www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Let me start off by saying Love the board as it has been extremely helpful and informative. I will be making my first trip to CR in August and will be staying in Puntarenas. Ideally I would love to have stayed SJ but going with others and that was the group decision as many are not mongers. So, I've tried to look but cannot seem to find of there is any action in Puntarenas or if I'm just looking in the wrong section of the forums. I will also be going to SJ but wanted to know about Puntarenas. Thanks for any all info and look forward to writing my first report. Pura vida!!

Gotta ask you - how the Phuck did the genius' you are traveling with decide on Puntarenas?

Arenal, Monteverde, Dominical, Quepos; other places sure, but Puntarenas You gotta be kidding.

Its not a real senic place nor is located near a pretty area - well, there is a ferry there to the Oso (sp and for this post its not worth checking) penninsula, but stay there - I don't know the why or the how and its your right to stay where you want; just curious how the decision to stay there was reached.

The reason you don't see much written about Puntarenas is that there is not much there - however, its a port so you can bet there is some action and while I've passed through I could not for the life of me tell you where to go and highly doubt others could either.

I will give you 2 pieces of advice with the proviso you answer my questions:

*When you get to town, ask - be specific - at your hotel - and ask a cab driver - they know -- but don't be expecting to be overwhelmed with places - but as I mentioned, ports + sailors = whores

* Pick another group to travel with (whereby you have more like minded folks - I've busted your balls a little in this response , but I know its tough to try and have 2 mind sets when traveling with a group - especially when some don't want to partake and some do) so ditch them as soon as you can and get to San Jose

The Oso Peninsula is further south. The only ferry in Puntarenas goes to the Nicoya Peninsula across the bay.

Scuba you are killing me. Lol!!
In full disclosure it is several couples and while the husbands are in they can't make it obvious of course. I don't know how Puntarenas was picked but after the last couple of descriptions I am not too thrilled!! I think one of the wives got on and found a good rental home but that's going to stink if there is little going on there AND it's none too scenic or tropical!! Thanks Ill see if it's too late to make a destination change. That's why I dig this board!!!

If you're looking for a beach + action stay in Jaco. Or, if you want a world-class beach and weak (but reachable) action go to Quepos/Manuel Antonio.

Or, go to San Jose and...ah forget it. Not much leeway with ball and chain in tow. Enjoy your trip though, I love CR and most of my time in country was away from the scene and I've had wonderful experiences. Honestly I wonder about guys who go there just to bang hookers. Such a wasted opportunity.


Vince

If there is anyway of changing plans, do it! Regardless of p4p. Never actually heard of someone picking Puntarenas as their destination. It was a running joke between me and friends about whether we were going there for the weekend. The wives are probably not going to be happy with the spot either.

Yup You are correct; I knew there was a ferry!



Glad you get a kick out of my sense of humor; while shocking some don't get it - Yeah, it might have helped if you had included the little piece of info re the wives you just added (what, you did not think it was relivant ); still would not have changed my response regarding the choice of location - Jesus Christ; letting the wives choose; surprised they did not book you guys at a monastary - Seriously, pay attention to the responses (Like the one below; he lives there but you don't have to, to realize its just a bad choice on so many levels - the town sucks and the beach, such that it is, is polluted - I hope no one booking the place makes their living as a travel agent - and I'll stop now, but how the Phuck did Puntarenas even get on the travel radar; its not talked about as a tourist destination, even in the "straight" press - if your group is that clueless from the get go, I'd bag the whole idea of traveling with them - no one is going to validate your choice of locations

Well...actually..there are a couple of places. Ask a taxi for The Green Door bar, and if it's closed, there's another one (forgot the name) right beside it. Michael at Michael's Surfside Hotel has a wealth of knowledge regarding action in and around Puntarenas.Couple of girls in there (The Green Door) because they are "banned" from the DR, nice looking, rooms tidy and clean, no shower or towel. Lots of Dominican girls hanging around. I recommend Bar Las Brisas in Esparza just up the road, about a 2500 colone ride away, coldest beer in CR.

the name should have told you: Punta - renas

Don't let your mind be changed by comments from this board as everyone has different preferences and criteria. Choosing Puntarenas as a travel destination just displays your groups sense of adventure and research uncovering this hidden gem that rarely gets mentioned as a tourist destination in Costa Rica. This area is a birdwatchers paradise. Acommadations should be inexpensive and the seafood dining expirences many. If you can find it online check out The Insiders Guide To Puntarenas.

You are phucking with him - right

The Op - if he goes there - should change his handle from "A. John" to "A Jane" b/c he's unlikely to get any action there!