Puntarenas, located on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, is a lively and welcoming port city that serves as a gateway to the country’s lush interior and biodiverse landscapes. Cruise ships dock directly at the Puntarenas Cruise Terminal, a long pier that leads passengers straight into the heart of town, making it easy to access local attractions and excursions. While the city itself offers a relaxed vibe with a seaside promenade, souvenir stalls, and casual cafés, the true highlights lie just beyond the port. From here, travelers can explore the country’s renowned natural wonders, such as Manuel Antonio National Park, known for its white-sand beaches, monkeys, sloths, and tropical forests, or take a boat tour through the Mangrove Estuaries of the Guacalillo or Tarcoles River, where crocodiles and exotic birds are commonly seen. Nature lovers can venture into the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve for hiking among misty treetops and hanging bridges, while adrenaline-seekers might opt for zip-lining adventures or river rafting in the surrounding valleys. Coffee plantation tours offer an authentic taste of Costa Rican culture, where visitors can see how beans are harvested and roasted. Closer to port, visitors can enjoy the Paseo de los Turistas, a beachfront walkway lined with food stalls selling local snacks like ceviche and granizados (shaved ice treats). Though the city itself is modest, it provides warm hospitality, a laid-back pace, and easy access to the ecological treasures that make Costa Rica famous. Puntarenas may be a small coastal port, but it opens the door to some of the richest wildlife, forests, and adventure experiences Central America has to offer.