The day begins with a wholesome shove from a Costa Rican tug, pushing us into dock at Puntarenas. The pier is properly located, offering direct entry to the city past.
Decided to attempt to beat among the warmth, we head out early, making our method alongside the busy pier and switch left. This takes us alongside a comparatively well-maintained avenue, heading west in direction of the tip of the Puntarenas spit. There are a handful of stalls promoting native meals and items of various levels of high quality alongside the way in which – and not one of the stallholders are pushy or aggressive.
About midway down, the street has been closed so a makeshift honest might be assembled. We assume that is one thing to do with the upcoming Dia De Los Muertos festivities (sure, they rejoice it’s Costa Rica too). It is extremely completely different to what could also be anticipated again within the UK (‘do you may have a allow to do this?’).
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We by no means fairly make it to the tip of the Puntarenas spit, however someplace in need of the Faro de Puntarenas lighthouse we come throughout a raised viewing space that permits us to look again alongside the seaside. The town of Puntarenas stretches away from the black sand, dwarfed by Island Princess within the distance.
Word that the seafront stroll doesn’t cross any retailers. If you wish to buy groceries in Puntarenas, you’ll have to head north, deeper into the city itself.
If it sounds laborious to enthuse about Puntarenas, that’s as a result of it’s. The city has the texture of a seaside resort in decline, a lot of shuttered, empty buildings between seedy bars and eating places. There’s additionally loads of garbage in every single place, a lot of it washed up on the seaside, which is a disgrace.
I assume that should you’re searching for a Magaluf (or Southend) different, Puntarenas might match the invoice.
Accessibility data
Batteries used: 70%
Terrain: The footpath alongside the seafront is kind of properly maintained, the one main bumps being the textured cement used for the sidewalk. That stated, the streets main away from the seafront look far much less scooter-friendly with a lot of very excessive kerbs, cracks and steps.
Public transport: Again within the day, there was a prepare service between Puntarenas and the Costa Rican capital, San Jose. Sadly, this service has been retired as historic accounts counsel it was a great day journey.
Taxis: Sure, they exist. No, we didn’t attempt one. No, they don’t look wheelchair/scooter pleasant.
Did we get a passport stamp in Puntarenas?
Sure! The port safety officer stamped our passports as we re-embarked the ship.
Would we return to Puntarenas?
There’s not likely something to see in Puntarenas. If we got here again, it will solely be because the gateway to extra thrilling adventures within the Costa Rican inside.
Different actions in Puntarenas
Isla Tortuga is the recent vacation spot in Puntarenas, however there are a number of different actions you may like to contemplate should you’re extra cellular than we’re:
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