Hotel Carara Adventure Park is located in Quebrada Ganado. In the wider destination of Puntarenas, the range of themes extends from designated cultural heritage to coastlines, wildlife, and conservation.

Culture and Protected Areas in Puntarenas

In the wider destination of Puntarenas, Parque Nacional Isla San Lucas is designated as historical and architectural heritage and as a zone for sustainable tourism use. The island can only be reached by water; transport and tour services usually depart from the Muelle Turístico del ICT in El Carmen, also in the province of Puntarenas. Check current departure times and tour conditions before planning a visit.

On the Nicoya Peninsula, south of Montezuma, Reserva Natural de Cabo Blanco is located in the north of the province of Puntarenas. It protects 1,269 hectares of land and 1,790 hectares of marine area. Its three hiking trails vary in length and destination: one loop is 2 kilometers long, a 1-kilometer trail is specifically intended for older people and children, and a 10-kilometer route leads to Cabo Blanco. Check current trail conditions before your visit. Cabo Blanco is also a well-known destination for birdwatchers; species found there include frigatebirds, gulls, and pelicans.

Coast and Wildlife

In the canton of Osa in the province of Puntarenas, whale-watching tours are offered near Parque Nacional Marino Ballena. Also in Osa, boat trips explore the mangroves of Térraba-Sierpe. The activities have different focuses: whale watching centers on encounters with humpback whales, while the boat trips travel through a mangrove area.

Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Curú is located in the Gulf of Nicoya and extends from Punta Quesera to Punta Curú. At Playa de Curú, within the refuge, possible activities include swimming and observing flora and fauna. Bioluminescence can be seen at some beaches in the province of Puntarenas and in the Gulf of Nicoya; visibility varies depending on the location and conditions.

More Regional Highlights

Playa Hermosa de Garabito in the province of Puntarenas was designated a World Surf Reserve: the first in Central America and the eleventh worldwide. Seafood cuisine is among the recommended visitor experiences in Puntarenas. In the province of Puntarenas, Parque Nacional de Carara covers 4,700 hectares and is home to three distinct forest types.

The city of Puntarenas has a ferry terminal with services across the Gulf of Nicoya to Paquera and Cóbano. If you plan to use this ferry service, check the current schedule.

Explore more destinations: San Buenaventura, Bejuco, Miramar, Camíbar, Uvita, Cariari, Sirena, Espíritu Santo.

For the wider travel overview: Puntarenas.