Puerto Caldera & Puntarenas Highlights Tour (6 in 1)

Do you like to pack a lot of action into your days? Bit of a multi-tasker, are you? Then this is the Puntarenas shore excursion for you! We're talking 6 unique activities in Costa Rica in just one day. If you are visiting Puerto Caldera or Puntarenas Costa Rica for the first time, the 6 in 1 Puntarenas Highlights tour is the perfect introduction of all the best Costa Rica has to offer.
          
Costa Rica Pacific Coastal Drive

Our first leg of the tour takes us on a scenic coastal drive south. Our first destination is about one hour through the coast and rural Costa Rica countryside. The A/C will be cranking in the tropical heat, so just relax and enjoy the ride. Your knowledgeable guide will point out many points of interest such as mango and other citrus groves. This side of Costa Rica is famous for its delicious and varied tropical fruit stands...yummy!

Villa Lapas Skyway - Costa Rica Hanging Bridges Experience

Once we arrive to the Villa Lapas Reserve, we will have a break to stretch and use the restrooms before embarking on the Villa Lapas hanging bridges tour. Villa Lapas Skyway is actually a network of trails and bridges used by scientists to study the varied plant and wildlife in the area. In fact, Villa Lapas is named for the beautiful scarlet macaws that call this region of Costa Rica home. If you love bird watching, the vantage point of the hanging bridges in Costa Rica is where it's at!

The Villa Lapas Skyway takes you on a 2.5km (1.5 mi) trek across 5 different hanging bridges at stretching 300 feet each in the rainforest canopy. Don't look down, the highest hanging bridge is over 180 feet above ground! Rather keep your eyes peeled in the canopy for the chance to see monkeys, sloths and of course the lapas (scarlett macaws)!

Santa Lucia Colonial Village

After our hanging bridges tour, we will visit Santa Lucia for a quick peak back into Costa Rica's colonial history. Santa Lucia is a rebuilt replica of the first Spanish colony in Costa Rica. Shaded by the lush rainforest and bordered by rivers, we will have free time to wander around comfortably. You can explore the replica of the first ever catholic church built in Costa Rica, try some delicious Costa Rica coffee and shop for traditional souvenirs.

Tarcoles River Crocodile Safari

We'll refuel with a snack as we make our way to leg four of our epic Puntarenas adventure, the famous Tarcoles River Crocodile tour in Costa Rica. Aboard a slow (and safe) river boat, we'll glide into position near some of the largest crocodiles found anywhere in the Americas. Get ready to oooh and aaah, these beasts are incredible. The Tarcoles River borders the Carara National Park. So, keep your eyes peeled; there are colorful parrots, howler monkeys, water birds and tons of wildlife all around. Thing 4 on your list includes spotting all the members of the animal kingdom, so get crackin'! The Tarcoles crocodile tour in Costa Rica is one experience you won't soon forget.

El Jardin Souvenir Shopping

Next up: retail therapy. El Jardin Souvenir Store and Restaurant is a lovely place to rest up and have a bite to eat. Enjoy typical Costa Rican cuisine and maybe pick up a piece of art from their gallery. Lunch is not included in the price, but you can get a typical Costa Rican lunch of beans, rice, fried plantains, vegetables and choice of meat for about $10 US. A great deal for a delicious signature dish of Costa Rica.

Puntarenas City Tour

After we've had a chance to refuel we'll get back on the road bound for the pier. But before we get there, we've got just one thing left on the to-do list: touring Puntarenas City proper. Formerly one of Costa Rica's principle sea ports, it is still a lively and bustling city. In fact, Puntarenas is the largest city in the Central Pacific. It is also a weekend getaway for Ticos living in San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica. We'll check out Paseo de las Turistas, a picturesque tree-lined promenade near the beach. The area has a lively and colorful feel; it's perfect for our last stop before heading back to the pier.

So there you have it, 6 unique activities packed into one amazing shore excursion in Puntarenas! This is also one of our favorite Costa Rica shore excursions for families. Even grandma can easily navigate the hanging bridges! So what are you waiting for? Book your Puntarenas 6 in 1 Highlights tour today!