 General Information:
Location: 69 miles west of San Jose on the Central Pacific Coast
Weather: Hot and humid. Rainy season is May through November.
Temperature: 71-96° F year-round, see Puntarenas climate
Altitude: Sea level
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About:
Sixty nine miles west of San Jose, 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 boardwalk while waiting for the next ferry to the Nicoya Peninsula. Souvenir stalls and people-watching opportunities abound on this boardwalk as do fresh ceviche and icy 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 Cargo ships have been replaced by cruise liners and smaller fishing vessels, and tourism has gradually increased over the last 20 years.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 Costa Ricans 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.
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