Puntarenas, Costa Rica Shore Excursions

Puntarenas, Costa Rica is where rainforest, wildlife and rich tradition meet the Pacific coast. This lively port city opens the door to cloud forests, coffee farms, river safaris and cultural experiences that show why Costa Rica is known worldwide for its pura vida lifestyle.

Excursions in Puntarenas, Costa Rica include cloud forest walks, crocodile safaris, coffee plantation tours, aerial tram rides and cultural encounters in colorful towns. Whether you’re searching for adrenaline, nature or a taste of local life, this port is packed with ways to experience the very best of Costa Rica.

Puntarenas Forest & Canopy Adventures

Few places feel as magical as Costa Rica’s cloud forests — misty sanctuaries where hummingbirds hover and waterfalls tumble through the canopy.

A Walk in the Clouds

Head into San Luis Park with a naturalist guide, crossing suspension bridges high above the jungle floor. Spot hummingbirds darting through the air, listen for the calls of hidden wildlife and gaze at rivers and waterfalls from a bird’s-eye view. The day wraps up with a traditional Costa Rican lunch and a taste of agua dulce, a local cane sugar drink.

Tropical Forest Aerial Tram and Zipline

For a more adventurous take, soar over the rainforest canopy on Costa Rica’s only aerial tram, then let loose on a series of thrilling ziplines. It’s a mix of peaceful gliding and pure adrenaline, with unforgettable views of the treetops.

Wildlife Encounters in Puntarenas

Costa Rica is famous for its biodiversity and Puntarenas excursions make it easy to see why.

Crocodile Safari & Carara National Park

On the Tárcoles River, massive American crocodiles are the stars of the show. Board a pontoon boat and glide through mangroves, spotting macaws, egrets and crocodiles sunning themselves along the banks. Pair it with a nature hike in Carara National Park to see even more of the region’s wildlife.

Sloths, Jaguars & Macaws Sanctuary

Meet Costa Rica’s most beloved creatures at a wildlife sanctuary that cares for rescued animals. Watch scarlet and green macaws fly freely overhead, learn the stories of rescued jaguars and of course, see the slow, smiling faces of sloths — true ambassadors of Costa Rica’s relaxed spirit.

Jungle and River Wagon Expedition

Climb aboard a tractor-pulled wagon for a ride through rainforest trails and across the Tárcoles River. Along the way, spot monkeys, iguanas and tropical birds before arriving at a recreated old Costa Rican village for fresh fruit and a taste of history.

Puntarenas Coffee, Culture & Traditions

Puntarenas is also a gateway to Costa Rica’s cultural heartland, where coffee, crafts and community come together.

La Eva Coffee Plantation & Sarchí

Coffee is more than a drink here — it’s a way of life. At La Eva Plantation, learn how beans are harvested, roasted and brewed, then sip a fresh cup right where it was grown. In the artisan town of Sarchí, explore workshops where colorful wooden oxcarts — a national symbol — are still made by hand.

Andalusian Horses Show

Costa Rica may be famous for wildlife, but it also has a strong equestrian tradition. At Rancho San Miguel, watch purebred Andalusian horses perform elegant dressage set to flamenco music, a tradition that blends Costa Rican pride with Spanish heritage.

Authentic Cooking Class

Step into a local kitchen to learn how to make classic Costa Rican recipes passed down for generations. Then, after enjoying your creations, head to the Tárcoles River for a relaxing eco-cruise — a perfect pairing of culture and nature.

Choose Your Puntarenas Shore Excursion

Excursions in Puntarenas, Costa Rica include cloud forest hikes, crocodile safaris on the Tárcoles River, coffee plantation visits, aerial tram rides and cultural experiences in towns like Sarchí. From misty rainforest bridges to the slow sway of a hammock with a cup of local coffee, Puntarenas offers a little bit of everything that makes Costa Rica unforgettable.