlife. Be sure to have a camera handy, there will be many opportunities to take photos!
Next, you will go to the green riverbanks of Tarcoles. Here, amidst the soothing sounds of birds singing, you will go on a boat safari down the scenic river. The serenity of the surrounding rainforest meets the thrill of seeing real, live crocodiles lurking all about! Be sure to keep an eye out for other tropical wildlife, including exotic birds, iguanas, and snakes. Renowned for birdwatching, this location is home to over sixty different species of resident and migratory, terrestrial and coastal birds.
A specialized naturalist guide will accompany you, pointing out and providing information on crocodiles, as well as the ecology and landscape of this natural refuge. Be sure to bring along a camera to photograph and film wildlife at close range!
Minimum: 20
Maximum: 108
Meal/Beverage: 1 bottle of water – fresh fruit
What to bring: Comfortable clothes and shoes, sunblock, hat
