How to Spend 1 Day in Puntarenas
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How to Spend 1 Day in Puntarenas

How to Spend 1 Day in Puntarenas

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.

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3 Tours and Activities

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Half Day Costa Rica Punta Arenas Highlights

Half Day Costa Rica Punta Arenas Highlights

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Spend a day exploring Costa Rica’s beauty away from the beach on this guided shore excursion from Punta Arenas. Head out with a guide and a small group of 15 people or fewer to discover the region’s highlights, including the tropical fruits grown in nearby “fruit towns,” a wildlife area known for its population of white-faced monkeys, and a sail down the lush Tarcoles River. Tour includes entrance fees and all transportation with port or hotel pickup and drop-off.
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  • 6 hours
  • Free Cancellation
From
USD140.00
From
USD140.00

Tarcoles river plus Canopy Carara Adventure Park (Private)

Tarcoles river plus Canopy Carara Adventure Park (Private)

This tour combines an educational ride along the Tarcoles River with a zipline adventure through the forest canopy, a combination that highlights two Costa Rica environments in one day. Look out for animals like crocodiles, macaws, and lizards as you float along the river, and then soar with birds and monkeys on an 11-platform zipline course.
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  • 6 hours 30 minutes
  • Free Cancellation
From
USD183.59
From
USD183.59

Waterfall Gardens plus Doka coffe tour (Private)

Waterfall Gardens plus Doka coffe tour (Private)

Costa Rica has become the world's premier destination for ecotourism. Places like La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park are the reason why. Hike through rainforest and cloud forest on purpose-built trails to discover incredible biodiversity. Butterflies, monkeys, hummingbirds, reptiles - this is just the start of a long list of what you'll see. In addition to wildlife watching, learn all about coffee, from tiny seed to delicious cup.
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  • 7 hours
  • Free Cancellation
From
USD192.31
From
USD192.31