Puntarenas

Top things to do & see in Puntarenas

Visit the Mangrove Forest in the estuary above the north side of the peninsula. Crocodiles, herons and red snappers can be found in and around the mangrove forest that grows here. The forest can be seen from any pier on the north side of the city, and some fishermen with small boats on these piers may be able to take you for a small tour if asked and offered compensation.

The port of Puntarenas once served as the main port for coffee exports to Europe. Today, coffee still defines Costa Rica’s reputation, and most tourists will not want to end their vacation without bringing home Costa Rican coffee. Walk out onto the main waterfront pier, where many locals come to drink, fish and hangout, and where an arts and crafts souvenir shopping area sells some of the local coffee that tourists will not want to miss.

Take a ride on one of the inflatable banana rafts being towed by boats on the south beach. On busier beach days (holidays, cruise days and weekends), men will offer rides on these tubes for about 1,000 colones (or $2). Life jackets are provided.

Some dining choices

Located along the Paseo de Turistas across from Parque Jurassico, Matobes features tables located on a lovely wooden patio. The restaurant serves up excellent pizzas and pastas as well as delicious, giant calzones. Drinks include red and white wine and Tona (Nicaraguan beer). Prices are reasonably cheap, and service is strangely quick for Costa Rica, but just as friendly.

Apretado is a delicious ice cream snack that comes in a variety of different flavors. You won't find these sold in any store, but you can find them being sold out of the front of residents' houses for about 250 colones (50 cents). Holding the snack's plastic bag in your hand, tear off a small corner with your teeth and suck out the melting apretado.

When you arrive

Docking information

Ships dock on a long pier, which ends in the town center of Puntarenas. While a longer walk, it’s easy to get straight into town.

Getting around

Taxis are plentiful in the city. We recommend that you only take the official red taxis with the yellow sign on the roof. Taxi rates are regulated by the government, and to use a meter is mandatory. Ask the driver to switch it on when you get in the car. It’s called “La Maria” in Costa Rica.

Need to know

Language: Spanish

Documents: U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport.

Store hours:  Stores are open from Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. As Costa Rica is a Catholic country, businesses are generally closed on Sundays.

Tipping:  Tipping is an important part of the culture in Costa Rica. It is usually expected to leave a 10 to 15% tip to the check at a restaurant. Taxi drivers also should receive a couple of dollars for their service.

Safety:  Generally, Puntarenas is a safe place. Just take additional caution as theft against tourists is an issue in the town. Keep your valuables locked up on board and only carry what you need.

Currency: The colon

Your take

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