City in Costa Rica
Photo: Rodtico21, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Puntarenas is a port city on Costa Rica's Central Pacific Coast.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
At the extreme west end of the town, one block south and one and a half block west of the ferry terminal. Hot water, secure parking, upstairs rooms.
3 blocks north and 1/2 block east of the bus terminal. Convenient to downtown and the bus terminal, Hotel Cabeza's rooms are clean, the service is friendly and towels are provided. A double runs about US$25. Private bathrooms, fans, and cable television are available.
All-inclusive resort complex with a large area of volcanic sand beach.
Cruise ships call; ferries from Playa Naranjo and Paquera in the Nicoya Peninsula; buses from San José, Quepos (via Jacó), Monteverde.
Read in the guideLocal buses leave from downtown and are relatively inexpensive., Jacó, Manuel Antonio) there's a main bus station. Buses are usually on time and sometimes even leave early, so plan accordingly.
Read in the guideChoose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
San José (Alajuela) · International · SJO
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Puntarenas and Costa Rica.
Find the best time to visit Costa Rica in 2026. Compare dry season sunshine, green season wildlife, rainforest hiking, hotel rates, and surf swells.
8 min read
The best places to visit in December across sun, snow and culture, comparing Lapland, Chiang Mai, Vienna, Costa Rica and Cape Town.
7 min read
Discover the best nature retreats and farm stays for a relaxing break, featuring Tuscan agriturismi, cloud forest lodges, and fjord cabins.
7 min read
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.