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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Note: Based on world conditions, we advise checking official channels including cancellation policies prior to booking. Also, with often reduced capacity, booking ahead becomes more important.
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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Rhonda Albom
Thank you.
Margaret
I love that orange building in the last photo!
Rhonda Albom
I think it was part of the city or government center.
Kathe W.
No 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
I can see visiting Costa Rica for a much longer time.
Merlinda Little (Glimmer of Hope)
Such a lovely place to visit and love the port photos the most =)
Deb Nance
Thanks for taking us along!
klara
nice photos, such an interesting place to explore.
Rhonda Albom
Thank you. Puntarenas has plenty of character.
Rhonda Albom
It’s interesting to visit little towns to see the local life.
Suzy Godfrey
Interesting, a photographer’s dream!
Rhonda Albom
Yes, there were a lot of opportunities and interesting subjects for photography.
Joyce Lansky
Cool travels. I love the sand art. Too bad you didn’t head my way.
Rhonda Albom
Hi Joyce. The sand art was quite fun. And, I agree, I wish I could see you too.
Alissa Apel
I think I’d like to shop around the marked. The sculptures outside the church sound cool to!
Rhonda Albom
The market was fun and had plenty of souvenirs.
Krista
Your 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
I love sand art. I think it takes real talent to do it well.
stevebethere
Love all the photos Rhonda that creative sand art is brilliant 🙂
Have a grittytastic day 🙂
Comedy Plus
Rain 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
It was a tough choice but coffee ruled the day.
Alex J. Cavanaugh
Cool shots.
Only one day? Wow, not sure what I’d want to do.
Rhonda Albom
Yes, I always wish I have more time at cruise ports.
L. Diane Wolfe
You 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
I love exploring new places but cruise port timing can be limiting. I was lucky that we had a full day in Puntarenas.
Amy
awesome photos and scenery, the sand art amused me, some people are so clever 🙂
Rhonda Albom
Overall, it was a fantastic day in Puntarenas.