PUNTARENAS & CALDERA, COSTA RICA. SHORE EXCURSIONS AND LAND TOURS.

Good food -especially seafood- as well as the well-known carnivals held each summer, and the warmth of its people, are some of the nice surprises expecting tourists visiting this province.

Puntarenas is one of the most important tourist regions of Costa Rica. Its coasts are decked by plenty of islands, inlets, beaches and beautiful natural treasures, which makes Puntarenas a tourist destiny by excellence. Its territory offers a wide range of attractions supported by the sun and the beach, which are complemented with protected zones, continental and insular areas.

This spectacular area very close to the Central Valley, a two-hours drive, 120 kms away from the capital. Puntarenas City is its principal center, nice for stopovers, distribution, scale and excursion. Hotels and cabins near the sea, and the well known all-included packages prevail in it's touristical development.

Other tourist center is Tambor, and potentially, Cóbano. Cabo Blanco Absolute Nature Preserve, and San Lucas, Chira, Tortuga and Coco's Islands stand out. Although is geographically out of the Gulf, the Isla del Coco high-hierarchy attraction of the Costa Rican tourist product.

ACTIVITIES IN PUNTARENAS, COSTA RICA

Tourist activities allow deeper understanding of natural and cultural tourist attractions, as well as a close relationship with nature, adventure and sports and recreation.

HORSEBACK RIDING

This activity may be enjoyed on the coast, in the communities or in the mountains of this region. Horseback tours are offered by tourism companies, landowning associations or families that rent horses.

HIKING TOURS IN PUNTARENAS COSTA RICA

Hiking is a good way to take in various tourist attractions: natural parks, beaches, ecotourism trails, historical buildings, architectural monuments or cultural tours around various communities of interest.

RECREATIONAL CYCLING

The region features picturesque roads and adventure or relaxation sites for touring on regular or mountain bikes. Beaches and mountains also make for interesting rides.

ADVENTURE TOURS IN PUNTARENAS

Well developed for tourism, the Quepos-Manual Antonio area is very attractive to tourists, offering mountains and high places as well as quadricycle or all-terrain-vehicle tours. Tourists can walk over suspension bridges, tour mangrove swamps by boat, visit butterfly gardens, go horseback riding, dolphin- or bird-watch, go sport-fishing or enjoy an ultralight flight.

ARCHITECTURAL AND HISTORICAL SITES IN PUNTARENAS

The city of Puntarenas features a small old town with the characteristics of a historical center. There are buildings of architectural and historical interest as well as National Monuments, such as the old Port Military Headquarters facilities, Parque Mora y Cañas and the Central Church . San Lucas Island and the old San Lucas Penitentiary may also be visited.

BIRD-WATCHING

Bird-watching can be enjoyed in various public and private protected areas, including Negritos, Pájaros, Cabo Blanco, Carara and Curú, as well as other fine spots.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Diverse flora and fauna in natural areas, stunning coastal landscapes and cultural interest make taking photos and video a highly popular tourist activity.

SPORT-FISHING

Sport-fishing is one of the Central Pacific's main attractions. Artisan, recreational or challenging sport-fishing may all be enjoyed in the Quepos area.

CULTURAL ACTIVITIES

Throughout the year, community activities are held celebrating historical, religious, sporting, civic or artistic events. Fairs are also held to raise funds for community development.

• FEBRUARY.
  22-26. Buenos Vecinos International Jazz Festival, Quepos.
  Last week of February. Puntarenas Carnival.
• APRIL.
  After Holy Week. National Fruit Fair, Orotina.
• JULY.
  3-16. Virgin of the Sea (Virgen del Carmen) Festival.
• AUGUST.
  24. National Parks Day.
• SEPTEMBER.
  14. Lantern parade.
  15. Costa Rican Independence Day.
  30. Commemoration of Mora y Cañas' death, school parades, city of Puntarenas .
• DECEMBER.
  8. Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Quepos.
  25. Christmas.

RURAL TOURISM ACTIVITIES AND SERVICES

Rural tourism activities and services offered in the Central Pacific and their corresponding locations within the region are as follows:

A wide variety of attractions and activities revolve around Las Orquídeas Ecotourist Lodge. Access is by Miramar to Palmital and from there to Zapotal; go two kilometers further to arrive at the lodge.
Activities: Hiking on natural trails. Quetzals may be spotted from March to April.

PUNTARENAS ATTRACTIONS

At just four meters above sea level, the city or port of Puntarenas features extensive beaches for enjoying sea and sun. Historically the place for national tourism and recreation, it offers a variety of quality tourist services appealing to international visitors as well.

Puntarenas now boasts a cruise ship terminal at the remodeled Puntarenas Wharf , which has a series of piers and docking areas from which ferries depart for established tourist destinations such as Paquera and Cóbano, as well as tours around the islands and mangrove swamps in the Puntarenas estuary.

Overland transportation services to Miramar and the nearby communities of Montes de Oro and Santa Elena de Monteverde depart from the city. As a place of relaxation and leisure, Puntarenas offers food and drink typical of the area, especially delicacies from the sea. The ceviche from the local market and available in restaurants and hotels is famous. Tourists may also visit several interesting buildings and historical sites.

PUNTARENAS BEACHES

These beaches stretch along Puntarenas' entire coast between the mouth of the Río Barranca and the place known as La Punta ("The Point"), where this extensive length of shoreline ends. The area between the wharf (Cruise Ship Terminal) and La Punta is the preferred place for swimmers; running parallel to this stretch is the Paseo de los Turistas ("Tourist Strip"), with its numerous hotels, restaurants, bars and other services. Besides swimming, visitors can enjoy other water sports and activities, such as boat tours.

ISLA JESUSITA

This island is located very close to and northeast of Isla Cedros. Its 30-hectare area shelters a tropical dry forest, transitioning to wet forest. On the northeast part of the island is a rocky coast and lovely beach. Another beach may be found on the south side of the island.

ISLA CEDROS

With an area of under 200 hectares , this island's irregular coastline makes for very attractive scenery. It has two main beaches: Langosta and Gringo. Its forests are of fine wood, coconut palms and shrub. Organized tours to the island are available.

ISLA MUERTOS (GITANA)

Many years ago this island housed a cemetery, which is why it is called Isla Muertos (" Island of the Dead"). It is also known as Isla Gitana (" Gypsy Island "). Most of its small territory (some 30 hectares ) is covered by tropical dry forest, transitioning to wet forest. Many seabirds visit the island, and the surrounding scenery is quite pleasant.

ISLA PAN DE AZÚCAR

This islet is located southwest of Isla San Lucas. The beauty of its marine landscape is centered on the shape of the rocks that give it its unique form, and its name: " Sugarloaf Island ." The island has a large population of seabirds, particularly brown pelicans.

ISLA CABALLO

Just under four square kilometers, this island is long and narrow. Separated from Isla Bejuco by the Peter Harley Canal , Isla Caballo has many trees and is surrounded by reefs and cliffs. The island's highest elevation, less than 200 meters above sea level, is found towards its center.

ISLA BEJUCO

Also long and narrow, this island is smaller than Isla Caballo and has a maximum altitude of 118 meters above sea level. Its irregular terrain hosts many different tree species.

ISLA VENADO

This 440-hectare island stands out among the other islands in the Gulf of Nicoya because of its sea-green color. The island's inhabitants live off agriculture and fishing. Abundant seabirds nest on the island and in the mangrove swamps near the Jicaral estuary.

ISLA CHIRA

The largest (43 km2) and most populous island in the Gulf of Nicoya , Isla Chira offers more services than the others, including schools and a college.

There is a large mangrove swamp on the northeast part of the island. An ecotourism association made up of women from the island offers basic accommodations, food, and fishing and mangrove-swamp tours.

PUNTARENAS ESTUARY

Forming part of the inner Gulf of Nicoya , this estuary stretches eight kilometers. Its irregular coastline features a beautiful mangrove swamp, a wildlife refuge that serves as a nesting ground for different birds. The estuary's calm waters also give anchorage to all kinds of fishing boats, sailboats and tourist yachts that lend the maritime scenery special interest and appeal. This is a good place for waterskiing.

VIRGIN OF THE SEA FESTIVAL

Each year on July 16, boats adorned with flowers and colorful streamers commemorate the long-ago day when a group of fishermen, castaways at death's door, were rescued just after calling upon the Virgin for help. The festival features various aquatic and sporting competitions, as well as all kinds of recreational activities for kids and grownups alike. The event is also celebrated in Quepos.

PUNTARENAS CARNIVAL

Parades, seaside concerts and many other recreational activities create an ideal environment for sharing culture with the people of Puntarenas. The carnival takes place in February, during the dry season-perfect weather for enjoying the beach and all the carnival's events.

PASEO DE LOS TURISTAS

Running parallel to Puntarenas' main beach, the "Tourist Strip" is highly frequented for its variety of quality tourist services. It stretches from the Parque Marino del Pacífico (the old train station) to La Punta. Next to the cruise ship terminal there are handicraft shops and stands where visitors can enjoy traditional fruit salads and crushed-ice drinks called "Churchills." Along the strip, tourists can make use of other facilities such as fields for playing sports, green areas, showers, restrooms and all the necessities for beach enjoyment.

HISTORICAL MARITIME MUSEUM

Located in Puntarenas' old quarter, this museum was restored to also accommodate the House of Culture, an amphitheater and the public library. The House of Culture features month-long painting and sculpture exhibitions, while the amphitheater offers monthly plays, dance and music.

Archeological information displayed allows visitors to learn about the first settlements of the region's indigenous groups: how they obtained food by making use of the area's various resources, their burial practices, and the interchange and trade relationships they established. The historical information provided centers around the City of Puntarenas ; though the Puntarenas province comprises parts of Costa Rica 's Northern, Central and Southern Pacific zones, the city of Puntarenas has experienced a distinct and more independent growth than the rest of the province.

The exhibition explains how this port came to be one of the most important in the country, and preserves some of the traditions and religious celebrations of its people, who are of diverse geographical and cultural origins. The museum also displays information on the region's various natural resources, such as its wetlands, forests, marine species, land animals and birds. It explains the importance of the Gulf of Nicoya and its islands, and tells of the natural wealth of Isla del Coco, including tales of the island's treasures and pirates. The museum's hours of operation are Tuesday to Sunday from 9:45 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. The Sagrado Corazón de Jesús urban park and the Puntarenas Cathedral, built in 1902, are located in the same area.

PARQUE MARINO DEL PACÍFICO

Inaugurated in 2002, this park is located at the site of the old train station and is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9 a .m. to 5 p.m. Its main attraction is its fish tanks, which exhibit typical species from the Pacific, including from around Isla del Coco. The park also has a restaurant and souvenir shop.

MIRAMAR , MONTES DE ORO

A historic city, Miramar is known mainly as a gold-mining town. Development currently centers around agriculture and is very slowly venturing into tourism, mainly in the mountain areas that are home to typical towns such as Cedral and Zapotal. The area offers sweeping views of the Gulf.

RÍO BARRANCA MOUTH

This spot is very popular with surfers wanting to conquer its long left wave-one of the most famous in the world. It's also a great place for walking and observing the seascape.

PLAYAS DE DOÑA ANA

This beach and the one near the mouth of the Río Barranca are popular with surfers. Its small size, vegetation, scenery and tourist facilities make Doña Ana an ideal place to enjoy the ocean.

ESPARZA

A historic city, Esparza was sacked several times by English pirates, and is the oldest city in the country to remain in the spot where it was founded. Among its historical buildings are the Esparza Church and the Torres School . Offering various services, the city is a must-stop for travelers to enjoy refreshments.

PLAYAS CALDERA AND MATA DE LIMÓN

This beach stretches from the Mata de Limón estuary to the promontory known as Roca Carballo. It is quite popular, especially with national tourists enjoying the surroundings and proximity to the port of Caldera , a docking site for large ships. The estuary may be toured by boat to observe the vegetation and wildlife of the mangrove swamp

MATA DE LIMÓN ESTUARY

Very close to the port of Caldera , these waters offer good jet-skiing and waterskiing, as well as excellent fishing spots.

JESÚS MARÍA ESTUARY

Suitable for fishing, this estuary is home to an impressive variety of flora and fauna. The region's colorful birds are easily spotted here.

PLAYA TIVIVES

Located eight kilometers after Puerto Caldera by a gravel road, this beach features big waves and is very popular with surfers. It has a large mangrove swamp, and the long beach is ideal for walking and horseback riding-not to mention sunbathing.

COMMUNITY OF COBANO

Cobano is located at 158 m . of altitude. It features a good development of services and commercial, with diverse tourist businesses that offer their packages in lodging and food and tours, among others. Is the starting point for visiting places of great tourist interest such as Montezuma, Preserve of Cabo Blanco and Malpaís.

OROTINA

The city of Orotina features well-defined sectors: the park, the Catholic church and a variety of shops including the local market, where typical food and drink are sold. At 229 meters above sea level, Orotina has a warm, dry climate ideal for growing fruit, much of which is exported to European and U.S. markets. Recent years have seen increased urban development and the establishment of picturesque fruit stands along the highway to the beaches of Jacó and Manuel Antonio.

RÍO TÁRCOLES

The lower basin of this 118-kilometer-long river, particularly around the bridge on the coastal highway, offers a special attraction: crocodile-watching. Several river tours are available to observe these large reptiles.

PURA VIDA GARDEN AND WATERFALL

Located in Bijagual de Turrubares, this spot is stunningly beautiful. To get there, take the turnoff on the left after entering Carara National Park . The 200-meter waterfall here is one of the tallest in the country. Colorful gardens, trails and swimming holes may also be enjoyed.

MONTEZUMA'S WATERFALL

To arrive, you must get away from the the center, walking approximately 20 min. The waterfall, 20 meters height, forms a refreshing natural pool surrounded by an exuberant vegetation.

PLAYA PÓGERES

This beach forms a small, lovely cove ideal for swimming and enjoying the surrounding seascape. Numerous artisan-fishing boats can normally be seen anchored here.

PLAYA AGUJAS

A beautiful protected cove featuring diverse coastal vegetation, this beach is great for swimming, relaxing and sea-gazing.

COCALITO'S WATERFALL

This refreshing waterfall is located in the northeastern extreme of Cocalito Beach . With it's 12-meter height, forms a pond where you can swim contemplating the marvelous natural environment, with the leafy vegetation and the blue sea. It's an attractive landmark and a relaxing place.