When I close my eyes and visualize Costa Rica I see a dense tropical rainforest teeming with colourful, exotic animals. My prior knowledge of this portion of Central America came from children’s books I shared with my girls many years ago.
As the Island Princess docked at the port of Puntarenas in Costa Rica, I suddenly remembered what it is I don’t like about cruising. There simply isn’t enough time in the ports to do it all. Rainforest or coffee plantation? Jungle tram or zip line? Pontoon boat to see crocodiles or city tour? We only had one day and our ship docked in the coastal town of Puntarenas, we had to choose.
In the Island Princess’ first two ports we opted to go on our own, taking a city bus in Aruba and hiring a private driver in Cartagena. Then we sailed through the Panama Canal This time we opted to split the day with a half day tour of a coffee plantation, leaving the remainder of the day to explore the town of Puntarenas. The main part of downtown is small and easily walked.
This is what we found:
Practical Information:
- Language spoken: Spanish
- Currency: Costa Rican Colon, but many street vendors at the port took US Dollars.
- Translated from Spanish, Puntarenas means “sand point.”
- In Puntarenas, we found a free WIFI hotspot on Calle 1, one block in from the beach.
- Costa Rica has six active volcanoes and over 120 volcanic formations.
- Costa Ricans call themselves either “ticos” (males) or “ticas” (females).
- The town of Puntarenas is accessible by walking off the cruise ship. Transportation is required for any of the more exotic options listed above.
- Our next port was in Nicaragua, but it was cancelled due to stormy seas, so we sailed on to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
- If you cruising in the region, don’t miss these 25 tips for cruising on Princess or any cruise line.
- If you are thinking about cruising,
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Have you been to Costa Rica? Did you visit Puntarenas? If you had only one day in the country, which activity would you have chosen?
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Photo Tour: Crossing the Panama Canal on the Island Princess
Rhonda Albom
May 28, 2016 at 7:28 amThank you.
Margaret
May 26, 2016 at 3:12 amI love that orange building in the last photo!
Rhonda Albom
May 28, 2016 at 7:27 amI think it was part of the city or government center.
Kathe W.
May 26, 2016 at 2:27 amNo we have never been to Costa Rica- and I agree with you about not enough time to check out a place before you have to get back on the ship! It would be niceto have more time for sure!
Rhonda Albom
May 28, 2016 at 7:26 amI can see visiting Costa Rica for a much longer time.
Merlinda Little (Glimmer of Hope)
May 26, 2016 at 12:33 amSuch a lovely place to visit and love the port photos the most =)
Rhonda Albom
May 28, 2016 at 7:25 amThanks. It was a short but fun walk through the town.
Deb Nance
May 25, 2016 at 11:56 pmThanks for taking us along!
Rhonda Albom
May 29, 2016 at 12:45 pmThanks for tagging along.
klara
May 25, 2016 at 5:08 pmnice photos, such an interesting place to explore.
Rhonda Albom
May 28, 2016 at 7:20 amThank you. Puntarenas has plenty of character.
Rhonda Albom
May 25, 2016 at 12:42 pmIt’s interesting to visit little towns to see the local life.
Suzy Godfrey
May 25, 2016 at 12:34 pmInteresting, a photographer’s dream!
Rhonda Albom
May 25, 2016 at 12:48 pmYes, there were a lot of opportunities and interesting subjects for photography.
Joyce Lansky
May 25, 2016 at 12:13 pmCool travels. I love the sand art. Too bad you didn’t head my way.
Rhonda Albom
May 25, 2016 at 12:32 pmHi Joyce. The sand art was quite fun. And, I agree, I wish I could see you too.
Alissa Apel
May 25, 2016 at 9:27 amI think I’d like to shop around the marked. The sculptures outside the church sound cool to!
Rhonda Albom
May 25, 2016 at 12:35 pmThe market was fun and had plenty of souvenirs.
Krista
May 25, 2016 at 12:20 amYour pictures are great. I am so intrigued with people who can sculpt with beach sand. Similar to how I feel about amazing sidewalk art.
Rhonda Albom
May 25, 2016 at 12:39 pmI love sand art. I think it takes real talent to do it well.
stevebethere
May 24, 2016 at 8:19 pmLove all the photos Rhonda that creative sand art is brilliant 🙂
Have a grittytastic day 🙂
Comedy Plus
May 24, 2016 at 11:25 amRain Forest. I would have gone there.
Great shots and a good thumbnail of what to expect when you visit.
Have a fabulous day. ☺
Rhonda Albom
May 25, 2016 at 12:43 pmIt was a tough choice but coffee ruled the day.
Alex J. Cavanaugh
May 24, 2016 at 2:22 amCool shots.
Only one day? Wow, not sure what I’d want to do.
Rhonda Albom
May 25, 2016 at 12:49 pmYes, I always wish I have more time at cruise ports.
L. Diane Wolfe
May 24, 2016 at 12:43 amYou saw some beautiful things. We didn’t go off the beaten path when we took our cruise. (Well, technically we did since we went horseback riding in the brush.)
Rhonda Albom
May 25, 2016 at 12:50 pmI love exploring new places but cruise port timing can be limiting. I was lucky that we had a full day in Puntarenas.
Amy
May 23, 2016 at 6:20 pmawesome photos and scenery, the sand art amused me, some people are so clever 🙂
Rhonda Albom
May 25, 2016 at 12:51 pmOverall, it was a fantastic day in Puntarenas.