Puntarenas

Puntarenasis the capital and largestcityin theProvince of Puntarenas, on the Pacific coast ofCosta Rica. The eponymous and oddly shaped province has its largest section in the South, far from the capital. Most travellers use Puntarenas as a stepping stone, riding the ferries fromSan Joséand the mainland to theNicoya Peninsulaand back. However, the city is a popular destination for Costa Ricans during holidays and the dry season. Cruise ships also frequently dock here, sending their passengers on day-long inland excursions.