Puntarenas travel guide
Puntarenas, Costa Rica: where to stay, eat and play
A small, somewhat run-down port city on a long, skinny peninsula. Most people pass through for the Nicoya ferry or a cruise stop, and it still has its charms.
By Sarah & Thomas, calling Costa Rica home since 2016
Best Time
Dec to Apr
From SJO airport
About 1.5 hours
Best Airport
SJO
Temperature
Hot: 80s to 90s °F
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Our take
Who Puntarenas is for
Puntarenas isn’t a place you’re going to spend much time. It’s a small, somewhat run-down port city, though it still has its charms. You’ll most likely pass through for one of two reasons. If you take a cruise, this is where your ship docks, and if you take the ferry over to the Nicoya Peninsula, this is where it leaves from. You might spend a little time here grabbing lunch before the ferry, or if you miss one. We spent a night here once when we got stuck after a tropical storm and couldn’t get back to San José, and it was fine. It’s just not a place you need to hang around.
One thing to keep in mind: We’ve never had any issues, but downtown isn’t known as the safest spot in the country. Keep an eye on your belongings.
How long to stay: We don’t suggest spending a few nights here. A few hours for lunch and a walk along the beach is plenty, unless the ferry forces an overnight.
Why you might be here
Taking the ferry if…
You’re heading to Montezuma, Santa Teresa or Mal País. The ferry to Paquera leaves from the very tip of Puntarenas, and you can book tickets ahead.
On a cruise if…
Your ship docks on the Pacific side. Most ships use Puerto Caldera, about a 20-minute drive from downtown, while some dock at the pier in the city.
Our take
Either way, plan a day trip or a shore excursion rather than spending your whole day in the city.
Getting there
Getting to Puntarenas
Driving from San José
About 1.5 hours from the airport on fairly easy, well-maintained highways. There are tolls (about $5 to $7 in total), payable in US dollars or colones.
Driving from Liberia
About 2 hours south on Route 1.
For more info:
Rental car
Adobe has an office just outside Puntarenas and delivers your car free within 12 miles, even to the cruise terminal.
Bus
Puntarenas is a bit of a bus hub, with public buses to and from San José and other parts of the country throughout the day.
The ferry
The car ferry to Paquera on the Nicoya Peninsula leaves from the very tip of the peninsula several times a day, and the crossing takes 70 to 80 minutes. Book ahead online, especially on weekends and holidays. Our Puntarenas ferry guide →
Flights
There’s no airport here. Fly into San José (SJO), about 1.5 hours away, or Liberia (LIR), about 2 hours away.
Shuttles
For shuttles to the rest of the country, use Bookaway with code SARAHMC5 for 5% off.
Where it is
Puntarenas city is in the Puntarenas province (confusing, we know) on the Central Pacific coast. It juts out into the Gulf of Nicoya as a long, needle-like peninsula.
Good to know: The ferry docks are at the very tip of the peninsula, so give yourself extra time to drive through town.
Weather
Puntarenas weather and best time to visit
Temperature and rain by month
Swipe to see all months →
Average daytime highs and rainfall in Puntarenas. Bars show relative rainfall. Sunrise and sunset are for the 15th of each month.
Dry season (Dec: Apr)
Dry weather and no rain from December through late April.
Rainy season (May: Nov)
From May through August, expect a daily afternoon storm but mostly warm, sunny days. From August until December there are more washout days.
Daytime
Hot: 80s to 90s °F
Sunrise / Sunset
about 5:30 AM / about 5:30 PM
Rain usually starts
Afternoon
Our tip
Our tip: Bad weather can affect the ferry. We once got stuck overnight here because of ferry issues and a big storm.
Where to stay
Where to stay in Puntarenas
Hotel Mar y Mar
Mid-range · Pool · Breakfast
A comfortable hotel with a pool, very fair rates and breakfast included.
Cabinas Gosen
Budget · Basic · Clean
Basic rooms with everything you need. The staff is super nice and everything is kept clean.
Also worth considering: Fiesta Resort. It’s not our favorite, but it’s a very budget-friendly all-inclusive.
See hotels on the Central Pacific →
Good to know
Should you stay in Puntarenas?
We don’t really recommend staying here. But if you end up spending the night (we have, thanks to ferry issues and a bad storm), the places above are decent options.
If you have a choice, stay in Herradura or Jacó on the mainland, or cross over to the Nicoya Peninsula.
For more options, we suggest VRBO. Browse Puntarenas rentals on VRBO →
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Things to do
Things to do in Puntarenas
Our favorite
Take a day trip to Isla Tortuga
Isla Tortuga is an uninhabited island with white sand and turquoise water. It’s a fun day trip for all ages, and the boats leave from the Puntarenas area.
Good to know
Most tours include transportation, lunch and snorkeling. Our guide covers what to expect.
Cruise day
Puntarenas Highlights shore excursion
Includes transportation from the cruise port or your hotel, a boat ride down the Tárcoles River to see wildlife, traditional food and monkeys up close.
Tip
Only take legal taxis at the cruise terminal. Unofficial drivers are known to scam tourists and majorly overcharge.
Try a Churchill
Stop at the stands along the way into town for Puntarenas’ famous frozen treat, made with shaved ice, syrup, powdered milk and condensed milk. A bit too sweet for us, but worth a try!
Walk the beach
Playa Puntarenas stretches along the whole southern side of the city. It’s a nice long walk, with stops for lunch and snacks along the way.
Explore downtown
There aren’t many touristy shops, which we think makes it charming. It’s fun to walk around and see what life is like in this small city.
Visit the Parque Marino
A small aquarium and rescue center near the bus station, with sharks, seahorses and other marine life from the Pacific.
See the old pier
Along the Paseo de los Turistas promenade, the old dock juts out into the gulf, lined with vendors.
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Where to eat
Where to eat in Puntarenas
Lunarossa
Date night · Best in town
Our top choice for a more elevated, date night experience. I think it’s definitely our favorite restaurant in Puntarenas.
Isla Coco’s Bar & Grill
Seafood · Dinner
For a nice dinner of fresh-caught seafood or fish, this is our choice.
Marisquería Gugas
Costa Rican · Seafood · $
A good spot for traditional Costa Rican meals and seafood at a very fair price.
Look for the Churchill stands along the highway as you drive into Puntarenas.
Practical stuff
Good to know before you go
Good to know
Packing for Puntarenas
Casual clothes
Puntarenas is not fancy. Fast-drying, breathable shorts and t-shirts are perfect.
Secure bag
A secure backpack or money belt is helpful for walking around downtown.
Bug spray
When the sun goes down, the mosquitoes can be bad.
Travel insurance
Always a good idea. It’s not just for injury, but for theft, trip interruptions, and lost luggage. We use Heymondo.
Good to know
Safety
We’ve never had any issues, but downtown Puntarenas isn’t known as the safest spot in the country. Keep an eye on your belongings and use some caution.
Getting around
Getting around Puntarenas
Downtown Puntarenas is easy to explore on foot or by taxi. For the surrounding area, rent a car or book a tour.
Rental car
Adobe delivers free within 12 miles of their office near Puntarenas, even to the cruise terminal.
Taxis
Make sure you take a legal taxi. Illegal drivers have been known to scam tourists and majorly overcharge.
FAQ
Puntarenas FAQ: your questions
Is Puntarenas worth visiting?
Not really as a destination. Most people pass through for the ferry to the Nicoya Peninsula or a cruise stop. It has its charms, so grab lunch, try a Churchill and walk the beach.
Where does the Puntarenas ferry go?
The ferry leaves from the tip of Puntarenas to Paquera on the Nicoya Peninsula, the best route to Montezuma, Santa Teresa and Mal País. See our ferry guide for tickets and times.
Where do cruise ships dock in Puntarenas?
Most ships dock at Puerto Caldera, the largest seaport in Costa Rica, about a 20-minute drive from downtown. Some dock at the cruise pier in Puntarenas itself.
How far is Puntarenas from San José Airport?
About 1.5 hours by car on well-maintained highways, with about $5 to $7 in tolls.
Is Puntarenas safe?
We’ve never had issues, but downtown isn’t known as the safest area. Watch your belongings, use legal taxis and be careful at night.
What is a Churchill?
Puntarenas’ famous frozen treat: shaved ice with flavored syrup, powdered milk and condensed milk. Look for stands along the highway into town.
Every guide
All our Puntarenas guides
Keep exploring
More towns in Central Pacific
Planning more of the region? See our full Central Pacific guide.
