Costa Rica’s Puntarenas province, located on the country’s Pacific coast, is known for its rich economy that is primarily based on fishing, tourism, agriculture, livestock, and industry. The province’s main commercial port, Caldera, located in the canton of Esparza, is the country’s primary commercial seaport for imports and exports, particularly agricultural products like sugar, alcohol, wood, and fresh produce like pineapples, melons, and cassavas. Approximately 13% of the country’s total exports leave from this port.
Agriculture is another major economic activity in the region. African palm occupies the majority of cultivated land, particularly in the cantons of Parrita and Quepos, where Palmatica is the main producer. Rice, tobacco, corn, beans, fruits, vegetables, and sugarcane are also grown in cantons like Garabito, Esparza, Parrita, and Aguirre. Coffee is particularly important in the El General and Coto Brus valleys, which are major producers of export-oriented coffee.
Bananas were a significant crop in the region during the 1950s and constituted a large enclave that stretched from Palmar Sur and Palmar Norte to Golfito. Nowadays, non-traditional crops such as melons, papayas, watermelons, and spices like pepper and vanilla are cultivated, and pineapple cultivation for export in the plains of Buenos Aires has become a major non-traditional agricultural product.
Livestock is another major economic activity in the region, and it is mainly based on beef and dual-purpose cattle. In the Monteverde area, cattle ranching for milk production is developed, with the Monteverde cooperative being a standout producer of cheese, butter, custard, and other derivatives. Livestock farming is very important in the southeastern cantons of the province, especially in the extensive valleys of General and Coto Brus.
Fishing is also a significant contributor to the economy of Puntarenas, with the city of Puntarenas and Quepos being the two main fishing centers in the region. The port of Puntarenas absorbs about 90% of the regional fishing fleet, with 96.5% of the fleet consisting of artisanal vessels, pangas, and boats. Most of the catches are made in the Gulf of Nicoya, with tuna and shrimp being the most significant.
Lastly, Puntarenas has a thriving industry that is mainly dedicated to preserving fish. However, the province is also home to a wide range of industrial activities, from the production of ceramics and textiles to construction materials and food and beverage processing. The region is also known for its large-scale energy production, with the Puntarenas wind farm being the largest in Central America, contributing significantly to the national electricity grid.
In conclusion, Puntarenas is a region of great economic importance for Costa Rica, with its primary economic activities being fishing, tourism, agriculture, livestock, and industry. The province’s contributions to the national economy are significant, with its thriving export-oriented agricultural industry and fishing activity being particularly noteworthy. Puntarenas also plays a crucial role in the country’s energy production, emphasizing its overall importance to Costa Rica.