{"id":11206,"date":"2017-09-15T12:32:53","date_gmt":"2017-09-15T12:32:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/costaricajourneys.com\/?p=11206"},"modified":"2017-09-15T12:32:53","modified_gmt":"2017-09-15T12:32:53","slug":"puntarenas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/costaricajourneys.com\/?p=11206","title":{"rendered":"Puntarenas"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"puntarenas\"<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

When to Visit:<\/h3>\n

During the high season between late November and late April is the most suitable time to visit Puntarenas town.<\/p>\n

Attractions:<\/h3>\n

Carara National Park:<\/h4>\n

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\u00a0of wildlife.<\/p>\n

Festivals:<\/h4>\n

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\u00a0flamboyant procession of costumed revelers. The second festival is about paying tribute to the\u00a0patron saint of the Gulf of Nicoya, the Virgen del Monte Carmelo and this festival takes place in July.<\/p>\n

La Casa De La Cultura:<\/h4>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Call: 2662-1394<\/p>\n

Pacific Marine Park:<\/h4>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Call: 2661-5272<\/p>\n

Tortuga Island or Turtle Island:<\/h4>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Accommodations:<\/h3>\n

\"AlamarAlamar Hotel:<\/h4>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Call: (506) 2661 4343 \u2013 (506) 2661 4050
\nWebsite:\u00a0http:\/\/www.alamarcr.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n

\"AldeaAldea Casa de los Mariscos:<\/h4>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Call:\u00a0(506) 2661-3333
\nWebsite: http:\/\/casadelosmarisco.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n

\"DoubleTreeDoubleTree Resort by Hilton:<\/h4>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Call:\u00a0+506-2-6601600
\nWebsite: DoubleTree Resort by Hilton<\/a><\/p>\n

\"LaHotel La Punta:<\/h4>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\n
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Call: +506 2661 0696
\nWebsite: http:\/\/www.hotellapunta.net\/<\/a><\/p>\n

\"HotelHotel Puntarenas Beach:<\/h4>\n

This hotel is located 69 km away from the Juan Santamaria International Airport. Just within one minute walking distance from this hotel property you can reach the beach. This hotel is constructed with wonderful architecture. It provides over-sized rooms with advanced facilities like air conditioner, TV, private bathrooms with bath or shower. These rooms are designed elegantly and overlooks amazing views of the Golfo de Papagayo. Hotel facilities also include a terrace, restaurant, a bar, an outdoor pool, free WiFi connection and also laundry services. At this hotel property you will also have private parking area for free.<\/p>\n

Call:\u00a0(506) 2661 6800
\nWebsite:\u00a0http:\/\/www.hotelpuntarenasbeach.com\/web\/<\/a><\/p>\n

\n

\"LasLas Brisas:<\/h4>\n

Las Brisas is situated 69 km away from the Juan Santamaria International Airport. It provides rooms with air conditioner, private bathroom and flat screen TV. Some rooms overlooks amazing ocean view or pool views. Nestled 1.2 km from the Pacific Marine Park, this resort also offers free private parking area and free WiFi service. It also has a restaurant.<\/p>\n

Call:\u00a0(506) 2661 4040, (506) 2681 1213
\nWebsite:\u00a0http:\/\/lasbrisashotelcr.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n

\"HotelHotel Oleaje Sereno:<\/h4>\n

Situated 69 km away from Juan Santamaria International Airport, Hotel Oleaje Sereno is a simple and personalized hotel. It offers 10 rooms featured with air conditioner, private bathrooms and also hot water facility. Hotel facilities also include restaurant service, bar and there is a also a terrace. In public areas of this hotel you will enjoy WiFi service for free. This hotel also provides free private parking on site but reservation is required. Pets are not allowed in this hotel. From this hotel within 2 hours and 30 minutes drive you can reach Poas Volcano National Park. Another renowned park Manuel Antonio National park is 104.8 km from this hotel.<\/p>\n

Call:\u00a0+506 22975854
\nWebsite: http:\/\/www.oleajeserenohotel.com<\/a><\/p>\n

\"HotelHotel Tioga:<\/h4>\n

Developed in 1959, this hotel is situated\u00a070 km from Juan Santamar\u00eda International Airport and\u00a0 1.5 km from the Marine Park of the Pacific. Nestled oceanfront on the Paseo de los Turistas, Puntarenas, this hotel provides rooms with flat screen TV, private bathroom and some also feature a balcony or terrace. The hotel property also features an outdoor swimming pool overlooking amazing ocean views. Hotel facilities also include 24 hour reception service, free WiFi throughout, free private parking and also provides car rental services.<\/p>\n

Call:\u00a0(506) 2661-0271
\nWebsite:\u00a0http:\/\/www.hoteltioga.com<\/a><\/p>\n

\"PuertoPuerto Azul Resort and Club Nautico:<\/h4>\n

From the Puntarenas Airport, you can reach this resort within 5 minutes drive by car. Set next to the Pacific Ocean, this resort provides rooms with flat screen TV and a private terrace. Resort property also include apartments featured with dining area and a fully stocked kitchen. There are sport facilities, a yacht, kid’s playground, tennis and volleyball courts, conference facilities and also an outdoor pool. While staying at this resort, you will also have complimentary breakfast. Nestled 35 minutes from the Tortuga Island, this resort is just 5 minute drive from 2 large supermarkets. There is a bar and a restaurant where you can enjoy delicious International cuisine.<\/p>\n

Call:\u00a0+506 26615552
\nWebsite:\u00a0https:\/\/www.puertoazulboutiqueresort.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Restaurants:<\/h3>\n

\"RestaurantRestaurant Los Toneles:<\/h4>\n

This restaurant is ideal for visiting by families with kids, large meetings and also for arranging business meetings. At this restaurant you can enjoy all kind of International food as well as Costa Rican dishes. It serves seafood, grill and also vegetarian friendly foods.<\/p>\n

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Call:\u00a0+506 2637 4747
\nhttps:\/\/www.facebook.com\/Restaurante-Los-Toneles-994524067286894\/<\/a><\/p>\n

\"LosLos Chanchitos:<\/h4>\n

Situated in more important tourist zones, this restaurant serves International dishes as well as typical Costa Rican dishes which are served with yummy drinks. At this restaurant you will enjoy a perfect atmosphere to dine with your family, kids as well as with a large group. Here you can enjoy seafood, vegan dishes and vegetarian friendly dishes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Call: +506 2637 0000<\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.tripadvisor.com\/Restaurant_Review-g309287-d9711423-Reviews-Los_Chanchitos-Punta_Arenas_Province_of_Puntarenas.html<\/a><\/p>\n

\"CasaCasa Almendro:<\/h4>\n
This restaurant serves International and Costa Rican foods. It has outdoor seating arrangement and also has wheelchair accessibility. You can also make reservation earlier. This place is ideal for visiting with families and kids and enjoying lunch and dinner.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Call: +506 2661 0901
\nhttps:\/\/www.facebook.com\/casaalmendrorest<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Matobes\"Matobes:<\/h4>\n

It is a great place for enjoying authentic Italian pizza. It also serves Vegan and Vegetarian friendly dishes. It is set in an amazing beachfront location and ideal for special occasions. This lovely ocean front spot is perfect for couples as well as groups of friends. You will meet attentive, friendly and hospitable staff. At this place you can enjoy variety of beets, natural drinks and also wine.<\/p>\n

Call:+506 2661 3498
\nhttps:\/\/www.tripadvisor.com\/Restaurant_Review-g309287-d4467374-Reviews-Matobes-Punta_Arenas_Province_of_Puntarenas.html<\/a><\/p>\n

Activities:<\/h3>\n

Surfing:<\/h4>\n

Around Puntarenas town, you will find several surf shops from where you can rent surf board and can also gear up. Seven miles south of Puntarenas, you will find the best break at the beach Boca Barranca.<\/p>\n

Boating:<\/h4>\n

While you are in Puntarenas town, if you are interested in fishing or just want to go for a leisurely cruise, you can go for boating off the shores of Puntarenas. You can get some information from your hotel about the most reasonable options nearby or just head to the dock inquire about a charter and go for boating.<\/p>\n

Snorkeling and scuba diving:<\/h4>\n

From Puntarenas you will find snorkeling and scuba diving trip daily that will take you to Herradura Bay ans Turtle Island. These are famous for some amazing diving sites. You can get the opportunity to spot white tip reef sharks and eagle rays. You can also see some other marine creatures like sea turtles.<\/p>\n

Sport Fishing:<\/h4>\n

From Puntarenas you can take a charter an go for sport fishing to the Central Pacific coast. You can take multi-day packages or single trip and enjoy catching different types of fishes like marlin, sailfish, wahoo, tuna and also marlin.<\/p>\n

Bird Watching and Wildlife watching:<\/h4>\n

Birdwatchers can go for bird watching tour to the Carara National Park where they can spot colorful scarlet macaws. This pace is also a great spot for exploring some amazing wild creatures like ocelots, slots, agoutis and also white-faced monkeys.<\/p>\n

Canopy Tour:<\/h4>\n

Adventure lovers will find five adrenaline-pumping canopy tours in the Puntarenas area. These tours also include zip-lining, Tarzan swing, aerial tram ride and also rappel lines.<\/p>\n