El Viejo Wetlands Boat Tour & Cultural Tasting with Transportation and Lunch
Experience Guanacaste’s wildlife and traditions on an approximately 8-hour adventure to Hacienda El Viejo. Cruise the Tempisque River in search of monkeys, crocodiles, and tropical birds, enjoy an authentic cultural tasting, and finish with a traditional Costa Rican lunch at historic La Casona.
- Hotel transportation included
- Wildlife boat tour
- Cultural tasting
- Lunch included
$110.00
El Viejo Wetlands Boat Tour & Cultural Tasting
Experience the wildlife, flavors, and traditions of Guanacaste on a day trip to Hacienda El Viejo. Cruise the Tempisque River beside Palo Verde National Park, look for monkeys, crocodiles and tropical birds, discover traditional Sabanero culture, taste local specialties and enjoy a Costa Rican lunch at historic La Casona—with transportation from selected Guanacaste hotels.
What You Can Expect
Travel from your selected Guanacaste pickup area to Hacienda El Viejo, a historic property and private wildlife refuge bordering Palo Verde National Park. The day combines a guided river safari with an interactive introduction to Guanacaste’s rural traditions and local flavors.
On the Tempisque River, your naturalist guide will help you search for crocodiles, howler and white-faced capuchin monkeys, iguanas and resident or migratory birds. Back at the hacienda, learn about the traditional trapiche sugar-cane mill, enjoy fresh Costa Rican coffee, handmade tortillas and regional tastings, then sit down to a traditional lunch at La Casona.
Tour Itinerary
Hotel Pickup in Guanacaste
Begin with scheduled transportation from an eligible hotel or meeting point. The exact pickup time depends on your accommodation and will be confirmed after booking.
Arrival at Hacienda El Viejo
Meet the local team and learn about the historic hacienda, its protected wetlands and its connection to Guanacaste’s agricultural and Sabanero heritage.
Tempisque River Wildlife Cruise
Board a covered boat for a guided cruise through the wetlands between El Viejo National Wildlife Refuge and Palo Verde National Park. Wildlife sightings vary, but the ecosystem supports monkeys, crocodiles, iguanas and an exceptional variety of birds.
Authentic Cultural Tasting
Step into the traditions of rural Guanacaste. See a traditional sugar-cane trapiche, learn how local ingredients are prepared and sample coffee, handmade tortillas and other regional flavors.
Lunch at La Casona
Enjoy a traditional Costa Rican lunch prepared with local ingredients at La Casona, a restored National Heritage landmark.
Return Transportation
After the experience, relax during the return trip to your original pickup area.
The order, route and timing may change because of pickup logistics, river conditions, weather, wildlife activity or operational requirements. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.
What’s Included
- Round-trip transportation from selected Guanacaste hotels or meeting points
- Professional driver and local guides
- Guided Tempisque River safari boat tour
- Entrance to Hacienda El Viejo and designated refuge areas
- Interactive Guanacaste cultural tasting experience
- Traditional Costa Rican lunch at La Casona
- Coffee, handmade tortilla and selected local tastings
What’s Not Included
- Pickup outside the included Guanacaste service area
- Alcoholic beverages unless specifically listed with your booking option
- Additional food, drinks or souvenirs
- Personal expenses
- Gratuities for guides and drivers
Pickup and Transportation Information
Transportation is included from selected hotels and established meeting points within the operator’s Guanacaste service area. Enter your hotel information when booking. Your exact pickup location and time must be confirmed before the tour.
Pickup times vary according to hotel location, and an additional transportation charge may apply to accommodations outside the standard route. Be ready in the hotel lobby or confirmed meeting area at least 10 minutes before pickup.
Schedule and Duration
The activities at Hacienda El Viejo last approximately 3.5 hours. With hotel pickup, travel time and return transportation, plan for an approximately 8-hour experience. Total duration varies by hotel location, traffic and the day’s pickup route.
What to Bring
- Comfortable lightweight clothing
- Closed-toe walking shoes with good traction
- Hat, sunglasses and reef-safe sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Reusable water bottle
- Rain jacket or poncho during green season
- Binoculars and camera for wildlife viewing
- Mobile booking confirmation
Accessibility and Additional Information
- This is an all-ages experience; children must remain under adult supervision.
- Boat access requires boarding and stepping between the dock and vessel.
- Travelers should be able to manage short walks and uneven outdoor surfaces.
- Contact the operator before booking if a traveler requires mobility assistance.
- Advise AskZipy in advance about food allergies or dietary restrictions.
- Wildlife is observed in its natural environment, so sightings cannot be guaranteed.
- The tour operates in changing tropical weather unless conditions are considered unsafe.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation and amendment terms may vary by booking option and transportation arrangement. Review the policy displayed during checkout before completing your reservation. Changes to hotel pickup details should be requested as early as possible and remain subject to availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the complete tour?
Plan for approximately 8 hours including hotel transportation. The boat tour, cultural tasting, and lunch portion at Hacienda El Viejo lasts approximately 3.5 hours.
Is hotel transportation included?
Yes, transportation is included from selected Guanacaste hotels or meeting points. Confirm that your accommodation is within the included service area before booking.
What wildlife might we see?
The wetlands are home to crocodiles, howler monkeys, white-faced capuchin monkeys, iguanas, and many resident and migratory birds. Sightings vary because the animals are wild.
Is lunch included?
Yes. A traditional Costa Rican lunch at La Casona is included. Notify AskZipy of allergies or dietary restrictions before the tour.
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes. The experience is suitable for families and all ages, although children must remain supervised near the river, dock and boat.
When should I reserve?
Reserve before arriving in Costa Rica when possible. Boat capacity and transportation space are limited, particularly during high, peak, and holiday seasons.
Location
| Provence | Guanacaste |
|---|---|
| Location | |
| Person | Infant (6 and under), Children (7-11), Adults (12+) |










Zipy Ride –
This tour offers a wonderful combination of Guanacaste’s wildlife, culture and traditional flavors. The Tempisque River cruise provides opportunities to see crocodiles, monkeys, iguanas and tropical birds in their natural environment. The cultural experience is equally memorable, with local coffee, handmade tortillas and an introduction to traditional sugar-cane processing. Lunch at historic La Casona is a delicious finish to the experience. With hotel transportation included, it is an easy and enjoyable way to discover another side of Guanacaste.
Zipy Ride –