Puntarenas, Costa Rica

 Puntarenas, Costa Rica      Tues, Feb. 17, 2026

This part of the Central Americas, Costa Rica or “rich coast” is often refered to as the Switzerland of the Americas. Lying between two oceans and two continents, it occupies an unique position. On both coasts, beaches rise through tropical rainforests to mountains rising to 13,000 feet above sea level.

The mountains were evident as we walked down the long dock into the town of Puntarenas.

Larry and I enjoyed walking along the black sandy beach to the Puntarenas Lighthouse. We were surprised to have pleasant breezes coming off the seaside and shade trees as we passed lots of restaurants and businesses. The last two times we were here it was so hot and humid so we felt fortunate to have the more moderate temps today.

We walked along the beach boardwalk through open air markets around the point of the peninsula to the marina where the local car ferry was getting ready to pull out. 

Passing by the lighthouse we saw evidence of the morning catch being plentiful in the area with stacks of big coolers.

The next time we are in Puntarenas, we plan to take a ferry across the bay to wander around a new town that is an hour away.

Art appears on a pole during our exploration.

Pura vida is a Spanish phrase translating to pure or simple life which serves as the unofficial national motto of Costa Rica. It represents a relaxed, optimistic, and resilient lifestyle, used daily by locals (Ticos) as a greeting, farewell, to mean "all is good" or to express gratitude. 

After a couple of cool ones on the beach,  everything was " pura vida". We walked back to the dock and caught the free shuttle back to the ship as the afternoon began to heat up.

Returning to our cabin was a delight…cool air, a dip in the pool, and a little snooze made our day complete.