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Puntarenas is one of the most important tourist regions of Costa Rica. Its coasts are decked by plenty of islands, inlets, beaches and beautiful natural treasures, which make Puntarenas a tourist destiny by excellence. Its territory offers a wide range of attractions supported by the sun and the beach, which are complemented with protected zones, continental and insular areas. The northern region also comprises the islands in the Gulf of Nicoya and the Southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, as these are mainly accessed from Puntarenas and stretches down to the mouth of the Río Barú in the area known as Dominical de Osa. This spectacular area is very close to the Central Valley, a two-hours drive, 120 km away from the capital. Puntarenas City is its principal center. Another tourist center is Tambor. Worthy of note is the scenic beauty along the coastal highway that connects the Caldera area with the Quepos and Manual Antonio region.
Puntarenas is the largest province in the country. The port of Caldera has become one of the most important ports in terms of exports and can also receive cruise ships. This province can be travelled along two tourist routes: the Central Pacific and the Gulf of Nicoya, and the South Pacific. Visitors have their choice of beaches perfect for sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, sailing, or just peacefully taking in the surrounding rainforests.
Puntarenas was discovered by Gil González Dávila in 1522. Despite the use of the Gulf of Nicoya as an entryway to Costa Rica's inland territory, the port of Puntarenas was not developed until 1840 when coffee production in the highlands reached exportable volumes. In 1845 the Congress of the Republic declared Puntarenas a duty-free port (with the exception of Cognac and hard liquor). Originally, the coffee was brought to port in oxcarts via a trail through the mountains. In 1859, a stretch of railway track was completed between Puntarenas and the town of Esparza (one of the country's earliest Spanish settlements, founded in 1574). Eventually, the railway was built all the way through to San José and service was inaugurated in 1910.
With the railway connection to the Central Valley, the Pacific port's activities continued to be a major part of the region's economy throughout the 20th century. However, due to the aging and deterioration of the port facilities and the need to accommodate the much larger vessels of modern shipping fleets, a new port was constructed in the 1980s to the south of Puntarenas. The site chosen was Caldera, where ships had anchored during colonial times. Caldera was more appropriate site for larger ships, and actually was the first port site used since 1522.
At just four meters above sea level, the city or port of Puntarenas features extensive beaches for enjoying sea and sun. Historically the place for national tourism and recreation, it offers a variety of quality tourist services appealing to international visitors as well. Puntarenas now boasts a cruise ship terminal at the remodeled Puntarenas Wharf, which has a series of piers and docking areas from which ferries depart for established tourist destinations such as Paquera and Cóbano on the Nicoya Peninsula, as well as tours around the islands and mangrove swamps in the Puntarenas estuary.
The Manuel Antonio National Park contains tropical forest with its exotic fauna and flora and also protects 12 islands that serve as excellent refuges for several seabird species, as well as several stunning beaches, a 14-hectare lagoon and a mangrove swamp. For more information on day tours to the many special attractions in this area, please contact us.
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Moana is a small private luxury ocean view hotel. During your vacation you'll encounter high quality modern hotel suites and rooms that blend comfort with style leaving you with an unforgettable personal experience.
Villa Caletas is located in the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica between Herradura and Punta Leona, on a jungle hilltop.
The Clandestine Beach Resort hotel is located in the central Pacific region of Costa Rica in a large stretch of sand that forms this wonderful continental island almost unique, beautiful and wild beach with coconut palms.
Located along beautiful Playa Esterillos Este, in Costa Rica's breathtaking Central Pacific region.
We call it "Si Como No", an ideal balance of design and comfort placed within the rain forest of Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica.
The resort is beautifully situated on a cliff above Espadilla Beach with its white sand beaches and the sparkling Pacific Ocean.
Positioned on the Pacific Coast of the Puntarenas peninsula, Florblancas spectacular location sets a mood all of its own.
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