© istock/JasonOndreicka
© istock/JasonOndreicka

Puntarenas


Covering most of the country’s pacific coast and being the largest province in Costa Rica, Puntarenas is an area often overlooked by tourists while still being very authentic and interesting....

In the past decades, Puntarenas was a booming area in Costa Rica: it was a great fishing spot, an important port and the economy was thriving. Because of the market competition, the situation has now changed but it is still the province where you can enjoy the great and authentic local cuisine. Seafood is the main food to be found here and it is the most fresh and delicious of the country. Many local vendors often jam the streets of the cities and towns, especially when the catch was very productive. Local traditions such as the Carnival in February are kept at their very best. Puntarenas has a truly rare authentic vibe which travellers are only able to feel and appreciate once they take the time to get to know the area and hear the many stories and anecdotes that the locals so warmly share with foreigners.