Puntarenas Shore Excursion: Rainforest Skywalk & Tarcoles River

Puntarenas , Costa Rica

Puntarenas Shore Excursion: Rainforest Skywalk & Tarcoles River

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About this experience

Experience the beauty of the rain forest through our Villa Lapas Sky Way walking tour 1.5 miles (2.5 km) in length, and 3 suspended bridges at more than 180 feet above the ground. Each of these bridges is an astonishing 300 feet length, crossing through the very heart of the tropical rainforest. Make yourself one with the jungle. Keep your eyes open to see the numerous bird species, mammals and other varied fauna that call this forest home.

The nature walk last about one hour and it includes some areas with some steeps, ups and downs. Difficulty is middle.

After enjoy a sample of a tropical ecosystem, enjoy complementary tropical fresh fruits and Ice Tea before to continue our journey to Tarcoles River. The Tarcoles River is home to one of the world’s largest crocodile populations in the wild and they are very easy to admire during our one-hour boat tour. Besides crocodiles, many aquatic bird species, monkeys & scarlet macaws are easy to see. After the tour, return to the pier.

Available options

Puntarenas Skywalk

Pickup included

What's included

Tarcoles River Boat Tour for enjoy its rich wildlife

Rainforest Nature walk & hanging bridges

Visit to souvenirs store

Air-conditioned vehicle

Tropical Fruits snack

Professional naturalist tour guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Situated in the breathtaking Puntarenas Province of Costa Rica, Villa Lapas Jungle Village is the perfect gateway to exhilarating attractions and things to do. Located on the Tárcoles River at the edge of Carara National Park, and with 500-acre rainforest preserve offers the chance to experience two unique ecosystems: the Tropical and the Dry Pacific. Over 400 species of birds await birdwatching connoisseurs, as well as other exotic wildlife like white-face capuchin monkeys, peccaries, anteaters, poison-arrow frogs and the crocodiles of the Tárcoles River.

Villa Lapas Reserve offer the amazing eco tour SKyWalk. An unique system of suspended bridges over the rain forest where you will enjoy the perfect ecosystem of this amazing region with the narration of our naturalist tour guide.

Enjoy a pleasant boat tour with a professional naturalist tour guide and enjoy its rich and abundant wildlife. It is a habitat for American crocodiles, while the marshes located at the river's mouth have many waterfowl and wading birds. Among the many herons and egrets are the boatbill and bare-throated tiger heron, and other birds found here include double-striped thick-knee, mangrove warbler and American pygmy kingfisher. The total list known of birds well exceeds 320 species including the little known Guacalillo Canals. The avian biodiversity is substantial including rare birds such as Agami Heron, Rufous-necked Woodrail, Jabiru, Yellow-billed Cotinga and recently found an Orinoco Goose. It's also home of Howler and White-faced Capuchin Monkeys. Less commonly seen are Silky Anteater, Sloths, Grinson, Jaguarundi, River Otter and Northern Tamandua

Puntarenas is one of the most important tourism regions in Costa Rica. Its coastline is full of islands, inlets, beaches, and very beautiful natural treasures, all which make it an excellent tourist destination. There is a multitude of attractions based around the beaches, as well as protected areas, both land based and around its islands. The area’s center is located at Puntarenas which acts as a place for lodging, distribution, port of call, and excursions. The city of Puntarenas is rich in history, traditions and customs. Historically, it was the most important port in the Costa Rican Pacific, through which the main exports that allowed the development of the country during the 19th century and part of the 20th century took place. Due to its coastal position, it was an important center for the arrival of immigrants towards the middle of the 20th century. Its boom as a tourist destination dates back to 1940.

El Jardin de Orotina is a beautiful complex where tourists will find the best souvenirs for bring home. It offers an excellent restaurant as well with a delicious buffet with typical Costa Rican meals.

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.5

83 reviews

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1★

Tripadvisor 4.4

31 reviews

5★

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Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Children must be accompanied by an adult

At time of booking, Cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at time of booking: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time

This tour is exclusive for cruise ship passengers. If you are not arriving by cruise ship please do not book this tour

Meeting point

Pick up is at the main entrance of the pier. Please walk to main gate

Important notes

PLEASE READ the following instructions regarding PICKUP TIME and MEETING LOCATION for your shore excursion. It is your responsibility to have this information clear for avoid any inconvenience the day of the tour and don´t miss your tour.

Tour Meeting Time: 8:00 AM or 30 Minutes After Ship Arrival. We operate all our tours accordingly with ship arrival. We know sometimes the ships run late. For this reason, we have our pickup 30 minutes after the ship arrival with first departure at 8:00 AM.

Meeting Places by arrival port: Main Entrance of the pier.

Puntarenas: Please walk to the main exit of the pier. On the way to the main public street. Once there you will see our guides holding a sign with your name.

Puerto Limon. Please walk to the main exit of the pier. On the way to the main public street. Once there you will see our guides holding a sign with your name.

For Puerto Caldera: The port authority offers a free shuttle bus service to the main entrance of the pier. Take it and meet our staff at the entrance of the terminal. Do not take the shuttle that goes to Puntarenas City. Just go the main gate.

We do not pick up INSIDE the pier. Do not stop at the local vendors inside the pier. Go straight to main gate of the terminal. Main Public Street.

If you need assistance, call Greenway Tours at (506) 8530-2973 (office) or send a WhatsApp message.

About Puntarenas

Puntarenas is a vibrant coastal city in Costa Rica known for its beautiful beaches, rich maritime history, and as a gateway to the Pacific coast. It offers a mix of urban amenities and natural beauty, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

Top Attractions

Puntarenas Beach

A popular beach right in the city, perfect for a quick dip or a relaxing walk along the shore.

Beach 1-2 hours Free

Caldera Bay

A scenic bay with beautiful views of the coastline and the Gulf of Nicoya. It's a great spot for a picnic or a leisurely stroll.

Nature 1-2 hours Free

Puntarenas Lighthouse

A historic lighthouse that offers panoramic views of the city and the coastline. It's a great spot for photography and learning about the maritime history of Puntarenas.

Historical 1 hour Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Ceviche

Fresh raw fish cured in citrus juices, typically lime or bitter orange juice, and spiced with ají or chili peppers. Often served with tortilla chips or patacones (fried plantains).

Appetizer Contains seafood and citrus.

Gallo Pinto

A traditional breakfast dish made with rice and beans, cooked with onions, bell peppers, and spices. Often served with eggs, tortillas, and natilla (sour cream).

Breakfast Vegetarian, can be vegan if no animal fat is used.

Olla de Carne

A hearty beef and vegetable soup, often made with a variety of vegetables, potatoes, and sometimes plantains. A comforting and filling dish.

Lunch/Dinner Contains beef, can be made with other meats or vegetables.

Popular Activities

Surfing Snorkeling Hiking Beach lounging Sunbathing Picnicking Visiting historic sites Exploring local markets

Best Time to Visit

December to April

The dry season offers sunny weather, clear skies, and perfect conditions for beach activities and outdoor adventures. This is the busiest time for tourism.

25°C to 32°C 77°F to 90°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Spanish
Widely spoken: English (especially in tourist areas)
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Costa Rican Colón (CRC)

Time Zone

CST (UTC-6)

Electricity

110VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, with some areas requiring caution.

Puntarenas is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur, especially in crowded areas and on public transport. Exercise caution and keep valuables secure.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
• Be cautious when using public transport, especially at night.
• Use reputable taxi services or ride-sharing apps.

Getting there

By air

Juan Santamaría International Airport • 100 km (62 miles) from Puntarenas

By bus

Terminal 7-10

Getting around

Public transport

Affordable and reliable, with frequent services. Buses are a great way to explore the area.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, DiDi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

City Center Caldera

Day trips

Nicoya Peninsula

30-50 km (19-31 miles) • Half day to full day

The Nicoya Peninsula offers stunning beaches, lush jungles, and a variety of outdoor activities. It's a great spot for a day trip from Puntarenas.

Festivals

Fiestas Patronales de Puntarenas • July

Pro tips

Visit the Puntarenas Beach early in the morning for a peaceful and relaxing experience.
Explore the local markets for fresh produce, seafood, and souvenirs.
Take a boat tour to the Nicoya Peninsula for a day trip or overnight stay.
Try the local seafood, especially ceviche and fried fish.
Visit the Puntarenas Lighthouse for panoramic views of the city and coastline.