Puntarenas Costa Rica

This is the capital of the coastal province of Puntarenas. In 1519,Hernan Ponce de Leon discoved Puntarenas,previously called Villa Bruselas. The area is when known for its coffee production. During the 19th century, Puntarenas was Costa Rica's major port. Now, the new port at Caldera, 18 km southeast of Puntarenas, take much of the shipping. Puntarenas remains a bustling place during the dry season, when tourists arrive. During the wet months it's much quieter. The city is on the end of a sandy peninsula almost eight km long but only 100 to 600 meters wide arriving here is intriguing. You are always close to the ocean, but the beaches are too polluted for swimming. Puntarenas has traditionally been popular with ticos, but foreigners prefer destinations where they can swim. Many people come to Puntarenas to catch the ferry to the Peninsula de Nicoya. It's a friendly port.