Destinations
Destinations of Puntarenas
Puntarenas is the province located on the western border of the country, covering the majority of Costa Rica's Pacific costa making it the largest province in the country. Clockwise from the northwest it borders on the provinces Guanacaste, Alajuela, San Jose and Limon, and the neighboring country of Panama.
The capital is Puntarenas. The province covers an area of 11,266 km², and has a population of 357,483 (2000). It is subdivided into 11 cantons. For administrative purposes, the island Isla del Coco, 500 km offshore in the Pacific Ocean, is considered a part of this province.
Puntarenas is best known for it's surfing. The Central Pacific coast is made up of long stretches of beaches broken up by small towns.
Cantons (Capital): Aguirre, Buenos Aires, Corredores, Coto Brus, Esparza, Garabito , Golfito, Montes de Oro, Osa, Parrita,
Choose from the following destinations:
Monteverde
Monteverde - Santa Elena - Puntarenas - Costa Rica. This section describes the world famous Monteverde and the surrounding areas, which includes the greater area of Santa Elena and it's major attractions.
Playa Hermosa
Playa Hermosa is one of the gems of the Pacific. It is a very unique beach in that it is a dark black sand beach, constrasted by large deep blue waves filled constantly with surfers. It is also a nesting site for baula turtles.
Playa Herradura Los Suenos
Is one of the calmest beaches around. Many locals like to sunbathe and swim here since there are not many waves. This is also the home of the Los Sueños Marriott's marina so you are sure to catch a glimpse of some nice yachts.
Quepos - Manuel Antonio
This is one of Costa Rica's most popular beach destinations. Not only is Manuel Antonio a National Park filled with a variety of exotic animals including parrots, iguanas, monkies, deer, etc, but it also an exciting destination for nightlife, great food & drinks, live music, and dancing!
Jaco
Jaco - Puntarenas - Costa Rica. Jaco is a place that some people love and others hate. Perhaps it could be considered the "Las Vegas" of Costa Rica.
Playa Pavones
Playa Pavones - Puntarenas - Costa Rica. Surfers paradise is the first thing that comes to mind for most people when they think of Pavones.
Dominical
Dominical is an incredible nature rich and beautiful coastal region on the Central/South Pacific Ocean of Costa Rica
Golfito
Golfito is known for its low priced Electronics and houses that stand of stilts and compared to the rest of the country hold title being on the water. Usually one has to remain at least 50 meters from the shoreline to hold title. The shipping and boating is the main activity here.
Mal Pais - Santa Teresa
This is one of the Peninsula's most popular beaches for surfers trying to get away from overcrowded tourist spots
