Puntarenas: 19 Apr 2009 to 20 Apr 2009

Puntarenas, capital and largest city of the Costa Rican province of the same name, is a convenient departure point for trips into the country’s lush interior. Volcanic beaches along the coast give way to verdant jungle and coffee plantations further inland.

Discovered by Columbus in September of 1502 during his last voyage, the region was named Costa Rica (Rich Coast) because of unfounded rumors of vast gold treasures. Coffee actually turned out to be the nation’s most valuable product, with much of the country’s economy centered on the treasured beans. Eco-tourism is rapidly becoming a major player in the economy as well as visitors are increasingly attracted to this land of fascinating flora and fauna. Visit Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio, home to some of the finest beaches in the country as well as a cornucopia of exotic animals, reptiles and some 350 bird species.