Puntarenas, Costa Rica, is one of the tropical destinations on our Panama Canal Disney Cruise this April. Puntarenas, meaning “sandy point” in Spanish, sits on a long, narrow peninsula in the Gulf of Nicoya on the Pacific side of Costa Rica. With active volcanoes, cloud forests, fern grottoes and a 264-mile coastline, it is the perfect playground for hiking, whitewater rafting, kayaking, mountain biking, horseback riding, surfing, snorkeling, fishing and more. Here are a few of my recommendations for Port Adventures…
Poas Volcano & Sarchi – On this adventure, you’ll travel through a stunning mountain landscape to one of the world’s largest craters, an active volcano set 8,500 feet above sea level. At the Poas Volcano National Park, enjoy a one-hour guided tour and fascinating exhibits. Next, savor a traditional Costa Rican lunch at a charming restaurant before traveling to the picturesque town of Sarchi to watch artisans paint wood crafts, leather goods and souvenirs.
Coribici River Float – Enjoy a relaxing, two-hour trip down the Corobicí River on a river raft filled with excitement as you maneuver class I and II waters. Cruise deep into the jungle, and keep your eyes peeled for howler monkeys, white-faced capuchin monkeys, marmots, parrots, herons, wood storks, spoonbills and more while you marvel at the magnificent flora along the way. After the rafting experience, fuel up with a delicious home-style Costa Rican lunch.
Tropical Forest Canopy Zip Line and Aerial Tram Combination – Take to the trees for a scenic tour of Costa Rica’s diverse tropical forest. First, soak up stunning views over the canopy on the Pacific Forest Aerial Tram. Then set off on a zip line adventure, soaring across creeks and small waterfalls through the tropical forest using 15 traverses ranging from 262 feet to 720 feet apart. Back on land, enjoy a Costa Rican lunch, shop for souvenirs and visit the medicinal plant garden, butterfly garden, and snake exhibit.
Remember, when the ship’s in port, venture ashore!
