Colorful "Puntarenas" sign on a paved promenade by the beach, with palm trees and the ocean in the background under a clear blue sky.
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Puntarenas, Costa Rica: A Guide to “El Puerto”

“El Puerto,” is a common term we Costa Ricans use to refer to Puntarenas, which serves as the perfect place for weekend getaways or even day trips if necessary—for us, Ticos at least. If there’s one thing we long for when we’re there, it’s a good ceviche, vigorón or Churchill.

During the 19th century, this city acted as Costa Rica’s most important port that handled majority of exports and imports. Moreover, many immigrants flocked into this town at that time too. Puntarenas was a famous destination among locals from the 1940s up to late 1980s; therefore many of our parents and grandparents would share stories about their vacations in El Puerto with us. Today it remains an animated city with great historical value and several activities to engage in while here.

A red and white striped lighthouse at Puntarenas, surrounded by trees and a paved area, under a clear blue sky.
Lighthouse – Puntarenas

Getting to Puntarenas

Getting There from San José

San José is located 95 km (60 miles) from the city of Puntarenas, you can go there by car or bus.

By Car

The drive to Puntarenas from San José can be anywhere between 1.5 and 2 hours depending much on which way you go and what traffic looks like. Route 27 is the shortest and easiest as it is a well-maintained highway. The other routes, 1 and 3, are longer and cross over mountains, and wind through one-lane in each direction with many curves roads.

By Bus

If you want to use public transportation, there are many buses that depart from downtown San Jose to Puntarenas frequently. They leave every hour from 6:00 to 19:00. For fastest service with least complications take the direct bus (no stops) on Route 27.

Getting There from Liberia, Guanacaste

By Car

This trip by car usually takes between two and a half hours. Most of the way you will be driving down Route 1, which currently has several areas under construction. Also, there are some points where this road is one lane in each direction only and it can affect your timing.

By Bus

There are ten buses every day leaving for Puntarenas from downtown Liberia starting at 5:00 till 17:00.These buses are taken at the bus terminal in Liberia.

By Ferry

If you are on the south side of the Nicoya Peninsula – take a ferry. There are two options: if you’re more in the North – Playa Naranjo Ferry, which crosses gulf within 1 hour and a half; if you’re more in the South – Paquera ferry crossing gulf takes around 2 hours and a half.

Two ferries docked at a pier with people sitting under an umbrella on the sandy shore in the foreground. The scene is set against a backdrop of mountains and a clear blue sky.
Puntarenas Ferry

Getting There with a Shared or Private Shuttle

Shuttles can be arranged from San José or Liberia to Puntarenas. This is a convenient option if you prefer not to drive or take the bus.

From San José

Flexibility and privacy are ensured by private shuttle services starting at $140 per van each way. It is perfect for families or groups. For solo travelers or those who want to save money, shared shuttle services are available at $55 per person.

From Liberia

From Liberia, there are no shared shuttle services available. However, private shuttle services can be arranged with prices starting at $190 each way per van.

Getting Around Puntarenas

Walking

One good way to know the city is by walking around it. Paseo de Los Turistas, a pedestrian-only street that runs along the beach for 3 km (1.9 miles), is perfect for this purpose. This avenue is perfect for strolling and offers easy access to many of the city’s attractions.

By Taxi, Uber or Didi

The use of taxis, Uber or Didi makes moving through Puntarenas easier than anything else. These services are available, although the ones with the highest availability are the local Taxis. Uber and Didi services are available, but are more limited.

By Driving

Driving remains the simplest mode of transport when travelling within Puntarenas. While there aren’t many public parking lots, you can usually find space to park near most attractions. With this option you can visit different places outside the main city which gives it much more flexibility and convenience especially if you want to explore other areas too.

A lively street scene at Paseo de Los Turistas with colorful chairs and tables outside eateries, vibrant signs advertising food and drinks, and trees providing shade along the sidewalk.
Paseo de los Turistas

Things to do in Puntarenas

Paseo de los Turistas

Paseo de los Turistas happens to be the most famous and crowded avenue in Puntarenas. It was created in 1930, starts at Parque Marino del Pacífico, and ends just after the lighthouse. It runs along the beach for more than 3km (1.9 miles).

This avenue is flanked by various attractions. Along Paseo de los Turistas there are restaurants, parks, bars, souvenir stores, and handicrafts among others. It is a lively area with many things to see and do.

The Paseo de los Turistas is perfect for walking around, taking pictures, going to the beach or eating something. Regardless of whether you are looking for a walk or want to sit by the sea this avenue has it all.

Playa Puntarenas

Playa Puntarenas is 3 km (1.9 miles) long along the coast. The color of its sand and sea water is darker because it receives sediments from rivers such as Barranca river and other rivers flowing into the Estero de Puntarenas.

Honestly speaking this does not make it one of the prettiest beaches in Costa Rica, there are much more beautiful ones. Nevertheless this beach has received an ecological blue flag award due to its good waste management system and action plan for improvement which shows that the community puts effort into keeping it clean and safe for visitors as well as locals.

A sandy beach at Playa Puntarenas with palm trees, a few people in the distance, and mountains across the water under a clear blue sky.
Playa Puntarenas

Parque Marino del Pacífico

Established in 2002 Parque Marino del Pacífico serves as a rescue center for marine species. This place plays an important role in protecting different marine animals through rehabilitation programs carried out within its facilities.

The park includes a small aquarium where visitors can observe various species of marine life up close making it educative especially for children who can learn about different types of fish while also being sensitized on importance conserving oceans.

There is also a playground area for kids hence making it family friendly. Some of the species that can be seen in the aquarium include crocodiles, turtles, manta rays, cat sharks among others which makes this an interesting place to visit as you get educated and also entertained by these creatures.

Taste the Local Gastronomy

You can’t visit Puntarenas without trying some of the local cuisine. Being a coastal city, most of its food is based on seafood; however various cultures such as Afro-Caribbean, Spanish, Chinese and Nicaraguan have influenced the gastronomy here due different types of immigrants who settled since its foundation.

An example of this blend is Vigorón Porteño which has been influenced by Nicaraguan cuisine. It can be found along Paseo de los Turistas being sold by several kiosks and usually wrapped with an almond leaf.

Seafood is the commonest type of food in Puntarenas there are many seafood soups; fried fish or different rice dishes with shrimp, fish or mixed seafood all over town. These rice dishes often show chinese culinary influence.

You must try Ceviche when in Puntarenas there are many varieties to choose from such as fish ceviche; shrimp ceviche; octopus ceviche even chucheca (a type mussel) ceviche all served with green plantains or patacones which shows afro-caribbean influences.

No visit to Puntarenas is complete without trying the most famous local dessert, the Churchill. It’s a slushy dessert that is served in a cup. They put condensed milk, powdered milk, ice cream and fruit on top of it. This treat is really refreshing and tasty; people love eating it when they are at the beach.

A colorful frozen dessert called "Churchill" with fruit and straws on a wooden table by the beach, with palm trees and the ocean in the background.
Churchill Dessert

Visit Nearby Islands

Some islands sitting off the coast of Puntarenas are worth a day trip. These islands will give you different and unique experiences from what the city offers.

Tortuga Island

Approximately 1.5 hours by boat from Puntarenas is Tortuga Island. This island has white sandy beaches and turquoise waters perfect for swimming or snorkeling. There are two small islands with abundant plant and animal life between them. With all these activities based around water sports, it makes an ideal place for spending just one day.

San Lucas Island

It is a National Park that not only houses a diversity of flora and fauna, but also an old prison, which was in operation from 1873 to 1991. If you visit San Lucas Island National Park not only will you get the chance to see buildings used for housing prisoners back then but also learn something new about this location’s history too.

Venado Island

Surrounded by mangroves, Venado is a small fishing community with various accommodations and even a floating restaurant!. It gives visitors an opportunity to experience something authentic and different while showcasing typical life among local fishermen.

Cedros and Jesuita Islands

For those who love camping or glamping, these two islands offer such options in addition to having multiple beaches. These islands are also close to other islands like Tortuga Island, so exploration becomes much easier. Playa Luminosa, located on Cedros Island, has bioluminescence that allows people swim during night time hours creating beautiful light shows along shores!

A busy beach at Isla Tortuga with people swimming, sunbathing, and boats in turquoise water, set against lush green hills.
Tortuga Island

Visit Historic Buildings

Some old buildings have been preserved in Puntarenas because it began as a port in the 19th century.

The Old Port Captaincy

It is an old post of surveillance that was used as a look-out against San Lucas Island and other islands of the gulf in Puntarenas. Established in 1850, this building started with a simple hut made out of tile, palm, adobe, and mangrove. It was used for traveler reception, ticket sales, and merchandise inspection. Restored in 2018, it now functions as a tourist information both for local and foreign tourists, beside it’s recognized by historic architectural heritage site status.

Casa Fiat

Casa Fiat was constructed during the early twentieth century by Alberto Fait Rocchi who was an Italian brought in to fix boilers on government ships. This house is one of the oldest houses found in Puntarenas with Victorian influences on its design. Given its history it was declared national heritage site on 2002 and currently being used as lodging available through Airbnb. You cannot enter unless you are a guest, but its beauty can be appreciated from the outside.

The Cathedral of Puntarenas

The Cathedral of Puntarenas is a Catholic temple built in 1902 with stone, mortar, and brick floors. It differs from other churches because while all other churches face westward this one faces eastwards which is what sets it apart among others within Costa Rica.

Casa de la Cultura de Puntarenas

When built in 1878 our of stone, Casa de la Cultura de Puntarenas was a storeroom for grains and other imported products. In 1910 the government bought this building and converted it into barracks for generals, colonels, and the army commander. It also had a warehouse for weapons, cannons and a jail with several cells. Today there are exhibition halls, an amphitheater and a small museum. The Puntarenas library is located where the old jail was.

A courtyard at Casa de la Cultura in Puntarenas with statues, palm trees, benches, and an orange building with arched windows and battlements.
Casa de la Cultura – Puntarenas

Cultural Events and Festivals

Carnivals of Puntarenas

The Puntarenas carnivals occur annually between February and March. They are characterized by parades and other events such as comparsas (carnival dance groups), cimarronas (bands of musicians), mascaradas (giant masks), folkloric dances, concerts, and more. The carnival did not take place in 2024 but a small summer festival with similar activities was organized instead.

Fiestas de la Virgen del Mar

In 1913, the Fiestas de la Virgen del Mar were started after the ship El Galileo sank near Puntarenas. According to the crew members, a woman saved them miraculously by giving them strength and food. She was later identified as the Virgin of Carmen from the church in Puntarenas. Since then, under the name ‘Virgen del Mar’, it has become a tradition for the Catholic Church of Puntarenas to celebrate this event every year.

The Fiestas de la Virgen del Mar is not only a religious celebration but also an opportunity for people to take part in various non-religious activities. Mechanical games, fishing tournaments, masquerades or concerts are just some examples of what you can expect during these two weeks held at the end of June and the beginning of July.

Front view of Puntarenas Cathedral with a stone tower, arched windows, and a "Puerta Santa" sign, surrounded by trees and a paved area.
Cathedral of Puntarenas

Stay and Sleep

You can stay in several places in Puntarenas, each with a range of different sorts of accommodations to suit different tastes and budgets.

Downtown Puntarenas

In downtown Puntarenas you could stay at any number of places because there are many hotels/motels/inns there. It is convenient for tourists who do not want to be too far from the city especially near the Ferry.

La Punta Hotel is a three-star hotel that’s located close by the ferry as well as near the lighthouse – so it’s very centrally located. There are also several restaurants around this hotel, so you won’t have any trouble finding somewhere to eat.

Midey Cabins are small but comfortable cabins near the stadium of Puntarenas and only 100 meters away from the seafront. This would be a nice place if you just want something cozy and really close to the beach.

Casa Fiat is an Airbnb located about 200 meters from the Cathedral, on the mangrove side – so it has beautiful views of that area. Its a historical building, so staying here would give you more than your average experience.

A historic Victorian-style house in Puntarenas with a red roof and wraparound balcony, surrounded by lush greenery. Built in the early 20th century, it's now an Airbnb and a national heritage site.
Casa Fiat

El Roble de Puntarenas

This place is about 12 kilometers away from downtown Puntarenas and offers a great variety of accommodations, mostly rental houses. One all-inclusive resort called Fiesta Resort is located in this area, making it perfect for families or anyone else looking for an inclusive type vacation where everything can be found on-site.

Where to eat in Puntarenas

Food in Puntarenas is diverse and predominantly seafood as a result of its coastal location. Nevertheless, there are many other types of meals available for tourists too.

Seafood:

  • Lunarossa Restaurant: It is a small and cozy restaurant in front of the Paseo de los Turistas and overlooking the sea. The menu is small but the food is good and fresh.

Mexican Food:

  • La Takeria Restaurant: Located in front of the Paseo de los Turistas, the place is small but with a great variety of Mexican dishes at comfortable prices and good cocktails.
  • Aki mis Tacos: This restaurant is located a little hidden in Roble de Puntarenas very close to the fiesta resort. The owner is a Mexican Chef, so his food is authentic Mexican food. The best are the tacos de birria, cochinita and guacamole.

Fast Food:

  • ChiryTacos: It is a restaurant with a great variety of food, they sell from fast food to breakfast, typical food and desserts. It is located in front of the Paseo de los Turistas.
  • Maes Grill: It is 200 meters from the beginning of the Paseo de los Turistas and located in front of the sea. Their specialty is hamburgers and grilled meats, but they also have a variety of dishes such as pizzas, tacos, wings, salads. The perfect place to watch the sunset with a beer!

Tips for Visiting Puntarenas

  • Do not walk on the beach at night: Generally, Puntarenas is well-illuminated, but if there is high tide, it is not advisable to walk on the beach. Despite the lighting, it can be difficult to see where you are walking.
  • Do not leave your personal belongings unattended: As in any city in the world, it’s important to keep an eye on your belongings to avoid theft or loss.
  • Carry only the cash you need: Except for buses, some cabs, and small “sodas” (local eateries), most places accept cards. It’s safer to carry only the cash you need for the day.
  • Best time to visit: The best time to visit Puntarenas is during December, January, February, and March. This is the dry season, but it is not too hot. Additionally, you have the opportunity to enjoy the carnivals during this period.
A scenic area at Parque del Muellero with a large tree, a modern arched pergola, and green foliage. The park features a paved walkway, benches, and nearby buildings under a clear blue sky.
Muellero Park

Puntarenas Tourist Map

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