Enjoy the lush beauty on a wagon ride through the rainforest and an eco riverboat ride to see nature.
This excursion is perfect for those who have difficulty walking long distances and those who just prefer to sightsee. You'll meet your guide outside your Puntarenas cruise ship dock. Your adventure begins with an enjoyable 60-minute ride in air-conditioned comfort. You'll drive through the Costa Rican countryside dotted with mango, coffee, sugar and citrus plantations, colorful fruit stands and rural farming communities. This highway takes you south along the Central Pacific Cost to Tarcoles River and Carara National Park. Your guide will keep you informed of points of interest along the route. This bio-reserve is located between dry forest to the north and tropical rain forests to the south and is a transitional forest of both.
Your first adventure begins on a private property where you have time to use the restrooms and stretch your legs before you hop on the tractor-pulled wagon. Your 1.5-hour excursion takes you through the lush rain forests of the Tarcoles River canyon located in the 200-hectare private reserve of the Hotel Villa Lapas. Your wagon will comfortably take you across the river 8 times at low speeds so you can enjoy the scenery. See the lush forest and variety of animals like crocodiles, iguanas, herons and egrets to name a few. You'll have several stops to take photos of the verdant forest and do some bird watching. One stop at the river will allow you get off, stretch your legs and dip your toes in the water. There are 2 wagons that hold 24 and 28 people respectively.
After the wagon returns back to the base, you will board your transportation again. The next phase of your adventure is a short drive away to Tarcoles River where you'll board an eco-boat. On your hour-long boat ride your guide will point out the variety of abundant wildlife including the famous huge crocodiles, many aquatic birds, scarlet macaws, howler monkeys, and other indigenous tropical species.
You'll end your day at the Hotel Villa Lapas in the El Jardin Souvenir Shop. You can purchase some ice cream, view the beautiful gardens and shop for handicrafts made by local craftsmen. Your transport will take you back to the city where you can return directly to your cruise ship or stroll the streets of Puntarenas and become immersed in the native Tico lifestyle. It's an easy walk back your dock when you're ready.
