Puntarenas Costa Rica

Puntarenas Costa Rica

The port of Puntarenas has been important to Costa Rica for many years.  First settled by the Spanish in the 1500’s ,  Puntarenas remained a coffee export location until way into the late 1800’s.  Farmers used to bring their crops down the mountains in traditional oxcarts to the port.  This practice ceased with the introduction of the Atlantic Railroad.

Puntarenas had some Economic hardship followed in the area until tourism replaced the jobs that had been lost. Ferries run regularly to the towns of Mal Pais and Santa Theresa as well as Isla Tortuga.

An excellent Maritime Museum is worth seeing in the city and there are mangrove forests where much wildlife and many bird species can be seen.  Approximately five miles from town is the beautiful beach of Playa San Isidro which is a favorite of those coming from San Jose.