Tropical Butterflies And Gardens
Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Duración 3 1/2 hs.
- Adult from: $2,542.66 MXN
- Child from: $2,030.72 MXN
Desde | Mensaje | Reserva n.° | Fecha | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Centro de Comunicaciones de Norwegian | Centro de Comunicaciones de Norwegian ¡No pierdas tu reserva! | 25422881 | Abr. 1, 2014 | |
Centro de Comunicaciones de Norwegian | Centro de Comunicaciones de Norwegian Reserva tu cena ahora mismo | 25422881 | Abr. 1, 2014 | |
Centro de Comunicaciones de Norwegian | Centro de Comunicaciones de Norwegian ¡No pierdas tu reserva! | 25422881 | Abr. 1, 2014 | |
Centro de Comunicaciones de Norwegian | Centro de Comunicaciones de Norwegian ¡No pierdas tu reserva! | 25422881 | Abr. 1, 2014 |
*Términos y condiciones
Paquete no disponible en viajes de menos de 5 días ni en viajes chárter.
Duración 3 1/2 hs.
OVERVIEW
Become immersed in the wonderful world of butterflies at an enclosed tropical garden that provides a multitude of habitats that butterflies find appealing. As you meander about the observatory, you will view a remarkable variety of butterflies that are indigenous to Costa Rica, including the brilliantly colored Blue Morpho. The guide, an avid lepidopterist, will describe the life cycles of the butterflies, their importance in the ecosystem and their symbiotic relationship with flowering plants. It will be an eye-opening look at butterflies that goes far beyond their natural beauty and elegance. You may see butterflies in their larval stages, emerging from their chrysalises and depositing eggs on host plants. You will also discover much about those plants and why they attract certain butterflies. Just for fun, be sure to snap your photo standing between the giant sculpted butterfly wings that will make you appear to be Blue Morpho. Juice and fresh fruits will be served afterwards.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Stroll through a tropical garden with different species of plants that attract butterflies.
• See butterflies of various species in different stages of development.
• Learn about the remarkable life cycles of the butterflies.
• Enjoy a refreshing snack of fresh juice and fruits.
HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.
Duración 5 hs.
OVERVIEW
Watch an entertaining folkloric dance performance and observe crocodiles and other wildlife on a riverboat cruise. In both cases, all you have to do is sit back and enjoy. The dance show will be held in Esparza, which the Spaniards founded in 1575, making it the second-oldest city in Costa Rica. Cultural traditions flourish there and none is so celebrated as dance, as you will see firsthand. To the south, the Tárcoles River meanders through the jungle-like countryside on its way to the Gulf of Nicoya. The scenery will be extraordinarily picturesque as you cruise onboard a covered boat that offers uninterrupted views of the flora and fauna along the mangrove-lined riverbanks. You can expect to see plenty of colorful tropical birds and American crocodiles, as one of the country’s largest colonies of these primeval-looking reptiles lives there. Afterwards, you can listen to marimba music while enjoying local fruits and coffee.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Watch brightly costumed dancers put on a folkloric show in the city of Esparza.
• Cruise the Tárcoles River, home to countless birds and a huge colony of crocodiles.
• Shop for handmade crafts that reflect the creativity of the local artists.
HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.
Duración 6 3/4 hs.
OVERVIEW
Follow a naturalist through the cloud forest at San Luis Park and across suspended bridges high above the forest floor while enjoying the spectacular views. As an introduction to this jungle-like venue, you will browse a garden that dozens of hummingbirds call home. You will then begin a more adventurous walk into the higher reaches of the cloud forest along a trail that crosses rivers and suspended bridges that tower more than 10 stories above the ground. The foliage will be wildly exotic and often punctuated with bursts of bright color from orchids, bromeliads and heliconias. Be sure to look for tropical birds such as resplendent quetzals, scarlet macaws and keel-billed toucans. Also, you may spot monkeys swinging from tree to tree and sloths, which move so slowly they almost blend into the surroundings. Following the walk, you will dine on traditional buffet dishes accompanied by “agua dulce,” a hot drink sweetened with raw cane sugar.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Walk through a cloud forest with a naturalist that will describe the flora and fauna.
• Cross suspended bridges as high as 10 stories that offers sweeping views of the jungle.
• Meander through a garden that attracts large numbers of hummingbirds.
• Enjoy a buffet lunch of traditional Costa Rican dishes.
HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.
Duración 3 1/4 hs.
Your sightseeing drive through rolling hills, high mountains, plains, valleys, and riverbeds is just part of the gorgeous landscape that will make you think of paradise. Costa Rica’s topography is one of the world’s most diverse. You’ll start by heading east to Esparza, a town that has become one of the most picturesque in Costa Rica’s Central Pacific region. The central park and its church are emblematic of Costa Rica’s hardworking rural towns.
Local dancers in colorful dresses will greet you at the park and you’ll enjoy masquerades and handmade souvenir exhibitions while you learn about their traditions. Your scenic drive includes some stretches along the Pacific Ocean passing by mango and cashew plantations, farming areas and most certainly seeing some birds along the way, all examples of sustainable living. Take the opportunity to capture unique pictures, while traveling down to sea level, admiring the most breathtaking views.
Duración 7 hs.
Visit the must-see attractions in the capital of San Jose, including the ornate National Theater and museums dedicated to Pre-Columbian gold, numismatic, and archeology. After departing from the pier, you will settle in for an immensely scenic drive through lush inland valleys to the sprawling city of San Jose. Besides being Costa Rica’s capital, San Jose is the country’s cultural hub and the National Theater is among its most revered institutions.
Constructed in the late 19th century, the neo-Classical theater emulates the Paris Opera House. As you tour the interior, you can’t help but notice the lavish furnishings and beautiful murals. The massive mural on the main ceiling, entitled “Allegory of Coffee and Bananas,” is the most famous and was once depicted on Costa Rica’s five colón currency.
You will next visit the Gold Museum, which holds one of the most extensive collections of Pre-Columbian gold in the Americas with the earliest pieces dating to 500 BC. The treasures include a human-sized gold figure clad in gold ornaments, the first coin minted in Costa Rica, and a variety of amulets and jewelry.
The tour continues to a private luncheon venue named Valle del Sol where you will enjoy a delicious lunch surrounded by a natural and fresh environment.
Duración 4 3/4 hs.
The Natuwa Sanctuary at El Manantial is a Costa Rican wildlife conservation charity working to save and protect endangered species from extinction, headquartered in Aranjuez de Puntarenas.
Natuwa works with some of the most endangered native birds of Costa Rica, focusing on the rarest species and the most fragile habitats. The main focus of the project is the Scarlet Macaw (Ara Macao) and the Great Green Macaw (Ara Ambigua), who once flew freely in many areas of Costa Rica.
At the Sanctuary, Great Green macaws and Scarlet macaws are not bred for the pet trade. They are strictly bred in order to release their young into the wild to be set free forever. In the sanctuary the birds fly unrestricted, enjoying the trees and the fruits they can find around this habitat. The local people from the village of Aranjuez care for and watch over the wild macaws.
In November 2014 three jaguar cubs were brought to the NATUWA Sanctuary, just a few days old. The Costa Rican government rescued them and brought them to NATUWA to be taken care of because they were orphaned. The three jaguar cubs Onka, Baguira, and Dinamú were able to survive thanks to the care they received at NATUWA. They did not have the opportunity to learn survival skills from their mother such as how to hunt and how to mark territory. They have been raised surrounded by humans and this leaves them vulnerable and unable to survive in the wild. They have no other option and must stay in captivity.
These felines will be Ambassadors for an environmental education program that involves schools and the general public. The main objective is to generate information so that visitors understand the vital role that animals play in the forest ecosystem.
Duración 5 1/2 hs.
A comfortable air conditioned bus ride passing a variety of landscapes including mango and watermelon farmlands, lush forests and mountain views will take you to the highlands of Alajuela Province where the hacienda is located.
Rancho San Miguel is a school of high equestrian arts as they have been exhibiting horse fiestas for over 30 years and is famous throughout the Americas for their pure breed of Andalusian horses. Upon arrival to the ranch you will be greeted by a local expert who will introduce you to the equine world of mares and stallions.
The show combines training of the magnificent Andalusian horses with the mastering ability of the riders, a group of talented young ladies in acts that require many months of hard team-work, training and discipline. You will see the mares and their offspring, the hacienda carriage, the stallion, the long pole and the “equestrian fantasy”, a synchronized choreography of the mares.
Every act will be presented and explained by the expert while you also enjoy the sounds of the Spanish flamenco music in a spectacular amphitheater.
Afterwards, time will be allotted for some shopping.
Duración 4 1/2 hs.
Get immersed in an incredible adventure of the tropical rainforest environment just 60 minutes from Puntarenas. Travel through luscious landscapes crossing the crystal waters of Tarcolitos River several times on a tractor-drawn wagon while your tour guide acquaints you with this unforgettable rainforest experience at the Villalapas Private Reserve.
As you ride, keep your camera ready and discover some curious inhabitants such as the colorful toucans, scarlet macaws, rare spiders whose cobwebs are compared to steel cables, lizards, howler and spider monkeys as well as exotic plants from ancient times.
During this adventures journey, you will have some time at leisure to enjoy the sounds of the nature, take pictures or even dip into the clear waters of this beautiful river if weather allows. Continue to Santa Lucia, a unique little town.
Newly constructed, architects were careful to use old building techniques and materials in order to show exactly how Costa Ricans lived in previous centuries. Here, you will be greeted with a tropical fruit buffet, and cold drinks that you enjoy as you wander around this small, old-style village.
Duración 4 1/2 hs.
This adventure tour takes place in the Guacalillo Estuary on the Tarcoles River that forms the northern border of the Carara Biological Reserve. It’s home to one of the world’s largest crocodile populations in the world with individuals up to 20 feet long that can live up to 60 years. In addition to the crocodiles, over 50 different bird species might be seen on site. This estuary is famous for its mangrove forests and is one of the nesting sites of the very rare scarlet macaw and a great variety of resident and migrant waterfowl, iguanas and Jesus Christ lizards.
Your adventure begins with a one hour ride on coastal and countryside roads, passing small towns en route to the premises of the Jungle Crocodile Safari created by the veterinarian Mr. Mario Orjuela in 1993. Using catamaran-style boats, you’ll be able to observe these wild animals from a safe distance. A delicious tropical fruit buffet will be waiting for you at your return with tropical fruit drinks and coffee. Ample time for purchasing crafts made by local artisans will be given.
Duración 4 3/4 hs.
Cruise the mangrove-lined Tarcoles River to observe the countless crocodiles that inhabit the murky waters and then watch an entertaining dance performance.
After departing from the pier, you will enjoy a meandering drive into the countryside south of Puntarenas, where the Tarcoles River empties into the sea. You will then board a small boat and cruise into the surrounding protected wilderness.
The river supports an abundance of wildlife, including one of the world’s largest colonies of American crocodiles. There are literally dozens of crocodiles, which can typically be seen sunning on the riverbanks. They often keep their mouths open when sunning, a behavior known as “gaping,” which helps to regulate their body temperature.
Although ferocious-looking, crocodiles are actually shy and reclusive. They usually enter the water silently. If you spot one quickly splashing into the river, it is probably frightened, despite the fact that crocodiles are top predators that can grow up to 15 feet long.
The mangrove-lined shores of the river also provide safe haven for a large number of birds such as herons, egrets, and storks. You may see hummingbirds flitting about, vireos perching on the intertwined mangrove branches, and Panama flycatchers mournfully whistling, which is their distinctive call. You may also spot basilisks walking on water in a complex move that creates air pockets beneath their feet as they slap the surface of the water.
Following the river cruise, you will watch a folkloric dance performance while snacking on fresh fruit at El Jardin Market.
Duración 7 1/2 hs.
After a short drive from the Puntarenas pier enjoy a 90 minute boat ride through the beautiful and small charming islands that adorn the Gulf of Nicoya.
In the Gulf of Nicoya, there is a heavenly archipelago of several islands with lush natural beauty and a sanctuary that is home to seabirds, white sandy beaches and the flora and fauna of our Central Pacific region. Tortuga Island is located in this beautiful archipelago. Situated 12 nautical miles from Puntarenas, Tortuga Island (called by local indigenous people “Tolinga”) has an area of 120 hectares and is maintained as a protected forest which has been awarded the Ecological Blue Flag for more than five years. This distinction is awarded to beaches in our country that have pollution-free waters. Due to its geographical features, Tortuga Island’s waters are clear turquoise, which are optimal for swimming.
A delicious lunch will be waiting for you. Explore the island and enjoy the beach, relax or play beach volleyball. Optional activities such as snorkeling and banana boat rides are available at an extra cost.
Duración 4 1/4 hs.
The Sky Walk trails and suspended cable bridges will show you the wonders of the tropical forest. Located around national parks and protected lands, more than 80 species of birds have been identified as well as mammals such as the Kinkajou, Agoutis, Coatis and more. Your one hour downhill walk will offer you breathtaking views of the ocean and coastline, as well as its vegetation and waterways.
Board your coach to visit El Jardin, enjoy some fruit and water to replenish your energy here and you’ll be able to shop souvenirs in the well-stocked shop, before heading back to your ship.
*Los precios varían por barco y fecha de partida. Ver Términos y condiciones
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