Top Puntarenas How to Get Around in 2026

Three hours from San Jose lies Manuel Antonio National Park, a lush world of rainforests and unspoiled beaches. With your private driver at the wheel, the time will fly by—it’s a scenic, relaxing drive along the Pacific coast. Once at the park, your guide will help you spot sloths and monkeys, lead you along the verdant trails, and show you beaches more beautiful than you can dream.

Explore Costa Rica’s southern Pacific coast by boat and on foot on this guided wildlife adventure leaving from Uvita. Look out for dolphins, turtles, and seasonal whale sightings along the coastline before heading into the rainforest to search for monkeys, scarlet macaws, and other fauna. As a fully guided experience with lunch included, this day trip makes it easy to discover the region’s remarkable wildlife and landscapes across both land and sea.

Keen fishers will love the chance to go on a private fishing and snorkeling tour from Puntarenas. Choose your departure time and the duration of the tour. Your captain will take you to some of the best fishing and snorkeling spots, which will vary depending on the conditions. Lunch, beers, fishing gear, and snorkeling equipment will all be provided.

This experience opens the doors of a local Costa Rican's farm and family to enjoy an afternoon cafe. It is an authentic opportunity to learn about farming while you try our products, have your kids running around the farm animals, or swinging in a rope swing. Our goal is to make visitors feel part of the family and expose them to the local culture.

This is a private naturalistic experience making the service more specialized in the experience provided to visitors, you will take a naturalistic tour with a certified local guide expert in wildlife sighting and extensive knowledge of the ecosystems we will visit. The Térraba Sierpe National Wetland is the largest in Central America, home to a large amount of flora and fauna, an ecosystem full of life and biodiversity. Birds, mammals and reptiles are the main attractions in this activity. A special activity for nature lovers

Spend a day out in the natural beauty of Monteverde, and see how many types of plants, birds, and other animals that you come across. You’ll visit several places today, all organized by your guide, so you just need to enjoy being out in the cloud forest. You’ll visit the Biological Reserve, Treetopia Park (Sky Adventures), and the Wildlife Refuge all in one day’s tour.

A seamless journey to the enchanting Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve awaits with this reliable shuttle service. Immerse yourself in the lush greenery and diverse wildlife as you travel from your hotel to one of Costa Rica’s most treasured ecosystems. Explore the mystical trails adorned with hanging bridges and guided hikes, perfect for nature enthusiasts and families seeking adventure. With multiple departure times throughout the day, convenience is guaranteed, making it easy to tailor your exploration of this biodiverse paradise. - Hassle-free transfers to and from Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve - Expert local drivers providing insights into the region - Flexible scheduling with several daily departures - Ideal for families, adventure seekers, and nature lovers alike

Explore Monteverde’s cloud forest at night with a certified local naturalist guide. Discover the secrets of the rainforest after dark while spotting sloths, kinkajous, tarantulas, vipers, and sleeping birds. This small-group experience ensures better visibility, personalized attention, and a deeper connection with nature. As night falls, the forest comes alive with unique sounds and behaviors, offering an unforgettable wildlife experience ideal for nature lovers and photographers.

Explore the enchanting Cloud forest under the moonlight with a night walk that reveals a hidden world of wildlife. Led by specialized naturalist Guides, this adventure offers a rare chance to see nocturnal species like frogs, snakes, and even elusive animals such as sloths and ocelots. As you stroll through the dark, discover the fascinating adaptations of creatures that thrive in the night, all while surrounded by the stunning flora, including the majestic strangler fig. This is an unforgettable opportunity to connect with nature in a whole new way.

Explore the Monteverde Cloud Forest in the morning ☀️ ✨ Unique and biodiverse nature Enter a magical ecosystem full of life. Explore the paths of the cloud forest and experience the thrill of encountering nature at its purest, where every step can reveal something surprising. Expert guides and small groups Discover the secrets of the forest with certified guides and professional telescopes. Enjoy an authentic and personalized small group experience during a tour of approximately 2 1/2 to 3 hours

Discover the vibrant culture, rich history, and scenic highlights of Costa Rica’s Central Pacific coast on a lively and affordable shared shore excursion. Perfect for cruise ship passengers looking to explore the region in a social, high-energy group setting, this comprehensive driving tour takes you from the bustling port of Puntarenas to iconic landmarks, scenic riverways, and panoramic viewpoints. Travel in comfort on a modern, shared coach while your expert bilingual guide brings Costa Rica’s history and biodiversity to life!

This educational tour offers a guided walking visit to a dedicated wildlife rescue and conservation center in Monteverde. Led by expert local naturalists, guests will learn about Costa Rican biodiversity, environmental education, and ongoing animal protection efforts. All observations take place from safe, respectful distances along designated trails. It is a family-friendly, observational journey focused entirely on wildlife conservation, including comfortable round-trip shuttle transportation directly from Monteverde hotels.

See four distinct sides of Costa Rica’s Central Pacific on a relaxed shore excursion designed for your time in port. Take in sweeping coastal views, experience the lively character of Jacó, enjoy the tropical waterfront setting of Los Sueños Marina, and finish above the Tárcoles River as American crocodiles gather below the Crocs Skywalk. In just four hours, comfortable transportation and minimal walking make this an easy way to experience the region’s scenery, local atmosphere, and remarkable wildlife.

Live a more intimate adventure from Puntarenas to the paradise Tortuga Island, a private and personalized tour, when you reach the meeting point , while sailing, you can taste a coffee or natural juice, we will sail through Puntarenas Bay watching bottlenose dolphins, on our tour of the Guayabo Islands, Cedars, we will visit the Biological Reserve Negritos Island where we will see from the boat spider monkeys, we continue sailing until we reach the octopus garden, the ideal place where we will do the snorkeling tour, the time is yours, when we leave we hydrate and go straight to Turtle Island to enjoy, relaxed in his beach chair, we provide you, tropical fruits, at noon a delicious lunch, sodas, coffee with cookies and time to enjoy this beautiful white sand beach with its crystal blue waters.

An ATV tour of Carara National Park lets you explore off-the-beaten-path of this Costa Rican gem. After a safety and instructional briefing, take your ATV on a guided tour along rugged jungle trails, past teak plantations, and over 14 river crossings, stopping to admire views and beaches along the way. Then, head down the Tarcoles River on a boat tour for a chance to spot crocodiles, monkeys, and more.

Experience one of Costa Rica's most iconic traditions with a visit to the renowned COOPEATENAS Coffee Cooperative. Learn the fascinating journey from bean to cup, discover the country's sustainable coffee culture, and enjoy a guided tasting of world-famous Costa Rican coffee. Complete your adventure with panoramic views from the Crocs Skywalk overlooking the Tárcoles River, creating the perfect combination of local culture, breathtaking scenery, and authentic Costa Rican hospitality.

Discover the authentic flavors of Costa Rica in this hands-on cooking class where you'll prepare traditional dishes, just like our ancestors did. Guided step-by-step and using fresh local ingredients, you’ll cook classic recipes like Casado, Arroz con Pollo, Arroz de Maíz, or the popular Chifrijo. Choose between preparing a full lunch, dinner, or enjoying a traditional Costa Rican “cafecito” with homemade tortillas or empanadas. Connect with the roots of Costa Rican culture through food, fire, and flavor. Savor what you create and leave with a full belly and a deeper connection to our land. The Wood-Fired Stove Cooking Class option also includes a walk through lush medicinal gardens and a butterfly garden, where you’ll learn about native plants and traditions while enjoying the sights and sounds of nature.

Walk the quiet trails of the world-renowned Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve on a private walk with a certified naturalist guide. Rather than just checking sights off a list, you'll learn how the cloud forest works as a single living ecosystem, from the symbiotic relationships between its plants and animals to the epiphytes and strangler figs overhead. Along the way, keep watch for the Resplendent Quetzal, toucanets, and white-faced capuchin and howler monkeys, viewed up close through a professional spotting scope shared with your group. Reserve entrance is included, so there's no separate ticket line. Please note: Each traveler's full name, passport number and date of birth are requested at booking for the reserve entrance ticket. Transport isn't included but can be arranged on request — just ask before your tour. The trail depends on what the reserve has open that day and can't be guaranteed, as reserve changes are beyond our control.

Discover Costa Rica’s rich heritage on this immersive tour! Visit a coffee plantation, learn about cultivation and enjoy fresh brews. In Grecia, admire the stunning metal church, a historic architectural gem. Explore an oxcart factory, where vibrant, hand-painted designs showcase the country’s traditions. Savor a typical Costa Rican lunch, shop for souvenirs, and return to the the meeting point in Puntarenas cruise ship docks with unforgettable memories!

Experience Costa Rica’s Central Pacific from the rainforest floor, among the treetops, and along the wildlife-rich Tárcoles River—all in one five-hour shore excursion. Follow a naturalist guide through the tropical forest and across three hanging bridges, then board a boat to search the riverbanks and mangroves for American crocodiles, scarlet macaws, monkeys, iguanas, and tropical birds. Finish at the Crocs Skywalk for one final elevated perspective over the river. Together, the rainforest walk and river cruise offer a closer look at two remarkable ecosystems—and several distinct perspectives on Costa Rica’s biodiversity—in a single port day.

Experience Costa Rica’s Central Pacific from the forest floor, the treetops, and the water—all in one port day. Walk beneath the rainforest canopy, cross hanging bridges for a different perspective over the forest, and cruise the Tárcoles River in search of American crocodiles, scarlet macaws, monkeys, and other wildlife. Then observe the river from above at the Crocs Skywalk while your naturalist guide connects each landscape to the region’s remarkable ecosystem. By combining active exploration, wildlife viewing, and scenic discovery, this 6-in-1 shore excursion offers a remarkably complete introduction to Costa Rica’s wild Central Pacific coast.

Explore Monteverde’s birdlife on a private birdwatching tour at Finca Ecológica San Luis, a family-managed reserve. With a dedicated guide, spend time listening for bird calls, scanning the vegetation and observing the details that make each sighting rewarding. Look for species such as the Emerald Toucanet and Black-faced Solitaire while learning about their behavior and habitats. Wildlife sightings vary with weather, season and natural activity, making every outing different. Your experience includes reserve admission, optical equipment and transportation from eligible pickup locations. Allow approximately 5–6 hours overall, including 4–5 hours of guided exploration. Choose this Monteverde birdwatching tour for an unhurried experience focused on birds, nature and the enjoyment of exploring with your own group.

Discover two of Costa Rica’s most iconic natural wonders in one unforgettable day. Start your journey at Poás Volcano National Park, where a short walk leads you to the massive active crater—famous for its turquoise lagoon and dramatic volcanic landscape. The cool cloud‑forest air and panoramic views make this a must‑see experience. Continue to La Paz Waterfall Gardens, a lush rainforest sanctuary filled with wildlife and stunning scenery. Explore the aviary, butterfly observatory, jungle cats, sloths, frogs, and more as you walk through beautifully designed habitats. Follow the waterfall trail to admire five breathtaking cascades, ending at the powerful and photogenic La Paz Waterfall. This tour is perfect for nature lovers, families, and travelers seeking a high‑value adventure close to San José. Enjoy comfortable transportation, a bilingual guide, and a delicious Costa Rican lunch.