NORTH PACIFIC

The province of Puntarenas is the largest and one of the most important tourist regions in Costa Rica. It includes islands, coves, beaches, and natural treasures of great beauty. Its sun and beach destinations are complemented by unique protected forest areas. The city of Puntarenas is not only a place to visit but also a starting point for the southern Nicoya Peninsula, the Gulf of Nicoya, and its islands. Puntarenas is very close to the Central Valley – about 120 km (90 minutes) from the capital city of San José.

The southern Nicoya Peninsula is full of natural beauty and offers exquisite frontline beaches. The rugged and mountainous landscape of the peninsula has an isolating effect on many of the small towns and beaches along the region’s coast, adding to their unique charm. The main attractions are the beaches of Santa Teresa, Mal País, Montezuma, and Tambor, the Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve, the islands of San Lucas, Chira, and Tortuga, and the very remote and exotic Coco Island.

The city and port of Puntarenas are a significant center for recreation and tourism in Costa Rica. There is a newly remodeled terminal for cruises, and support for maritime services to the south of the Nicoya Peninsula. In Puntarenas, tours can be arranged to visit the islands of the Gulf of Nicoya and mangroves in the estuary of Puntarenas. Puntarenas is known for its fresh seafood. Additionally, several buildings of historical interest and value can be visited.

A lively and attractive port city, perhaps one of Puntarenas’ most interesting features is the “Paseo de los Turistas,” a tree-lined promenade adjacent to the beach. This promenade turns into a colorful street festival on weekends, as people from all over come to the popular restaurants, nightclubs, cafes, bars, and hotels found here. It runs parallel to Puntarenas’ main beach. In the immediate area of the cruise ship dock are kiosks selling handicrafts, and traditional beach desserts such as fruit salads with ice cream, and sweet frozen treats called “Churchill.” Near this area, you can find other facilities such as tennis courts, parks, showers, and bathrooms – everything you need to enjoy the beach.

Part of the Tempisque Conservation Area, this reserve encompasses the uninhabited islands of Guayabo, Negritos, and Pájaros, all of which are significant sites for migratory birds. Guayabo Island, in particular, is one of the largest nesting areas for brown pelicans in Costa Rica. Boobies, magnificent frigatebirds, falcons, and peregrine falcons are also common visitors here.

Turtle Island is the epitome of a tropical island paradise near the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula in the warm, shallow waters of the Gulf of Nicoya. There are no hotels or other tourist services on Turtle Island, so you can enjoy it in its purest state. You can relax under the shade of coconut palms or sunbathe on bright white sandy beaches. Water activities such as kayaking, scuba diving, and snorkeling in the crystal-clear turquoise waters are very popular, or you can try a canopy tour. Several tour operators offer daily tours to Turtle Island from Puntarenas, Montezuma, and Herradura.

he 1,156-acre San Lucas Island, once the site of the most formidable prison in Costa Rica, was declared a national wildlife refuge in 2001. It is one of the two islands in the Gulf of Nicoya with natural freshwater, which has attracted a wide variety of wildlife, such as howler monkeys, snakes, deer, pheasants, and at least eight species of bats. The old prison buildings are considered cultural heritage sites, which can be seen on a tour along with several ancient indigenous archaeological excavations.

The privately-owned Curú Wildlife Refuge protects dry tropical forests, beaches, mangroves, estuaries, and rivers in the southern Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica, dating back to the barrel and close. It is one of the smallest sanctuaries in Costa Rica, covering just 84 hectares, but it is home to a rich and varied wildlife population spread across more than five ecological habitats. Guided walks along the refuge’s trails are a highlight of any visit to the Nicoya Peninsula.

Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve is a major ecotourism destination that attracts scientists, birdwatchers, and nature lovers from around the world. Within the 10,522-hectare reserve, you can explore the virgin cloud forest and tall ancient trees on well-maintained trails. A notable site is the viewpoint that is crossed by the Central Mountain Range; from here on a clear day, you can see both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. Monteverde Reserve is also one of the few remaining habitats in Costa Rica for the endangered Quetzal, along with 420 species of orchids, 200 types of ferns, 400 types of birds, 100 mammals, and 1,200 different amphibians and reptiles. With its mist, creeping clouds, and giant ferns creating a surreal environment, Monteverde Reserve is considered one of the most exceptional wildlife sanctuaries in the New World tropics.

In 1987, the Monteverde Conservation League (MCL), an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of tropical ecosystems and their biodiversity, embarked on an innovative land acquisition program. Money was raised by Swedish students to purchase and protect threatened land in the Monteverde area. Since then, the MCL has worked with other organizations in more than 40 countries to help form what is now Costa Rica’s largest private reserve, the BEN. The reserve is crossed by the Central Mountain Range, spanning 22,500 hectares of primary and secondary forest, as well as several reforested areas.

The beaches of Puntarenas stretch parallel to the Paseo de los Turistas, sitio de numerosos hoteles, restaurantes, bares y otros servicios turísticos. Además de la natación, se puede disfrutar de otros deportes acuáticos y actividades como paseos en bote.

This area features an estuary that can be explored by boat to observe the flora and fauna in the mangrove forest.

This beach has strong waves, popular among surfers. The beach is large and there are mangroves; it’s ideal for hiking, horseback riding, and sunbathing.

Well named “Gigante Beach,” the wide Gigante Beach boasts abundant vegetation and small waves. Here, you can walk, horseback ride, and enjoy the flora and fauna.

Located near the Curú Wildlife Refuge, Tambor is a beautiful sandy beach with always calm waters ideal for swimming, kayaking, diving, and other water sports. Hiking and horseback riding are also very popular here. Tambor offers a variety of tourist services from budget to all-inclusive luxury accommodations. You can find a wide range of recreational activities in Tambor: Golf, tennis, sport fishing, diving tours, kayaking, boat rides, horseback riding, mountain biking, and hiking.

It’s a small rocky cove with lush vegetation and scenic beauty, Playa Pochote is excellent for hiking and enjoying the sea and sun.

On the western side of the Nicoya Peninsula’s tip lies the small beachfront village of Mal País. It’s a surfer’s paradise, with consistent and exceptional waves throughout the year. Located 6.5 km north of the Cabo Blanco Absolute Nature Reserve, Mal País is an excellent place to enjoy the incredible natural surroundings in peace and tranquility. Popular activities include surfing, horseback riding on the beach, snorkeling and diving, fishing, mountain biking, kayaking, and watching spectacular sunsets over the Pacific.

Nestled between Mal País and Santa Teresa, Playa Carmen is an excellent surfing spot. It’s less rocky than Mal País with foamy light beige sand. There are many luxury hotels and budget bungalows along this stretch of beach. Sunsets, as in Mal País and Santa Teresa, are sensational.