Shutterstock / Gianfranco Vivi

Puntarenas

As the closest coastal town to San José, Puntarenas was once Costa Rica’s prosperous, coffee-exporting gateway to the Pacific, and a popular escape for landlocked Ticos. Some still come here on weekends, but during the week the activity along the oceanfront promenade slows to a languid pace – all the better to enjoy the beachfront sodas (inexpensive eateries) and busy market.

The city’s ferry terminal is a convenient way to connect to the pristine beaches of southern Nicoya, and Puntarenas is also the jumping-off point for the almost-mystical Isla del Coco.

Travelers mainly pass through here en route to somewhere else; but if you stay overnight, you'll feel the vibe of a genuine working Tico town and find a couple of attractions.

Explore Puntarenas

  • C
    Casa Fait

    Quite possibly the most beautiful building in Puntarenas, Casa Fait is a purple-and-cream clapboard 1920s colonial building, with ornate iron balconies…

  • P
    Palacio Municipal

    Built in place of the previous Municipal Palace that burned down, this rather unusual 1970s structure with jutting upper floors, designed by architect…

  • P
    Paseo de los Turistas

    This beachside, pedestrian boulevard stretches along the southern edge of town. Cruise ships make visits to the eastern end of the road, and a variety of…

  • P
    Parque Marino del Pacífico

    This retro marine park has seen better days, but it will certainly keep the kids entertained for a while. There's an aquarium showcasing many tropical…

  • C
    Casa de la Cultura

    Casa de la Cultura has an art gallery with occasional exhibits as well as a performance space offering seasonal cultural events. Outside there's a…

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Puntarenas.

  • See

    Casa Fait

    Quite possibly the most beautiful building in Puntarenas, Casa Fait is a purple-and-cream clapboard 1920s colonial building, with ornate iron balconies…

  • See

    Palacio Municipal

    Built in place of the previous Municipal Palace that burned down, this rather unusual 1970s structure with jutting upper floors, designed by architect…

  • See

    Paseo de los Turistas

    This beachside, pedestrian boulevard stretches along the southern edge of town. Cruise ships make visits to the eastern end of the road, and a variety of…

  • See

    Parque Marino del Pacífico

    This retro marine park has seen better days, but it will certainly keep the kids entertained for a while. There's an aquarium showcasing many tropical…

  • See

    Casa de la Cultura

    Casa de la Cultura has an art gallery with occasional exhibits as well as a performance space offering seasonal cultural events. Outside there's a…

Guidebooks

Purchase our award-winning guidebooks

Get to the heart of Puntarenas with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.