Puntarenas means "Sandy Point" it is the capital of the province Puntarenas, Costa Rica. The oddly shaped province has its largest section in the South, far from the capital. Its port is one of the main ports in the country. An estimated 100,000 live in the city and close towns. With beaches on the Pacific Ocean, it also attracts many tourists. It is also a possible stopover point for the touristy Monteverde, further inland.
One attraction you must see is Playa Hermosa. Which is a small settlement on the beach. The settlement is located up an extremely steep hill, on the inland side of the highway along the Pacific Coast. Walk inland from the beach to visit the Playa Hermosa Reserva Biologica, which is home to ancient tropical trees over 1000 years old.