Puntarenas, which means "Sandy Point" in Spanish, is the capital and main city in the province Puntarenas, Costa Rica, at the Pacific coast. Its port, Caldera, is one of the main ports in the country. Some 100,000 live in the city and close towns. With beaches on the Pacific Ocean, it also attracts many tourists, especially surfers. It is also a possible stopover point for the touristy Monteverde, further inland.
Puerto Caldera provides access to San Jose, Costa Rica. Most tourists in San Jose come to visit the Opera House. Other excursions include Paos Volcano National Park, and Sarchi, known for its beautiful crafts. You can also go on a tour of the wildlife preserve and see tropical birds, alligators, and more.
Things to see and do
* Arenal Volcano & Thermal Waters
* Carara Biological Reserve
* San Jose day trip
* Paos Volcano National Park
Cruise Season – Jan - Dec
Currency – Colón (CRC)
Language – Spanish
Land area - 11.276 Sq. km
Population – 350,000
Electricity – 2 perpendicular flat pins USA style or with a round pin below
Time – GMT minus seven hours
International Country Telephone Code – 506
Port Location – Port Caldera , located 16 km south of the city of Puntarenas.
Transport Links - The Port of Caldera (Puerto Caldera) is approximately 2.5 hours drive from the Juan Santamaria international airport located in the capital of San Jose. The cost of a taxi is expensive therefore private ground transportation or rental cars from San Jose are the most advisable options.