Sights in Puntarenas To Quepos
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Playa Hermosa
The waves that pound the long Playa Hermosa (10km/6.2mi) are among the most consistent in the world, which means that just about any day, any time, there'll be a wave here waiting for you to thrash. Only 5km (3mi) south of Jacó, Playa Hermosa is fronted by hotels and cabinas, though development here is relatively low-key. Note that this beach can only be recommended to advanced surfers as the huge waves and strong rip tides are unforgiving.
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Playa Esterillos
Playa Esterillos is a deserted beach, with a few good surf spots, that's relatively undiscovered and little visited. Unfortunately, however, the building craze is looming, and the 'Condos For Sale' billboards on the sides of the road is a frustrating sign of things to come. In the meantime, however, Esterillos is very much an off-the-beaten path destination, and a great place to enjoy a few waves all to yourself.
This area can be a little confusing to navigate as there are three towns with access to the beach - Esterillos Oeste, Esterillos Centro and Esterillos Este. These towns are all off the Costaneara, southeast of Jacó. Most surfers camp underneath the trees at the n…
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A
Puntarenas Marine Park
This marine park has an aquarium that showcases manta rays and other creatures from the Pacific. The park sits on the site of the old train station and has a tiny splash pool, snack bar, gift shop and information center.
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B
Museo Histórico Marino
This museum describes the history of Puntarenas through audiovisual presentations, old photos and artifacts.
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C
La Casa de la Cultura
La Casa de la Cultura has an art gallery with occasional exhibits as well as a performance space offering seasonal cultural events.
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Parque Nacional Carara
Straddling the transition between the dry forests of Costa Rica’s northwest and the sodden rainforests of the southern Pacific lowlands, this national park is a biological melting pot of the two. Acacias intermingle with strangler figs, and cacti with deciduous kapok trees, creating heterogeneity of habitats with a blend of wildlife to match. The significance of this national park cannot be understated – surrounded by a sea of cultivation and livestock, it is one of the few areas in the transition zone where wildlife finds sanctuary.
Carara is also the famed home to one of Costa Rica’s most charismatic bird species, namely the scarlet macaw. While catching a glimpse o…
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