Punta Arenas

About

Despite being used since the 16th century, Punta Arenas didn’t develop until 1840 when it became became the primary port for exporting Costa Rica’s coffee in the Pacific. It was also the country’s largest fishing port at one point, and it continues to be a great source for fresh seafood. Strolling the waterfront promenade, you’ll find plenty of sodas (traditional eateries), where you can dine like a local while looking out over the water. If you need to cool off, try the city’s signature churchhills - a concoction of shaved ice and ice cream. As a working Tico city, things are pretty laid back, but if you still need somewhere cool and calm to collect yourself, you can always pop into the neo-Romanesque cathedral.