Puerto Viejo is a small village with more influence of the local Bribri indigenous culture. Here, you can find the best surfing of this coast. The mixture of black and indigenous cultures is very interesting: you can buy Bibri handicrafts and listen to raggae or calypso music. Puerto Limon is a popular cruise port and longtime fishermen's heaven. A number of fishing lodges stretch out along the Tortuguero Canal, where the 47,000-acre Tortuguero National Park is known for its abundant and endangered wildlife.

Cahuita National Park Snorkeling

Cahuita National Park features the only mature coral reef on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. This reef spreads out like a fan off Cahuita Point and measures about 240 hectares. Both elkhorn and smooth brain corals are the most prevalent species on the reef along with a wide variety of other marine life. A boat will take you to the best snorkeling spots. This tour may also be combined with a hike.

Includes: Transportation from your local hotel, boat transportation, Park entrance fee, snorkel equipment, tropical fruit snack
Required Gear: Sunscreen, swimsuit, towel, hat, sunglasses, bug repellent, drinking water. If the tour includes a hike, sturdy shoes or sandals are also needed.
Duration: 5.5 hours. 8:30am – 2:00pm.

Cahuita National Park Hike

The Park is made up of various habitats including swampland, mixed forest, mangroves, and beaches. A variety of wildlife can be spotted there. Frequently seen animals include the howler monkey, sloth, snakes, iguanas, common raccoon, and white-nosed coati, several species of swamp forest birds such as the green ibis, green-and-rufous kingfisher, yellow-crowned night heron, and northern boat-billed heron, among others.

Includes: Transportation from your local hotel, Park entrance fee .
Required Gear: Sunscreen, bug repellent, drinking water, sturdy shoes or sandals.
Duration: 5.5 hours. 8:30am – 2:00pm.

Gandoca-Manzanillo Refuge Hike

This Refuge stands out for the beauty of its beaches, coral reefs, and tropical forests vibrant with life. Its extraordinary biodiversity is comprised of many ecosystems of great importance. The refuge is covered with thick forest composed primarily of holillo palm, sajo and cativo, coconut palm, sea grape and heleconia – a plant that grows two meters tall and has very conspicuous and beautiful, brightly colored bractlets of red and yellow. Its estuary is made up almost exclusively of red mangrove. The refuge protects several species of animals in danger of extinction such as the manatee, crocodile, tapir, caiman and paca. Monkeys and sloth may also be seen. Birds that may be spotted include the crested-mandible toucan, ornate hawk-eagle, red-lored amazon, manakins, parakeets, motmots, aracari and woodpecker.

Includes: Transportation from your local hotel & tropical fruit snack.
Required Gear: Bug repellent, drinking water, sturdy shoes, long pants.
Duration: 5.5 hours. 7:30am – 1:00pm.

Gandoca-Manzanillo Turtle Nesting

The Leatherback, the Hawksbill, the Green and occasionally the Loggerhead sea turtles make their nest and lay their eggs on Gandoca-Manzanillo beaches. However, the giant Leatherback sea turtle, with a shell that can grow to over one and a half meters in length and can weigh as much or more than an adult bull cow, is the one who brings fame to these beaches. The nesting season runs from March – June.

Includes: Transportation from your local hotel, flashlights and a caribbean dinner.
Required Gear: Dark clothing, long pants, insect repellent, drinking water, sturdy shoes or sandals.
Duration: 5 hours. 5:00 – 10:00pm.
Price: $120 per person.
Special Notes: Cameras are not allowed, flash can disturb the turtles’ nesting. Turtles are wild animals and nest during this broad four-month season, seeing a turtle on any given night is not guaranteed.

Gandoca-Manzanillo Lagoon Hike/Boat

Within the lagoon habitat, one may observe large quantities of aquatic birds, including numerous herons, cormorants, and the flashy kingfisher. You may also run into a crocodile or a troop of white-faced monkeys. With some luck, you might even see a Mermaid! Local legend has it that early spottings of manatees where mistaken for the mythical half-woman, half-fish. However, the celebrity resident of the lagoon is an animal which is now rarely seen – the endangered Caribbean manatee- as it is an expert at hearing the slightest indication of a boat. The boat will stop for a short hike.

Includes: Transportation from your local hotel, boat transportation & tropical fruit snack.
Required Gear: Bug repellent, drinking water, sturdy shoes, long pants.
Duration: 6.5 hours. 7:30am – 2:00pm.

Tropical Bird Watching

The Caribbean zone of Costa Rica is one of the Country’s most biologically diverse areas thanks to the large tracts of tropical rainforest, mangroves, estuaries and beaches found here. A bird watchers dream come true - of Costa Rica’s 850 species of birds, over half are found in this zone. Birds that may be spotted include the crested-mandible toucan, ornate hawk-eagle, red-lored amazon, red-capped manakin, sulpher-winged parakeet, broad-billed motmot, collared aracari, lineated woodpecker, great green and scarlet macaws, great curassow, white-necked jacobin, violaceous trogan, Montezuma oropendola, green ibis, green-and-rufous kingfisher, yellow-crowned night heron, and northern boat-billed heron, among others.

Includes: Transportation from your local hotel, bilingual ornithologist guide, binoculars.
Required Gear: Bug repellent, drinking water, sturdy shoes or sandals depending on the area.
Duration: 4 hours. 6:00 – 10:00am.

Tortuguero National Park

Tortuguero National Park is only accessible by boat or plane. The area consists of a labyrinth of waterways that serve as roads. The navigable network of lakes and channels crosses the Park from southeast to northwest. This allows the great diversity of the flora and fauna of the region to be seen close at hand. Tortuguero the most important nesting site in the western half of the Caribbean for the green sea turtle. Leatherback and Hawksbill sea turtles also nest along Tortuguero’s coast. Sea turtle nesting season runs from July-September. Other times of the year a wide variety of other wildlife can be seen including jaguar, ocelot, kinkajou, crocodiles, tapir, river otters, great green macaw, sloth, poison dart frogs, three species of monkeys, various bat species and a multitude of other birds and animals. After pick up at your local hotel, the 85-kilometer canal tour starts from Limon city.

Required Gear: Bug repellent, long pants, sturdy shoes, drinking water & overnight necessitates if Option 2 is chosen.

OPTION 1: ONE DAY TOUR
Includes: Transportation from your local hotel, boat transportation & interpretation, Park entrance fee & Caribbean style lunch.
Duration: 10 hours. 7:00am – 5:00pm.


OPTION 2: TWO DAY/ONE NIGHT TOUR
Includes: Transportation from your local hotel, boat transportation & interpretation, Park entrance fee, Caño Palma branch canal exploration, museum entrance, one night lodging & three Caribbean style meals.
Duration: 30.5 hours. 7:30am – 2:00pm, next day.


Pacuare River White-water Rafting

This trip gives you the ultimate blend of wilderness exposure and excitement. The Pacuare River is world famous for its sheer beauty. A true river gorge, it is flanked by steep, green walls. You see waterfalls cascading into the river from both sides as colorful, tropical birds fly right over your head. Amazing views of the virgin tropical rainforest appear before your eyes as you descend this true exploratory land. The white water is equally exciting. The amount of rapids covered in this outstanding descent make it one of the most memorable rivers you’ll ever run.

Includes: Transportation from your local hotel, breakfast, lunch on the river, safety equipment & a professional river guide.
Required Gear: Tennis shoes or “teva” style sandals (no flip-flops), sunscreen, hat, swim suit, drinking water, towel & a change of dry clothes.
Duration: 11 hours. 6:00am – 5:00pm
May return to San Jose for no additional charge.

Bribri Indian Reservation

The indigenous people of Talamaca are part of the Amazon Basin Indian cultures and heritage. The Bribri speak their native language, Bribri, and Spanish, wear western clothes, and participate in regional political and economic life, but they also maintain beliefs and customs of their ancestors. The Talamanca-Bribri Reservation covers a large area of the interior Talamanca Mountains. Bribri people believe “Sibo” created all things on Earth, and that all things have supernatural guardians that permit human beings to kill wild animals and use forest products only as necessary for human subsistence. Through traditional agriculture, hunting, fishing, and use of forest products, the Bribri have maintained a respectful relationship with their natural environment. A visit to Rancho Grande, Volio waterfall and the KekoLdi Reserve is also included in this tour. At KekoLdi the Bribri are working to restore the threatened green iguana. You may also learn about medicinal plants & cures and organic agriculture or may acquire interesting handcrafts.

Includes: Transportation from your local hotel, Reservation entrance permit fee, & tropical fruit snack.
Required Gear: Bug repellent, drinking water, sturdy shoes, long pants and swim suit & towel for the waterfall.
Duration: 5 hours. 9:00am – 2:00pm.
 
Special Note: The Bribri Indians supplement their living with the sales of their handcrafts. If you would like to help them maintain their way of life please feel free to make purchases.

Volio Waterfall Hike/Swim

The Volio Waterfall is located in the tropical rainforest of the Bribri Indian Reservation. The moderate hike through the forest has several river crossings and affords the opportunity to view many different species of flora and fauna including the beautiful heleconia flowers, poison dart frogs and toucans. Once you have arrived, a swim in the waterfall’s pool is refreshing.

Includes: Transportation from your local hotel & tropical fruit snack.
Required Gear: Bug repellent, drinking water, sturdy shoes, swim suit & towel for the waterfall.
Duration: 4 hours. 12:00noon – 4:00pm.
 

Local Caribbean Recreational Fishing

Typical local Caribbean fishing is done in a canoe boat. Live bait is used to catch tarpon, red snapper, mackerel, jack fish, kingfish, blue tuna, june fish, among others.

Includes: Transportation from your local hotel, fishing gear, boat, Caribbean style breakfast & a tropical fruit snack.
Required Gear: Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, swim suit, towel, drinking water.
Duration: 6 hours. 6:00am – 12:00noon.

 sunglasses, swim suit, towel, drinking water.
Duration: 6 hours. 6:00am – 12:00noon.
All fish meeting size requirements may be taken home.

Jungle/Beach Horse-back Riding

Galloping along a palm tree lined beach, venturing through jungle trails, exploring abandoned cocoa plantations… sound intriguing? Your choice of trails – jungle, beach, cocoa plantation or a combination. Similar to western riding, but the Costa Rican saddle is more streamlined.

Includes: Transportation from your local hotel, horses & tropical fruit snack.
Required Gear: Long pants, sturdy shoes, bug repellent, hat.
Duration: 3 hours. 1:00 – 4:00pm.

Talamanca Organic Farms

The Talamanca region is divided in two distinct zones. The coastal lowlands and the mountain foothills called the “High Talamanca”. In the coastal lowlands you will find the Afro-Caribbean culture. Traditionally, this culture produced cocoa and coconuts for exportation until the early 80’s when a fungus destroyed the plantations putting farmers out of business. This area is now mainly supported by tourism. In the “High Talamanca”, you will find the indigenous Bribri culture that has supported itself for centuries through sustainable agriculture. The Bribri produce organic bananas, plantain, cocoa, araza, guanabana, papaya, yuca and other tropical fruits and vegetables. They produce not only for their local population, but also in recent years the demand for these organic products has increased in Europe and the United States. Exportation of exotic organic produce is now a substantial part of their economy and helps to preserve the environmental quality of the area.

Includes: Transportation from your local hotel, Reservation entrance permit fee, samples of organic produce & tropical fruit snack.
Required Gear: Bug repellent, long pants, sturdy shoes.
Duration: 5 hours. 8:00am – 1:00pm.

High Talamanca Rivers

The HighTalamanca watershed is a network of rivers that support not only the Caribbean lowlands, but also many villages not accessible by road. The tour begins in the Bribri village of Suretka, where you will find one of the busiest produce markets in the area and enjoy spectacular views of the vast Talamanca Mountains and foothills. Here the Uren and Cuen Rivers join to form the Sixaola River, which represents the border between Costa Rica and Panama. From Suretka, the tour explores the beautiful turquoise-green upper Uren River by motor canoe. Along the River, small Indian villages, virgin rainforest, and many different plants & animals can be seen. Enjoy the amazing views and maybe some body rafting along this exquisite river.

Includes: Transportation from your local hotel, Reservation entrance permit fee, canoe, safety equipment, tropical fruit snack.
Required Gear: Bug repellent, swimsuit, towel, sturdy shoes and “teva” style sandals (no flip-flops), sunscreen, hat.
Duration: 6.5 hours. 8:30am – 3:00pm.
Minimum 4 pax

Bocas del Toro Islands, Panama

So you are visiting Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast… why not visit Panama’s Caribbean? It’s just a stone’s throw away! Bocas del Toro Islands are located just about three hours south of the town of Puerto Viejo. The Bocas area has a traditional Caribbean feel with its colorful houses, island culture and Afro-Caribbean inhabitants. The Islands possess some of the most beautiful coraline reefs in the region. They are true submarine cities where a wide variety of marine life finds food and refuge including rays, eels, barracuda, nurse sharks, lobster, crab and many other colorful tropical fish. Sailing through the islands, many different species of coastal birds may also be seen. We will provide round-trip transportation to Bocas and can arrange a variety of tours available there and if you wish to stay overnight, we can arrange your hotel accommodations. You may choose to visit either Bastimentos Island or Colon Island, from there local tours can take you to smaller islands.

Includes: Round-trip land transportation from your local hotel to the town of Almirante-Panama. Round-trip boat transportation to either Bastimentos, Colon or Boca del Drago island. Tour and hotel accommodation arrangements. 

NOT included.
Required Gear: Valid passport and proof of departure from Costa Rica (e.g. a copy of your return flight or bus ticket), gear according to your intended activities.
Duration: One day – unlimited, depending on your desire.
In to Boca del Drago Island (located on the far side of Colon Island).

Surfing Classes

The Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica is known for its world class surfing – the famous “Salsa Brava” waves are created just beyond the coral reef . Around the area of Puerto Viejo and Cocles there are waves for all levels. If you are a beginner or intermediate surfer, both Black Beach and Cocles Beach offer nice waves on safe sandy bottom beaches

Includes: Surfboard and instructor.
Required Gear: Swimsuit, sunscreen.
Duration: 2.5 hours. Exact hours to be arranged.

Special note: A surf campground is also located in Puerto Viejo. Please inquire for more information.

• Website:  www.costarica-tourandtravel.com

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