Punta Arenas Costa Rica 2/3/24

 

Punta Arenas Costa Rica
Puntarenas is a port that’s aptly named, “sand point” or “sandy point”, as it’s a sliver of land and beach that stretches into the Gulf of Nicoya in Costa Rica. Costa Rica is known for its rainforests and conservancy efforts, which is wonderful since 5% of the world’s species find a home here in this small country, that’s a lot of biodiversity. Puntarenas, capital of 62 the province of the same name, is also known for its beautiful beaches and for the nearby islands. The Spanish conquistadors created the first European settlements in this area around 1522 but no real development happened in town until around 1840 thanks to coffee exports. Just outside the port you’ll find the Paseo de los Turistas, a pedestrian boulevard, or malecon, that runs along the southern edge of town along the beach, souvenir stalls to your heart’s content here. The Marine History Museum has info on the seafaring history of the area and an aquarium onsite as well. At the end of the Paseo de los Turistas is the Parque Marino del Pacifico where they care for dozens of types of coastal and marine animals that have been rescued and need rehabilitation, visitors are welcome. As for those beautiful beaches Playa San Isidro, Jaco, Playa Puntarenas, Santa Teresa, Hermosa, Esterillos, Dominical, and Pavones. Check out the crocodiles. Apparently in this habitat south of Puntarenas there are hundreds of them. Not far from town is the NATUWA Macaw Conservation Sanctuary which is dedicated to protecting the incredibly beautiful scarlet and green macaws. Interesting fact about the scarlet macaws, they mate for life, which is why they are always seen flying in pairs. If one of them dies the other will die soon afterwards. That seems the ultimate in companionship to me! For a walk in a cloud forest, you’ll want to go to Monteverde where you can stroll a series of suspension bridges that may or may not be in the mists depending on the weather that day. Keep your eyes open to see glimpses of the hundreds of species of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians within the reserve. You’ll also find lovely hiking trails on solid ground. About 45 minutes from Puntarenas is Carara National Park where the elevation can reach 1,640 ft (500 m). Here there’s not only tropical rainforest but tropical dry forest as well.


Mickey and I have been to Costa Rica before and have done the rainforests and the Revencion river on a white-water rafting trip, and we see plenty of gators at home so didn't really feel the need to see crocs.  We just strolled into town, looked at the sculpture park and wanted to view the cathedral, but as in many places we have been, the church was closed for the day so no interior shots.  We heard it was a beautiful church so a bit disappointed.  Joined some new friends for lunch and cocktails, of course, did a bit of shopping for the grands and headed back to the ship.  Some of my fellow cruisers went to some interesting places so I have included some of their pictures...Back to a day at sea tomorrow, and then on to Guatemala....
photos from other cruisers including crocs

The Kumars met a couple from Costa Rica and got an incredible experience with the locals...

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