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NORTH PUNTARENAS: Lying to the west and stretching for along two thirds of the country’s Pacific Coast, Puntarenas is the largest province in Costa Rica. Sitting some 75 miles west of the capital city San Jose, this province’s main attractions are its friendly beaches and slow paced lifestyle. Around 11,277 sq km in size, Puntarenas extends all the way to Costa Rica’s southern border with Panama. Home to a fantastic array of flora and fauna, this province is great if you want to have an incredible eco-adventure or just lie back and take in the gorgeous surroundings.
Since Puntarenas is so huge and covers an extensive area,
the best way to take in the wonderful sights and sounds here
, is by dividing the province into two parts. North Puntarenas extends right up past the Manuel Antonio National Park, while
South Puntarenas includes Drake Bay, the Osa Peninsula and
places like Pavones.
There is much to see and do in North Puntarenas from long
easy walks on the beach to riding the white water rapids that
flow down the Cordillera de Tilaran. Ideal for those who prefer
fast or slow paced vacations, North Puntarenas has a number of beautiful national parks and refuges that one can visit to enjoy
the beauty of this province. The regions most popular attraction
is easily the Parque National Manuel Antonio, with its superb
white sand beaches and lush green mountains. Within walking distance from dozens of fine hotels and restaurants, this park attracts people of all ages.
For those who want some more action, after spending the day wildlife viewing head north to Jaco Beach, a great party-oriented resort town. For those who are interested in catching some good waves, head down south to Dominical or visit Mal Pais on the Nicoya Peninsula. There are also a few uncrowded beaches that stretch down the coast. Hidden by patches of forestland, these beaches are paradise for those who want some peace and quiet. While the coastline has strong waves and is great for surfing, it does produce strong rip tides, making it quite treacherous for swimmers.
SOUTH PUNTARENAS: Home to some of the country’s most stunning natural treasures, South Puntarenas is blessed with an abundance of exotic and diversified flora and fauna. Home to the largest last remaining stretches of Pacific coastal rainforests in Central America nestled within the gorgeous Parque Nacional Corcovado, this region of Costa Rica plays host to some to the world’s most endangered species of wildlife.
With a hot tropical climate throughout the year, this area receives a lot of rainfall, producing one of the most lush and dense tracts of forestation in the country. The Corcovado National Park on the Osa Peninsula is a nature lover’s haven due to its isolation and remoteness from the rest of Costa Rica. An eco-tourism hotspot, visitors can stay at the many ecolodges here to enjoy ‘one of the most bio-diverse regions on the planet’.
Also found in Southern Puntarenas are a number of hidden and secluded beautiful beaches, many of which are uncrowded and make for the perfect escape from the humdrum of city life. For those who enjoy snorkeling, visit the stunning Isla del Caño off the coast with its fantastic underwater marine world, while for those who enjoy sportsfishing the area of Drake Bay is the avid angler’s dream.
The coastline of Southern Costa Rica is also known for its strong waves, which are great for surfing. Here one can find the tiny town of Pavones, home to the longest lefts in the world. Given the right conditions you can ride the waves here for as long as 2 whole minutes. However, do be careful when trying to swim here as rip currents make the waters quite treacherous.
SUZANNE ROBBINS
Elegante Honeymoons
Boca Express Travel/Amex
8177 Glades Rd., Ste. 14
Boca Raton, Fl. 33433
1-561-482-0030
1(888)888-3103