The top 10 things to do in the province of Puntarenas, Costa Rica--where attractions include cloud forests, nature preserves and legendary beaches.
Don't be confused. Puntarenas is both a city and Costa Rica's largest province, with everything from the torridly hot legendary Pacific beaches to the misty cloud forests of Monteverde.
The town of Puntarenas is only 120 km (75 miles)from the capital San Jose has a slightly seedy and shabby air about it. Puntarenas is Spanish for "sandy point" and the town is a long narrow sand spit juts out into the Gulf of Nicoya. To the south is the open end of the Nicoya Peninsula with mild surf hitting the beach. On the north is an estuary with mangrove swaps. It's also the center of Costa Rica's commercial fishing industry, top fishing port, and a good place to enjoy fresh and inexpensive seafood meals.
Its proximity to San Jose brings hordes of beach-loving Josefinos [residents of the capital, San Jose] and well as thousands of passengers on the Panama Canal cruise ships that stop in Port Caldera, located 10 miles (16 km) south of Puntarenas. It's also the place to catch the ferry to the Nicoya Peninsula or boats for various day excursions to outlying islands in the Gulf of Nicoya.
Costa Rica's two top tourist destinations, Monteverde and Manuel Antonio are both located in Puntarenas. It's also the home to no less than 14 national parks and reserves.
1. Puntarenas City
Enjoy a cheap and delicious seafood meal of shrimp, corvina or ceviche. In you happen to be here in February or March, watch out. It's 'Carnival' time.
2. Guayabo, Negritos & Pájaros Islands Biological Reserves
These four islands (Negritos is actually two islands) protect the rich seabird population of the area. Guayabo is the wintering site for the peregrine falcon, and with Negritos, the brown pelican's roosting sites.
3. Corcovado National Park
One of the country's most highly regarded parks, the 200 square miles of Corcovado has eight distinct habitats, and is home to jaguars, tapirs, scarlet macaws, monkeys, poison dart frogs and crocodiles.
4. Monteverde
At 5000 feet, the climate in Monteverde feels more alpine than tropical. Plan to spend at least a few days hereâ€"since the roads to get here are atrociousâ€"even by Costa Rican standards. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and the new Santa Elena Rain Forest Reserve are must-sees, and if you're seeking a thrill, try the Original Canopy Tour.
5. Cocos Island National Park
Pirates hid here in the 17th and 18th centuries, but modern-day tourists visit for the coral reefs and amazing bird life.
6. Manuel Antonio National Park/Quepos
Along with Monteverde, Manuel Antonio is one of the country's top two destinations. Tourists love the combination of a national park just a few minutes away from the 'rockin beach/party town on Quepos.
7. Playa Jaco
If you came to Costa Rica to party, you'll love Jaco. The long beach and strong surf make this a popular stop for mostly young travelers.
8. Caño Island Biological Reserve
Costa Rica doesn't offer much in the way of archeological riches, but this pre-Columbian cemetery offers the chance to see the stone spheres made by the indigenous people of the area.
9. Playa Montezuma
The atmosphere here is the opposite of Quepos, and is a popular choice for visitors seeking a mellow, quiet beach holiday.
10. Isla de Tortuga
The "Island of the Turtles", with its white sand and clear blue waters, is a popular day trip from either San Jose or Puntarenas. A number of tour companies offer both yacht or catamaran trips.
How to get here: Buses depart daily from San Jose, leaving about every 40 minutes (3-4 hours). A number of shuttle van services also make daily runs from the capital to Puntarenas(2-4 hours).
