National Park, Pura Vida Gardens & Crocs! (EV, JO)
Immerse yourself in the natural side of Costa Rica by walking through a national park, strolling along garden trails and observing ferocious-looking crocodiles in the wild.After departing from the pier, you will enjoy a picturesque 1 hour drive inland to Carara National Park, a natural wonderland of indigenous flora such as wild cashew trees and the umbrella-shaped Guanacaste, Costa Rica’s national tree. Accompanied by a naturalist, you will stroll an easy-to-walk path, where you may spot howler monkeys, scarlet macaws and anteaters. The ancestral forest has changed little over the centuries and it couldn’t be more peaceful.
A tropical setting of a different sort awaits you at Pura Vida Gardens, where you will savor a traditional Costa Rican lunch before walking through the aromatic grounds. The gardens blanket a lofty mountain that offers gorgeous views of the rainforest below. You can expect to see brightly colored heliconias, endemic orchids and rare ginger plants, all the while serenaded by singing birds and squawking parrots native to this delightful natural paradise.
Crocodiles are another indigenous species well worth a look, an opportunity you will have from the safety of a bridge spanning the Tarcoles River. The waterway and its muddy banks are absolutely teeming with these massive reptiles, most of them American crocodiles. The species is the largest of the crocodiles and can reach lengths up to 20 feet.
Later, on the way to the pier, you will stop at El Jardin, a shop with fruits, vegetables and locally produced goods.
Please note: this tour includes approximately 3 hours of moderate walking/standing that includes uneven and gravel surfaces. Lightweight clothing; sun cap; sunglasses; sunscreen; and flat, comfortable closed-toe athletic shoes are recommended. Please do not touch or feed any animals.
Tropical Train Ride & Exotic Mangrove Glide (KE)
Travel back in time and deep into Costa Rican culture. You'll travel the historic Pacific Railroad that was used to transport the country's valuable coffee harvests from the highlands to the coastal ports. This guided train ride will take you through small towns and past incredibly rural and tropical scenery.Throughout the journey, large picture windows allow you to experience all the beauty of the countryside. Complimentary cold bottled water will be offered during the train ride.
After arriving in Orotina, which is famous for its tropical fruit orchards, you'll board a motorcoach and head to the Tarcoles River. Here, you'll enjoy the Eco Tropical Mangrove Adventure. Pure nature surrounds you and you will have the opportunity to view four different species of mangroves. Costa Rica's mangroves are teeming with exotic birds, and crocodiles and iguanas are easily spotted. As you sit back and enjoy this boat ride that takes you into the heart of the mangroves, you can enjoy a tropical fruit treat, water, iced tea or beer. Relaxation and nature's purity come together on this unforgettable ride.
Please note: This tour includes limited walking; however there will be some steps to negotiate. The road can be quite bumpy at times. The boat ride is approximately 1 hour in length and while the seats are under cover, the boat is open on the sides. Light-weight clothing; sun cap; sunglasses; sunscreen; insect repellant; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Please do not feed or touch any animals.
