Puntarenas

Puntarenas

Puntarenas is the Pacific coast gateway to Costa Rica. From Puntarenas visit the Rain Forest, Cloud Forest and Poas National Park. Also see San Jose, the capital city, located in the central valley at an altitude of 3,450 feet enjoying a "Spring-Like" average temperature of 72 degrees. The country is located on the Central American isthmus and is bounded on the north by Nicaragua, the Southeast by Panama, the east by the Atlantic Ocean and the west by the Pacific Ocean. With its tall mountains, forested slopes, green pasture lands and lush vegetation, Costa Rica is often referred to as the "Switzerland of Central America." A mountainous country, Costa Rica ranges from sea level to peaks as high as 13,000 feet and a succession of white, sandy beaches follow one another along the Pacific Coast. The country was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1502. Rumors of vast gold treasures (which never materialized ) led to the country's name - "Rich Coast."

Attractions

Puntarenas is a paradise for eco-tourists. Explore the rain forest on a horseback ride through the enchanting Valley of the Monkeys, where hundred-year-old trees are draped with orchids, ferns and bromeliads. You might see howler monkeys, butterflies, parrots and other colorful birds.

Activities

Explore the largest crater and some of the most varied flora in the world on a breathtaking tour of Poas Volcano National Park. Learn the techniques of coffee-farming, harvesting, milling and roasting. Then visit Pura Vida and enjoy the exquisite cuisine, beautiful gardens and native deer.

Shopping

The port of Puntarenas was once the main port for coffee exported to England. Today, coffee continues to play an important role in this country's economy. Most visitors to Puntarenas will not want to leave without taking home the delicious flavor of Costa Rican coffee. Puntarenas offers wonderful arts-and-crafts shopping as well. Several craft stands are located ashore near the pier. The walk along the waterfront is pleasant, but be prepared to be approached by a variety of nonrecommended vendors selling local crafts and private tours. In Sarchi, about one hour outside of San José, you will find many authentic arts and crafts including wood figures, carved walking canes, toys, leather goods, wall hangings and more. The villagers of Sarchi are famous for their hand-painted hardwood oxcarts, used since the beginning of the century to transport coffee and other products. In Sarchi, you can purchase miniature replicas and the colorful cartwheels of these carts, which visitors take home to use as decorative planters, bars or even as a living room or kitchen accent.

Currency

The official currency of Costa Rica is the colón (CRC). Credit cards are accepted in many places, but traveler's checks in U.S. currency are even more widely accepted and are usually a good choice.

Weather Forecast

Sailing Calendar

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