Puntarenas

Puntarenas is the capital city of the Puntarenas province, which is located on the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica. The city is most known for its sea port which was a key trade port years ago, but over the years it has slowly evolved into a fishermen's market and a port for cruise ships.

These days, Puntarenas is generally avoided by tourists unless passing through for the ferries to the Nicoya Peninsula. Crime is a problem here, so if you find yourself passing through, just keep on driving unless you are specifically looking for casinos and risqué night life.

There is only one recommendable hotel in the Puntarenas area, which is the Hilton Puntarenas Resort. It is an all-inclusive with reasonable rates and a nice pool.

Central Pacific temperatures remain the same nearly year round with average day time highs in the upper 80s to low 90s and night time lows in the upper 70s. Precipitation varies by month with the months of December through April being the driest.

Visitors should pack a bathing suit, towel, shorts, tee shirts, appropriate shoes, rain gear, sun block, and insect repellent.

Fun Fact: At one time Puntarenas was one of the largest coffee export ports in the world.

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