Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Description
To Spanish explorers, the rumors of gold and vast riches could only mean that this section of Central America was the costa rica - the "Rich Coast."
Hailed as the Switzerland of the Americas, Costa Rica occupies a unique position, lying between two oceans and two continents. On both coasts, tropical rainforests rise to the mountains of the interior, many of which soar over 13,000 feet above sea level. In the west, a seemingly endless succession of brown-sand beaches forms the nation's Pacific coast. Puntarenas is your gateway to Costa Rica's wonders - and to its capital city of San Jose.
Points of Interest
- San Jose & National Theater
- River Cruise
- Coffee Plantation
- Costa Rica Animal Center
- Sarchi
- Costa Rica Rainforest
- Thermal Springs
- Rainforest Aerial Tram
More about Puntarenas, Costa Rica Points of Interest
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San Jose & National Theater -
Costa Rica's vibrant capital city is home to the Gold Museum, the spectacular Metropolitan Cathedral, the historic National Museum (the scene of fighting during the 1948 civil war), and the National Theater, considered to be the country's most beautiful building.
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River Cruise -
Costa Rica's river cruises glide through the tropical mangroves where crocodiles, lizards and waterfowl roam, but the Corobici River is a prime waterway for a laid-back river raft float.
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Coffee Plantation -
Coffee production has always played a key role in the country's history and is important for the economy. Tour a sprawling plantation to discover how coffee is produced, from bean to cup.
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Costa Rica Animal Center -
Dedicated to the rehabilitation and release of Costa Rica's endangered wildlife back into the wild, the center is home to sloths, spider monkeys, howler monkeys, owls and and other animals.
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Sarchi -
Sarchi, a friendly rural village, is famous for its talented local artists who paint and decorate traditional oxcarts in intricate, vivid designs. It is also home to the largest oxcart in the world.
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Costa Rica Rainforest -
From the misty treetops of the Monteverde Cloud Forest to the brilliantly-colored scarlet macaws who call Carara National Park their home, Costa Rica's lush rainforests are full of intrigue.
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Thermal Springs -
Set near a hidden canyon where a thermo-mineral river flows, the springs are also famous for their natural mineral hot pools and exuberant vegetation.
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Rainforest Aerial Tram -
Costa Rica's incredible Rainforest Aerial Tram offers an intimate ride above the treetops and past numerous waterfalls while a knowledgeable naturalist guide points out highlights along the way.
San Jose, National Theater, & Lunch
Easy Activity, Includes meal
From $139.95
Best of Puntarenas: Aerial Tram, Tarcoles River & Lunch
Shopping Opportunities, Easy Activity, Includes meal; Includes snack
From $199.95
Scenic Drive, Cultural Show & Shopping
Easy Activity
From $54.95
Scenic Drive, Cultural Show & Shopping (Wheelchair Accessible)
From $54.95
Aerial Tram, Butterfly Garden, Sloth Sanctuary & Lunch
Shopping Opportunities, Easy Activity, Includes meal
From $164.95
Coffee Plantation, Botanical Garden & Lunch
Easy Activity, Includes meal
From $139.95
Coffee, Chocolate & Sarchi Experience
Moderate Activity
From $69.95
Andalusian Horse Show & Countryside
Easy Activity, Includes snack
From $119.95
Starbucks Coffee Tour & Oxcart Factory
Moderate Activity, Includes meal
From $159.95
Sloth Sanctuary, Botanical Garden, Oxcart Factory & Lunch
Shopping Opportunities, Moderate Activity, Includes meal
From $159.95
Scarlet Macaw Sanctuary, Boat Tour & Country Drive
Easy Activity, Includes snack
From $109.95
Arenal Volcano And Hot Springs
Moderate Activity, Includes meal
From $169.95
Sabana Adventure
Moderate Activity
From $139.95
San José on Your Own
Easy Activity
From $69.95
Rainforest Canopy Zip line & Aerial Tram Combination
Strenuous Activity
From $159.95
A Walk in the Clouds
Shopping Opportunities, Strenuous Activity, Includes meal
From $109.95
Eco-Jungle River Cruise
Easy Activity, Includes snack
From $69.95
Jungle Crocodile Safari
Easy Activity, Includes snack
From $69.95
Corobici River-Raft Float, Scenic Drive & Lunch
Moderate Activity, Includes meal
From $109.95