| Puntarenas is at the foot of mountains and at the site of some of Costa Rica's most beautiful beaches. Nearby are nature walks along the trails of Carara Biological Reserve, a central Pacific forest with an incredible variety of plant life. Its marshes, formed by the seasonal river flooding, are rich in waterfowl, amphibians, and reptiles. Monkeys, butterflies, and many species of birds live here. Nearby excursions include San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica, and the Poas Volcano National Park. See also Windstar in Costa Rica. | |