Puntarenas is a port city on Costa Rica's Central Pacific Coast.
Puntarenas (from "punta arenas" or "sand point") is the capital and largest city in the Puntarenas province of Costa Rica. The city sits on a long, narrow peninsula that juts out into the Nicoya Gulf, only about four blocks at its widest. Most travellers use Puntarenas as a stepping stone, riding the ferries from San José and the mainland to the Nicoya Peninsula and back. However, the city is a popular destination for Costa Ricans during holidays and the dry season. Cruise ships also frequently dock here, sending their passengers on day-long inland excursions.
- Mangrove Forest in the estuary above the north side of the peninsula. Crocodiles, herons, and red snappers can be found in and around the mangrove forest that grows here. The forest can be seen from any pier on the north side of the city, and some fishermen with small boats on these piers may be able to take you for a small tour if asked and offered compensation.
Mangrove Forest in the estuary above the north side of the peninsula. Crocodiles, herons, and red snappers can be found in and around the mangrove forest that grows here. The forest can be seen from any pier on the north side of the city, and some fishermen with small boats on these piers may be able to take you for a small tour if asked and offered compensation.
- Stroll along the Paseo de los Turistas and see the many colorful shops, street vendors, and bars.
- Walk out onto the main pier (when there is no cruise ship docked) at night. Many locals come here to drink, fish, and hang out. A wonderful place to view stars and the small lights of distant cities.
- Visit the new public park on the end of the peninsula. Walk along the south beach until you see the large rocks that make up the sea wall, there are walkways with lights and benches on top of them. A public basketball court, playground, and many benches are a wonderful and quiet place to watch the sunset from.
- Take a ride on one of the inflatable banana rafts being towed by boats on the south beach. On busier beach days (holidays, cruise days, and weekends), men will offer rides on these tubes for about ₡1,000 (~US$2). Life jackets provided.
- Los Delfines, Playa Tambor (Right beside the Tambor airport and minutes away from Montezuma..
- Marriott Los Suenos, Playa Herradura (15 minutes from Jacó, +506 2630-9028.
Los Delfines, Playa Tambor (Right beside the Tambor airport and minutes away from Montezuma..
Marriott Los Suenos, Playa Herradura (15 minutes from Jacó, +506 2630-9028.
- Matobes- Located along the Paseo de Turistas across from Parque Jurassico, the restaurant's tables are located on a lovely wooden patio. They serve up excellent pizzas and pastas, as well as delicious, giant calzones. Drinks include red and white wine, and Tona (Nicaraguan beer). Prices are reasonably cheap, and service is strangely quick for Costa Rica, but just as friendly.
- Apretados- A delicious ice cream-like snack that comes in a variety of different flavors. You won't find these sold in any store, but out of the front of residents' houses, and will run you about ₡250 (US$0.50). Holding the plastic bag in your hand, tear off a small corner with your teeth and suck out the melting apretado.
- Granizados dos Leches- This sweet, cold snack is similar to a snow-cone, but with a little something extra. Wait on the beach for a cart pushing vendor, and order a Granizado dos Leches in Kola (fruit punch), Chicle (bubblegum), or Naranja (orange) flavor. Shaved ice with powdered and condensed milk, served with a spoon and straw. Costs about ₡800-1000 (~US$2).
Matobes- Located along the Paseo de Turistas across from Parque Jurassico, the restaurant's tables are located on a lovely wooden patio. They serve up excellent pizzas and pastas, as well as delicious, giant calzones. Drinks include red and white wine, and Tona (Nicaraguan beer). Prices are reasonably cheap, and service is strangely quick for Costa Rica, but just as friendly.
Apretados- A delicious ice cream-like snack that comes in a variety of different flavors. You won't find these sold in any store, but out of the front of residents' houses, and will run you about ₡250 (US$0.50). Holding the plastic bag in your hand, tear off a small corner with your teeth and suck out the melting apretado.
Granizados dos Leches- This sweet, cold snack is similar to a snow-cone, but with a little something extra. Wait on the beach for a cart pushing vendor, and order a Granizado dos Leches in Kola (fruit punch), Chicle (bubblegum), or Naranja (orange) flavor. Shaved ice with powdered and condensed milk, served with a spoon and straw. Costs about ₡800-1000 (~US$2).