Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest
Puntarenas is the largest province in Costa Rica. Located on a peninsula in the southwestern part of the country, Puntarenas borders the Gulf of Nicoya, the Pacific Ocean and Panama. Puntarenas became the major port of the region in the 1840s by exporting coffee and bananas. However, the province remained isolated until the first road was built in the 1950s. Today, Puntarenas is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Costa Rica.
What does Puntarenas have to offer a traveler? A person visiting the province has the opportunity to experience a number of attractions.
Jaco Beach. One of the main travel destinations in Puntarenas is Jaco Beach. More vacationers come to this area than any other coastal resort in Costa Rica. The two and a half mile stretch of beach is renowned for its yellowish gray sand. A person visiting Jaco Beach can partake in a number of activities including surfing and sailing.
Carara Biological Reserve. Carara Biological Reserve is located near Jaco Beach. A traveler to this area of Puntarenas can view a unique variety of wildlife and plant life not seen in any other region. This is due to the change in climate that results from dry air from the northern regions clashing with the humidity of the air from the south. The resulting tropical climate allows creatures such as crocodiles and a variety of plants to live in a safe and natural habitat.
Cano Island. This uninhabited island is located off the coast of Puntarenas. Once used for ceremonial activities for South American natives, Cano Island is only one square mile wide and 90 meters above sea level. Travelers can visit the islands extraordinary evergreen forest which is home to rubber trees and locusts.
Cocos Island National Park. Although Cocos Island is located over 200 miles off the coast of Costa Rico, it is still part of the Puntarenas province. The island was once used as a pirates haven in the 1600s giving way to numerous legends of buried treasure in the vicinity. Visitors to Cocos Island will be in awe of the regions natural beauty. Because the island is part of a volcanic ridge, the coastal areas of Cocos Island are made up of an impressive display of coral reefs and cliffs. Beneath the cliffs, a person will find a maze of underwater caves. Travelers will also find a number of exotic sea creatures, insects and birds. Sharks, such as the infamous hammerhead, are known to inhabit the waters surrounding Cocos Island.
Cabo Blanco Strict Nature Reserve. Located less than a mile off the coast of Puntarenas, Cabo Blanco is one of the worlds largest protective reserves of seabirds. A person can view a wide assortment of birds such as pelicans and gulls in their natural habitat. Cabo Blanco has luscious green forests that are home to monkeys, squirrels and other native wildlife. Because Cabo Blanco is surrounded by water, a visitor can also view a number of sea creatures in the areas tidal pools.
Corcovado National Park. This is one of the largest and most protected national parks in the world. The 200 square miles of Corcovado National Park are in pristine condition due to the fact that there are no roads leading to the park. However, the park can be reached via walking, canoeing or riding burros. A visitor will be in awe of the plant and animal life located only in the area. A number of endangered creatures such as crocodiles, jaguars and poison frogs are also found in the area.
A person wanting to experience Costa Rica should look no further than the province of Puntarenas. The regions natural beauty will leave a visitor spellbound.
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