Puntarenas Travelers Recommend

Surrounded by adventure-filled jungle and picturesque islands, Puntarenas makes the ideal place to base while exploring Costa Rica’s renowned natural attractions. Here’s how to enjoy the best of Puntarenas’ authentic local culture, outdoor adventures, and top-notch seafood on a 3-day trip.

Day 1: Local Food and Culture

Start off your stay in Puntarenas with a day exploring the food, culture, and history of the city. Stroll the Paseo de Los Turistas—a beach boardwalk lined with food stalls and souvenir stands—where you can pick up local handicrafts and try a Churchill, a classic local treat made from shaved ice and ice cream. Then, venture from the waterfront to learn more about the region at the Historical Marine Museum of Puntarenas and Casa de la Cultura. Make it back for a seat at one of the open-air, ocean-facing restaurants to watch the sunset over a fresh seafood meal. 

Day 2: Surrounding Adventures

Day two is for adventure. Thrill-seekers head to the jungle for a ziplining tour that includes waterfalls, ocean views, rappelling, and off-roading. Or, get your adrenaline fix on a high-ropes challenge course that pushes physical and mental boundaries in the rainforest canopy. 

Alternatively, those looking for a day of relaxation can head to the white sand beaches and turquoise water of Tortuga Island on a speedboat tour that includes sunbathing, snorkeling, and fresh seafood served on the island. Return to Puntarenas to experience the local nightlife scene at one of the dance clubs along the waterfront. 

Day 3: Explore the Coast

For your last day in Puntarenas, book a tour that includes a bit of everything. By taking a day trip south from Puntarenas to Jaco, adventurous travelers access ziplining, horseback riding, and off-roading through the rainforest, while nature-lovers get to spot monkeys and massive crocodiles along the Tarcoles River. Then, spend the afternoon at the lively surf-friendly Jaco Beach. Catch a wave or just relax and catch some rays. Return to Puntarenas and indulge one last fresh seafood dinner where you can enjoy anything from classic (yet affordable) surf and turf to ceviche, shrimp, and conch fresh from the prolific Gulf of Nicoya.

Serving as the gateway to the picturesque Gulf of Nicoya and surrounding tropical forests, Puntarenas and its charms are often overlooked by visitors in a hurry to get to the next destination. But, with two days in the active port city, you can experience both the local culture and the nearby natural attractions. Here’s how. 

Day 1: Get to Know the City

**Morning:**Get acquainted with the city waterfront on a morning stroll along the coastal boardwalk. Stop for breakfast at one of the many casual restaurants (kioscos) before browsing handicrafts at the souvenirs stands along the popular Paseo de Los Turistas (Tourists’ Walk). 

**Afternoon:**Get past the touristy boardwalk and into the city center to see the authentic side of town and to have lunch alongside locals. Plus, stop by the Historical Marine Museum of Puntarenas and Casa de la Cultura for a look into the town’s maritime history and culture.

**Night:**As the light fades, head back to the waterfront to catch the sunset over the bay while enjoying fresh ceviche and tropical drinks at an open-air restaurant. Then, get a taste of the local nightlife at one of the bars boasting big dancefloors often packed with young Costa Ricans. 

Day 2: Explore the Surroundings

**Morning:**Surrounded by tropical jungles and picturesque bays, Puntarenas is the ideal jumping-off point for a day exploring nature. Start the day with a high-adventure excursion that includes ziplining past waterfalls, off-roading, and rappelling. Or, get a different type of excitement on a crocodile-watching river safari. 

**Afternoon:**As an alternative to spending the day in the jungle, if you are looking for a beach day, consider a day trip to Tortuga Island instead. While Puntarenas lacks idyllic beaches, just a short speedboat ride away you can bask on white-sand beaches and snorkel in emerald waters.

**Night:**For your final night in Puntarenas, treat yourself to a deluxe seafood dinner. This Costa Rican fishing hub serves some of the best seafood in the country—at reasonable prices not found in many of the coastal tourist hubs.

Set on the Gulf of Nicoya between San Jose and popular beaches on the Nicoya Peninsula, Puntarenas is a favorite weekend destination for Costa Ricans and a common stop-over for travelers. With one day in the port city, you have enough time to soak in the local vibe and squeeze in a jungle adventure. Here’s how. 

Morning: See the City

Start your day with a stroll along the Paseo de Los Turistas (Tourists’ Walk). The wide coastal boardwalk is lined with shops, souvenir stalls, and open-air restaurants known as kioscos, making it an ideal place to grab a local breakfast—make it gallo pinto. From there, history buffs visit the Historical Marine Museum of Puntarenas to learn about the city’s maritime heritage, natural history, and surrounding marine life. To see local art exhibits, and perhaps catch a performance or cultural event, head to Casa de la Cultura. Architecture buffs head to Casa Fait—an out-of-place 1920s Victorian mansion.

Afternoon: Explore the Jungle

While the port city doesn't have a lot of activities to offer, the surrounding mountains do. And with numerous tours departing the port city each afternoon, it’s easy to reach the nearby waterfalls, rivers, trails, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Thrill-seekers embark on a zipline canopy tour that soars past views of stunning waterfalls and the beautiful bay, and may include the chance to rappel down a rock face and cool off in a natural pool. Alternatively, wildlife enthusiasts embark on a crocodile- and bird-watching safari along the Tarcoles River.

Night: Sunset and Seafood

Return to the port city to spend your evening indulging in the bountiful local seafood scene. Dress up for a traditional surf and turf dining experience at an upscale restaurant or enjoy ceviche at a laid-back joint. Either way, expect top-notch fish, clams, conch, and shrimp—fresh from the Gulf of Nicoya—along with ocean views. Plus, the town’s perch on the west-facing spit makes it hard to miss a picturesque sunset.