Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica - Pura Vida! Pure Life!

Watching a sunset at the beach is one of the best ways to relax. It’s like magic, especially at the stunning beaches in the Puntarenas Province of Costa Rica.

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Know before you go to Puntarenas

PUNTARENAS PROVINCE WEATHER

The Best things to do in Puntarenas

The Puntarenas province in Costa Rica is a fantastic place for vacations. It offers a wide range of activities and sights for both solo travelers and families. There’s something enjoyable for everyone!

  • Puntarenas, the port city, is situated along the Gulf of Nicoya in Costa Rica.
  • The Casa de la Cultura is a cultural complex that includes a theater and an art gallery.
  • You can find the Parque Marino del Pacífico on the main street, Paseo de los Turistas. It houses an aquarium and a rescue center where you can see seahorses, turtles, and crocodiles.
  • Playa Puntarenas, the town’s beach, is surrounded by shops and cafes, making it a bustling spot.
  • Playa Doña Ana is a beach located southeast of the town, known for its powerful waves, perfect for surfing.

Top Puntarenas Hiking Tours

From 2 hours to full-day hiking trips with free cancellation options.

Top Puntarenas Cruises & Sailing

From half to full-day cruises with free cancellation options.

Food & Drink

From the seed to the coffee cup! The province has plenty of unique experiences, such as coffee, chocolate, and sugar cane excursions.

Quepos, the gateway to Manuel Antonio National Park

While Quepos itself is a town, it’s the primary access point for visitors heading to the stunning Manuel Antonio National Park, known for its beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and diverse wildlife. Many visitors stay in Quepos and use it as a base to explore the park due to its proximity and range of accommodations and amenities available in the town.

The 10 best accommodations in Quepos, Costa Rica.

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Manuel Antonio National Park: a must-see!

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Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio, also known as Manuel Antonio National Park

Manuel Antonio, within the Puntarenas Province, is a gem. The Manuel Antonio National Park is a must-visit destination and happens to be the most visited national park in Costa Rica. The park offers three relatively easy hiking trails and has a daily visitor limit of 600, so it’s a good idea to arrive early to avoid being turned away.

For beach enthusiasts

Playa Manuel Antonio stands out as an incredibly stunning beach, followed by Playa Espadilla, which is quite popular among surfers. If snorkeling is your thing, Playa Biesanz is the ideal spot. The picturesque Manuel Antonio Beach is situated within the boundaries of the national park, offering scenic views and a beautiful coastal experience.

Where to Stay in Manuel Antonio

There are hundred-plus choices of hotels, apartments, hostels, BNBs, and more. However, when it comes to booking the ultimate holiday with a sea view, you cannot go wrong by checking in at Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort*****. It’s located a stone’s throw away from the city center and has WIFI, a spa, and a gym. Furthermore, it has all the standard trimmings such as a restaurant, concierge service, laundry service, parking, and plenty more.

Jaco Beach for sportfishing and surfing

A beautiful beach known for sportfishing and surfing lies in the seaside town of Jacó, namely Jaco Beach. It’s only two hours from San Jose, which makes it a very popular summer holiday destination. More so with the palm trees lined up on the beachfront – so pretty!

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Award-Winning Hotels & Resorts

The Gaia Hotel & Reserve earned multiple prestigious awards from the World Travel Awards. It was named the World’s Leading Green Hotel in both 2020 and 2021, as well as Mexico & Central America’s Leading Green Hotel for the same years. Plus, it’s pet-friendly too!

Holiday Packages

Explore a secret paradise, from lush rainforests to towering peaks, spanning from the Costa Rican Coast to Baja California, and beyond.

With these pre-designed vacation packages, you can relax knowing you’ve chosen the right one. The reviews come from fellow travelers, so they’re as real as it gets. And here’s a perk: no sneaky booking or credit card fees. What’s shown is what you’ll pay. That’s true confidence!

Tours to and from Puntarenas Province

Travel Tip(s)

Maximize luggage space and stay organized by using packing cubes to separate and easily find your belongings while traveling.

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Packing Cubes for Suitcases, Travel Essentials for Carry on
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These travel essentials are some of Travel and Home’s most popular travel necessities and they also make great gifts!

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