In Puntarenas province, Puntarenas is the largest town with approximately 100000 Ticos living in it. The main port of the country in the Pacific Ocean is also situated in this town. Its easy access to the sea make this town a great destination for both the locals and the tourists. This town attracts more tourists due to its nearby surfing spots, beaches, historical and also architectural value. At this town you will meet friendly locals and can enjoy ‘pura vida’ lifestyle. There are many restaurant and bars, several Internet cafes, many places to stay, and also amenities and facilities. You will also find hospital that is situated one block from the beach and there are also banks near to the central park.

When to Visit:

During the high season between late November and late April is the most suitable time to visit Puntarenas town.

Attractions:

Carara National Park:

Carara National Park is considered as one of the amazing national parks of Costa Rica. This park is situated along the road between Playa Jaco and Puntarenas town in the province of Puntarenas. With its 5,242 hectare area, this park is rich in its biodiversity. It is one of the few places where you can spot some rare Jacamars, Trogons, scarlet macaws. It is also home to different species of wildlife.

Festivals:

Many people also love to visit this town during two festivals-one is a lively parade that held in the month of February and another one is the Festival of the Virgin of the Sea. First one is about enjoying live music all over the South and Central America and also about some sport competitions, wonderful fireworks, crowning of the Puntarenas Carnival Queen and also a flamboyant procession of costumed revelers. The second festival is about paying tribute to the patron saint of the Gulf of Nicoya, the Virgen del Monte Carmelo and this festival takes place in July.

La Casa De La Cultura:

This local cultural center once was the Puntarenas jail. Later it has been refurbished and now it hosts seasonal cultural events, regular art and photography exhibition, poetry reading and also live performances. In the same building there is a small museum that represent the history of the maritime the town and seafaring of Puntarenas. This center remains open on Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 4 pm and admission is free.

Call: 2662-1394

Pacific Marine Park:

This huge park is situated on the eastern end of the town. It is featured with a collection of saltwater aquariums with the local marine life. Among the tanks, you will find the largest one representing the environment of Isla del Coco. This park remains open on Tuesday through Sunday from 9 am to 4:30 pm and it costs an admission fee of $5 for the kids of age 11 and under and $10 for adults.

Call: 2661-5272

Tortuga Island or Turtle Island:

While you are in Puntarenas town, you can go for a trip to the Tortuga Island that is also known as Turtle Island. This island is renowned for its white-sand beaches and also the crystal clean waters. From Puntarenas, you can go for a full day tour that will also include roundtrip boat or catamaran transportation, food, scuba diving or snorkeling. While you are on your way, you might spot turtles, dolphins and whales.

Accommodations:

Alamar Hotel:

This hotel is situated 70 km from the Juan Santamaria International Airport and along Paseo de los Turistas, Puntarenas. It overlooks amazing view of the Nicoya Gulf Islands and also stunning ocean view. Nestled 2.2 km from the Marino del Pacifico park, this hotel is rooms including a flat screen TV and private bathroom. In certain rooms you will find a balcony or terrace and some units have a seating area. This hotel also has a on-site bar. At this hotel property you will also find free private parking facility. For corporate business meetings and special events, this hotel has a fully furnished area that features best technology as well as has catering services by the food and beverages department of the hotel.

Call: (506) 2661 4343 – (506) 2661 4050
Website: http://www.alamarcr.com/

Aldea Casa de los Mariscos:

This hotel is situated 69 km from Juan Santamaria International Airport, 46 km from Jaco and 44 km from Montezuma, 36 km from Tambor. It provides rooms featured with cable TV, private bathroom, continental breakfast and WiFi connection. This hotel is set within one minute walking distance from the beach. Hotel facilities also include seafood restaurant and ice-cream shop.

Call: (506) 2661-3333
Website: http://casadelosmarisco.com/

DoubleTree Resort by Hilton:

It is an all-inclusive oceanfront resort featured with air conditioner rooms which are decorated with fresh colors and furnished with dark wooden furniture. In all the rooms you will find luxurious bed linens, TV with cable connection, tea and coffee making facilities. This resort also has several outdoor pools with sun terraces, a large volcanic sand beach area, different restaurants and bars, clubs for kids and teenagers. While staying at this resort, you can also enjoy body treatments, massages, facials, body wraps in a secluded ocean-front area that is surrounded by amazing tropical gardens.

Call: +506-2-6601600
Website: DoubleTree Resort by Hilton

Hotel La Punta:

This hotel is situated at the western end of the Puntarenas town. Nestled 200 meters from the beach, 50 meters from the municipal spa and 100 meters from the ferry dock, this hotel provides all the facilities you need for enjoying a comfortable stay. This hotel provides 8 rooms all of which include a desk, a flat screen TV and has wooden furnishing. Each room also features a tiled private bathroom. Hotel facilities also include swimming pool, 24 hour front desk service, spacious green spaces, private parking area and also gardens. You will also enjoy free WiFi connection everywhere in the property. In the surrounding area you will find a variety of dining options.