This Costa Rican port makes an excellent base for exploring nearby attractions
Inside the City
Puntarenas doesn’t have too many attractions on its own, though visitors will find shopping and restaurants along the waterfront Malecon, or pedestrian walkway. The city also offers some spectacular sunsets and cleaned-up beaches that are among the most ecological in the country.
Excursions from Puntarenas
Some of the most popular shore excursions in this area include a crocodile safari along the Tarcoles River, a trip to Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, a visit to Arenal Volcano, and a ride on the Pacific Rain Forest Aerial Tram. The beach town of Jaco is also an option for surfing and horseback riding, while a catamaran cruise to Isla Tortuga or a tour of Manuel Antonio National Park offer other opportunities.
