Puntarenas

Over a century ago, primitive local artists began painting and decorating their oxcarts in intricate and colourful designs. A spirited, but good-natured competition began amongst the local families to see who could create the best designs. The trend spread and soon the sturdy vehicles, hauled by a team of oxen, became the primary means of transport to carry the elegantly dressed young ladies to festivals and dances.

In addition to the brightly painted replicas of oxcarts, Sarchi offers an immense variety of local wooden products, ranging from elaborate hand-made furniture and doors, to inlaid boxes and trays. You’ll see the artisans at work and there will be an opportunity to acquire a memento of your visit.

Grecia, the sugarcane capital of Costa Rica, is also famous for its historic, dark red, metal church. A short stop will be made here so that you may photograph this memorable sight.

A buffet of tropical fruits and coffee will be offered during your visit to Sarchi.

The Sky Walk introduces you to the forest surrounding the Carara National Park. Enjoy the wonderful scenery as you walk on suspended cable bridges over the canopy of the forest. Each bridge stretches between 270 and 330 feet and up to 126 feet high. During your 1¼ hour walk between bridges and air trails you can take in the sights of the forest.

After the walk, you’ll be offered a refreshing drink before continuing on to the Gardens.

Manicured walkways meander beside a river and along the crest of a mountain, allowing you to see the spectacular Pura Vida Gardens. Stunning panoramic views of the coastline and surroundings along with Bijagual, one of the tallest waterfalls in Costa Rica, are sure to delight. Pura Vida is also refuge for Costa Rican birds that are taken care of until they can be released back into the wild.

During your tour a delicious lunch will be served in a local restaurant.

The Guacalillo Estuary is noted for its mangrove forests, with 4 different species being found here. The low wet forests provide protection for the coastline and also a habitat for many endemic birds. This particular mangrove forest is one of the most important in the mid Pacific for the conservation of the Scarlet Macaw and is also home to 250 species of birds, crocodiles, mammals and insects.

The Tarcoles River mouth is considered by birdwatchers as one of the richest sites for sea birds and shorebirds, specifically during the migration from October to April. Ospreys, gulls, cormorants, pelicans and frigatebirds are some of the most common species in the delta.

During a relaxing boat ride through the estuary and mouth of the Tarcoles River, you’ll learn fascinating facts about the preservation of the mangroves.

At the Mangrove Station, you’ll be treated to some delicious local fresh fruit and drinks.

After a scenic drive, you’ll have chance to stretch your legs in San Ramón, a historic but relatively unexplored town of the Central Valley.

The highly active Arenal Volcano is a ‘must-see’, not only for its constant activity, but for its imposing, perfect cone and lush surroundings. The volcano is adorned by the majestic masterpiece of Lake Arenal.

You’ll have an opportunity to enjoy the natural pleasures of the El Tabacón Hot Springs. Here, you’ll find over 10 different pools filled with warm sulphur water from the volcano, surrounded by immaculately manicured tropical gardens. The property also boasts a hot-water river, where the natural ponds have been channelled for your pleasure. Take a natural massage from the hot cascading waterfall and enjoy the relaxing pressure of the water.

A buffet lunch will be served at the Tabacón Restaurant, overlooking the volcano and the gardens surrounded by tropical rainforest.

The Sky Walk takes you into a world of green tropical forests, while surrounded by sights and sounds of the several species of birds, monkeys, butterflies and mammals that inhabit the area. The forest surrounding the Tárcoles River is a protected biological reserve, making for interesting observation.

After a short walk you’ll arrive at the first of 3 suspended cable bridges. Each bridge stretches between 270 and 330 feet and up to 126 feet above the ground. During your 1¼ hour walk downhill, you’ll enjoy the sights of the forest below and around you as you walk towards the ground trails.

A buffet of tropical fruits and juices will be served during your tour. You’ll also have time for shopping at the indoor market before the return journey to the ship.

Your sightseeing drive will begin with a journey south along the coastal highway to Orotina. Relax and enjoy the stretches of Pacific coastline as you drive by.

You’ll have a brief stop at the local fruit market in Orotina, giving you the chance to interact with the locals. Here, you’ll see the vast array of exotic and unusual fruit and vegetables in the colourful displays.

Back on the road, you’ll pass some of the farms whose watermelon plantations, farmland and fruit trees supply the market. In Costa Rica it’s easy to see how man and nature live in harmony together.

Enjoy a stop in the small town of Esparza, one of the most picturesque towns in the country’s Pacific region. The park and church are emblematic of Costa Rica’s hardworking rural towns. Local dancers will greet you at the park with colourful dresses; enjoy the folkloric show while you learn about local traditions.

Continuing back down to sea level, admire the sweeping views over rolling green pasture with the shimmering blue ocean as a backdrop. The colourful homes with tropical plants marking borders and boundaries subtly decorate the countryside.

During your tour, tropical fruits and a refreshing mineral water will be served.

Take a journey deep into Costa Rican culture and countryside on board the newly-restored cars of the Pacific Railroad train. Learn how this train was used to transport the country’s valuable coffee harvests from the highlands to the coastal ports. Pass though small towns and the beautiful rural countryside as you enjoy your delightful rail journey.

After arriving to Ceiba, which is famous for its tropical mangoes and oranges, you will board a coach and head to the Tarcoles River. Tarcoles is surrounded by many different varieties of mangrove and is teeming with wildlife. You’ll see cormorants, pelicans and frigates as you glide over the calm waters in your riverboat. Keep your eyes peeled for sightings of the shy crocodiles, huge iguanas and lizards as well as herons, egrets and storks in search of a bite to eat on the riverbanks.

At the Mangrove Station, you’ll be treated to some delicious local refreshments.

Monteverde Trainforest is located close to the Monteverde Cloud Forest, and provides a great opportunity to discover the richness of the forest without the need for lengthy trail walking.

Setting off from the port, you’ll enjoy a scenic drive to the Monteverde Trainforest, where you’ll board the miniature vintage train. Sit back and relax, as you take a journey along a series of bridges and a tunnel. The view changes as you head further into the forest and on to the Rustic Station and look-out point. Here you can take an optional nature walk or simply enjoy the surrounding area. On a clear day, you can capture lovely views of Costa Rica’s most active volcano, the Arenal Volcano.

You’ll rejoin the train and continue through the lush green forest, taking in the delightful surroundings and scenery as you head to the Main Station. Here your train ride will end, and you’ll be served a delicious Costarican lunch. Afterwards, you may wish to browse for souvenirs before the return drive.

A scenic drive will take you through the Puntarenas’ rustic countryside. Enjoy mountain views as you approach the Highlands of Naranjo, an area famous for the production of high quality coffee.

Espiritu Santo Coffee Plantation covers 640 acres and is representative of the history and traditions of Costa Rican coffee. Here, you’ll discover the secrets of how aromatic coffee is carefully brewed. A guided tour will show you the plantation workers, undertaking their daily tasks in each stage of the production process. You’ll see an old Costa Rican House and learn how life once was, and the tradition of brewing coffee in past times. During your visit you’ll be offered a delicious cup of Costa Rican coffee.

Afterwards, your tour will continue to the scenic town of Sarchi, for a brief photo stop at the main square. Over a century ago, primitive local artists began painting and decorating their oxcarts in intricate and colourful designs. Here you can view the largest oxcart ever to be built.

Your return drive will offer more scenic views of the Costa Rican countryside, before arriving at the pier.