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.

Puerto Chapas, Mexico

Puerto Chapas, Mexico      Sun, February 15, 2026

The Island Princess maneuvered into the tiny bay. 

The port had a huge grass thatched high roof talapa building with multiple businesses inside for tourist to peruse. This building was a replica of the structures of the Mayan Culture. It was quite a sight!

This area is full of Mayan ruins.

We purchased a $25 ticket to ride an air-conditioned shuttle into the city of Tapachula, about a 40 minute ride.

Tapachula has grown a lot since 1826.

Tapachula was a large city. Upon arriving we crossed the city square where we were greeted by a energetic Mexican band playing fabulous lively music. 

What a colorful dancer!

We entered the Soconusco Archeological Museum seeing a local artist, Pura Rosario.

Kathy, our daughter, may find her painting interesting with the birds nesting in a lady's hair. It is unusual.

 A display of Mexican xylophones, Marimbas, was interesting. It told about their development.

Larry and I entered the San Augustine Church

  

We walked through the huge San Sebastian Farmers Market that had everything that you can you imagine for sale. 

We went into the City Hall, a very modern building to see

the colored stained glass windows showing the tree of life 

and the Mayan civilization.

A large painting of sights in the area graced the City Hall walls on the second floor.

 When we arrived back at the port, we enjoyed listening to lively Mexican music and 

 a nice lunch outside the huge Mayan talapa. 

We walked over to a second Mayan building and the swimming pool that was put in for the cruisers to enjoy. The sunny day had turned to a cloudy overcast day so we pulled up a lounge chair to relax by this pool and just take in the sights and sounds of the area. We had another remarkable day of exploring a new corner in our big beautiful world.

Huatulco, Mexico February 14, 2026

Santa Cruz, Hautulco, Mexico   Sat., Feb. 14, 2026

Today is Dia del amor y la amistad…the Mexican Valentine's Day. 

This gentleman offered rides from the ship to the shore.

Hautulco is known as "Close to Heaven". We walked off the ship into the beach town, Santa Cruise passing by the marina. 

The area was full of all kinds of boating and water sports activities. 

The hillsides were brown. We were told that during the rainy season they turn green.

Signs of development in the area were on top of the hills....hotels, condos, and resorts were beginning to appear in this remote area.

We continued walking on to the local Saturday market. There were so many interesting arts and crafts, jewelry, plants, foods, etc…..

but the best part was the live band. They played a combination of Mexican and American tunes. 

Two locals actively got the audience involved in letting their hair down and dancing to an awesome band. It was down right entertaining. Santa Cruise was a quiet, peaceful setting; however, this band livened things up. 

Larry and I had planned to take a cab into the next town, La Crucecita; but, the music was so good that we decided to stay and save the town across the mountain for the next time. HA!

After the music ended, we had a good walk about the town. It was quite hot and humid so we side tracked to the beach, walking from one end to the other. 

We walked back to the cliffs and rocky area to spot some good shade and gentle breezes that made being outside tolerable. I took a nice dip in the bay along with all the locals who were enjoying a Saturday at the beach. 

I watched the banana boats, the jet skis, and the swimmers racing from the shoreline to a buoy and back.

Larry loves swinging on the beach.

Larry and I toasted V-day with a couple of cervezas while talking with some Canadian folks who were vacaying here for the week.

It was marvelous! 

Around 4:00 we moseyed back to the ship...

stopping off at the quaint open air church. It had some gorgeous architecture.

We managed to get back to the ship a tad earlier today, but we're in no hurry to leave this secret Mexican gem of a place.