Puntarenas Highlights 6 in 1

Puntarenas Highlights 6 in 1

Puntarenas Highlights 6 in 1

Travel in air conditioned comfort as you head south on the coastal highway to Carara National Park.

Costa Rica is one of the few fortunate countries in the world, which still enjoys the lushness of the tropics. Become a Tropical Forest pioneer as you take a walk through the trails of Carara National Park. This central pacific forest offers an incredible variety of plant life.

In the dry season, it stands out as a fresh, green oasis. During the rainy season, it even becomes a bigger paradise due to its fast growing greenery. Strolling along its paths with your naturalist tour guide will be more than just a fascinating experience. As you walk under the rich canopy of giant trees, you will learn about the species of plants and their relationship with the fauna of the area. Although the animals may not be visible, monkeys, agouties, scarlet macaws, iguanas and other small mammals as well as dazzling butterflies and a variety of birds have been seen in the trails.

Having experienced the tropical forest trails, you'll now have time to relax and stroll around in the beautiful shopping Village of Santa Lucia, a quaint replica of a Spanish settlement during the colony. At this complex, located only few minutes from Carara Park, you may want to purchase that special gift from a big array of items, including local gourmet coffee and small oxcarts

Next stop is the Tarcoles River Bride. You can admire the huge crocodiles that are common in this river.
Famous for its large American Crocodiles, the Tarcoles River forms the Northern border of Carara Biological Reserve on the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica.

The Tarcoles River is home to one of the world's largest crocodile populations in the wild, with some up to twenty feet long and can live for 60 years! So big they have names like "Saddam Hussein" and "Mike Tyson!"

At Orotina stop at the farmer's market and fruits stands and take the opportunity to interact with the friendly locals.

Browse for a variety of truly exotic tropical fruits, such as Caimitos, star apples, cashew fruits, mangos and many more amazing fruits, most endemic to Costa Rica. Orotina is well known in Costa Rica as the Fruit City due its huge production.

After leaving Orotina continue to Esparza, which is known as one of the most picturesque towns in Costa Rica's Central Pacific region. The central park and its church are emblematic of Costa Rica's hardworking rural towns.

Continue your journey down to sea level while admiring the sweeping views, green rolling hills covered by pasture lands, colorful homes with large gardens, and the ocean in the distance.

Puntarenas city is the largest city in the Central Pacific and is located approximately 120 kilometers or 75 miles west of the capital.

San Jose, Puntarenas means "sandy point" in Spanish, and used to be one of the country's principal seaports. Situated in the Gulf of Nicoya, Puntarenas has played a huge role in the history of Costa Rica.

For years this city was a major sea port. However, now it is mostly used as a stopover port for many cruise ships that sail the waters of the Pacific Ocean. Still used as an important commercial fishing port, Puntarenas offers visitors and locals alike, a variety of tantalizing fresh sea foods such as shrimp, lobsters and fish.

A lively and attractive city, perhaps one of Puntarenas's most interesting features is the Paseo de los Turistas. This is a tree-lined promenade adjacent to the beach. This area turns into a colorful street on weekends, as people from all over flock the popular restaurants, discos, cafes, bars and hotels that are found here.

While the beach here is not safe for swimming because the water tends to be pretty murky, it is still a great place to hang out and relax with the local Ticos. It is definitely worth exploring this city, as there are many beautiful old unusual buildings found all over the place, as well as several fabulous restaurants and hotels. Puntarenas also has a lovely old church, which is a must see as well.

Inclusions

  • Tour guide
  • Air conditioned transportation
  • Shopping
  • Tour time 6.5 to 7 hours
  • Nature walk

Tips

You may want to bring sunscreen and insect repellant for the nature walk. And don't forget your camera!

Departure Location

At the cruise ship pier. The specific meeting location at the pier will be listed in your confirmation email and voucher for this shore excursion. See the 'Redemption and Voucher Details' section below.

Redemption and Voucher Details

  1. After you complete your booking, your credit card will be charged and our expert Shore Excursion Concierge agents will 'hand'-review your shore excursion selections against your cruise itinerary to confirm compatibility. Your credit card statement will list the merchant for the charges as Port Promo Cruise Tours.
  2. You will receive an email within 72 hours of booking from info@portpromotions.com which confirms your booking and contains the vouchers required for your shore excursions. Please print these vouchers and bring them with you on your cruise. You will be required to turn the voucher(s) in to the corresponding shore excursion supplier(s). The vouchers feature information regarding how to meet up with the tour leader upon arrival to a port and other important details.
  3. Your tour is completely refundable if your ship is unable to get into port or due to weather cancellations. See our terms and conditions for complete details.
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