Puntarenas

Puntarenas is one of the seven provinces of Costa Rica, located on the Pacific coast. The provincial capital is the city of Puntarenas, a historic port that serves as a gateway to the Nicoya Peninsula. The province extends along the central Pacific and includes coastal areas on the Gulf of Nicoya as well as portions of the Nicoya and Osa Peninsulas.

Its geography encompasses mangrove estuaries, rainforest, and marine habitats. Protected areas within the province include Manuel Antonio National Park near Quepos, Carara National Park to the north of the Gulf of Nicoya, and Corcovado National Park on the Osa Peninsula, a region recognized for high biodiversity. The Tarcoles River is known for a notable crocodile population.

The economy is based on tourism, commercial and artisanal fishing, and agriculture such as bananas. The port of Puntarenas handles cargo and passenger traffic, including ferries to Paquera on the Nicoya Peninsula, which provides access to coastal communities there. The Inter-American Highway connects the province with San Jose and other parts of the country, and several regional airports, such as Palmar Sur and Quepos-La Managua, facilitate air travel.

The province is subdivided into several cantons. Major population and tourist centers include Puntarenas city, Jacó, Quepos, Golfito, and Puerto Jiménez, reflecting a mix of coastal, inland, and rainforest landscapes.