Province of PUNTARENAS

AREA: 11.276 SQ. KM
POPULATION: 350.000
CAPITAL: Puntarenas , population 100.000 / 130 kms from San Jose
CLIMATE: Hot, average temperature 28 C
ALTITUDE: Sea level.


Puntarenas is the largest province . The principal attractions are on the Pacific coast itself. The islands located in the Gulf of Nicoya are within the boundaries of this province as well as part of the Tilaran and Talamanca Mountain Ranges. Port Caldera , located 16 km south of the city of Puntarenas has become the most important port of call for some of the major cruise liners.

Geografic Position of Puntarenas:

The geografic coordenates of Puntarenas is 09 11'05" latitude north and 83 59'52" longituded west. It's width is the most of three hundred and forty kilometers, in a northwest to southeast direction, wich goes from Punta Flor, in the Isle of Chira, Gulf of Nicoya to El Salto, in Punta Burica , that is the international limit with the Republic of Panamá, in Golfito.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS:


• Puntarenas City
• Jaco Beach
• Manuel Antonio National Park
• Cocos Island National Park
• Monteverde Cloud Forest
• Cabo Blanco Strict Nature Reserve
• Caño Island Biological Reserve
• Corcovado National Park
• Guayabo, Negritos & Los pájaros Islands Biological Reserves
• Carara Biological Reserve

PUNTARENAS City

The Central Pacific's largest city, Puntarenas sits on a long, narrow peninsula in the Gulf of Nicoya. For years, it was the country's principal port, and though a never port in nearby Caldera now handles cargo and Puntarenas the cruise ships, a large fishing fleet still anchors in the stuary behind town. Being the coutry's most important fishing port, Puntarenas is the perfect place to enjoy fresh seafood, be it camarones al ajillo (shrimp scampi), pescado entero (a whole fried fish), or ceviche de corvina (bits of fresh fish marinate in lime juice with onions, peppers and spices).

Click Here to view Puntarenas City Map

Though the water is murky, and the beach may seem a bit urban, it's a lively town on weekends, when people from San José fill its waterfront restaurants and bars. A series of open-air cafes that line the beach are the perfect place to head for dessert, or refreshment, since they specialize in ice cream and fresh fruit drinks.

Recommended places and services:

• Hotels
• Bars & Clubs
• Restaurants
• Shopping
• Spa & Beauty
• Events