nzb

Has anyone been to either or both places? Which one would you recommend in terms of more activities close by, better beaches, nightlife??

Your input is much appreciated!

shillmac

Puntarenas-no. I don't know of a soul who stays there on purpose! Jaco would be the better of the two, although not my pick either. Jaco picks up the weekend crowd from San Jose and outskirts--teenagers, etc. I THINK there are riptides at Jaco. Be sure to check about this before swimming--it is very common up and down the Pacific coastline. Not everywhere, but many beaches.

nzb

Thanks Shillmac! What costal city do you recommend?

shillmac

Tamarindo, Montezuma, or Samara are 3 that come to mind. Of the 3, Tamarindo has more advantages (in my opinion). Primarily location. From there, you can check out several beaches up and down the coast (including Samara). Montezuma is fun but it takes a little longer to get there. Gorgeous area, though.
Also, you'll have more dining and lodging options at Tamarindo.

Jaco has never impressed me, and I'll have to admit I haven't spent much time there. BUT, if you are touring out of San Jose, and don't have a lot of time to travel, Jaco is only a couple of hours away. You might do a search on this board. There are some who have spent time in Jaco and liked it there just fine.

flycatcher06

Hi there, The first year we went to Costa Rica we were nervous because we did not know what to expect. We stayed at the all inclusive Fiesta Resort in Puntarenas. I know everyone says Puntarenas is terrible but it was very central. We did day trips to Manual Antonio, Carrerra, Curu on the opposite side - we rented a car and took the ferry over and that year we really got our bearings. We had a nice room which was actually like a suite at the Fiesta and the people were extremely nice. On the weekend it is packed with Costa Rican families. Everything is in Spanish and we are going back this year!

Something to consider!

shillmac

Hi flycatcher!
We, too, have stayed at that Fiesta. Yes, it is a very okay place to stay and we enjoyed spending a couple of days there. When someone mentions Puntarenas, I think of the town itself, not the nearby all-inclusive. I agree Fiesta would be a decent option--depending on what day trips one is planning to take.

maryanne1

Shillmac,
We will be on a cruise in April for a long day on Punterenas. Any good suggestions for the day of things nearby to get out of the town. Do we take a tour(not from the cruise ship) or get a taxi driver?
You are the best on here.
used your suggestions when my daughter and I were in Costa Rica in Sept. We have been to Manuel Antonio.

shillmac

Maryanne1,
Thanks for the compliment, but there are people who post here who know far more than I--and have better memory banks!

If you have a REALLY long day, I think it would be a lot of fun to take the ferry from Puntarenas over to Paquera and then to Tambor or Montezuma, but I am afraid that it wouldn't be possible given the ferry times. You probably won't want to get off one boat and onto another one!

How about the Palo Verde Parque Nacional area for wildlife viewing? It is very close to Puntarenas, and I think you can do a float trip.

Or you could get a taxi to take you to Tamarindo, stopping along the way at interesting points such as Guayitil, the pottery town a few km from Santa Cruz, or Monkey Park.

I think you would also have time to have a taxi take you up near Liberia to a waterfall area that is not well known to tourists. I forget the name of it, but it is near Bagaces. I think rbrazill has been there and posted about it. You might post a message to him.

Have you been to Turi-Bari park or Carara Reserve?--both are just south of Puntarenas.

These are just a couple of suggestions that I think would be fun and easy to do. Perhaps others will offer some different ideas.

It will be very dry in the area in April, especially north of Puntarenas. I'm not sure how that will affect the particular areas I've mentioned. Probably some, hopefully not enough to lessen your enjoyment!

maryanne1

Thanks, Shillmac. No, I have not been to Turi-Bari Park or Carara Reserve. Monkey Park sounds interesting also as I have read a post on it here on Fodors recently. I will research the other places you have mentioned. Also what my traveling companion wants to do will also be considered,but sure I am the one to offer suggestions and choices of what to do.
Know you are ready to get out of that classroom for the Christmas holidays. How well I remember this time every year as I was a teacher for 34 years,but loving retirement and travel is my classroom. Now to get ready for Rome in Jan. with my daughter. I do want to get back to Costa Rica. Loved it!!

shillmac

You'll have a great time in Rome, I'm sure! What fun! Enjoy your cruise. . .