FREE THINGS TO DO IN PUNTARENAS

  • 1. Catedral de Puntarenas – The Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral or Puntarenas Cathedral is a temple of the Roman Catholic church located in the city of Puntarenas canton of Puntarenas, in Costa Rica. Built in 1902, it has the distinction of being built with the facade to the east. It was built with stone and mortar and has brick floor.
  • 2. Paos Volcano – Poas Volcano has two crater lakes, including Laguna Caliente, which is one of the world’s most acidic lakes. The crater lake is over a mile wide and 900 feet deep. You can hike up to the lake and see the crater’s misty fumaroles.
  • 3. Monteverdes Cloud Forest – The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve was established in 1972 and initially covered some 810 acres (328 ha) of forested land. Nowadays, its protective reach extends over 35,089 acres (14,200 ha) and encompasses eight life zones atop the Continental Divide. There are over 100 species of mammals, 400 species of birds, and 1,200 species of amphibians and reptiles living within its bounds. It’s one of the few remaining habitats that support all six species of the cat family — jaguars, ocelots, pumas, oncillas, margays, and jaguarundis — as well as the endangered three-wattled bellbird and resplendent quetzal. Over 8 miles (13 km) of trails are available for visitors to explore on their own or with a guide. 
  • 4. Playa Jaco: A white sand beach with big waves for surfing, plus restaurants, condos, casinos, and nightlife.
  • 5. Playa Santa Teresa: A world-renowned surfing destination.
  • 6. Playa Hermosa: A good beach for learning to surf.
  • 7. Playa Manuel Antonio: A beach with white sand, coral reefs, and jungles, plus hiking trails and wildlife.
  • 8. Playa Tambor: A long beach with swimming, hiking, and horseback riding.
  • 9. Playa Mal País: A beach with beautiful waves and a lovely village.
  • 10. Playa Biesanz: A small, hidden beach in a jungle with monkeys and other animals.
  • 11. Playa Avellanas: A tropical beach with turquoise waves and sunsets, known by locals as “Little Hawaii”.

RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS NEAR THE CRUISE PORT