Top Puntarenas How to Get Around in 2026

Embark on a sightseeing tour around the seaside city of Puntarenas, Costa Rica. Visit a local farmers market and walk along the Tárcoles Bridge looking for crocodiles. Then explore Carara National Park, taking in the lush rainforest and stunning ocean views. Check off the region’s highlights in just five hours, with photo opportunities aplenty.

Cruise to Isla Tortuga for a day of wildlife-watching, snorkeling, and swimming—with a morning departure that beats the crowds and ensures plenty of beach time. A guided snorkeling tour with provided equipment offers peace of mind for even first-time snorkelers. And since lunch is provided, you’ll have everything you need to enjoy a day on the untouched island.

If you’ve explored Monteverde’s cloud forests by day and are wondering what comes out at night, this guided night walk is ideal. Look out for nocturnal animals without getting lost after dark. Your guide helps you identify the sounds of the forest at night, when different animals and birds are active.

RSVP to the biggest party in Monteverde with this nocturnal tour of the area's famed wildlife by moonlight, when nearly 80 percent of Monteverde's mammalian residents come out to play. Join a guide who will help you spot animals such as two-toed sloths, reptiles, and more as they come out after dark.

Explore the vibrant underwater world at Tortuga Island with this full-day snorkeling adventure. Begin with a scenic 50-minute boat ride where you may spot playful dolphins and majestic rays. Once on the island, dive into crystal-clear waters teeming with beautiful marine life, including angelfish and spotted eagle rays. Enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch on the stunning white sand beach before your afternoon of relaxation or adventure. Whether you choose to hike, swim, or rent a kayak, the day promises to be filled with fun under the sun. - Full-day snorkeling tour including transportation from Mal Pais, or Santa Teresa - Bilingual guides and all snorkeling gear provided - Enjoy a BBQ lunch featuring fresh fish, chicken, or veggies - Relax on the beach or engage in various activities after snorkeling - ZumaTours official operator

Hike through Monteverde Wildlife Refuge after dark on a guided walking tour that reveals how nighttime transforms the tropical forest. Since dusk brings out a mix of diurnal and nocturnal animals, you might see completely different creatures than in a daytime visit. Provided flashlights, the guide’s powerful spotting scope, and included entrance ticket help you find wildlife you might otherwise miss, from tree frogs to sloths and jewel-toned birds.

Your adventure begins at a monkey habitat, where you'll get up close with playful monkey in their native environment. Next, satisfy your taste buds with a stop at a local fruit stand, sampling exotic flavors like juicy mangoes, sweet pineapples, and creamy guanábanas. From there, we’ll take a scenic drive through town of Orotina leading us to the famous Tárcoles River, home to Costa Rica’s largest crocodiles. Glide through the waters on a river cruise, witnessing diverse wildlife, including colorful birds and lush mangroves. The adventure continues as we ascend a mountain viewpoint, where you can spot magnificent toucans and soak in panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. Then, indulge in an authentic Costa Rican lunch, savoring traditional dishes that showcase the rich flavors of the region. Before heading back, enjoy a little shopping time for souvenirs, where you can find handcrafted treasures to remember your trip. As a final touch, we’ll take you on a city tour of Puntarenas!

The best views of the cloud forest near Monteverde are undoubtedly from above—if you can get high enough. On this easy tour, take a guided nature walk along hanging bridges through the forest canopy in search of wildlife and beautiful plants. Follow your naturalist guide carrying professional optical equipment to the best viewpoints for observing the rich biodiversity, including orchids, epiphytes, and seasonal birds like the Resplendent Quetzal and Black-faced Solitaire.

A two-and-a-half-hour walk on a private reserve with a privileged location adjacent to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Located in the Arenal-Tempisque conservation area in the heart of Monteverde. It protects 83 hectares (205 acres) of 50% virgin forest, 45% secondary growth, and 5% open pasture. The altitude ranges from 1450 to 1615 meters with 40% Lower montane wet forest and 60% Premontane wet forest. Seven kilometers of natural trails allow visitors to explore the flora and fauna of the tropical cloud forest. This reserve is a birdwatcher’s paradise. The Resplendent Quetzal, Three-Wattled Bellbird, Blue-Crowned Motmot, Orange-bellied Trogon, and many others are frequently seen. Indeed, over 200 species of birds have been observed making their home in this piece of heaven. Frequently sighted mammals include armadillo, coati, agouti, kinkajou, ocelot, two-toed sloth, and three species of monkey: mantled howler, white-faced capuchin, and spider monkey.

This night hike in Monteverde is designed for travelers seeking authentic wildlife viewing in small groups, with an educational focus and personalized attention. During the tour, you may have the opportunity to observe: Red-eyed tree frogs Glass frogs Sloths Tarantulas Snakes Sleeping hummingbirds Tropical insects Nocturnal birds Each tour is unique, making this a true nature adventure in Costa Rica. Why choose us? Small groups for a better experience. Extensive local naturalist guide. Professional optical equipment. Safe and family-friendly tour. Authentic and educational experience.

The Monteverde Cloud Forest is one of Costa Rica’s most memorable natural wonders. With this tour, venture to the heart of the cloud forest on a self-guided trek and enjoy magnificent views of the Arenal, Rincon de la Vieja, Tenorio, and Miravalles volcanoes. Cool off with a swim beneath a waterfall, tuck into a typical Costa Rican lunch, and enjoy a short horseback ride. Hotel pickup and drop-off from Monteverde and Santa Elena are included for convenience.

This excursion is an excellent opportunity to observe a large amount of biodiversity since 87 percent of the fauna is active at night, confident in the poor visibility that darkness offers them. In a normal visit there is the possibility of observing; two-toed sloths, nine-banded armadillo, owls, rain frogs and on some occasions we can observe a kinkajou or a green palm viper in addition to a large number of very interesting insects such as, for example, a stick insect, leaf insect; Sometimes we can find scorpions, tarantulas and much more. Throughout the tour you will be accompanied by a naturalist guide ready to share with visitors many of the secrets of the forest.

Travelers wanting to experience the highlights of Puntarenas won’t want to miss this comprehensive tour. Over the course of the day you’ll visit or drive past wildlife-viewing spots, rainforest parks, beaches, markets and plantations, churches, town attractions, and more. If you’re short on time but don’t want to miss Puntarenas’ must-see spots, this is the tour for you.

Sneak in a tropical island getaway during your Costa Rica vacation on this cruise from Jaco to Tortuga Island. Swim, snorkel, hike, drink, and dine on this all-inclusive tour, with the option to rent even more of your favorite water sports equipment like waverunners and paddleboards. Bookend your tour with a catamaran cruise across the beautiful Gulf of Nicoya.

Go birdwatching in the Curi-Cancha Reserve in the Monteverde Cloud Forest on a half-day tour led by a naturalist guide and spot more than you would going alone. Look out for resplendent quetzals, silvery-fronted tapaculo, toucans, hummingbirds, and more—identify up to 60 species. Enjoy exploring the mountainous forest trails without the risk of getting lost. Monteverde-area transfers can be provided for an extra fee.

Like much of the rainforest in central Costa Rica, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is home to special plants and wild animals—if you’re able to find them. With this small-group tour, explore the reserve with a guide who knows intimately where to find the best flora and fauna, and carries a professional spotting scope to help you see them. The entrance ticket to the reserve is included, increasing your ease of access.

Soar over 11 waterfalls on this thrilling zipline adventure, less than one hour from the Puntarenas cruise port. Experience 18 zipline cables, a Tibetan bridge crossing, waterfall rappelling, and a refreshing dip in a natural pool. With stunning views of the Gulf of Nicoya, blends of adrenaline and nature in a short time frame that's ideal for cruise ship passengers.

Experience the unique sights and sounds of the cloud forest at night on a small-group night tour of Monteverde. Different animals come out at night, so this is a great accompaniment to a day tour. With a flashlight in hand, see what you can find after dark on a two-hour walk starting at 5:30PM through the forest.

Costa Rica is renowned for its extreme ziplining and Selvatura Park is one of the longest canopy tours in the country. On this tour from Monteverde, soar through the treetops on a thrilling zipline course, brave the Tarzan Swing, and spot wildlife in the cloud forest as you walk the hanging bridges. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

We are more than glad to provide a lifetime time experience at the Gulf of Nicoya Paquera, This is a bay so the water is very calm which makes it perfect for Kayaking. We normally get to enjoy an amazing sunset, while paddling 800 meters, where we can appreciate the ferry, and some islands as Isla Chiquita and Isla Jesucitas. We will take you to the biggest concentration of bioluminescence, where you will be able to see and touch it. It is just amazing, we have not found words to describe this unique experience. The kayaking tour will be from 5:45 pm to 7:30 pm when we get back

More than just a canopy tour, this ultimate Monteverde adventure is designed for adult thrill-seekers who want a fast-paced, adrenaline-fueled romp through the cloud forest. Soar across some of the longest ziplines in Costa Rica, whoosh through the trees on the mega Tarzan swing, rappel down to the forest floor, and test your bravery with a jungle bungee jump.

Discover the Monteverde Cloud Forest accompanied by a certified local naturalist guide on an interpretive tour designed to reveal Costa Rica's extraordinary biodiversity. During this guided walk across the Selvatura Park Hanging Bridges, you will explore one of the world's most iconic cloud forests while learning about its flora, fauna, and the importance of its conservation. With the aid of a professional high-definition telescope, you will have a better chance of spotting tropical birds, mammals, reptiles, insects, orchids, and other wildlife. Each tour is tailored to the day's conditions to maximize sightings and provide an educational, authentic, and unforgettable experience. Important: This product covers the guided tour of the Selvatura Park Hanging Bridges. Park admission is included only when selecting the “Guided Tour + Admission” rate. If you choose “Guide Only,” admission must be purchased separately.

Paquera Bay is one of the few places in the world where you can view bioluminescence year-round. With this tour, experience the natural phenomenon on a night tour, setting out by boat at sunset and enjoying more than an hour at Isla Cedros. See the plankton glowing in the dark waters, jump in to swim and snorkel, and watch as schools of fish swim over to feed.