Info on Puntarenas Costa Rica please

[EvelynK72 Member Find all posts View Profile Close EvelynK72]

Has anyone traveled to the city of Puntarenas Costa Rica? I have done a web search and reviews of the area are mixed - this is not one of the prime tourist areas of Costa Rica, but they are trying to develop tourism. So I'd like to get some opinions from travel-savvy TUGgers.

We are the type of travelers that don't just stay at the resort, but travel in the area. How is this area with regard to roads and safety? From the map, it looks like Arenal Volcano is "nearby" - how long will that trip take and are the roads pretty decent?

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.
Evelyn

[eal Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close eal]

Hi Evelyn,
I'm not sure which "Puntarenas" you are referring to.

Puntarenas is Costa Rica's largest province, and encompasses a number of interesting areas, including 3 national parks, several biological preserves and miles and miles of Pacific coastline. Here is a website that might be of interest.

Puntarenas.com - General Information about Puntarenas, Costa Rica

The town of Puntarenas is a port city, not so nice, but many of the Panama Canal cruise ships stop there.

I hope this helps...

[EvelynK72 Member Find all posts View Profile Close EvelynK72]

Thanks for the reply. I did mean the city of Puntarenas and have changed my original post. I have done some internet research and the opinions are mixed. Just wanted to get some first-hand info.

Thanks.
Evelyn

[eal Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close eal]

The city of Puntarenas is not so great, and not a very good representation of what the country of Costa Rica has to offer...

[EvelynK72 Member Find all posts View Profile Close EvelynK72]

The city of Puntarenas is not so great, and not a very good representation of what the country of Costa Rica has to offer...

Thanks eal. But is the city of Puntarenas near enough to some of the National Parks of the province of Puntarenas to make it a good base for exploring these? For example, on the map, the city of Puntarenas looks closer to Arenal Volcano than the resorts on the shore in Guanacaste province. Basically, I was wondering if the timeshares in the city of Puntarenas would be good for day trips to the surrounding National Parks. Any thoughts?