Serving as the main cruise ship port along Costa Rica's stretch along the Pacific, Puntarenas appears on first sight to be little more than an industrial mess of urban development. But looking beneath the surface, you'll find a number of hard-to-find gems that go some way towards redeeming this portside city. One aspect is its excellent travel links, with pristine beaches to be found very close in southern Nicoya. Another is the laid-back feeling that seems to dominate its long streets during the week, despite the thriving industry here. Guides are available who will happily take you beyond the city limits to explore the stunning scenery that lies beyond - palm-filled swamps supporting all sorts of wildlife are particularly popular. The shopping scene is also vibrant and worth checking out if you're planning to go home with some goodies, and you could do far worse for nightlife. So don't despair when you see the urban development on the horizon - go and make the most of your time in Puntarenas.
Serving as the main cruise ship port along Costa Rica's stretch along the Pacific, Puntarenas appears on first sight to be little more than an industrial mess of urban development. But looking beneath the surface, you'll find a number of hard-to-find gems that go some way towards redeeming this portside city. One aspect is its excellent travel links, with pristine beaches to be found very close in southern Nicoya. Another is the laid-back feeling that seems to dominate its long streets during the week, despite the thriving industry here. Guides are available who will happily take you beyond the city limits to explore the stunning scenery that lies beyond - palm-filled swamps supporting all sorts of wildlife are particularly popular. The shopping scene is also vibrant and worth checking out if you're planning to go home with some goodies, and you could do far worse for nightlife. So don't despair when you see the urban development on the horizon - go and make the most of your time in Puntarenas.
