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Puntarenas means “Sandy Point” in Spanish, and this name is shared by the Costa Rican cruise port and the surrounding province. It’s a popular vacation spot, and visitors love the warm Pacific beaches, as well as the array of fresh seafood dishes available here. Cruise ship passengers often combine the region’s two top draws at a seaside cafe, enjoying a shrimp or ceviche appetizer while sinking their toes in soft golden sands.

Those with time to venture inland might find themselves at Manuel Antonio Park, a preserve that envelops lush rain forest and the region’s most popular snorkeling beaches. Active visitors can divide their time between the crystal-clear waves, chock full of colorful fish, and the hilly hiking trails that wind through the forest. Wildlife awaits here, too, with iguanas, monkeys and a host of tree-dwelling species ready for photos.

Language: Spanish     Currency: Colon (CRC), US$