Puerto Caldera/Puntarenas Local Tour

Caldera means "caldron" in Spanish and the climate here can be very warm. Puntarenas refers to long peninsula of sand where the city was built. Although Puerto Caldera is used primarily for freighters it still receives some cruise ships. The renovated pier in nearby Puntarenas was made exclusively for cruise ships and is located a few blocks from 'el centro' or the downtown area.
There are several souvenir stands near the pier and along the beach promenade in Puntarenas where local vendors sell an assortment of Costa Rican products.

The first stop in Puntarenas is the historic church built in 1902. It is one of only two churches in Costa Rica whose front faces the east. Next drive along the Paseo de las Turistas, (the main street) along the beach to the ferry-loading berth at the very end of the point. Here locals catch the ferry to Playa Narjanjo and Paquera on the Nicoya Peninsula. After a short drive through Mata de Limon drive to the Rio Tarcoles to view crocodiles along the riverbanks adjacent to Carara Biological Reserve. This protected area is a haven for many species of wildlife and birds, including the scarlet macaw (separate entry fee). An optional tour is the Jungle Crocodile Safari (flat deck) boat on the Rio Tarcoles (some steps to pier) excellent for viewing birds and crocodiles from a close but safe distance (2 hour river boat trip plus separate fee per person required].
Heading toward Orotina, the fruit growing area, stop and snack on tropical fruit at local roadside stands. Another option is to visit the TuRu Ba Ri Tropical Park in Turrubares (separate fee per person and advance reservations required).
In San Mateo drive past the church and main plaza with a stop at Ceramica San Mateo to see authentic Costa Rican pottery. After our short stop loop back to Puntarenas on a back road to Esparza with special shopping and photo stops at rustic houses and country farms.

Other options and restaurants on our local tour are available.

RATE:
$250.00* for entire vehicle and driver services. Meals, admission to attractions and additional tours not included in rate. Approximate length of the tour is 4-6 hours. * rate vary from the different ports.

TOP OF PAGE

---

Sarchi /Grecia Tour from Puerto Caldera/Puntarenas

Sarchi is a quaint and popular artisan community located in the Central Valley just off the Pan American Highway. As we leave the coast from Puerto Caldera/Puntarenas we'll pass through the agricultural areas of Orotina and San Mateo. Our first stop will be at a local stand to sample a snack of the tropical fruit. In San Mateo visit the Ceramica San to see pottery made by Costa Rican artists. Travel on the scenic old "oxcart route" past country farms and see coffee plants growing on the hillsides. In Grecia, see the famous metal church and pass through the central market place.

At Sarchi watch local artisans in their workshops painting brightly colored designs on oxcarts and furniture. This is a very old tradition that has been imitated all over the country. Spend time for a leisurely visit in the numerous souvenir shops that specialize in local handicrafts. Lunch at one of the local restaurants (lunch not included in rate) serving authentic Costa Rican typical foods such as casados, arroz con pollo, meat and seafood. After lunch visit a workshop still using water-powered machines to make authentic ox carts in the old traditional way. The last stop in Sarchi is the Sarchi Norte Church to see the beautifully hand carved wooden sculptures inside. Our return route to Caldera/Puntarenas is along the Pan American Highway passing sugar cane fields and breathtaking views of the mountain ranges. Photo and shopping stops are made along the way.
Other options and restaurants on our local tour are available.

Rate:
$300.00 for entire vehicle and driver services. Meals, admission to attractions and additional tours not included in rate. Approximate length of tour is 6-8 hours.

TOP OF PAGE

---

 

INBioparque Tour from Puerto Caldera/Punteranas

Our air-conditioned van will transport you to INBioparque via the old ox cart road and the Pan American Highway past beautiful mountain vistas and coffee plantations. Arrive at the newest educational and recreational attraction in Costa Rica where you are introduced to various examples of bio-diversity found throughout Costa Rica. The encounter with the natural environment includes high-tech multimedia exhibits as well as nature trails with native flora and fauna. This nonprofit and non-government scientific institution promotes the value of biodiversity through research and education. The site is totally wheelchair accessible.
Other options on our tour include:
* The Butterfly Farm (La Guacima)
* Café Britt Coffee Tour (Heredia)
* Zoo Ave (La Garita)

Rate:
$325.00 for entire vehicle and driver services. Meals, admission to attractions and additional tours not included in rate. Approximate length of tour is 6-8 hours.

TOP OF PAGE

---

 

Sarchi/Grecia/Zacero from Puerto Caldera/Puntarenas

This tour includes the town of Zacero and follows the same route as the Sarchi/Grecia tour above. In Zacero visit the world famous topiary work of Evangelisto Blanco in front of the church. Next take the scenic drive via San Ramon to see the church built from Krups armament steel before heading back to Caldera/Puntarenas on the Pan Am Highway. Photo stops and shopping stops are made along the way.

Other options and restaurants are available:

Rate:
$375.00 for entire vehicle and driver services. Meals, admission to attractions and additional tours not included in rate. Approximate length of tour is 6-8 hours.

Email Accessible Journeys for reservations.
EMAIL us HERE