Puntarenas Landmarks and Monuments

(Puntarenas, Costa Rica)

While there aren't many significant landmarks in Puntarenas at the present time, as many of its streets are in semi-decay, the city's crumbling beauty is still a monument to its prosperous maritime history.

Located in one of the poorest regions of Costa Rica and one of the last cities to embrace the economic potential of tourism, Puntarenas is attempting a cultural renaissance which it hopes will improve its fortunes in the future. The natural landmarks are perhaps the most impressive, such as the Central Mountains and the peninsula itself, while for man-made sights, the Capitania de Puntarenas building and the Catholic Cathedral stand out in particular.

Puntarenas Peninsula

Address: Puntarenas, Costa Rica, CR
The city's major landmark is the long, spoon-shaped peninsula on which it is located, jutting out into the Pacific Ocean and surrounded with enticing beaches. Its widest point, five blocks from coast to coast, is farthest from the mainland. The grid arrangement of its streets makes finding your way around comparatively easy and the beach is never far away.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Central Mountains

Address: Puntarenas, Costa Rica, CR
Puntarenas lies on the narrow plains, just below the scenic peaks of the mountain chains which run the length of the country. Dry jungles, cloud forests and seemingly endless birdlife, as well as orchids and other tropical flowers, are all noted features of the varied local eco-systems. A trip up into the mountains will reward travellers with sights of rare and interesting species. If you are planning to explore the Central Mountains, a pair of binoculars is highly recommended.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Puntarenas Port

Address: Puntarenas, Costa Rica, CR
Although most of the commercial trade has now moved to Port Caldera, the city's old port still retains the largest fishing fleet in Costa Rica, moored in the estuary behind the town. This area is the best place in town for seafood eateries, and watching the boats unload their catch is quite fascinating. Eating a dish prepared with the ultra-fresh seafood shortly after it is been landed is even more fun!
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Port Caldera

Address: Puntarenas, Costa Rica, CR
This recently developed port is located approximately 18 km / 11 miles away and has taken over from the city's old harbour as the destination for maritime trade. As a result, a number of the cruise ships which visit this region of Costa Rica now dock at Port Caldera. A leisurely lunch at a local eatery while watching one of these leviathans of the sea complete its docking procedures could be a fun way to spend a sunny afternoon.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Capitania de Puntarenas

Address: Puntarenas, Costa Rica, CR
The recently restored 1930s Customs Building at the old port has been transformed into a landmark for the city. Its unusual design is a photo opportunity for visitors, and its bright new paintwork shows off its several storeys. The Capitania is quite a unique sight, since almost everything else around is a painted one-storey concrete block. Although this is not an Art Deco building in the western style, it does have some interesting points and attractive features, being home to the Gallery Isidro Wong.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Catholic Cathedral

Address: Central Plaza, Puntarenas, Costa Rica, CR
This imposing stone-faced Gothic revival construction stands on the central plaza, next to the La Casa de la Cultura attraction, where it accentuates the city's maritime history with its porthole-shaped windows. Unusually, its main portal faces east. The stone architecture of the Catholic Cathedral itself is quite simple, with a central bell tower and a series of arches. In front of the cathedral is the Sagrado Corazon de Jesus urban park, where local children gather to try out their English on visitors. Many local events take place here too.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free