The Province of Puntarenas is located in the western part of Costa Rica. It is the largest Province in the country and covers most of the Pacific Ocean coast. The most popular beach vacations come from this region.
Big for the surfers is Jaco Beach, Hermosa and Damas Island. Jaco Beach is a local´s hang out with shops and night life. Hermosa is less explored and a little more laid back. Damas is a small island that has been divided into two from an earthquake with canals worth renting a canoe and exploring. Travel by jeep is about 2 hours from San Jose to these popular beach destinations.
Drake Bay and the Osa Peninsula lie on the southern Pacific Ocean coast. Some of the largest coastal rain forests are found in this part of Puntarenas. The Corcovado National Park is lush rich tropical rainforest. The heavy rain fall contributes to making this forest an eco lovers dream. Eco vacations are popular because of the remote and isolated distance from the rest of Costa Rica.
Golfito and the southern most parts of Costa Rica offer a rugged wilderness, beautiful beaches and sport fishing. Because of its remoteness the best way to travel to this region is by air to the small Golfito airport. Sansa and Nature Air fly regularly to the area. This was a major banana shipping port now gone. Sport fishing for the Pacific sailfish, fishing lodges and quaint beach bungalows hotels have since replaced the banana exportation. A little further south lies the Piedras Blancas National Park a magnificent wildlife reserve.
Costa Ballena stretches from Dominical to Ojochal. Some of the best surfing beaches are in this area. Water sport activities include snorkeling, kayaking, scuba diving and sport fishing. White water rafting, canopy tours and tree climbing take you through some breath taking adventures in to nature. Migratory whales can be seen off the coast certain times of the year. Travel from San Jose is an easier route because of the more modern highways leading to Dominical. Accommodations range from luxury beach hotels to inexpensive eco resorts.
The Central Pacific region is the most popular tourist area of this province. It is just a short car ride from San Jose or a quick plane ride. These coastal resort towns boast beautiful beaches, great surfing, sport fishing and their crown jewel Manuel Antonio National Park. Quepos is right outside the park and has cozy smaller hotels, quaint restaurants and fun nightlife. Adventure vacations are endless in the Puntarenas Province. There is so much more to see.
