Best Things to do in Puntarenas | Must-see attractions 2025

Sarah's Gallery

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

500m norte Cheese Factory Follow signs to gallery begiinning at the Cheese Factory

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Sarah's Gallery in Puntarenas, Costa Rica, features the watercolor art of Sarah Dowell, showcasing local wildlife and vibrant jungle scenes in a woodland setting.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Donations are welcomed for the upkeep of the gallery.

Parque Marino del Pacifico

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Park

Mts Este del Muelle de Cruceros

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Parque Marino del Pacifico in Puntarenas showcases diverse marine life, including manta rays and nurse sharks, in a family-friendly atmosphere with educational facilities.

Duration: Approximately 2-3 hours.

Admission fee applies. Discounted rates for children and seniors are available.

The Old Catholic Church

8:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

Infront of Cabinas y Restaurant Cristina

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The Old Catholic Church in Puntarenas, Costa Rica, features neoclassical architecture and serves a vibrant community. A historical site with a focus on inclusivity and spirituality.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free. Donations are appreciated for maintenance and community events.

Estadio Miguel Angel "Lito" Perez

Variable based on events

Stadium

Calle 17

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Estadio Miguel Angel 'Lito' Perez in Puntarenas, Costa Rica, is a multi-use stadium primarily used for football matches, offering a capacity of approximately 6,000 spectators.

Duration: Approx. 2-3 hours during events.

Low-cost admission with tickets typically priced around $5 for adults and $2 for children.

Guacimal River Bridge 2

Open 24 hours

Bridge

Guacimal River Rte 606 300m soroeste cruce Guacimal-Monteverde

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Guacimal River Bridge 2 in Puntarenas, Costa Rica, is a steel bridge known for its scenic views and accessibility, popular among nature lovers and hikers.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Access to surrounding hiking trails may vary.

Plaza Comercial La Rioja

10:00 AM–9:00 PM

Mall

Puntarenas (El Roble)

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Plaza Comercial La Rioja in Puntarenas, Costa Rica, offers diverse shopping options, dining establishments, and entertainment for locals and tourists alike.

Duration: About 2-3 hours.

Free. Some special events may require a paid ticket.

Pali Puntarenas

8:00 AM–8:00 PM

Mall

Costa Rica

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Pali Puntarenas offers a wide selection of groceries, household items, and fresh produce in a convenient retail space, serving local communities at affordable prices.

Duration: Approximately 30 minutes.

Free. No entry fee required for shopping.

Paseo de los Turistas

Open 24 hours

Mall

Ave. 4

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Paseo de los Turistas is a beachside pedestrian boulevard in Puntarenas, Costa Rica, featuring souvenir stalls, kioscos, and local cuisine.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Some kioscos may charge for food and beverages.

Municipalidad De Puntarenas

8:00 AM–4:00 PM

Public Building

Costado Norte del Parque Mora y Cañas. (3)

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Municipalidad De Puntarenas is the seat of local government in Puntarenas, Costa Rica, featuring historic architecture and cultural significance in the city.

Duration: About 1 hour.

Free access for all visitors.

Puntarenas City Hall

8:00 AM–4:00 PM

Public Building

Atrás De La UTN

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Puntarenas City Hall in Costa Rica serves as the municipal government headquarters and features distinctive architecture with cultural significance dating back to 1887.

Duration: 30 minutes.

Free. Events may have separate charges.

Iglesia Catolica De Fray Casiano

8:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

Parada 7

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Iglesia Catolica De Fray Casiano, built in 1921 in Puntarenas, Costa Rica, features Spanish colonial architecture and serves as an important cultural and religious landmark for the community.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free. Donations appreciated for maintenance and community events.

Iglesia de Palmital

8:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

Montes de Oro

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Iglesia de Palmital is a historic church in Puntarenas, Costa Rica, known for its striking architecture and cultural significance in the local community.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free, though donations are welcomed for maintenance and community activities.

Iglesia de Lagunillas

8:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

Lagunillas

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Iglesia de Lagunillas, built in 1893, offers cultural and historical insight into Costa Rica's religious architecture and community life.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free. Donations are appreciated during special events.

Macaw Sanctuary Natuwa

9:00 AM-5:00 PM

Nature reserve

South Plaza Deportes 1km Aranjuez

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Macaw Sanctuary Natuwa protects animals affected by human actions like hunting and habitat destruction. It offers refuge to macaws and other wildlife, helping them recover and, in some cases, return to the wild.

Duration: approx. 1-2 hours

5

Macaw Sanctuary El Manantial

9:00 AM-4:00 PM

Landmark

1km Plaza deportes Santuario NATUWA

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Macaw Sanctuary El Manantial is an animal park in Puntarenas, Costa Rica. It focuses on the conservation of the Scarlet Macaw, offering visitors a chance to see these colorful birds up close and learn about their importance in the ecosystem.

Duration: approx. 1-2 hours

$15

Playa Guacalillo

8:00 AM-6:00 PM

Beach

Costa Rica

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Playa Guacalillo is a beautiful beach located in Puntarenas, known for its great surfing waves. The beach offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and opportunities for wildlife spotting, including birds and marine life.

Duration: approx. 2-3 hours

Free

Up in the Cloud Forest

8:00 AM-4:00 PM

National Park

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Up in the Cloud Forest offers stunning views and diverse wildlife. Visitors can see colorful birds and unique plants in a beautiful setting.

Duration: approx. 2-3 hours

$15

Puntarenas

24 hours

Landmark

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Puntarenas is a modest beach located in a residential area of Costa Rica. Visitors can enjoy the calm waters and the beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean.

Duration: approx. 1-2 hours

Free