Koora Monteverde a Cloud Forest Hotel by Sandglass
9.6Superb · 250 Reviews
Cerro Plano 300m Noreste Del Bcr Monteverde | Puntarenas, 60109, CR
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About Puntarenas
Seafood stalls and fishing boats set the scene for Puntarenas, Costa Rica’s relaxed Pacific port on the Gulf of Nicoya.
The Paseo de los Turistas lines downtown with seaside walks, local food, and fresh ceviche, while ferries from the terminal cross to Paquera.
Carara National Park and Isla San Lucas National Park add wildlife and history to day trips from the coast. December through April is the customary dry-season window, and the city’s easygoing waterfront atmosphere comes through over arroz con camarones beside the Paseo.
Where to stay
Hotels in Puntarenas
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Club del Mar Oceanfront
9.1Superb · 171 Reviews
Jaco 200 Metres South Of Total Petrol Station | Puntarenas, 60114, CR
Swimming poolSpa & wellness
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Hotel Trópico Monteverde
9.4Superb · 154 Reviews
600 Metros Sur De Gasolinera 606 | Puntarenas, 60109, CR
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Parador Nature Resort and Spa
9.3Superb · 459 Reviews
Punta Quepos Manuel Antonio | Puntarenas, 21000, CR
Swimming poolSpa & wellness
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La Foresta Nature Resort
9.0Superb · 162 Reviews
200m Norte Del Aeropuerto Quepos | Puntarenas, 01001, CR
Swimming pool
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Hotel Flor de Bromelia
9.1Superb · 258 Reviews
Barrio El Sapo Dorado 150 Sur Oeste Del Centro Educacion Creativa | Puntarenas, 60109, CR
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HRG Condos at Los Sueños
9.4Superb · 20 Reviews
Los Sueños Resort | Puntarenas, 61001, CR
Swimming poolSpa & wellness
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Places to stay in Puntarenas
Popular amenities
Best for
Ranked by verified guest score, then stars. Based on 735 of 807 hotels with verified data.
Best for families
Family rooms listed · 59 hotels qualify
- Koora Monteverde a Cloud Forest Hotel by Sandglass9.6/10 · 250 reviews · 5-star
- Chira Glamping Resort Monteverde9.6/10 · 172 reviews
- Monteverde House9.4/10 · 119 reviews · 4-star
- Casa Haydee Monteverde9.4/10 · 95 reviews · 4-star
- Parador Nature Resort and Spa9.3/10 · 459 reviews · 5-star
Best for drivers
Free parking · 115 hotels qualify
- Monteverde Casa Mia near main attractions and town!9.8/10 · 86 reviews · 4-star
- Casitas del Bosque Monteverde.9.6/10 · 123 reviews · 3-star
- Campo Azul #2 - Monteverde9.6/10 · 54 reviews · 3-star
- Four Monkeys Eco Lodge - Jungle & Beach9.6/10 · 59 reviews
- Rancho Capulin B&B9.5/10 · 124 reviews · 4-star
Best for a pool
Swimming pool listed · 43 hotels qualify
- El Sol Hideaway Monteverde9.5/10 · 211 reviews
- La Ponderosa9.4/10 · 58 reviews
- Green Forest Rustic Houses9.3/10 · 104 reviews · 3-star
- Pavones Point9.2/10 · 55 reviews · 4-star
- Los Suenos Golf by Stay in Costa Rica9.2/10 · 61 reviews
Puntarenas at a glance
Check-in / check-out
3:00 PM / 11:00 AM
Free parking
608 of 628 hotels (97%)
Pool
339 of 735 hotels
Climate
Tropical
Languages
Spanish and English
Local currency
CRC
(CRC)
Local time
(GMT-6)
Ideal trip length
2–5 days
Cost level
3 of 5 · our research
Suggested area to stay
Paseo de los Turistas
Tap water
Generally described as safe to drink
Tipping
10% service charge often included; small tips appreciated.
History, culture and food in Puntarenas
History
95 · Outstanding
Culture
90 · Outstanding
Food
90 · Outstanding
Family
75 · Good
Our own 0–100 ratings for this one destination. They describe a city; they are not a league table of cities.
Food to try
Ceviche
Arroz con Camarones
Gallo Pinto
Hotel facts in Puntarenas
Based on 735 of 807 hotels with verified data.
| Hotels that list | Hotels | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Free parkingof hotels with verified parking | 608 of 628 | 97% |
| Swimming pool | 339 of 735 | 46% |
| 24-hour front desk | 63 of 735 | 9% |
| Facilities for disabled guests | 110 of 735 | 15% |
| Family rooms | 99 of 735 | 13% |
| Breakfast availablefree or paid depends on the rate | 5 of 735 | 1% |
| Kitchen or kitchenette | 61 of 735 | 8% |
| Airport shuttle1 free | 179 of 735 | 24% |
Pools and room sizes by star rating
| Stars | Pool | Standard room |
|---|---|---|
| 2-star | 2 of 10 | 16 m²usually 9 m²–18 m² · 6 hotels |
| 3-star | 60 of 175 | 29 m²usually 20 m²–35 m² · 62 hotels |
| 4-star | 115 of 226 | 35 m²usually 25 m²–45 m² · 20 hotels |
| 5-star | 2 of 8 | 30 m²usually 22 m²–39 m² · 8 hotels |
When to visit Puntarenas
How good each month is here, on this destination's own scale. It compares months within this city, never one city against another.
Best months: January and December
Busiest: Dec-Apr
-
Jan59
Christmas and New Year celebrations
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Feb56
Pleasant weather (avg high 32°C)
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Mar52
Main dry season
-
Apr41
Dry, hot
-
May14
Very wet (419 mm rain)
-
Jun13
Very wet (421 mm rain)
-
Jul13
Very wet (383 mm rain)
-
Aug13
Very wet (414 mm rain)
-
Sep0
Often avoided: heavy rain
-
Oct0
Often avoided: heavy rain
-
Nov22
Very wet (284 mm rain)
-
Dec64
Christmas and New Year celebrations
Things to do in Puntarenas
6 places worth your time, grouped by when they are at their best.
Showing 6 of 6 places ·
Best in the morning
3 places
Visit Isla San Lucas National Park
Gulf of Nicoya 4 hours
Explore a former penal colony island with rich history and wildlife.
Explore Carara National Park
Orotina (near Puntarenas) 5 hours
Discover a transitional forest teeming with scarlet macaws and crocodiles.
Take the Ferry to Paquera
Puntarenas Ferry Terminal 2 hours
Experience a scenic ferry ride across the Gulf of Nicoya to explore the peninsula.
Best in the afternoon
2 places
Stroll the Paseo de los Turistas
Downtown Puntarenas 2 hours
Enjoy the lively beachfront promenade with food stalls and ocean views.
Taste Fresh Ceviche
Paseo de los Turistas 1 hour
Savor local seafood ceviche from a beachfront vendor or restaurant.
Any time of day
1 place
Relax at Playa Doña Ana
Caldera 3 hours
Enjoy a family-friendly beach with calm waters and picnic areas.
Things to book
Tours and activities in Puntarenas
Guided tours, day trips and tickets to book alongside your stay.
Standard tour
Monteverde Rain Forest Night Walk
Free cancellationFind deals
Unstructured tour
SJO Airport to Fiesta Resort Transportation
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve Guided Walk
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve Morning Walk -Monteverde Wild-
Free cancellationFind deals
Activity tour
2-Hour Surf Lesson in Montezuma
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
Hiking in the Cloud Forest
Free cancellationFind deals
Activity tour
Monteverde Night Tour with a Certified Tour Guide (6 PM or 8 PM)
Free cancellationFind deals
Activity tour
Half day surf and adventure in Montezuma
Free cancellationFind deals
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Before you go to Puntarenas
Our own ratings and notes on eating out, signature experiences, who the city suits and planning ahead.
Near Puntarenas
Straight-line distance from the centre of Puntarenas.
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Frequently asked questions about Puntarenas
How many places to stay are there in Puntarenas?
There are 800+ hotels, apartments and other places to stay in Puntarenas. They include 100+ hotels and 230+ apartments.
When is the peak season in Puntarenas?
The peak season in Puntarenas is Dec-Apr.
Which area is a good base in Puntarenas?
The travel guide suggests staying in Paseo de los Turistas when visiting Puntarenas.
Are there tours and activities in Puntarenas?
Yes, 150+ tours and activities are listed in Puntarenas.
How many hotels in Puntarenas have free parking?
608 of the 628 hotels in Puntarenas with verified parking details list free parking (97%). 12 charge for parking.
What is the usual check-in time at hotels in Puntarenas?
3:00 PM at 363 of the 700 hotels with a verified check-in time. The next most common time is 2:00 PM (193 hotels).
What time is check-out at hotels in Puntarenas?
11:00 AM at 337 of 697 hotels with a verified check-out time; 12:00 PM at 180.
How many hotels in Puntarenas have a pool?
339 of 735 hotels with verified data list a swimming pool.