Puntarenas Province is Costa Rica's largest, and covers a huge amount of territory, including most of Costa Rica's Pacific coastline. From a visitor perspective, the province can best be split into three main areas. At the northern end is the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, most of which is in Guanacaste Province. There are some stunning hideway boutiques here, as well as a number of surf hotels, bordering the spectacular Cabo Blanco nature reserve and its marine conservancy.

Moving further south you come to a long stretch of Pacific coastline, dotted with beach resorts - some super luxurious, some more affordable. The area is known for it's long white pristine beaches and mangrove swamps, stretching over 100 miles from Playa Hermosa in the north, past the chic resorts around Quepos (gateway to the Manuel Antonio National Park, and one of the world's finest areas for big sport fishing), to Uvita in the south.

Finally you come to an area of extensive rainforests in the Osa Peninsula and on the Gulf of Dulce (the Gulf of Sweetness), all protected in a number of national parks and nature reserves - the Terraba Sierpe wetlands, Corcovado National Park, the Golfo Dulce forest reserve, and Piedras Blancas national park. Dotted amongst them are some of Costa Rica's loveliest eco-lodges and rainforest hideaways.

Below, we've categorised the best places to stay in Puntarenas by geography. As you would expect, they are all very popular, especially in the January to April peak season, so book ahead in plenty of time to avoid disappointment.

The best places to stay in Puntarenas

Nicoya Peninsula - for chilling

• Florblanca is chilled hotel of just 11 rooms nestled on the edge of the rainforest and with its own secluded white sand beach, as well as a lovely pool. It's a great spot for surfers. The rooms are light and airy, beautifully done, many with four poster beds. A dreamy location, perfect for writing your next novel.
• Nearby, the Blue Surf Sanctuary is another great surfer hang out, an inexpensive property of just four bungalows on raised stilts set back a short distance from Santa Teresa beach. Rooms are simply decorated, it's a laid back spot, they have a small pool, you won't want to leave.

Nicoya Peninsula - for chic

• For somewhere more pampering, further down Santa Teresa beach you come to a boutique hotel called Nantipa. This chic hideaway is nestled in trees right on a wide expanse of beach, with a large pool (to service the 21 rooms), a great retaurant, and modern guestrooms with lots of glass to showcase the surroundings. Some have their own plunge pools. It's a great place to treat the family.
• On the other hand if you want an adult only experience, in more seclusion, just a small distance inland is the equally chic, though tiny (5 rooms), Mint Santa Teresa. Built into the hillside in the forest, it's similarly modern in design with acres of glass and wide terraces overlooking the sea. There's an infinity pool and epic views from your bed.
• Ten minutes south by road you step up again with the Casa Chameleon at Mal Pais, a luxury boutique property of ten stunning villas, tastefully fitted out, each with their own plunge pools. The restaurant around the pool is excellent, with sweeping views to the sea, a short distance away down the hill. Grown-ups only.
• For rustic chic, look no further than the laid back Ylang Ylang Beach Resort on the opposite side of the peninsula. It's in a secluded spot above its own (often deserted) beach. Rooms are simply though colourfully decorated, the food is organic, and they offer a range of holistic treatments including daily yoga lessons. A wide lawn looks over the sea and you can dine on the beach.

Central Pacific Coast - Quepos

• At the luxury end, there is the award winning Makanda by the Sea, an architect designed jungle hideaway high up the hill overlooking the sea and the forest canopy, complete with an enticing infinity pool. Rooms have pampering bathrooms, oceans of glass, and lovely terraces for viewing the sunset. They serve excellent food.
• In the same vein is Los Altos Resort. Rooms are a bit more traditional modern, but well designed with acres of space, sharp lines, lots of glass, and epic views. Some have kitchens for private dining (chefs can be arranged), and the suites are enormous. They have their own private beach down the hill, a standout spa, and gourmet dining.
• A bit further inland is the Gaia Hotel and Reserve. It's adults only, and aimed at those who want to explore the forest and enjoy an activity holiday, from trekking to white water rafting. They have their own nature reserve for guests, and doorstep access to the Manuel Antonio National Park. An infinity pool perches perilously above the forest, and there's a Sky lounge for dining and incredible sunsets.
• Back by the sea, the Hotel Arenas del Mar is a minimalist five star resort set on a cliff top in eleven acres of jungle. Rooms are unobtrusive, set into the hillside, and golf carts can take down down to a private beach. Entrance to the national park is nearby. A great base for exploring after breakfast on the beach.
• Last, if you are looking for ocean frontage with great surf, check out the Clandestino Beach Resort, seven miles north of Quepos on a wild - and wide - stretch of beach. It's chilled and relatively inexpensive compared to some others, a place to flop and slow down surrounded by nature.

Uvita

• About half an hour from Uvita, you'll find hidden gem Vayu Retreat Villas. This four suite property offers beautifully designed accommodations each with a Mediterranean vibe, plus there's a charming pool area, vegan restaurant and an emphasis on reconnecting with nature and mindfulness. Very romantic too!
• For pure luxury, check out Kura, just outside Uvita. Beloved of the travel guides, it has just six rooms, but what rooms, and what thrilling views. The fusion food is excellent. A sublime paradise in the forest with the ocean in the distance.
• Nearby, the adult-only Oxygen Jungle Villas is a sublime collection of Balinese-inspired accomodations with freestanding outdoor baths on private terraces, a pampering spa and romantic dining next to a glorious infinity pool. Utterly spoiling.
• Higher up in the hills, Ranch Pacifico is another adult-only haven overlooking the jungle and the sea. Modernist architecture and acres of plate glass connect seamlessly with an abundance of nature all around (you can spot sloths, monkeys, jaguarundis and anteaters), with lovely wide terraces and lawns for dining and taking in the canopy views.

Eco Lodges (Gulf of Dulce and the Osa Peninsula)

• Drake Bay Getaway is the first of a handful of eco-lodges in the far south of the province on the Osa Peninsula and bordering the Gulf of Dulce. The lodge is on the northern edge of Corcovado National Park, a stunning area of virgin rainforest. Their ten modern cabins boast private balconies in an eco-friendly structure. The resort is just above Colorada Beach and offers wellness and relaxation as well as wildlife adventure tours.
• On the southside of the national park down the coast is the secluded Luna Lodge, a wilderness retreat set in thick forest. It's minutes from the beach (with some great surf) and is well priced, with accommodation to suit a range of budgets. They offer a range of jungle tours. Rooms are simple and chilled.
• Travelling further to the tip of the Osa peninsula is Lapa Rios Ecolodge, again near a beach but this time nestled above the forest, with great views. The romantic thatched cabins are more luxurious, with wide verandah decks and views of the sea. There's an excellent restaurant too, and a lush pool.
• For a more traditional eco-hotel, check out Playa Cativo Eco Lodge across the Gulf of Dulce in the Piedras Blancas national park. Lovely lawns drop down to the beach, and rooms are elegant, light and airy and designed with plenty of wood. There's an indulgent spa here too and a tranquil pool.
• Last, for something more designer in feel, consider Cielo Lodge, a contemporary eco-lodge in a spectacular setting within a 380-acre private reserve of primary and secondary rainforest. Each of the 8 rooms have a terrace and outdoor shower, and there are a wide range of forest activities on offer.

For an apartment or villa

• Our partner Booking.com has a wide range of villas and apartments in the nearby area.

Travel information

• The best time to travel is during the dry season, between January and April, when the temperature ranges between 22 and 35 degrees celsius.
• Fly to Puerto Jiménez domestic Airport on the Gulf of Dulce.
• If you want to rent a car, contact our partner Rentalcars.

Still not sure?

• Expand your search to include the best places to stay in Costa Rica
• or contact one of our Gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Puntarenas