ORCHIMEX ORCHIDS FARM
Our bilingual guide will meet you on the gangway. Then, you will enjoy a one hour drive towards the orchid farm. Once at the farm a bilingual naturalist from the plantation will take you on a 1¾ to 2 hour tour of the farm describing four stages of the production process. The plantation is located in the middle of a dry tropical forest, suited for the production of orchids. Upon arrival to the orchid’s farm facilities, your journey through the world of orchids will begin, where you will learn many facts about these exclusive and beautiful flowers. Orchimex of Costa Rica started operating in 1991 as part of an international corporation with more than 30 years experience in the cultivation of flowers; its plantation is categorized as the wet’s biggest orchid farm, with 22 acres (110.000 m²) and approximately one million plants. Orchimex of Costa Rica also exports two million cut flowers and 45,000 potted plants annually.
The difference between a botanical garden and this plantation lies in the fact that the flowers here are produced in massive quantities, that way they guarantee that during the lowest season of production, you will at least find one blooming plant per each square and a half meter. After the tour enjoy a nice lunch at a local restaurant nearby, and then drive back to the cruise.
SAN JOSE CITY TOUR
Once we pick you up we will drive to the capital city, then heads to the residential area of Rorhmoser, and continues on to Sabana Sur. The tour continues along the Paseo Colón on the way to the National Theatre, after a guided visit to this architectural masterpiece, we will take a short walk over the Plaza de la Cultura to visit the Gold Museum. After this visits we will take you by the Circuito Judicial and on to the Supreme Court of Justice, continue our city sightseeing, taking a close look at the Casa Amarilla, The National Park, The National Library, The Electoral Supreme Court, and the old neighbourhoods of San Jose (Amón – Otoya & Toumón).
Before we head back to the cruise ship, we will visit Moravia town, where you will find many different souvenir stores with best of the Costa Rican artisans and you will be able to have lunch or snacks on your own at one of the restaurants of the town.
CARARA NATIONAL PARK & TARCOLES RIVER
Once we pick you up we will drive to the National Park located on the Pacific coast 45 to 60 minutes from the dock. The reserve possesses several ecosystems, including marshlands, a lagoon, and primary, secondary and gallery forests. The marshland is rich in waterfowl, wading birds, amphibians and reptiles that are usually found in these environments. The tallest trees include such species as espavel, silk cotton, wild fig, nargusta and quamwood, a very spectacular tree during the dry season when it is covered with yellow flowers.
Crocodiles measuring up to three meters long are widely distributed and easy to sight in the Grande de Tarcoles River. Waterfowl such as roseate spoonbills, anhingas, jacanas, pied-bellied grebes and Mexican tiger-bitterns are also in attendance. The fauna is abundant in spite of the isolated location of the reserve. Among the mammals, the four-eyed opossum, two-toed sloth, agouti, kinkajou, tayra, margay cat, collared peccary and white-tailed deer are found. A particularly conspicuous bird in Carara, notable for its beautiful bright blue, red, and yellow plumage, and the fact that it has all but disappeared from the Dry Pacific, is the scarlet macaw.
The word “Carara” is an indigenous term, reputedly meaning "river of crocodiles". The area where the reserve is located was occupied by an indigenous culture that is thought to have been allied with groups located in the Central Valley from 300b.c. to 1500 a.d.
After the hike, we will take you to a replica of Costa Rica's historical past, the Santa Lucia town in Villa Lapas hotel. Santa Lucia looks like a typical Costa Rican town during the times of the Colony and Spanish conquest, Santa Lucia includes a church, a local cantina, restaurant, 3 BIG souvenir shops and other points of interest. Lunch can be purchase on the restaurant of this property, after this visit you will be transfer to the dock in order to board the boat for a 1 ½ hour tour along the river to observe the high variety of bird species, some mammals and the impressive crocodiles of up to 5 meters (15 feet) in length. There are different points of access to the river. Synthesis of activities: Boat tours for wildlife observation.
After the boat tour we will head back to the cruise. Lunch will be on your own.
CARARA NATIONAL PARK & SANTA LUCIA
Once we pick you up we will drive to the National Park located on the Pacific coast 45 to 60 minutes from the dock. The reserve possesses several ecosystems, including marshlands, a lagoon, and primary, secondary and gallery forests. The marshland is rich in waterfowl, wading birds, amphibians and reptiles that are usually found in these environments. The tallest trees include such species as espavel, silk cotton, wild fig, nargusta and quamwood, a very spectacular tree during the dry season when it is covered with yellow flowers.
Crocodiles measuring up to three meters long are widely distributed and easy to sight in the Grande de Tarcoles River. Waterfowl such as roseate spoonbills, anhingas, jacanas, pied-bellied grebes and Mexican tiger-bitterns are also in attendance. The fauna is abundant in spite of the isolated location of the reserve. Among the mammals, the four-eyed opossum, two-toed sloth, agouti, kinkajou, tayra, margay cat, collared peccary and white-tailed deer are found. A particularly conspicuous bird in Carara, notable for its beautiful bright blue, red, and yellow plumage, and the fact that it has all but disappeared from the Dry Pacific, is the scarlet macaw.
The word “Carara” is an indigenous term, reputedly meaning "river of crocodiles". The area where the reserve is located was occupied by an indigenous culture that is thought to have been allied with groups located in the Central Valley from 300b.c. to 1500 a.d.
After the hike, we will take you to a replica of Costa Rica's historical past, the Santa Lucia town in Villa Lapas hotel. Santa Lucia looks like a typical Costa Rican town during the times of the Colony and Spanish conquest, Santa Lucia includes a church, a local cantina, restaurant, 3 BIG souvenir shops and other points of interest. Lunch can be purchase on the restaurant of this property. Mid-afternoon transfer back to the cruise ship.
PUNTA LEONA CANOPY TOUR
Our bilingual guide will meet you in the morning at the port. Then, you will enjoy one hour drive to Punta Leona beach resort. This is a very nice beach property and private club. Upon arrival you will enjoy the exciting canopy tour (zip line) located in the same property it is surrounded by primary forest, this private reserve is located on the transitional dry to tropical humid forest. Enjoy nature while you jump from the top of the trees…. Sometimes you will be able to see some white face monkeys, toucans and some blue butterflies.
In the afternoon the group could enjoy the beach activities at Punta Leona white sand beach before they go back to the ship.
POAS VOLCANO & SARCHI TOWN
As we drive towards Poas Volcano National Park (approximately 2 hrs), you will see many sugar cane and coffee plantations. The view of the main crater whose muddy waters changes colors depending on the volcanic activity is admired by all visitors, with its diameter (1350 meters) is considered one of the widest in the world. Many different ecosystems exist in the park. After leaving the National Park we will be able to observe some dairy farms which have become the pride of Costa Ricans, due to the quality and the rich tasting products that are currently being exported to several other Latin American countries.
Afterwards we will take the road to Sarchi town, famous for its artisans and oxcart factories, one of the most colorful national symbols. On the way to the town we will enjoy the fields of sugar cane, coffee, ferns and some other crops. On the area there are some restaurants where you can have lunch or snacks while you walk around admiring the different souvenirs and craft that are made on this town. Mid afternoon departure back to the crusie ship terminal.
PUNTARENAS MANGROVE TOUR
This tour takes you around the largest province (11,277 sq. km.) Puntarenas. It includes practically all of the climate regimes found in this small, but tremendously varied country. From tropical dry to rain forest, and from mangrove swamp to cloud forest to sub alpine paramo, this sprawling province contains at least a little bit of everything.
Our main goal is to introduce you on one of the better parts of this wonderful province. Let's go first to the mangroves, such an amazing and very particular forest. In the nebulous zone between high and low tide, where freshwater meets saltwater and the ground is neither liquid nor solid, grow the mangroves.
As soon as we start our safari trip, begins also the chance to spot the huge variety of wildlife. Wood Storks, Roseate Spoonbills, Anhinga, and Neotropical Cormorants that reproduce on this protected patch of mid-river mangroves, as well of crocodiles, boa constrictors, raccoons, coatimundis, and white faced capuchin monkeys. Here is also a sanctuary for Scarlet Macaws and Great Green Macaws , one of a kind, original and exclusive. Come and admire these colourful and beautiful birds.
PACIFIC AERIAL TRAM
On this tour you will have the opportunity to learn about the uses and characteristics of a complete selection of medicinal, aromatic and condiment plants. Amazingly colorful tropical flowers are part of the Heliconias Gallery experience that is also recovered on this tour.
This unique attraction lies along a nature trail where guests can observe some of Costa Rica’s most important species of trees, plants, mammals and reptiles.
Here you will see a transition forest between dry and humid areas, offering the possibility to see completely different bird species. This forest is home to Scarlet Macaws, which our company has committed to help save.
COFFEE TOUR.
Since 1991, more than half a million visitors have joined us in Heredia, making this tour one of the most visited tours in the country. Rich in the history of coffee, including a delightful stroll through our beautiful six-acre coffee farm and organically certified roasting factory, the coffee tour is expertly guided by our first class ensemble of actors cleverly disguised as “Campesinos” or Costa Rican coffee farmers and coffee experts. We will discover together how coffee played a vital role in forging Costa Rican democracy in this tiny Central American country and cultivated a national identity around hard-working, friendly and environmentally conscious “Ticos,” or as Costa Ricans’ are affectionately nicknamed.
OUTRIGGER CANOE & SANTA LUCIA VILLAGE
Just 45 minutes from Caldera port or one hour from Puntarenas, in this tour clients, will be able to paddle around past spectacular cliffs, filled with Frigate birds and pelicans. Land on calm secluded beaches where your guide will take you snorkeling, tour includes snorkeling equipment, bottled water, fresh fruit buffet on a beautiful beach, and a cold drink upon your return to our base in Playa Agujas. After the outriggers tour we will take you to a replica of Costa Rica's historical past, the Santa Lucia town in Villa Lapas hotel. Santa Lucia looks like a typical Costa Rican town during the times of the Colony and Spanish conquest, Santa Lucia includes a church, a local cantina, restaurant, 3 BIG souvenir shops and other points of interest. Lunch can be purchase on the restaurant of this property. Mid-afternoon transfer back to the cruise ship.
SKY WAY (HANGING BRIDGES) AND SANTA LUCIA TOWN
Experience the raw power of the rainforest through our Sky Way walking tour. Of 1.5 miles (2.5 km) in length, this all-ages tour lets you observe a wide array of exotic flora and wildlife firsthand. Make yourself one with the jungle. Each of these bridges is an astonishing 300 feet in length, crossing through the very heart of the tropical rainforest. Experience the unique sensation of getting surrounded by the magic of virgin, unspoiled nature.
A replica of Costa Rica's historical past, the Santa Lucia town in Villa Lapas adds a quaint, charming touch to its natural surroundings. Based on a typical Costa Rican town during the times of the Colony and Spanish conquest, Santa Lucia includes a church, a local cantina (which no Costa Rican town could do without!) a lake, restaurant, 3 BIG souvenir shops and other points of interest.
PRIVATE TRANSPORTATION & GUIDE ONLY
This option our bilingual guide will meet you on the gangway at the time you request us to pick you up and give you the choice of going where ever you want for 4 to 6 hours. We provide you with an air-conditioned mini-van, a bilingual guide driving for you and a cooler with bottles of water. You decide what time you want to be picked-up, where and what you would like to visit.