8 Days - Creatures & Cultures of Costa Rica & Mexico[Puerto Caldera to Puerto Vallarta]
![8 Days - Creatures & Cultures of Costa Rica & Mexico[Puerto Caldera to Puerto Vallarta]](/images/packages/extraimages/6787_Creatures.jpg "8 Days - Creatures & Cultures of Costa Rica & Mexico[Puerto Caldera to Puerto Vallarta]")
Starting from
$3,599*
Puerto Caldera to Puerto Vallarta
Ship: Star Seeker
Departure Date : Apr 20 2026
Itinerary
Day Puerto Caldera (Puntarenas), Costa RicaDeparts 06:00 PM
One of the stops along the Panama Canal Zone route, Puerto Caldera on Costa Rica's Pacific Coast isn't your ordinary port of call, positioned as it is within easy day-trip distance of the country's multiple national parks. The town itself is small, but makes for an ideal base from which travelers can venture out to explore the variety of this Central American country's outdoor attractions and activities. These include snapping photos of gushing waterfalls (and swimming at the base of one, if you bring your swimsuit!), sightseeing near active volcanoes, bird-watching in nature reserves and sanctuaries and horseback riding on Pacific beaches . . . and that's just for starters. Visitors to Puerto Caldera and the surrounding region also enjoy shopping for handicrafts that local artists sell at their cooperatives, as well as sampling traditional Tico cuisine, especially gallo pintoa combination of rice and beans eaten at any time of the day or night. Puerto Caldera is the perfect reminder that adventure often awaits just around the bend.
One of the stops along the Panama Canal Zone route, Puerto Caldera on Costa Rica's Pacific Coast isn't your ordinary port of call, positioned as it is within easy day-trip distance of the country's multiple national parks. The town itself is small, but makes for an ideal base from which travelers can venture out to explore the variety of this Central American country's outdoor attractions and activities. These include snapping photos of gushing waterfalls (and swimming at the base of one, if you bring your swimsuit!), sightseeing near active volcanoes, bird-watching in nature reserves and sanctuaries and horseback riding on Pacific beaches . . . and that's just for starters. Visitors to Puerto Caldera and the surrounding region also enjoy shopping for handicrafts that local artists sell at their cooperatives, as well as sampling traditional Tico cuisine, especially gallo pintoa combination of rice and beans eaten at any time of the day or night. Puerto Caldera is the perfect reminder that adventure often awaits just around the bend.
Day Curu National Wildlife RefugeArrives 06:00 AM Departs 05:00 PM
By 1981 the area's dry and wet tropical forests received protective status which opened the door for the foundation of the national park, established only two years later.
This 208 acre (84 ha) refuge forms the heart of the larger 3,696 acre (1,496 ha) private cattle ranch that originally encompassed the entire area in the 1930's. The area is home to 232 different bird species as well as a multitude of plant and animal life common to the region. The Curu River winds its way through the park, fueling the complex mangrove ecosystem that borders its murky waters. The swampy river bank transitions into a combination of wet and dry tropical forest which is common in Nicoya's south, further inland.
Leatherback and Olive Ridley turtles use the park's white-sand beach to lay eggs during nesting season. The beach also offers rudimentary cabin accommodations at $6 a bed, per night-a great option for visitors seeking ample time in the park to explore its many wonders. Here, food and horse rentals are available at a modest price.
Accommodations can be made at any of the surrounding tourist towns, as well as guided tours through the park. Because Curu is privately owned, there are also some rustic lodges onsite that can be rented.
The road to Curu is unpaved, thus a four-wheel drive vehicle is necessary to navigate the area.
By 1981 the area's dry and wet tropical forests received protective status which opened the door for the foundation of the national park, established only two years later.
This 208 acre (84 ha) refuge forms the heart of the larger 3,696 acre (1,496 ha) private cattle ranch that originally encompassed the entire area in the 1930's. The area is home to 232 different bird species as well as a multitude of plant and animal life common to the region. The Curu River winds its way through the park, fueling the complex mangrove ecosystem that borders its murky waters. The swampy river bank transitions into a combination of wet and dry tropical forest which is common in Nicoya's south, further inland.
Leatherback and Olive Ridley turtles use the park's white-sand beach to lay eggs during nesting season. The beach also offers rudimentary cabin accommodations at $6 a bed, per night-a great option for visitors seeking ample time in the park to explore its many wonders. Here, food and horse rentals are available at a modest price.
Accommodations can be made at any of the surrounding tourist towns, as well as guided tours through the park. Because Curu is privately owned, there are also some rustic lodges onsite that can be rented.
The road to Curu is unpaved, thus a four-wheel drive vehicle is necessary to navigate the area.
Day Playas del Coco, Costa RicaArrives 06:00 AM Departs 03:00 PM
Playas del Coco, a UNESCO site, is one of Costa Ricas most celebrated snorkeling areas with dolphin, puffer fish, eels, stingrays, and other tropical sea life animating the waters. In addition to its unspoiled cocoa-colored beaches, Playas del Coco is a jumping off point for rainforest canopy tours, nature walks, and other inspiring eco-adventures.
Playas del Coco, a UNESCO site, is one of Costa Ricas most celebrated snorkeling areas with dolphin, puffer fish, eels, stingrays, and other tropical sea life animating the waters. In addition to its unspoiled cocoa-colored beaches, Playas del Coco is a jumping off point for rainforest canopy tours, nature walks, and other inspiring eco-adventures.
Day At Sea
Day Puerto Chiapas, MexicoArrives 06:00 AM Departs 03:00 PM
The southernmost port on Mexicos Pacific coast, Puerto Chiapas is named for the state in which it is located. It is relatively new, built in 1975, and is the primary hub from which the regions agricultural goods, including coffee, are sent abroad. For travelers arriving by cruise ship, the town of Puerto Chiapas is a jumping-off point to explore surrounding areas, including Tapachula, the second-largest city in the state of Chiapas. In addition to visiting the coffee estates and banana and cacao plantations of the area, day trips include excursions to Maya sites such as Izapa. Although not as well known as some of the Maya sites of southern and eastern Mexico, such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site Chichén Itzá, Izapa is impressive nonetheless. In addition to its interesting locationit sits along a river and is aligned with a volcano (the sixth-tallest mountain in Mexico)archaeologists have found numerous stelae and evidence that it was the largest Maya site in Chiapas. While in the area, dont miss the opportunity to sample the cuisine of Chiapas, which is influenced heavily by the Maya. One typical dish is tasajo, a thinly sliced beef steak marinated in a sauce made with achiote (also known as annatto) and chili.
The southernmost port on Mexicos Pacific coast, Puerto Chiapas is named for the state in which it is located. It is relatively new, built in 1975, and is the primary hub from which the regions agricultural goods, including coffee, are sent abroad. For travelers arriving by cruise ship, the town of Puerto Chiapas is a jumping-off point to explore surrounding areas, including Tapachula, the second-largest city in the state of Chiapas. In addition to visiting the coffee estates and banana and cacao plantations of the area, day trips include excursions to Maya sites such as Izapa. Although not as well known as some of the Maya sites of southern and eastern Mexico, such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site Chichén Itzá, Izapa is impressive nonetheless. In addition to its interesting locationit sits along a river and is aligned with a volcano (the sixth-tallest mountain in Mexico)archaeologists have found numerous stelae and evidence that it was the largest Maya site in Chiapas. While in the area, dont miss the opportunity to sample the cuisine of Chiapas, which is influenced heavily by the Maya. One typical dish is tasajo, a thinly sliced beef steak marinated in a sauce made with achiote (also known as annatto) and chili.
Day Huatulco, MexicoArrives 10:00 AM Departs 04:00 PM
Huatulco, situated on Mexico's Pacific Coast in the state of Oaxaca, has nine bays and 36 beaches, offering more than enough opportunities for fun in the sun. The most popular beach is La Entrega, with clean white sand and calm waters, perfect for snorkeling and swimming . . . or just relaxing. But Huatulco's attractions aren't limited to sand and surf; there are also archaeological sites to explore, rivers to raft, and waterfalls whose pools invite childlike splashing. Bird lovers, in particular, will find Huatulco to be especially captivating. The region is home to more than 225 bird species, including many rare ones and a number that are endemic to Mexico, like the Colima pygmy owl and the wildly colorful orange-breasted bunting and citreoline trogon. Bring your bird list, because you're sure to add new species to your "sighted" column. And the food in Huatulco! The food will give you plenty to write home about. The state of Oaxaca has some of the most iconic dishes in Mexico's culinary repertoire. You won't go home hungry.
Huatulco, situated on Mexico's Pacific Coast in the state of Oaxaca, has nine bays and 36 beaches, offering more than enough opportunities for fun in the sun. The most popular beach is La Entrega, with clean white sand and calm waters, perfect for snorkeling and swimming . . . or just relaxing. But Huatulco's attractions aren't limited to sand and surf; there are also archaeological sites to explore, rivers to raft, and waterfalls whose pools invite childlike splashing. Bird lovers, in particular, will find Huatulco to be especially captivating. The region is home to more than 225 bird species, including many rare ones and a number that are endemic to Mexico, like the Colima pygmy owl and the wildly colorful orange-breasted bunting and citreoline trogon. Bring your bird list, because you're sure to add new species to your "sighted" column. And the food in Huatulco! The food will give you plenty to write home about. The state of Oaxaca has some of the most iconic dishes in Mexico's culinary repertoire. You won't go home hungry.
Day At Sea
Day Manzanillo, MexicoArrives 10:00 AM Departs 05:00 PM
Acclaimed as "The World's Capital of Sailfish," Manzanillo is a superb nautical destination, boasting smooth waves, moderate currents and twenty golden beaches. Its maritime history dates back to the 17th Century, where it was the starting point for numerous expeditions to the Orient. Halfway between the United States and Guatemala, Manzanillo is slow in developing, which contributes to its charm. However, it is quickly gaining in popularity due to the railway and superhighway that now connect Manzanillo and Guadalajara. It isn't just accessibility that draws people to this rustic seaside town, but the spectacular beaches, the excellent deep sea fishing, and deluxe resorts like the unique Moroccan-styled Club Las Hadas that was featured in the film "10.
Acclaimed as "The World's Capital of Sailfish," Manzanillo is a superb nautical destination, boasting smooth waves, moderate currents and twenty golden beaches. Its maritime history dates back to the 17th Century, where it was the starting point for numerous expeditions to the Orient. Halfway between the United States and Guatemala, Manzanillo is slow in developing, which contributes to its charm. However, it is quickly gaining in popularity due to the railway and superhighway that now connect Manzanillo and Guadalajara. It isn't just accessibility that draws people to this rustic seaside town, but the spectacular beaches, the excellent deep sea fishing, and deluxe resorts like the unique Moroccan-styled Club Las Hadas that was featured in the film "10.
Day Puerto Vallarta, MexicoArrive 09:00 AM
Unique compared to Acapulco, Cancún, Zihuatanejo and several other coastal resort towns in Mexicomany of which were created by the government as planned communitiesPuerto Vallarta ("PV" to locals), on the Pacific Ocean, retains quite a bit of its colonial-era charm. Its town square, Plaza de Armas, and the gorgeous parish church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, topped with an ornate crown and overlooking the port, serve as the loveliest representations of bygone ages. Alongside these echoes of the past are more modern attractions, including an ambitious public art project along the seaside walkway (the malecón) and trendy restaurants such as La Leche, serving contemporary Mexican cuisine. Round these out with plenty of fun-in-the-sun outdoor activities on and along Banderas Bay (whale-watching! snorkeling! jet-skiing!), excursions that reveal the best of Puerto Vallarta's flora and fauna, and a side trip to one of Mexico's pueblos mágicos (magical towns, a designation conferred by the government to recognize smaller towns that possess historical and cultural value), and you'd be hard-pressed to find a more pleasant place to spend part of your cruising vacation.
Unique compared to Acapulco, Cancún, Zihuatanejo and several other coastal resort towns in Mexicomany of which were created by the government as planned communitiesPuerto Vallarta ("PV" to locals), on the Pacific Ocean, retains quite a bit of its colonial-era charm. Its town square, Plaza de Armas, and the gorgeous parish church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, topped with an ornate crown and overlooking the port, serve as the loveliest representations of bygone ages. Alongside these echoes of the past are more modern attractions, including an ambitious public art project along the seaside walkway (the malecón) and trendy restaurants such as La Leche, serving contemporary Mexican cuisine. Round these out with plenty of fun-in-the-sun outdoor activities on and along Banderas Bay (whale-watching! snorkeling! jet-skiing!), excursions that reveal the best of Puerto Vallarta's flora and fauna, and a side trip to one of Mexico's pueblos mágicos (magical towns, a designation conferred by the government to recognize smaller towns that possess historical and cultural value), and you'd be hard-pressed to find a more pleasant place to spend part of your cruising vacation.
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