A Beginner's Guide to Puntarenas, Costa Rica costaricarios.com

Plan your Puntarenas trip with confidence. Discover the best beaches, ferry tips, things to do, where to stay, and local food in this complete travel guide.

The closest beach destination to Costa Rica’s capital of San Jose, the Puntarenas Province is as popular with locals as it is with foreign tourists. And what’s not to love?

As the country’s largest province, covering almost two-thirds of the entire Pacific coastline, this incredibly diverse region boasts stunning stretches of pristine beaches, unspoilt islands, and protected reserves brimming with waterfalls and rivers; striking mountains offering infinite hiking possibilities and, as the epitome cherry on the cake, it is the gateway to the splendid Nicoya Peninsula.

This guide covers everything you need to know before your visit, from the best time to go and how to get there, to what to see, where to eat, and how to use the ferry to reach the Nicoya Peninsula.