General Information:
Location: 110 kms. (69 miles) west of San José
Weather: Hot and humid. January through April are the hottest
months. Rainy season is August-October.
Temperature: 71-96° F year-round, see Puntarenas climate
Altitude: Sea level
Read more about the
About:
One
hundred ten kilometers west of San José, Puntarenas is a hot coastal
town that more often serves as a point of transit for travelers on
their way to the Southern Nicoya Peninsula than as a destination in
itself. Visitors can enjoy a walk down the breezy Malecón while waiting
for the next ferry to Playa Naranjo or Paquera. Souvenir stalls and
people-watching opportunities abound on this boardwalk as do fresh
ceviche and icy granizados (sno-cones) for a light snack.
Puntarenas
is the capital of Puntarenas Province and was once the primary
commercial port for Costa Rica. Although a new port was built in nearby
Caldera, Puntarenas retains the commercial feel of an old port town.
Cargo ships have been replaced by cruise liners and smaller fishing
vessels, and tourism has gradually increased over the last 20 years. As
it is still a fishing port, with less than clear water, the beaches
near Puntarenas aren’t popular with swimmers. Instead, both visitors
and Ticos enjoy the open waterfront cafes.
Puntarenas hosts several annual festivals,
the biggest of which is Carnival: ten days of music, dancing, cultural
and sporting events. Carnival attracts a huge crowd during the
festivities celebrated every February or March.
Festejos
Populares is held in November and boasts parades, music and carnivals.
The Virgin of the Sea Festival, in July, features a colorful
fishing-boat regatta where fishermen honor the Virgin in hopes of
another safe year at sea. Tasty regional delicacies, dancing and a
parade are also part of this traditional celebration.
Back to Top
|