• 350,000 people will directly benefit from the new hospital, which replaces the old building that was damaged by an earthquake ten years ago. San José, January 31, 2025.- Costa Rica marks a new chapter in the history of its social security system with the inauguration of the Monseñor Víctor Manuel Sanabria Martínez Hospital in Puntarenas, the largest and most modern hospital in Central America with the capacity to attend more than 350,000 people in a timely manner with state-of-the-art technology. The new 75,000-square-meter, five-story building will strengthen medical care in the central Pacific region of the country with a wide range of specialized services, including hospitalization, outpatient surgery, emergencies, operating and delivery rooms, intensive care, medical and gynecological oncology, chemotherapy, hemodynamics, optometry and cardiology, among others. It also has a heliport that will guarantee care for communities in hard-to-reach areas, and is the first hospital in the country with a semi-automated pharmacy service. At the inauguration event, the President of the Republic, Rodrigo Chaves, thanked CABEI for its support in the construction of this important project and emphasized: “a key ally that has made it possible to invest in more than 80% of the hospitals in the country. The total investment for the construction and equipment of this hospital center was $225 million, of which $130.4 million was financed by the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI), as part of the “Hospital Infrastructure and Equipment Renovation Program”, which also allowed for the modernization of other key hospitals in the country. Central American Bank for Economic Integration, All Rights Reserved 2025 19 Apr 2025 22:00:00 GMT?.css-1txiau5-AnswerContainer{color:var(--GlobalColorScheme-Text-secondaryText2);}Santos de Guápiles vs Puntarenas FC on Sat This is 19 of the Primera Division Clausura Predicted lineups are available for the match a few days in advance while the actual lineup will be available about an hour ahead of the match The current head to head record for the teams are Santos de Guápiles 6 win(s) Have scored 5 goals in their last 5 matches Puntarenas FC have won the previous 2 matches against Santos de Guápiles Who won between Santos de Guápiles and Puntarenas FC on Sat 19 Apr 2025 22:00:00 GMT?Santos de Guápiles vs Puntarenas FC on Sat 19 Apr 2025 22:00:00 GMT ended in a 1–1 tie.InsightsHave scored 5 goals in their last 5 matches Santos de Guápiles is playing home against Puntarenas FC on Sat For the Oceans Foundation successfully completed the first stage of its ghost net rescue campaign in Costa de Pájaros removing approximately 15 tons of abandoned fishing nets from the seabed according to social media reports and foundation statements The initiative aims to eliminate these silent killers that harm marine life and promote sustainable fishing practices in Costa Rica’s coastal communities a critical step toward preserving ourcountry’s rich biodiversity Ghost nets are abandoned or discarded fishing gear that continue to trap marine life while damaging coral reefs and seagrass beds an estimated 640,000 tons of ghost gear pollute the oceans according to the Food and Agriculture Organization these nets threaten iconic species like the hawksbill turtle and disrupt artisanal fishing livelihoods exacerbating ocean pollution and habitat loss The cleanup effort united 20 artisanal fishing families The operation was led by Captain Gabriel Ramírez of UDIVE 506 with eight fishing boats navigating the Gulf of Nicoya’s challenging currents organizations including the Parlamento Cívico Ambiental and Cervecería y Bebidas San Roque provided logistical support and assistance with sorting and processing the recovered nets Marine Biology students from the National University (UNA) played a key role by preparing the nets for recycling “Each of us can contribute to the environment This is not for me or for you—it’s for Costa Rica and for marine life,” said Jorge Serendero This cleanup builds on Costa Rica’s leadership in marine conservation with over 30% of its territorial waters protected as of 2021 Fundación For the Oceans plans additional cleanups in 2025 to address ghost nets across Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. Interested individuals can contact For the Oceans Foundation at info@fortheoceansfoundation.org or +506 8875-9393 to volunteer, donate, or learn about upcoming initiatives to safeguard the oceans. The new production facility is located in Puntarenas has a well-established fishing industry and strategic proximity to maritime trade routes,onestopmap | Pixabay.comAlimentos Prosalud (APS) a Latin American company specializing in seafood processing and distribution recently inaugurated a new pet food production facility in El Roble marks APS’s entry into the pet food sector as part of its broader strategy for growth over the next five years was chosen for its thriving fishing industry and strategic access to maritime trade routes this expansion is expected to enhance its international presence The company aims to address the increasing demand for premium pet food products particularly in Central America and North America where pet ownership and spending on pet nutrition continue to grow APS also introduced its premium wet pet food brand, Vital Nutrition which has been developed based on market research the product is formulated with input from food technologists animal nutritionists and industry experts and is fortified with essential vitamins and minerals to enhance both nutritional value and palatability for pets The new plant represents an investment of $10 million and has a daily production capacity of 500,000 canned pet food units It operates under international food safety and quality standards Sustainability initiatives at the facility include optimizing raw material usage and implementing energy-efficient processes including the repurposing of tuna by-products into fishmeal The production facility also employs over 1,500 people directly and supports an additional 5,000 indirect jobs contributing to Costa Rica’s economic landscape Recent expansion efforts have led to the hiring of more than 150 new employees the growth of its pet food division will likely shape its role in regional and international markets By submitting this form, you acknowledge that use of your data is governed by our Privacy Policy. you agree to receive texts or calls regarding your subscription or other WATT products and services Please call +1 (847) 400-5960 for custom support 12 Apr 2025 02:00:00 GMT?.css-1txiau5-AnswerContainer{color:var(--GlobalColorScheme-Text-secondaryText2);}Puntarenas FC won 1–0 over Deportiva San Carlos on Sat This is 17 of the Primera Division Clausura The current head to head record for the teams are Puntarenas FC 5 win(s) Puntarenas FC and Deportiva San Carlos have not drawn any of their last 3 matches against each other Have scored 3 goals in their last 5 matches Brian Martinez is the competition's top scorer (14) Who won between Puntarenas FC and Deportiva San Carlos on Sat 12 Apr 2025 02:00:00 GMT?Puntarenas FC won 1–0 over Deportiva San Carlos on Sat 12 Apr 2025 02:00:00 GMT.InsightsHave scored 6 goals in their last 5 matches Puntarenas FC is playing home against Deportiva San Carlos on Sat COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER With just six matchdays of the regular Clausura season remaining things are really starting to heat up in Costa Rican football we’re kicking off a weekly roundup of all the drama and key moments from the Liga FPD In the first match of the round on Saturday seventh place Pérez Zeledón defeated second-bottom San Carlos away from home thanks to goals from Uruguayan defensive midfielder Joaquín Aguirre (his 14th of the season) and veteran center-back Kevin Fajardo San Carlos top goal scorer Brian Martínez was also sent off late on to further compound their woes Bottom-place Santa Ana (in both the Clausura and aggregate table) and tenth-placed Guanacasteca played out a goalless draw Deportivo Saprissa secured a vital 1-0 victory away to ninth-placed Sporting San José thanks to an early goal from former Tico stalwart Kendall Waston joint on points with fourth-placed Cartaginés who themselves earned a valuable point at Herediano Los Azules took the lead early in the second half through midfielder Douglas López before loanee defender Diego Mesén scored an own goal with 13 minutes to play to ensure the match ended all square The dropped points for Herediano meant that Puntarenas leapt to the top of the league thanks to a 1-1 draw away to Liberia The home side equalized late on through Mexican Jesús Henestrosa after midfielder Dariel Castrillo put Puntarenas ahead just before half-time Alajuelense beat Santos de Guápiles at home thanks to a double from forward Jonathan Moya meaning they sit level on points with Herediano in third La Liga eased to a comfortable win over a solid Santos de Guápiles side with a dominant display keeping a clean sheet and conceding just one shot on their goal keeping themselves within touching distance of the top spot Join us next week for more from the ever-exciting world of Costa Rican top flight football , When passengers disembark their ship at the cruise pier in Puntarenas they can expect to be greeted by a friendly local couple and handed a self-guided walking tour brochure with a map Martha and Cabell Cropper are proud of their town and want day visitors to appreciate it That’s why they had the brochures printed and why they set up an information table to welcome passengers and point them in the right direction ships drop anchor in the heart of Puntarenas so most points of interest are just steps from the pier the city of 122,000 is situated on a narrow spit of land that juts into the Gulf of Nicoya Only five streets wide at its broadest point Puntarenas is included on many Panama Canal cruises that visit Caribbean and Pacific ports on fall winter and spring itineraries that begin or end in California or Florida In its heyday the town was a thriving coffee-exporting center and a favorite weekend escape for residents of the capital city of San Jose Puntarenas has been through some hard times Puntarenas will receives more than 70 cruise ship calls each season Lindblad and Star Clippers) dock at Puerto Caldera a modern cargo facility about 10 miles down the coast Many passengers who arrive in Puntarenas immediately get on tour buses or boats for beach visits or eco-tourism adventures and never spend time in town But others like the idea of sticking close to their ship and touring by foot These are the people that Martha and Cabell Cropper “When Martha and I took up permanent residence in Puntarenas in early 2017 we knew we wanted to be involved in efforts to strengthen tourism in Puntarenas,” Cabell said “We had always heard that cruise ships in Puntarenas did not contribute much to the economy of Puntarenas since cruise ship passengers purchased packaged tours that took them to other places of interest in Costa Rica we observed people coming off the cruise ships who did not purchase packaged tours There was no information available about attractions in Puntarenas so most people looked at the souvenir stands and perhaps purchased something to drink in one of the restaurants near the pier so they could use Wi-Fi When the Croppers decided to develop a brochure they shopped the proposal to various public institutions responsible for tourism development in Puntarenas but with no success we affiliated with a new NGO (non-governmental organization) a group of Puntarenas residents working to improve the quality of life in Puntarenas,” Cabell said “To pay for printing we set up a GoFundMe site With donations to the GoFundMe campaign and financial support from the National University of Distance Education (UNED) we printed 3,250 brochures and began greeting visitors from cruise ships in October 2018.” The brochure includes historical/cultural places as well as drug stores “the community and public agencies began to realize that ‘no cruise ship passengers stayed in Puntarenas’ was a false narrative and have offered to collaborate with us on offering a more welcoming environment to international visitors,” Cabell said Before setting out on a walking tour of Puntarenas You’ll find air-conditioning in some areas of the Parque Marino del Pacifico an aquarium attraction and conservation center a few blocks from the cruise pier The biggest exhibit tank (with a sea turtle and shark among other creatures) focuses on marine life found at Isla del Coco a remote island off Costa Rica’s Pacific coast and one of the world’s top diving spots Another stop on the tour route is a large plaza dominated by Puntarenas Cathedral a handsome stone landmark built in 1902; its porthole-style windows reflect the town’s maritime heritage A little park north of the church has shaded benches for taking a break a former police station and jail that offers art exhibitions and theater performances cruise visitors may want to check out the seafront promenade it extends about 20 blocks from the cruise pier to the red-and-white-striped lighthouse at its westernmost point (Puntarenas means “sandy point” in Spanish) The pedestrian boulevard borders a palm-lined beach that looks out across the gulf to the Nicoya Peninsula It’s a popular gathering spot at sunset and well into the night had resided since 1985 in northern Virginia before retiring to Puntarenas She met Cabell in 1971 while participating in a multinational volunteer project in Panama They were married in Puntarenas in 1972 and moved to the U.S this concoction of shaved ice with cherry syrup powdered buttermilk and perhaps fruit is topped with sweetened condensed milk Some versions add ice cream and cookie topping the sweet treat dates back to at least the 1940s The original creator smoked a cigar and bore a striking resemblance to the wartime leader of Great Britain Another snack might be a carton of vigorón—crunchy fried pork rinds on a bed of cabbage slaw with boiled yucca Some of Puntarenas’ best restaurants face the Paseo you can enjoy views of the water along with arroz con mariscos (rice with seafood) shrimp and a variety of freshly caught fish Do like the locals and order a beer with ice cubes—it’s refreshing keeps the beer cold in the muggy climate and doesn’t affect the taste Another way to eat local: dig into a casado home-style combo plate that typically includes rice Casado plates can be enjoyed at small eateries called sodas National parks and private wildlife sanctuaries are among the country’s chief tourist draws and Puntarenas is a prime jumping-off point for trips into nature One popular tour goes to Natuwa Wildlife Sanctuary which operates a captive breeding program for two endangered macaw species and also cares for rescued macaws and the Caribbean coast’s great green macaws Visitors also get close-up looks at jaguars A 90-minute boat ride from Puntarenas across the Gulf of Nicoya takes cruise passengers to Tortuga Island an uninhabited paradise blessed with clear turquoise waters Tour participants spend the next few hours splashing in the surf and relaxing in loungers under umbrellas set among tropical almond trees Optional activities include beach volleyball A Celebrity Cruises shore excursion combines Tortuga Island with a tour of the abandoned prison on San Lucas Island What was once the most dreaded prison in the Costa Rican penal system today is a national park site with crumbling buildings rusted metal and grounds overgrown with vegetation Peeks into the old cells reveal well-preserved graffiti Costa Rica’s answer to Alcatraz housed up to 300 prisoners Tales of the harsh conditions were chronicled by former inmate Jose Leon Sanchez (now 94 years old) in his book La Isla de los Hombres Solos (The Isle of the Lonely Men) available in English as God was Looking the Other Way He spent 30 years in the jail for a crime he didn’t commit Whether you prefer to poke around Puntarenas or make it a launching pad for adventures farther afield it’s comforting to know that little Costa Rica is a safe stable country that welcomes North Americans The tourism infrastructure is well-developed Puntarenas makes a good introduction to the charms of Costa Rica and its central Pacific coast low-key day in port and look for the smiling faces of goodwill ambassadors Cabell and Martha Cropper when you get off the ship and venture into their town For more information, check out the Costa Rica Tourism Board’s website, www.visitcostarica.com Head to the Cruises section for more great content like this, and be sure to Subscribe for FREE to Leisure Group Travel Copyright Premier Travel Media | Privacy Policy • More than 350,000 people will benefit from the new structure and expansion of health services in the Central Pacific region of the country. San José, November 11th, 2023 - With an impressive 85% completion rate, the new Monseñor Sanabria Hospital in Puntarenas is about to open its doors and ensure timely, modern and high quality health services to more than 350,000 Costa Ricans thanks to the support of the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI), which has played a key role in financing its construction and equipment. The new hospital will replace the old structure that had been severely affected by the Nicoya earthquake in 2015, and will expand its care capacity with 300 hospital beds and 32 neonatology beds, as well as 64 consulting rooms and 14 operating rooms.  It will also enable the first semi-automated medicine dispensing service in the country. The cost of the project is US$225 million, of which CABEI is financing US$130.4 million and the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS), the public institution in charge of social security in Costa Rica, is financing the remaining amount; a joint effort that demonstrates the commitment to the wellbeing of the population and sustainable development, which has also generated 2,000 direct jobs during the construction phase. The CABEI funds come from the "Hospital Infrastructure and Equipment Renovation Program" approved for US$270 million for the Republic of Costa Rica, which was also used to build and equip new medical towers at La Anexión Hospital in Guanacaste and the Rafael Ángel Calderón Guardia Hospital in San José. 30 Mar 2025 17:00:00 GMT?.css-1txiau5-AnswerContainer{color:var(--GlobalColorScheme-Text-secondaryText2);}C.S Cartaginés won 1–0 over Puntarenas FC on Sun Cartaginés is playing home against Puntarenas FC on Sun This is 15 of the Primera Division Clausura The current head to head record for the teams are C.S Have scored 6 goals in their last 5 matches 30 Mar 2025 17:00:00 GMT.InsightsHave scored 5 goals in their last 5 matches The Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewerage (AyA) reported that the Barranca River has been contaminated with fungicides after a truck carrying agricultural chemicals overturned and spilled into one of the river’s basins This incident has left over 100,000 people without potable water in the Puntarenas and Esparza regions Studies released on Wednesday revealed that 7,000 milligrams per liter of the contaminant were detected far exceeding the regulatory limit of 0.1 milligram per liter AyA authorities have advised that water reaching pipes in affected communities should only be used for cleaning purposes and not for consumption This warning also applies to water from four wells that have been available since earlier this week emphasized that the institution is not at fault for the contamination “Going more than three days without water is chaotic but it is important to understand that AyA is not responsible for this incident,” Quesada stated Mancozeb levels are 70,000 times higher than the permitted limit Mancozeb, a fungicide widely used in the agricultural sector, provides protection against a wide spectrum of fungal diseases, including potato blight, leaf spot, scab, and rust. Quesada stressed that the company responsible for the spill must carry out the necessary clean-up work, and until that is completed, the water cannot be declared safe for consumption. As of Saturday, AyA has closed the water treatment plant on the banks of the Barranca River, which serves Puntarenas and Esparza. Schools in Esparza, Barranca, and Chacarita, Puntarenas, remained closed as of yesterday. AyA’s executive president urged the community to adhere to the established guidelines, as consuming contaminated water could pose significant health risks. According to the Ministry of Health, potential problems include vomiting, dizziness, stomach pain, diarrhea, skin irritations, and other discomforts. “We do not take people’s health lightly,” Quesada added. “We ask for the public’s understanding; we will announce when the water is confirmed to be potable.” This is 22 of the Primera Division Clausura The current head to head record for the teams are Puntarenas FC 1 win(s) Have scored 4 goals in their last 5 matches Puntarenas FC is playing home against Santa Ana FC on Wed Costa Rican Police Forces will implement “Operativo Pacífico” in the province of Puntarenas during the coming weeks, as informed by the director of the Judicial Investigation Organism (OIJ), Randall Zúñiga. “For us, it is very important to make this type of effort to lower crime and to carry out our work. It is our desire to bring a little more peace and tranquility to this beloved province,” the OIJ director said. The OIJ pointed out that the work will be focused on the central canton of Puntarenas, as it is one of the areas that has suffered a crime onslaught. Nonetheless, the Ministry of Security added that the operations include the districts of Barranca, Chacarita, El Roble, Esparza, and the center of Puntarenas. The entire operation involves 130 police officers and 40 OIJ agents. The Vice Minister of Security, Erick Lacayo, described that the actions and the investment of personnel in Puntarenas seek to prevent and contain crimes. “We have coordinated information, events that have occurred and, jointly, we are intervening in the different problem areas. Here there are a series of factors, that have facilitated and enabled criminal activity to develop,” Lacayo mentioned. The vice minister stressed that the active presence of minors in criminal structures also obliges them to develop a differentiated approach to this problem. In Puntarenas, the authorities have identified different groups that are disputing territories. Along with these repressive actions, they will also develop preventive work with children and young people. The duration of the operation will be evaluated according to the results obtained. As of Friday afternoon, the OIJ reported 461 homicides nationwide, 90 of them in Puntarenas, which is the third most violent province, after San José and Limón. In January, the Security and Judicial authorities deployed a similar operation in Limón and in that period, the wave of homicides in the Costa Rican Caribbean was contained. 06 Apr 2025 21:00:00 GMT?.css-1txiau5-AnswerContainer{color:var(--GlobalColorScheme-Text-secondaryText2);}AD Municipal Liberia vs Puntarenas FC on Sun This is 16 of the Primera Division Clausura The current head to head record for the teams are AD Municipal Liberia 3 win(s) Who won between AD Municipal Liberia and Puntarenas FC on Sun 06 Apr 2025 21:00:00 GMT?AD Municipal Liberia vs Puntarenas FC on Sun 06 Apr 2025 21:00:00 GMT ended in a 1–1 tie.InsightsHave scored 4 goals in their last 5 matches AD Municipal Liberia is playing home against Puntarenas FC on Sun Travelers to Costa Rica need to exercise caution as there are numerous regions of the nations that pose risks A report showed that several of Costa Rica’s most favored tourist spots are also one of the most hazardous for guests Manuel Antonio and Jacó are at the forefront of locations with the greatest incidence of robbery and attack reports This year, 500 international visitors reported thefts to the Judicial Investigation. Organization (OIJ). Based on OIJ statistics, 108 citizens from the U.S., 52 from Germany, and 44 from Canada, 33 French citizens, 22 Spaniards, and 15 Swiss individuals have fallen victim. Locations like Puerto Viejo, Jacó, and Puntarenas have additionally reported offenses, primarily against Costa Ricans, with 55 filed complaints. The majority of offenses reported to the police include theft, robbery, shoplifting, and vehicle hijacking. Recently, the U.S. State Department released a revised travel alert, cautioning its residents regarding the dangers linked to the escalating surge of violence in Costa Rica. Visitors need to stay alert, steer clear of dimly lit spaces, and refrain from showing any valuable items. Costa Rica anticipates unprecedented tourist figures for this peak season. The nation seeks to maintain its growth in tourism while exploring new markets. Nonetheless, it is essential to strengthen security on a national scale to guarantee the safety and well-being. 16 Mar 2025 02:00:00 GMT?.css-1txiau5-AnswerContainer{color:var(--GlobalColorScheme-Text-secondaryText2);}Puntarenas FC won 1–0 over Municipal Pérez Zeledón on Sun This is 13 of the Primera Division Clausura The current head to head record for the teams are Municipal Pérez Zeledón 15 win(s) Who won between Municipal Pérez Zeledón and Puntarenas FC on Sun 16 Mar 2025 02:00:00 GMT?Puntarenas FC won 1–0 over Municipal Pérez Zeledón on Sun 16 Mar 2025 02:00:00 GMT.InsightsHave scored 4 goals in their last 5 matches Municipal Pérez Zeledón is playing home against Puntarenas FC on Sun President Rodrigo Chaves announced at a press conference in Puntarenas that his government plans to resume studies to reinstate trawling Trawling is a non-selective method widely used to catch fish and marine invertebrates It involves dragging a net through the water behind one or more boats This net captures many species that are not the primary target including fish of both commercial and non-commercial interest President Chaves emphasized that the Constitutional Chamber had previously annulled the studies that had been conducted “The great misfortune is that the studies the Constitutional Chamber demanded and which the Government made efforts to carry out some participants violated restricted areas the government officially authorized new trawling studies authorities announced the detention of three vessels participating in the surveys for fishing in protected waters INCOPESCA’s Research Department acknowledged staff and budget limitations that hinder progress on the project’s objectives the studies remain paralyzed until the lawsuit filed by MarViva is resolved the President announced at the Government Council in Puntarenas that the Government would conduct new technical studies to reactivate shrimp fishing in Costa Rican waters Trawl fishing has been banned in Costa Rica since 2013 by order of the Constitutional Chamber which determined that the practice harms the environment former President Carlos Alvarado vetoed a law to reintroduce trawling a practice opposed by environmentalists and artisanal fishermen due to its detrimental effects on the seafloor and various species The Constitutional Court has reiterated that to reinstate trawling there must be significant reductions in bycatch consistency with sustainable development principles and consideration of factors like ecosystem interactions the regenerative capacity of affected systems Great news for the communtiy of Santa Teresa and the surrounding areas: after six years of battles the Municipal Council of Cóbano announced the paving of streets and the improvement and rehabilitation of the drainage and roadway systems between Playa del Carmen and Quebrada del Carmen With approximately 218 kilometers of road network 90% of these roads are currently made of ballast and dirt especially during the dry season when vehicle traffic generates large amounts of dust This progress is another achievement by lawyer and environmentalist Walter Brenes, who began his fight in February 2018 to secure the authorization for the repair and paving of roads in Santa Teresa Brenes filed a lawsuit against the council and made significant efforts to reach this important agreement for the region which holds considerable importance for the local tourism industry Brenes requested that the Municipality of Puntarenas and the Council of the District of Cóbano be ordered to construct a new road covering 21 kilometers of the Montezuma route including Entronque Ruta Nacional 624 and Playa Cocal del Peñón A final settlement agreement was reached between Brenes and the council Mayor of the Municipal Council of the District of Cóbano The agreement was then submitted to the Municipal Council of Puntarenas for approval Several communities will benefit from the road reconstruction The latter will now have paved access to the beach the project will include the repair of the storm drainage system the installation of vertical and horizontal signage Santa Teresa, a rapidly growing tourist destination known for its beaches and natural beauty, has long struggled with poor road conditions. This is why Wálter Brenes, a lawyer and renowned surfer was determined to secure the paving and reconstruction of the streets in this thriving community Sign Up for Our Monthly Explorer Newsletter During a May visit following Expotur, Costa Rica’s annual tourism conference, I explored a variety of noteworthy activities and attractions in the northernmost part of the province, which includes a wide swath of the Nicoya peninsula and the area around the provincial capital (also called Puntarenas). Most travelers probably don’t realize that legendary Manuel Antonio National Park is located in Puntarenas province. But the region I visited is even farther north, where I found a land filled with adventure and beauty — including uncrowded wildlife reserves, lovely hotels that offer easy access to nature-based activities and miles of unspoiled beaches far from giant all-inclusive resorts.  The town of Puntarenas — an easy drive of less than two hours from San Jose — is a logical hub for the region. Known by travelers mostly for its role as a cruise port, this picturesque provincial capital is worth exploring. In fact, last year, an organization called Puerto Puede began distributing self-guided walking tour maps to arriving cruise passengers. The efforts were to encourage them to spend more time there, instead of joining guided tours to farther-flung sites in Costa Rica.  The waterfront promenade is a pleasure to stroll, and visitors to Puntarenas can also stop at the tiny Sacred Heart Cathedral, which dates to 1902; Casa de la Cultura, a former jail that now hosts art exhibits and live theater; and Parque Marino del Pacifico, which is billed as Costa Rica’s only aquarium, where rescued and injured marine life are among the draws. Also focused on rescuing and preserving local wildlife is Natuwa Wildlife Sanctuary, a shelter where colorful birds as well as tapirs, spider monkeys, marmosets and jaguars are some of the residents. And at Curu Wildlife Refuge, visitors can spot everything from orange-fronted parakeets and howler monkeys to crocodiles.  Beach lovers might want to sign up with a local tour operator such as Pura Vida Expeditions, which offers daytrips to Isla Tortuga, an island that’s home to a pristine beach, with plenty of time for snorkeling, jet skiing and other water-based activities. Accommodations around northern Puntarenas are varied, with several unique options. Vacationers looking for modern comforts in the capital town should consider Puerto Azul Boutique Resort & Marina, a well-maintained property with two swimming pools and wonderful tower suites with multiple bedrooms and balconies that offer spectacular views. Puerto Azul’s on-site marina, meanwhile, is a perfect place to join scenic boat rides into the nearby mangroves.  Located on the southern part of the Nicoya peninsula is Tambor Tropical, a nature-focused, adults-only oasis with wood villas set on verdant grounds. The property, which has a swimming pool and an excellent on-site restaurant — offers packages that focus on a variety of specific interests, including birding, yoga, honeymooning and stand-up paddleboarding. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tambor Tropical Beach Resort (@tambortropical) on Sep 1 Another unique hotel experience is offered at Isla Chiquita which is advertised as the first and only island “glamping” experience in Costa Rica the property has no air conditioning or televisions The on-site restaurant serves tasty fresh seafood and the 15 handsomely appointed tents are lined with teak wood furnished with large beds and have minibars A more indulgent accommodation option debuted this year when Isla Chiquita introduced the Sunset Master Suite a thatch-roofed accommodation that sits at the top of a hill with commanding views of the water The expansive suite has a large deck with open-air seating area as well as a hot tub With so many enticing ways to experience the northern part of Puntarenas province it would certainly take several visits to get to know this region better — and that would be an enjoyable challenge The DetailsCosta Rica Tourism Boardwww.visitcostarica.com/en Curu Wildlife Refugewww.curuwildliferefuge.com Isla Chiquitawww.islachiquitacostarica.com Natuwawww.natuwa.com Puerto Azul Boutique Resort & Marinawww.puertoazulboutiqueresort.com Pura Vida Expeditionswww.puravidaexpeditionscr.com Tambor Tropicalwww.tambortropical.com Copyright © 2025 Northstar Travel Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. 301 Route 17 N, Suite 1150, Rutherford, NJ 07070 USA | Telephone: (201) 902-2000 An official website of the United States government A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website Share sensitive information only on official Emergency Information for American Citizens Estados Unidos y Costa Rica están ¡Juntos por Puntarenas Embassy announced Juntos por Puntarenas (Together for Puntarenas) an initiative that highlights our contribution to the province of Puntarenas’s security and prosperity jointly with the government of Costa Rica Investments are nearly USD $11 million in new security assistance as well as economic and educational opportunities this effort includes a range of new programs and financial support  This initiative expands the Sembremos Seguridad program and communities that strengthens community security and repels the influence of organized crime and cultural programs for youth in the province Together for Puntarenas represents other new projects including the construction of a pier and a Coast Guard station in Puntarenas and new projects for Puntarenas youth and women entrepreneurs Ambassador Cynthia Telles highlighted the importance of collaboration as the key to progress and expressed her commitment to “work hand-in-hand so that the Pearl of the Pacific is a place of hope and future for the following generations.” The Minister of Public Security Mario Zamora indicated that “the United States is an ally that works in support of Costa Rica and its inhabitants as demonstrated by this project in Puntarenas; which we highlight and appreciate.” The initiative includes current and future investments: We use cookies to make our website work better and improve your experience The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes Manage options Manage services Manage {vendor_count} vendors Read more about these purposes View preferences {title} {title} {title} it is used when the user is redirected after login const message = sessionStorage.getItem( 'tcb_toast_message' ); 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again the village of Puntarenas is a 20-minute cab ride from this port at the far end of which are a few souvenir shops and a sitting area with restrooms You'll be able to pick up gifts -- jewelry Costa Rican coffee -- from local vendors but no food or drinks; spring for the bottled water for sale onboard your ship if you'd like to carry something with you you are steps away from the base of the main tourist drag -- Paseo de los Turistas which is a wide walkway replete with shopping and dining options that runs parallel to the beach There's also a cruise terminal across the street from the dock perimeter with restrooms and other facilities The port offers complimentary shuttle service from the gangway to the main exit if you don't want to walk; it's about 250 yards Petty theft can be a problem; use the same common sense precautions as you would anywhere else in the world Leave whatever cash and valuables you don't need behind From Puerto Caldera: The nearest town of interest The cost at press time was $25 one way for two passengers ($15 for one) or $50 roundtrip -- and the driver will either wait for you or come back for you We recommend taking only "official" taxis which are always red with a yellow triangle on the door There's also a colorful bus that offers a two-hour roundtrip guided tour into Puntarenas for $20 per person The tour offers quick visits to the fish market and local cathedral If you aren't interested in going into town either on the ship or from an independent operator Tour operators also show up on the pier to sell to those folks who want to see Puntarenas with a guide or experience eco-tours -- zip-lining -- independently from their cruise line's shore excursions department From Puntarenas: Ships deposit passengers onto the Paseo de los Turistas The local currency is the Costa Rican colon; on our trip whether you are visiting for a day or for a few before a cruise you don't necessarily have to change money; vendors and taxi drivers are happy to accept U.S Just note that you'll likely get change in colones -- so you may not want to break big bills though taxi drivers and other ticos (locals) working in the tourist areas speak at least some English a commercial port that's about a 20-minute cab ride away from the town Some lines will use Puerto Caldera because it is protected by a windbreak but both ports offer access to the same attractions and shore tours 1fr));}@media screen and (min-width: 576px){.css-vz9jrm{grid-template-columns:repeat(1 1fr));}}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.css-vz9jrm{grid-template-columns:repeat(2 1fr));}}@media screen and (min-width: 1024px){.css-vz9jrm{grid-template-columns:repeat(3 1fr));}}@media screen and (min-width: 1284px){.css-vz9jrm{grid-template-columns:repeat(4 ShareSaveLifestyleTravel5 Great Local Meals in Puntarenas, Costa RicaByAdrienne Jordan Puntarenas is Costa Rica's largest province which spans Manuel Antonio National Park along the Pacific Coast in the north and the southern tip that touches Panama The region is replete with outdoor adventure where you can ATV through the soaring elevations of the mountains or maneuver the white water rapids down the Cordillera de Tilaran Traditional dishes are plentiful in Costa Rica The Gallo pinto (or "spotted rooster") is the national dish of Costa Rica Other popular dishes are arroz con pollo-rice with chicken stirred up and casados (mixed plates of food that consist of a protein Here are 5 local meals to try if you find yourself in Puntarenas: Planted in the village of Tarcoles (named after the Tarcoles River the Soda el Guacimo is as local as it gets There is no electricity or gas in the main kitchen the meals simmer inside large stainless steel pots over the all-wood fire kitchen For a traditional desayuno- or breakfast- you can order the Blue Runner fish with rice and beans which a type of fish usually used locally as bait Or if you're more of a chicken person you can choose the arroz con pollo which comes as rice and chicken mixed together along with a small tomato and lettuce salad In Pocares, following an Airbnb Experiences ATV tour you can have lunch on the family’s local property consisting of traditional Costa Rican cuisine: rice and sweet and spicy chicken prepared with the native Lizano salsa and seasoned with wild cilantro from the property's garden you stop off for an early dinner at the local Soda Garabito The restaurant is located in the bustling town of Jaco and offers a cafeteria style serving where you can order different dishes by a la carte One well-balanced meal could consist of fish you can order chicken flavored with local spices; white rice; black beans; slaw; and wrap it all up with a tortilla Antonio will send you a list of local experiences in the Punta Arenas area One of those suggestions is for a “Costa Rican Breakfast Served at the House” for $9.00 per person The a la carte options come with your choice of eggs; Costa Rica rice & beans ("Gallo Pinto"); plantains; breakfast potatoes; and fruit juice After a few heavy meals, you can get some cardio in (especially upper body) with the Kayak Jaco tour company which leads excursions along a stretch of a beautiful rocky outcrop along the Gulf of Nicoya in the Central Pacific region you pass by a cow farm down a smooth 2 km dirt road After maneuvering about 40 minutes or so in your kayak on the ocean the tour stops for an hour on the private Limencito beach which is covered with soft ash-colored sand television fishing host and lure designer Larry Dahlberg spent five days in Puntarenas with MakeLure President Mike Faupel and Brad Roberts teaching a group of women the art of lure making This wasn’t a group just looking for a hobby All these women were shrimp peelers from different co-ops who lost their jobs when shrimp trawling was banned in Costa Rica. Many are heads of households and looking for a way to get by They pick up small jobs when some shrimp are imported or farm raised They see manufacturing fishing lures as a way to help them get by After several months of trail and error and refining their skills they are ready to introduce their first products The women named their company Brujas del Mar (Sea Witches) because of their life-long association with the ocean Their slogan explains it all: “Produced by women with the ocean in the soul.” They will introduce their first items this weekend at Ferimar Navidena 2019 in Puntarenas The Brujas del Mar will debut their first products there just in time for the fishing season Popper fishing has become extremely popular here in Costa Rica jacks and more inshore and for yellowfin tuna offshore The Brujas popper can compete with any off them as far as quality and strength as poppers really take a beating here from powerful fish with a mouth full of teeth Flor Rivera heads the group of women and help from FECOP and the University Latina all helped in the beginning but the girls are now trying to be successful on their own Trying to get this off the ground and manage a household at the same time show the strength and determination of this group Poppers and topwater lures will be on sale at the Feria The prices will run between $10 and $20 each depending on the size For more information — or if you can’t make it to the Feria but are interested — contact 6107-3023 Todd Staley has run fishing sport operations on both coasts of Costa Rica for more than 25 years He recently decided to take some time off to devote full-time to marine conservation and is the communications director at FECOP Residents near Costa Rica’s Central Pacific coast awoke Thursday to a strange but familiar sight was arriving to the port city of Puntarenas — an unusual occurrence during the global travel slowdown provoked by the coronavirus The ship is docking in Costa Rica in order to disembark three Tico crew members who had expressed their desire to return to their country according to a press release from the Health Ministry No other person will leave the Seven Seas Navigator a luxury liner owned by Regent Seven Seas Cruises The three Costa Ricans will meet Immigration Police be tested for SARS-CoV-2 and receive a mandatory 14-day home quarantine order “The Pacific Port Authority (INCOP) will execute its protocol for care and prevention of the coronavirus CCSS nurses will apply the appropriate tests on site and officials from the Ministry of Health will notify the quarantine to the nationals,” INCOP said in a statement The last port of call for the cruise ship was in Los Angeles on April 22 The vessel reported on April 27 that it none of its 342 crew members had demonstrated symptoms of the coronavirus will be restocked with food and water before departing Costa Rican waters Until the coronavirus crisis paralyzed international travel Costa Rica had expected to receive at least 220 cruise ships during the 2019-20 season Costa Rica has banned tourists and non-resident foreigners from entering the country until at least May 15 and residents who departed Costa Rica prior to March 24 are among the only people who can legally enter the country Latest UpdatesCountries Why Join?IL MagazineFree Daily E-LetterVideoOur ExpertsTestimonialsFAQsTopics Kathleen's passion for travel has taken her to over 100 countries on 6 continents and 40+ cruise experiences She and her husband have been full-time expats since 2013 with a footprint in both Malta and Costa Rica If you are researching the best places to live (or visit) in Costa Rica with just a few keystrokes of an online search you’ll be presented with hundreds of suggestions there is not much warning about places to avoid But you will find few suggestions of places not to live or even visit Learn more about Costa Rica and other countries in our daily postcard e-letter Simply enter your email address below and we’ll send you a FREE REPORT - Explore the Old World in Laidback Costa Rica There are several neighborhoods in the San José area that are considered violent and/or dangerous El Infiernillo (the little hell) would be considered one of them Located northwest of the town center of Alajuela and Juan Santamaria International Airport there is no reason for expats or tourists to spend time there Most of the violence and bloodshed in the area comes from rival gangs’ drug wars The neighborhood has become the main distribution point for marijuana This densely populated neighborhood on the northern fringes of San José has long been known for its extreme poverty and high instances of crime and drug use It has been a conflicted area since surrounding municipalities relocated high-risk residents to a government housing project located there—and since then mini-slums have popped up surrounding the project Although there have been government-funded attempts to rehabilitate the area it still remains on the list of places to avoid Other dangerous San José neighborhoods to avoid include Los Guido As well as the El Carmen neighborhood in nearby Cartago most crime in these places is related to financial inequities and drugs The city of Limón is not a popular place for expats or vacationers receiving and exporting a whopping 80% of the country’s shipping services Port cities tend to have a seedy edge in general This is also the epicenter of Costa Rica’s drug trafficking sea route It is a perfect stop-off point for highly concentrated Jamaican marijuana and Colombian cocaine routed onward to satisfy the demand in North America Tortuguero National Park consists of hundreds of waterways that are used for moving covert shipments heading to Europe Limón City has the highest rate of unemployment and organized crime in the country Cieneguita is a small suburb located southeast of the cruise ship terminal Although they have nice views of the Caribbean The neighborhood experiences numerous homicides But one never knows who might get caught in the crossfire The cruise ships highly encourage passengers to go on tours from this port and it is not unusual to see buses lined up ready to take unsuspecting tourists to other fantastic experiences in the area—of which there are many It's best to skip the city and head south to the breathtaking beach communities located north and south of Puerto Viejo Limón is also the name of the entire Caribbean side province so that it can get a little confusing the entire province is not seedy or undesirable is a large agricultural region located in Alajuela province bordering Nicaragua There is a high concentration of low-income Nicaraguans who have fled their home country in search of a better life Humanitarian workers have been threatened at knifepoint there and it is deemed to be dangerous for aid workers Lacking in the features most expats prefer this would not be a place most would feel comfortable calling “home” I am slightly hesitant to add this final city to the list because at a glance (especially from an aerial view) the city perched on a peninsula on the mid-Pacific coast Puntarenas City is also a manufacturing and port city next to the shipping caldera It happens to be another main stop for the cruise ships; conversely The tourism industry has done its best at the cruise terminal to put a little lipstick on the launching point But the reality is the city has socio-economic problems This is another case of cruise ship passengers being carted off quickly to other tourist activities in the area The city is identified on the list of high-risk areas by the Red Cross for safety concerns Most of the Puntarenas province is naturally beautiful and a highly sought-after location for expats you will be hard-pressed to find English speakers (locals or expats) in any of these cities or neighborhoods you will not find a supportive expat community That part may not be important to every potential expat but safety and security should be—especially for a gringo living in a foreign country Puntarenas inaugurated last week an oceanside park that intends to help revitalize a previously underutilized area of the port city Muellero Park extends 800 meters from the Pacific Marine Park to Paseo de los Turistas on the Pacific Ocean With architecture modeled after a whale skeleton and other marine wildlife the outdoors area also includes an amphitheater facing the sea The park aims to provide an accessible and comfortable area from which to enjoy sunsets over the Pacific Ocean “This project of a tourist nature seeks to beautify the seafront of the city of Puntarenas in order to boost and revive economic activity in that area and offer national tourists and those arriving on cruises more recreational areas,” said Juan Ramón Rivera president of the Pacific Port Authority (INCOP) Among the other attractions is a lighting system that will “allow the city of Puntarenas to be decorated during special celebrations and commemorative dates.” The Mullero Park project cost 1.2 billion colones ($2.1 million) and was delivered by INCOP to Puntarenas for administration Puntarenas is a popular tourist destination for Costa Ricans and receives several cruise ships each year In addition to the beach and the marine park Puntarenas is a gateway to the southern Nicoya Peninsula via ferry Diálogo Américas Costa Rica continues to deal blows to Caribbean narcotrafficking groups that have shifted their transit routes to the Pacific Ocean According to the Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ) of Costa Rica’s Supreme Court of Justice authorities are increasingly detecting their activities in that region “This can be attributed to different circumstances: The Pacific is a zone easier to transit There are less countries compared to the Caribbean,” Michael Soto and current head of the OIJ’s Plans and Operations Office Costa Rica has a very extensive territorial sea that includes Cocos Island This work could not be done without international support.” Costa Rica has the support of the Panamanian security forces with whom it carries out joint interdictions Colombia also joins this effort by patrolling its territorial sea while the United Statesbrings support with multiple resources to track down and intercept narcotraffickers An example of this cooperation occurred on August 10 the Costa Rican Coast Guard intercepted a boat with 1,300 kilograms of marijuana According to data from Costa Rica’s Institute of Security and Criminology (ISEC) 70 percent of the drugs that cross the country are transported by sea The remaining 30 percent is transited by land or airplanes according to ISEC,70 percent of homicides are linked to narcotrafficking While murders have gonedown in the capital they went up in the provinces of Limón and Puntarenas “Puntarenas basically depends on two employment factors: fishing and tourism so some fishermen are forced to support offshore transfers,”Eric Villalba Gallo “Both Limón and the Pacific are part of the narco route the Drug Control Police dismantled a clan that engaged in local narcotrafficking ISEC indicates that criminals use Puntarenas more often for clandestine shipments with speedboats criminals use Limón to ship drugs with legitimate cargo in containers via Moín The agency also warns that seizures made by authorities in the Pacific may come from criminal organizations linked to Mexico’s Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation cartels; Colombia’s Clan del Golfo dissidents of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia and the National Liberation Army; as well as‘Ndrangheta If narcotrafficking routes are constantly changing so are criminal groups Whereas authorities identified large cartels in the past allows criminal groups to move individual shipments just for their organization or shipments belonging to different criminal retail groups we need international support and collaboration; this is a battle that is not won by a single country,” Soto concluded and mainly what we call the Southern Triangle For more on security and defense issues around the globe Puntarenas has no shortage of maritime cuisine You’d expect as much from the capital city of the province with the most coastline but there’s another land-based dish that’s emblematic to El Puerto: vigorones It’s almost like an ice cream cone of banana leaves filled with yuca Dozens of carts line city streets and the beach in Puntarenas offering this local dish Some heavily transited areas have clusters of older women advertising vigorones has been selling vigorones in Puntarenas for nearly 30 years Aside from the typical list of ingredients Grace says the key is to add both yellow and purple onions she likes to add a special dose of love and care to her vigorones but we did love the blend of textures and tastes this dish offers or you can have the full experience and have all the ingredients funneled into a cone of banana leaves You’ll probably need a plastic bag if you chose the latter especially when you start digging into this pile of crunchy refreshing goodness A bed of cold cabbage lines the bottom followed by boiled yuca giving a nice neutral and absorbing balance to this dish The pork belly adds the goodness all meat does and the rinds give the vigorón a nice crisp crunch you got a nice dollop of limey chimichurri Now you’re ready to take your beautiful bag of vigorón on a romantic sunset walk along the beach and you’re left with nothing but a soggy bag of limey memories chances are you’re only a few meters away from the next vigorón cart there’s a longstanding and fierce debate about whether this dish is traditionally Costa Rican or Nicaraguan it’s something the people of Puntarenas have come to strongly identify as a food that represents them and their port city Costa Rican authorities on Thursday announced the initiation of earthworks tasks for the new Monseñor Sanabria Hospital in Puntarenas “Puntarenas will have the Caja’s most ambitious project in the 21st century innovative and highly technological center; it is the hospital model of the future This historic news fills us with satisfaction,” said President Carlos Alvarado The new Monseñor Sanabria hospital will cost $225 million and will be Costa Rica’s largest hospital project since Hospital Mexico was built in the 1960s The construction area will be 72,132 square meters and will be located on a 150,000 square meter site Earthworks tasks will last until February 2022 The Presidency this week didn’t provide an estimated completion date but has said the new hospital won’t be fully ready until 2030 (Some services should open before then.) the new Hospital Monseñor Sanabria is expected to feature interventional cardiology and chemotherapy equipment to provide advanced care for patients without requiring a trip to major medical centers in San José Puntarenas has been in dire need of a new hospital since a 2012 earthquake damaged the current Hospital Monseñor Sanabria building Caja experts concluded that only three floors of the hospital were safe enough to remain operational and recommended the demolition of seven floors Six people were killed Sunday on a farm in Llano Bonito de Buenos Aires according to the Judicial Investigation Police (OIJ) The remaining victims include three men and two women all Costa Rican adults from the Perez Zeledón area though OIJ says the identification process remains preliminary The U.S. citizen was further identified as Stephen Paul Sandusky by La Nacion which reported that the retiree had moved to Costa Rica in the late nineties citizen had contacted a man surnamed Quesada Cascante to repair agricultural machinery on his property his son and the two others arrived at the farm on Sunday morning having not heard from their relatives for several hours family of the Perez Zeledón residents arrived at the farm to search for them and found them dead OIJ did not name persons of interest but indicated robbery was a possible motive for the crime The property is located 3-4 km from the nearest public road in Buenos Aires Many of the bodies were significantly burned and at least three had apparent gunshot wounds Embassy told the Associated Press it could not comment on the case because of privacy concerns An interdisciplinary team from OIJ arrived at the scene Monday to confirm identities and the cause of death The incident would represent the deadliest known multiple homicide in Costa Rica this year. Costa Rica is the most peaceful Central American nation, though its homicide rate remains above the World Health Organization’s benchmark as constituting an epidemic This is a developing story and will be updated with further information Puntarenas has been a popular place for Ticos to spend a day by the seaside since the Pacific railway trains started delivering city-weary josefinos (San José residents) directly to the beach in 1910 What other port city boasts a beach with an ecological thumbs up and awarded the Ecological Blue Flag; guarantees spectacular sunsets; has some of the best seafood restaurants in the country; is home to a beautiful old cathedral and a marine museum with a tank full of sharks; and has inspired three musical odes to its charms a uniquely Puntarenas ice-cream concoction there has been added the new artisan market of Puntarenas which opened to help serve the cruise passengers that arrive into port here as well as locals and tourists that visit the area This modern market area will be comprised of not only artisans from Costa Rica but will also have folkloric activities to promote the culture of Costa Rica The market has been built next to the Plaza del Pacifico and just in front of the old Puntarenas Puerto de Muelle This new market was only made possible with the assitance of the the Costa Rican Institute of Pacific Ports (INCOP) and the fees that were collected by the concession given at Port Caldera said that “with this project we seek to support the artisans of Puntarenas in the sale of their products in a place that was under utulized without any type of commercial activity but that now will attract more visitors and jump start the sales of artisans.” The total cost of the project was 270 million colones and provides 60 modern individual stalls for local artisans from around Puntarenas to sell their products to both tourists and locals alike The Comptroller General of Costa Rica has approved an $83 million contract to construct a new hospital in Puntarenas The Costa Rican Social Security System (CCSS) contracted Van Der Laat & Jiménez-Ingelectra SA for the design construction and maintenance of the health facilities The Comptroller General’s ruling confirmed the decision and resolved a dispute with a different construction company “Puntarenas will have its new hospital,” wrote Costa Rica’s President “It will be the biggest in the country since the construction of Hospital México “This long-awaited project is an excellent news for people’s health but also for the zone’s economy by directly and indirectly creating jobs.” Será el más grande en el país desde la construcción del Hospital México Esta obra tan esperada es una excelente noticia para la salud de las personas pero también para la economía de la zona al generar empleos directos e indirectos — Carlos Alvarado Quesada (@CarlosAlvQ) August 30, 2019 While the Comptroller General’s approval is a significant step forward Casa Presidencial has said the new hospital won’t open until 2021 and won’t be entirely complete until 2030 the new Hospital Monseñor Sanabria is expected to feature interventional cardiology and chemotherapy equipment to provide advanced care for patients without requiring a trip to Hospital México in San José There is a little secret in Puntarenas that needs to be shared because those that haven’t heard are missing out on a culinary treat. Most known for its street food delights of banana leaf-wrapped vigorones and the sweet tastes of Churchills if you venture a little further you will be in for a real treat Puntarenas has created a whimsical alley that has you questioning whether you have found yourself in the streets of Spain or right here in Costa Rica The street is adorned with the soft glow of twinkle lights above as the colorful little houses serve up a true variety of cuisine Outdoor patio seating sprawls out for plenty of space giving you just the right amount of privacy to dine in the tranquility of the surroundings Located in the heart of Puntarenas you will find El Bulevar Gastronómicobeside Casa De La Cultura Elsie Canessa de Odio on Avenida Centenario With the historic Catedral de Puntarenas built in 1902 on one end its open plaza and park of benches and towering trees lead you into El Bulevar Gastronómico.  It is a truly beautiful escape into the center of the city during the day and the evenings (except for Sundays for a day of rest) the several restaurants and shop that fill the street leaves a huge impression and will have you seeing Puntarenas in a whole new light With the sounds of music floating through the gentle breeze that helps make Puntarenas’s heat bearable there is a vibrant spirit that just makes you feel good here From vegan options, deserts, grilled meats and burgers, pizza, patacones, and seafood, everyone can find a bit of happiness here at El Bulevar Gastronómico. Rock’n Roll Burgers is the place to go if you are craving a good juicy and enormous burger with some pretty creative names for music fans.  The age-old debate of whether pineapple goes on pizza can now be taken up for discussion on burgers as well How about a Led Zepplin burger with pineapple and red onion as the star or a Metallica burger with pineapple topped with bacon and jalapenos From a vegetarian burger or Linkin Park chicken burger to Gallo de Lengua in Mick Jagger Sauce on tortillas there is a little rock’n roll flavor for everyone Burgers served on artisanal bread brings you something a little different than the typical comida rapido burgers from the local sodas Topped with their Argentinian chimichurri and in-house sauces Casa Menta has become a true favorite with their lighter meals but bold and sensational combinations just eat healthy is the motto of this little green house You can’t miss it with the big cactus adorning the arched beautiful window chorizo and falafel tacos with vegan tzatziki deliver a refreshing change to the usual and quesadillas are on the menu but it is the bowls that have people coming back from me The tropical salmon bowl with mango, quinoa, spinach, cherry tomatoes and avocado along with their Mediterranean Falafel bowl of rice with lentils and falafel are some of the best bowls you will find for miles it can make for a beautiful night out in the tropical night air of Puntarenas a sopita de mariscos made with either water or milk to your liking Arroz de calamar has become another one of the favorites of this seafood specialty restaurant Pizza Mariposa may be a pizzeria but it brings Italian flavors to Costa Rica from its Italian roots vegetarian to shrimp and rustica can be found on the menu along with the pizzeria’s hit of the mariposa topped with 3 types of meat of ground meat And for those that still want a bit of Italian taste but are not in the mood for pizza then there is also lasagna Seiba is all about their house’s specialty of patacones Almost shaped like little cups and baskets to hold all the different types of meats Sushi Minato prepares sushi to go or to dine out on the patio Shrimp tempura has become the number one order by its fans Or perhaps it is an after-meal dessert you are after then Deli-Corn is where you want to delight in But have plenty of room because it’s not just their desert portions that are big but their deli-boxes and all things corn that will fill you up too It may be known as El Bulevar Gastronómico but between all these gastronomical treats is Sysi, a handmade shop selling 100 % Costa Rican skin care. What could be more Costa Rican than Gallo pinto con café body cream and Coco San Lucas hydrating cream? From spa items, rosa mosqueta creams, and natural deodorants to beard and skin care products for men it aims to bring the well-being of your skin in harmony with mother nature. Even if you just want to walk off your full belly it is worth stopping in to peruse the beauty and personal care-friendly shop.  04 May 2025 02:00:00 GMT?.css-1txiau5-AnswerContainer{color:var(--GlobalColorScheme-Text-secondaryText2);}Club Sport Herediano vs Puntarenas FC on Sun This is 21 of the Primera Division Clausura The current head to head record for the teams are Club Sport Herediano 18 win(s) Who won between Club Sport Herediano and Puntarenas FC on Sun 04 May 2025 02:00:00 GMT?Club Sport Herediano vs Puntarenas FC on Sun 04 May 2025 02:00:00 GMT ended in a 1–1 tie.InsightsHave scored 7 goals in their last 5 matches Club Sport Herediano is playing home against Puntarenas FC on Sun arrived Friday morning to the port of Puntarenas with 694 cruise passengers and 819 crew members It represents the first vessel to arrive to the Central Pacific city since the start of the pandemic and the second to dock in Costa Rica during this cruise season This ship has a capacity for 2,501 passengers but is operating at 30% capacity to maintain It arrives on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica from Puerto Vallarta and will continue its journey to Cartagena cruise passengers can opt for tours to Monteverde as well as the recent participation of the country in the most important cruise fair in the world — Seatrade Cruise Global 2021 in Miami Florida — constitute encouraging messages to the coastal regions and to the hundreds of people who live from this tourism niche through its multiple chains at a time when more positive numbers are predicted with a view to the start of the high season,” said Tourism Minister Gustavo Segura Costa Rica is welcoming cruise ships in which 100% of the crew have been vaccinated against Covid-19 and at least 95% of passengers of vaccination age have received their shots Royal Caribbean asks all passengers and crew to receive a full vaccine schedule completed at least 14 days before embarking The Tourism Board has said nine cruise lines have incorporated Costa Rica into their 2021-22 cruise season itineraries: Windstar Five of those cruise lines would arrive in Limón “In the first phase of this reopening most of the cruise ships are those with lower passenger capacity and of high luxury such as the Lindbland (National Geographic Expeditions),” Segura explained in July nearly 240,000 cruise passengers arrived in Costa Rica on 197 ships Each of those visitors spent about $135 per day when in Costa Rica The 2020-21 season was canceled due to the pandemic though some cruises made stops in Costa Rica to disembark crew A community celebrating Black voices, Black art, and Black folx. Latines learning, remembering, healing, and finding joy in our diverse stories. Beautycon is a global platform that brings together beauty enthusiasts, brands, and industry leaders to explore the latest trends, innovations, and conversations shaping the future of beauty. 27 Apr 2025 23:00:00 GMT?.css-1txiau5-AnswerContainer{color:var(--GlobalColorScheme-Text-secondaryText2);}LD Alajuelense won 2–0 over Puntarenas FC on Sun This is 20 of the Primera Division Clausura Who won between Puntarenas FC and LD Alajuelense on Sun 27 Apr 2025 23:00:00 GMT?LD Alajuelense won 2–0 over Puntarenas FC on Sun 27 Apr 2025 23:00:00 GMT.InsightsHave scored 4 goals in their last 5 matches Puntarenas FC is playing home against LD Alajuelense on Sun It will soon be easier to reach downtown Puntarenas after a series of infrastructure improvements along La Angostura This is how the passage through La Angostura in Puntarenas will look like in a year,” President Carlos Alvarado shared on his social media pages “Thanks to an investment of $6.6 million the long-awaited expansion from two to four lanes will begin in a few days.” “I made this commitment in 2018 because we are very clear that by expanding access to the central canton [of Puntarenas] tourism activity will be boosted,” Alvarado said the regional economy will be strengthened and the quality of life of the people of Puntarenas will be substantially improved.” The companies Hernán Solís SRL and Ingeniería Estrella S.A will have 12 months to finish the project once work begins Financing falls within the framework of the country’s Transport Infrastructure Program which is financed in part by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Puntarenas in 2020 inaugurated an oceanside park to help attract tourists It aims to provide an accessible and comfortable area from which to enjoy sunsets The economic downturn provoked by the coronavirus was felt most strongly in coastal areas like Puntarenas, where unemployment rose sharply, particularly in mid-2020 Puntarenas was once the most popular beach destinations for Costa Rican tourists. Until the mid-1990s the Pacific Railroad connected San José and Puntarenas with regular passenger service The train is no longer active due to damage to the rails; concurrently better road infrastructure has made it easier for tourists to visit other destinations More recently, the Tourism Board has tried to promote Puntarenas through its “Jale al Puerto” (Let’s go to the port) campaign Officials of the National Coast Guard Service in conjunction with the Costa Rica Fire Department fought a fire on Monday aboard a shrimp boat named Wahoo B from one of the patrol boats that was near the Puntarenas Coast Guard Substation a cloud of smoke coming from the interior of the estuary where they saw that the burning boat was in the middle of being towed by another named the Diana II M the motor overheated and this caused an explosion and later a fire At that time the boat was only carrying about 30 liters of fuel which was a blessing as it prevented the explosion from being any larger then it was there was a good chance that it would have damaged boats that were nearby got into one of their fast interceptor boats from the Caldera Coast Guard Station and helped them quickly get the fire under control The shrimp trawler suffered 90% burns on its structure there was no loss of life as the four sailors on board managed get off the ship immediately So far this year the Coast Guard has dealt with approximately 4 fire incidents on boats A damaged bridge on Costa Rica’s Route 34 near Ciudad Cortés will affect driving on the Costanera until at least September the Public Works and Transport Ministry (MOPT) confirmed Monday Workers will stabilize the damaged bridge pillars — which were affected by recent heavy rainstorms — in order to allow the regulated passage of light vehicles over the Coronado River the organization didn’t give a timeline for this work and the bridge remained fully closed as of Monday afternoon MOPT will install a temporary modular structure in order to restore both lanes of the highway and permit the passage of heavier vehicles This “will take at least three weeks weather conditions permitting,” MOPT said MOPT recommends that drivers needing to reach Palmar Norte or destinations on the Osa Peninsula use Route 243 (connecting Dominical to San Isidro) and then Route 2 (connecting San Isidro to Palmar Norte) A Naviera Tambor ferry collided violently with the access ramp in Paquera while carrying dozens of cars and passengers bound for the mainland This collision resulted in significant structural damage, leading the Ministry of Public Works and Transportation (MOPT) to suspend vessel disembarkation in Paquera until further notice we were able to determine that indeed the modular bridge We even observed that some of the buckled structures used to support the vessel are also damaged in their entirety,” stated MOPT officials Given the circumstances and recognizing transportation needs particularly with the closure of the La Amistad bridge in Guanacaste MOPT announced that the ferry service between Puntarenas and Playa Naranjo will now operate 24/7 Authorities estimate it will take two months to repair the platform damaged by the ferry collision at the Paquera terminal on Tuesday we confirmed extensive damage to the platform necessitating its immediate closure for maritime safety.” The authorities aim to ensure that whenever the ferry reaches full capacity, it departs in both directions daily. To address the increased demand, the shipping company operating the Naranjo beach ferry 24/7 has been authorized to accommodate vehicles from the Paquera ferry This situation presents additional challenges for shipping companies particularly the Cooperative of Maritime Transportation (COONATRAMAR) ferry companies were already stretched thin We are here to serve you,” the Cooperative posted on its social media netowrks An investigation report is awaited to determine the cause of the accident no official information has been released regarding the accident’s cause several users have reported that the ferry was traveling at high speed suggesting it may have contributed to the crash The Puntarenas Marine Park is located in the old Pacific Railroad yards It shows Costa Rica’s strong commitment to marine conservation and education it has become a key spot for those who love the ocean and want to learn more The park does more than just entertain visitors It connects the local community with the marine world of Costa Rica’s Pacific coast It’s known for its sea turtle conservation program showing the park’s hands-on wildlife protection This marine park is special because it mixes tourism It attracts people from all over who want to learn about coastal biodiversity Expats and tourists can learn a lot about Costa Rica’s marine world here The park has interactive exhibits and educational programs They teach about the Pacific coast’s wetlands and marine ecosystems The park works with international groups and research centers This makes it a place for scientific sharing and discovery Visitors get top-notch knowledge and help the local economy Whether you’re just curious about marine life or deeply interested in ocean conservation It’s a perfect mix of learning and fun It’s a key stop on any trip to the Pacific coast