Category: Puntarenas (Costarica)

SCENIC DRIVE, CULTURAL SHOW AND SHOPPING

Your scenic drive will start by heading east to 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. Local dancers in colorful costumes will greet you at the park for a cultural show where you can enjoy the masquerades and learn about the local traditions, you will also have a chance to browse for some handmade souvenirs.

Continuing your scenic drive you will go on some stretches along the Pacific Ocean and pass by mango and cashew plantations.

You will also be able to observe the birds that thrive in this environment thanks to the sustainable practices followed here. Your journey continues as you head down to sea level, admiring the sweeping views and green rolling hills covered by pasture lands. With the ocean in the distance be sure to bring your camera to capture the unique views.

A quick stop will be made to visit the fruit stands on the way, where you can browse around and find different traditional products, such as fresh tropical fruits, cashew seeds, “cajetas” and “cocadas” (traditional candy), plantain chips, cold drinks and many other typical snacks, giving you the opportunity to interact with friendly locals. Your tour ends with some shopping time at El Jardín souvenir market, giving you a great opportunity to sample their delicious fruits and taste a great cup of Costa Rican coffee.

Please note: Guests with any type of food intolerance are required to communicate it to the Shore Excursions Office at least two days before the call.

A WALK IN THE CLOUDS

Discover the richness of the “cloud forest” while you walk along trails and the green vegetation appearing before your eyes.

The tour starts with a short downhill walk that will lead into an open hummingbird garden, where species of these tiny and lively coloured birds gather around and will surely amaze you with their spectacular aerial manoeuvers. Next, you will arrive at the first of four suspended bridges over half a mile above the ground, and that will give the most amazing birds-eye’s view of the forest. Each of these bridges stretches between 95 and 253 feet and up to 126 feet above the ground.

As you continue your way through rivers and cascades, your senses will be delighted with spectacular views while at the same time, your naturalist tour guide will point out the most outstanding features of this misty forest, showing you several species of birds, butterflies and small mammals that inhabit the area and plants such as orchids, heliconias, ferns, bromeliads and other species of aerial plants that are part of this beautiful surrounding. Enjoy a refreshing drink called “agua dulce” (a traditional drink) with a hearty typical Costa Rican lunch to regain your energy before heading back to your ship.

Please note: Guests with any type of food intolerance are required to communicate it to the Shore Excursions Office at least two days before the call. This tour is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties, pregnant women and who suffer from vertigo or a fear of heights

BOAT TOUR AT THE MANGROVE

Mangroves are lush and beautiful but are also alive with hundreds of species of birds, mammals and insects. Where better to see them and explore the beaches where they grow, than along the Tárcoles River near the Carara National Park. This area is known for its mangrove forests made up of four species: tea, black, red, and white mangrove. They are home to birds like the cuckoo, hummingbirds, vireo, Panama flycatchers and many herons and egrets.

The Tárcoles river mouth also is alive with over 250 animal species that inhabit the water, the land and the air of the mangrove forests. Expert guides will reveal all the secrets of this unique habitat and explain why it must be preserved as it plays a key role in the preservation of all living species on Earth. Before returning to the ship, a visit to Local Market will allow you to browse and purchase some souvenirs, sample delicious tropical fruit, or taste a cup of freshly brewed Costa Rican coffee.

Please note: It is recommended that guests wear comfortable shoes, a hat, insect repellent, and sunscreen. Guests using mobility aids must be capable of navigating a few steps to get on and off the coach and boat

PAINT YOUR OWN OXCART WHEEL & DISCOVER SARCHI WITH LUNCH

Discover the artistic heart of Costa Rica in Sarchí, an approximately 1 hour and 20-minute drive from the port to the country’s most famous artisan town. Start with a photo stop at one of the world’s largest hand-painted oxcart—an iconic national symbol and a great souvenir snapshot. Then head to El Jardín, where a local artisan will guide you in painting your own mini oxcart wheel using a simple paint-by-numbers method—no experience needed.
Afterward, enjoy a traditional Costa Rican buffet lunch at the on-site restaurant, followed by time to explore the cactus garden and rural animal display. Before returning to port, browse a variety of locally made crafts, wooden art, and handmade souvenirs. Head back to your ship with a unique keepsake and a deeper connection to Costa Rica’s culture. Guests must be at least 6 years old to participate.

Please note: this tour involves light walking and standing during the painting activity and garden visit. Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing that may get a bit of paint during the hands-on workshop.

Closed-toe shoes are recommended for walking through the garden and farm areas. All painting materials are provided, and no prior experience is required. A refillable water bottle, sunscreen, and a camera for photo opportunities are also recommended. Guests must be at least 6 years old to participate

SCENIC PUNTARENAS, CULTURAL SHOW, AND BUTTERFLY GARDEN

Start with an approximately 40-minute drive to Esparza for a photo stop at the central park and charming church, a place full of local character and artisan heritage.

Then continue to El Jardín, a spacious countryside venue celebrating Costa Rican culture and hospitality. Enjoy a lively folkloric dance performance by local youth in traditional dress and try your hand at a few salsa steps for some interactive fun. After the show, explore the butterfly garden, home to Blue Morphos and other native species fluttering among tropical plants. Before returning to the ship, relax with fresh Costa Rican coffee, tropical fruits, cold drinks, and browse handmade souvenirs and local crafts. Guests must be at least 6 years old to participate.
Please note: This tour involves light walking and standing during the folkloric dance and butterfly garden visit.

Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing and shoes. A refillable water bottle, sunscreen, and a camera for photo opportunities are also recommended. Guests must be at least 6 years old to participate

CARARA NATIONAL PARK

Enjoy the day in Carara National Park, an approximately 1 hour drive from Puntarenas. Carara National Park is a unique 4,700-hectare reserve located in a transitional climate zone between the dry north and the humid South Pacific coast. Begin your visit on the universal footpath, thoughtfully designed to make the forest accessible and engaging for all visitors.

Along the path, discover animal sculptures, Braille signs, haptic maps, and comfortable rest areas. Carara is home to over 110 bird species, including anhingas, surgeon ducks, great blue herons, and endangered scarlet macaws. You may also spot monkeys, reptiles, amphibians, and other wildlife thriving in this ecosystem. After your nature walk, visit a local souvenir market where you can browse handcrafted goods, sample fresh tropical fruit, and enjoy a cup of authentic Costa Rican coffee before returning to your ship. Guests must be at least 4 years old to participate.

Please note: Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. The trail at Carara National Park is approximately 1.2 km long with 9 resting bays. Guests are not permitted to feed the wildlife. It is recommended to wear light clothing, hiking shoes, bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, camera, binoculars, and insect repellent. Guests must be at least 4 years old to participate

DISCOVER COSTA RICA

Travel through the Costa Rican countryside on your way to the Doka Estate, one of the oldest and most celebrated coffee plantations in the country. Located at 4,500 feet above sea level, this historic site has been declared part of Costa Rica’s Architectural Heritage. Enjoy a guided tour of the estate and learn how coffee is cultivated, harvested, and processed—from bean to brew. Savor a fresh cup of their rich, award-winning coffee before indulging in a buffet lunch at La Cajuela, the estate’s open-air restaurant surrounded by gardens and panoramic mountain views. Afterward, continue to the town of Sarchí, the heart of Costa Rica’s traditional woodcraft. Admire the town’s iconic giant oxcart in the main square and visit the Eloy Alfaro Oxcart Factory, the last remaining factory powered by a working water wheel. Watch master artisans at work creating the hand-painted oxcarts and wooden crafts that have become proud symbols of Costa Rican heritage. Guests must be at least 8 years old to participate.

Please note: Tour sequence may vary. This tour is not recommended for guests with heart conditions due to the altitude. Guests must be in good physical condition to participate on this tour. Guests must be at least 8 years old to participate. This tour involves walking on inclined, uneven terrain. It is recommended that guests wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes, and bring sunscreen and insect repellent