Puntarenas is Costa Rica's largest province, stretching along most of the country's Pacific coastline from the Gulf of Nicoya south to the Panama border. It serves as the gateway to surf towns, national parks such as Manuel Antonio and Corcovado, and island reserves reached by ferry from Puntarenas city.
Top attractions
The most popular and significant attractions in Puntarenas.
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1
Manuel Antonio National Park
One of Costa Rica's most visited national parks, Manuel Antonio combines stunning white-sand beaches with dense tropical rainforest teeming with wildlife. Spot white-faced capuchins, squirrel monkeys, sloths, and over 350 bird species. The park has well-maintained trails and four gorgeous beaches.
Tip: Book entry tickets online in advance — the park has a daily visitor cap. Arrive early for best wildlife sightings.
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2
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
A legendary 10,500-hectare private reserve protecting one of the world's best-preserved tropical cloud forests. Home to the resplendent quetzal, the reserve features a mosaic of microhabitats including cloud forest, dwarf cloud forest, and windswept ridge forest.
Tip: Hire a local guide for best wildlife spotting. Morning visits are best for bird watching. Bring a rain jacket.
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3
Corcovado National Park
Called the most biologically intense place on Earth by National Geographic, Corcovado is a remote wilderness covering 424 km² of pristine rainforest on the Osa Peninsula. Home to all four Costa Rican monkey species, tapirs, jaguars, scarlet macaws, and giant anteaters.
Tip: Access requires a certified guide and advance reservation. Enter from La Leona, San Pedrillo, or Los Patos stations. Stay in Puerto Jiménez or Drake Bay.
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4
Marino Ballena National Park & Whale Tail
Home to the iconic Whale Tail — a natural sandbar formation visible at low tide that resembles a whale's tail — this marine park is also one of the best places in the Americas for humpback whale watching. Dolphins, sea turtles, and manta rays are also commonly seen.
Tip: Check tide charts — the Whale Tail is best visible 2 hours before and after low tide. Whale season peaks Aug–Sep and Jan–Mar.
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5
Jacó Beach
Costa Rica's most popular Pacific beach town, Jacó is a vibrant hub with a long dark-sand beach great for surfing, plus a lively strip of restaurants, bars, surf shops, and nightlife. It's the closest major beach destination to San José.
Tip: Best surf is at both ends of the beach. Watch out for rip currents — swim between flags. Evenings are lively with restaurants and bars.
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6
Playa Hermosa (Central Pacific)
A world-class surf beach just 10 minutes south of Jacó, Playa Hermosa is renowned for its powerful, consistent beach breaks that attract professional surfers and host international competitions. The beach is darker sand, uncrowded, and surrounded by jungle.
Tip: Not recommended for beginner swimmers — strong currents. Best surf at high tide.
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7
Río Tárcoles Crocodile Bridge
One of Costa Rica's most famous roadside stops, the bridge over the Río Tárcoles is home to dozens of massive American crocodiles — some over 4 metres long — that lounge in and around the river below. It's a remarkable and safe wildlife encounter on the highway.
Tip: Pull over safely on the highway shoulder. Do not feed crocodiles. The adjacent Carara NP also has scarlet macaw roost.
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8
Carara National Park
A transitional zone between dry and humid tropical forests, Carara is famous as the best place in Costa Rica to see the scarlet macaw in the wild. Hundreds of macaws roost here and can often be spotted flying in pairs at dawn and dusk.
Tip: Arrive at sunrise or return at dusk for scarlet macaw spectacle. Night tours available for different wildlife.
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9
Hanging Bridges of Monteverde
A network of suspension bridges stretching through the cloud forest canopy, offering a bird's-eye view of the forest interior. Multiple operators offer hanging bridge walks in the Monteverde area, with self-guided and guided options.
Tip: Wear sturdy shoes. Mistico Park and Sky Adventures are two popular operators. Morning is best for bird activity.
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10
Cabo Blanco Absolute Nature Reserve
Costa Rica's oldest protected area (1963) and a true wilderness with no facilities beyond basic trails. The reserve protects pristine tropical dry forest, rocky headlands, and nesting seabird colonies. Remote and rewarding for serious nature lovers.
Tip: Bring all food and water — no facilities. 4WD or boat required for access from Montezuma. Long but rewarding hike to beach.
Tips for visiting attractions
Make the most of your sightseeing time.
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and harsh midday light.
Book tickets online in advance for major attractions to skip long queues and sometimes save money.
Many cities offer multi-attraction passes that include public transport. Calculate whether they save you money based on your itinerary.