Puntarenas: Travel guide, prices and free housing · 2026

Puntarenas is a city in the Puntarenas Province, on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica.

Puntarenas · CC BY-SA 4.0

Now in the cityPuntarenas+26°CCloudy · sunrise 05:28 AMupdated 11:23 PM

EntryPick a passportThe answer depends on the passport.

Places on the map3

Within two hours

San José≈ 1 hr 35 min

Safety and health

Official travel advice and the medical minimum

Safety · official adviceour data as of Sep 15, 2026

UK Foreign Office (FCDO)No restrictionsNo travel restrictions in force.

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Updated information on customs rules; gang-related violence; fines for unauthorised entry into restricted conservation areas and earthquakes and recent volcanic activity ('Entry requirements' and 'Safety and security' pages).

Source: UK FCDO Foreign Travel Advice

US State DepartmentLevel 2Watch your surroundings and belongings more closely than usual.

crime

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Exercise increased caution in Costa Rica due to crime . Advisory Summary Petty crime is common throughout Costa Rica. Violent crime, including armed robbery, homicide, and sexual assault, also affects tourists. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Costa Rica.

Source: US Department of State Travel Advisory

Source: UK FCDO Foreign Travel Advice · US Department of State Travel Advisory

Stay longer on a programme

Work and Travel, internships, au pair and volunteering in Costa Rica: visa, invitation and on-site support are handled by CMO International Programmes.