Excursion Coffee, butterflies and oxcart tour at Puntarenas

This excursion is uniquely Costa Rican, filled with cultural tradition, exotic flora and fauna, and some of the best coffee in the world. Begin aboard your coach as a comfortable ride takes you through the pastoral countryside of the province of Puntarenas. See a wide variety of landscapes that include rich farmlands, lush forests and mountain views, as you approach the highlands of Naranjo, a site that is world-famous for the quality of its coffee.

Driving for a scenic 90 minutes, arrive at the Espíritu Santo Coffee Plantation, which represents Costa Rica's most remarkable and pure coffee traditions and its history. The farm comprises 640 acres of prime coffee plantation, where the secrets of a real cup of coffee are carefully brewed. A great team of tour guides joins you through every stage of the production process of this fine gourmet coffee. During your visit to the plantation and processing plant, see real workers sweeping the coffee as it lies under the sun, which still has its parchment to make sure it dries evenly.

Move along to western part of the Central Valley and the scenic town of Sarchí, considered the home of Costa Rica's best wooden crafts. It was here where more than a century ago, local artists began painting and decorating their traditional oxcarts in intricate and colorful designs. There is a tradition of spirited but good-nature competition among families to see who could create the most spectacular designs. These sturdy vehicles, hauled by pairs of oxen, soon became the primary means of transportation throughout the nation, bumping over rough roads and trails to carry elegantly dressed young ladies to festivals and dances in nearby villages.

Stop in at the Eloy Alfaro Oxcart Factory, which is the only oxcart factory left in the country. The factory's machines are powered by a water wheel; here you can observe the work of the most skilled artisans, making beautiful wooden souvenirs and producing the world-famous hand-made oxcarts, a symbol of Costa Rica and the culture during its early years. At the factory grounds is where you can also enjoy a delicious Costa Rican style buffet lunch.

Continue your tour with an educational walk at the Else Kientzler Botanical Garden, where the paths are designed to follow an order for the many different gardens like the heliconias, the bromeliads, the succulent's and the greenhouse for production of plants for sale and to replant in the garden.

Your last moment at the gardens is sure to be your most memorable, the Butterfly Release. After you learn about the butterfly and the special conditions it requires to complete a full cycle in nature, you are invited to help release these gorgeous creatures and be part of their freedom.

Transfer 90 minutes back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Espíritu Santo Coffee Plantation, Sarchí, Eloy Alfaro Oxcart Factory, Else Kientzler Botanical Garden, Butterfly Release

Note

Please note: This excursion is not wheelchair accessible due to uneven natural terrain. If guests with walking difficulties can manage the steps into and out of the coach, they may be able to participate. Guests unable to walk the full trail can be transported separately to the other portions of the tour. Wear light clothing, comfortable shoes, sun protection (including hat) and jacket. Wildlife sightings are common but not guaranteed - please no flash photography of the animals.