Costa Rica (Lonely Planet, 9th Edition) - Matthew Firestone [273]
Although the future outlook of Puntarenas is anything but rosy, the city’s ferry terminal will continue to serve as a convenient way to access the more pristine beaches further south in southern Nicoya. While few travelers are keen to spend any more of their time here than it takes to get on and off the boat, stopping through here is something of a necessary evil en route to greener pastures and bluer seas.
Return to beginning of chapter
History
Prior to the mid-20th century, Puntarenas was the largest and most significant open-water port in Costa Rica. Some of the finest coffees to grace European tables and coffee cups were carried to the continent on Puntarenas-registered freighters, and the steady flow of capital back into the city transformed Puntarenas into the ‘Pearl of the Pacific.’ However, after the construction of the railway leading from the Central Valley to Puerto Limón in 1890, the establishment of a more direct shipping route to Europe initiated the city’s decline in importance, though Puntarenas did manage to remain a major port on the Pacific coast.
Return to beginning of chapter
Orientation
Situated at the end of a sandy peninsula (8km long but only 100m to 600m wide), Puntarenas is Costa Rica’s most significant Pacific coastal town, and is just 110km west of San José by paved highway. The city has 60 calles (streets) running north to south, but only five avenidas (avenues) running west to east at its widest point. As in all of Costa Rica, street names are largely irrelevant, and landmarks are used for orientation (see boxed text, for an explanation).
Return to beginning of chapter
Information
The major banks along Av 3, to the west of the market, exchange money and are equipped with 24-hour ATMs.
Banco de San José (cnr Av 3 & Calle 3) Connected to the Cirrus network.
Coonatramar (2661-9011/1069; cnr Calle 31 & Av 3; per hr ₡550; 8am-5pm) Internet access.
Hospital Monseñor Sanabria (2663-0033; 8km east of town)
Puntarenas tourism office (Catup; 8am-5pm Mon-Fri) Opposite the pier on the 2nd floor above Báncredito. It closes for lunch.
Return to beginning of chapter
Sights & Activities
La Casa de la Cultura (2661-1394; Av Central btwn Calles 3 & 5; 10am-4pm Mon-Fri) has an art gallery with occasional exhibits as well as a performance space offering seasonal cultural events.
Behind the Casa is the Museo Histórico Marino (2661-5036, 2256-4139; admission free; 8am-1pm & 2-5pm Tue-Sun). The museum describes the history of Puntarenas through audiovisual presentations, old photos and artifacts.
The Puntarenas Marine Park (2661-5272; www.parquemarino.org; adult/child under 12yr US$7/4; 9am-5pm Tue-Sun) has an aquarium that showcases manta rays and other creatures from the Pacific. The park sits on the site of the old train station and has a tiny splash pool, snack bar, gift shop and information center.
You can stroll along the beach or the aptly named Paseo de los Turistas (Tourists’ Stroll), a pedestrian boulevard stretching along the southern edge of town. Cruise ships make day visits to the eastern end of this road, and a variety of souvenir stalls and sodas (informal lunch counters) are there to greet passengers.
For information on sights on offer around Puntarenas, Click here.
Return to beginning of chapter
Tours
Coonatramar (2661-9011/1069; www.coonatramar.com; cnr Av 3 & Calle 31) can organize tours to the islands in and around Bahía Gigante as well as fishing charters. Prices vary depending on the size of your party and the nature of your trip.
Return to beginning of chapter
Festivals & Events
Puntarenas is one of the seaside towns that celebrate the Fiesta de La Virgen del Mar (Festival of the Virgin of the Sea) on the Saturday closest to July 16. Fishing boats and elegant yachts are beautifully