Things to do in Puntarenas
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Paseo de los Turistas
You can stroll along the beach or the aptly named Paseo de los Turistas (Tourist's Stroll), a pedestrian boulevard stretching along the southern edge of town. Cruise ships make day visits to the eastern end of this road, and a variety of souvenir stalls and sodas (informal lunch counters) are there to greet passengers.
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Restaurante Kaite Negro
On the north side of town, this rambling restaurant is popular with locals, and serves good seafood and a good variety of tasty bocas (appetisers). If you really want to see the place swinging, the open-air courtyard comes to life on weekends with live music and all-night dancing.
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La Casona
This bright-yellow house is marked with a small, modest sign, but it’s an incredibly popular lunch spot, attracting countless locals who jam onto the large deck and into the interior courtyard. Portions are heaped, and soups are served in bathtub-sized bowls – bring your appetite.
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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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Food Stands
The cheapest food is available in the small stands and restaurants near the Palí supermarket. This area is also inhabited by sailors, drunks and prostitutes, but it seems raffish rather than dangerous - during the day, at least.
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Museo Histórico Marino
This museum describes the history of Puntarenas through audiovisual presentations, old photos and artifacts.
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Coonatramar
Coonatramar can organize tours to the islands in and around Bahía Gigante as well as fishing charters. Prices vary depending on the size of your party and the nature of your trip.
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La Yunta Steakhouse
Your culinary mecca for every imaginable cut of meat has professional service, great ocean views and enough hunks of dead animal to arouse your doctor’s anger.
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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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Capitán Moreno’s
A time-honored spot for shaking some booty, with a huge dance floor right on the beach.
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El Oasis del Pacífico
A popular spot with a lengthy bar and a warehouse-sized dance floor.
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Souvenir Stalls
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Palí Supermarket
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