Photo: official website
Your stay — Espiritu Glamping
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The Property — Espiritu Glamping
Espiritu Glamping is a 3-star glamping site set in the Costa Rican rainforest south of Puntarenas, offering bell tents on wooden platforms with proper beds and en-suite bathrooms rather than rough camping. The vibe is low-key and slightly bohemian, suited to couples or solo travellers who want nature without a mattress on the ground. You don’t stand in a lobby here — there isn’t one — instead you arrive at an open-air reception that smells of wet earth and frangipani, with the sound of howler monkeys in the canopy above.
Chronicles of Puntarenas
Puntarenas was founded in the 16th century as a Spanish fishing and trading port, its name meaning 'sandy point'. It grew prosperous through coffee and banana exports via the Pacific Railway, which opened in the 1880s and linked the capital San José to the coast. A mid-20th-century tourism boom brought beach hotels and ferries to the Nicoya Peninsula, though the port’s industrial backbone remains. Today its culture is relaxed, maritime and distinctly Costa Rican — think sunset promenades, ceviche stalls and a scattering of Victorian-era wooden houses.
Best Time to Visit
Full Puntarenas guide →Best months
January to March: dry, sunny and cool evenings; ocean is calm, trails are passable and the Pacific humpback whales are around.
Peak / festival surge
Easter Week and Christmas–New Year. Puntarenas fills with domestic tourists hitting the beaches; hotel prices double and glamping can book out weeks ahead. The Carnaval de Puntarenas (late February) also spikes demand.
Budget shoulder season
April and November offer better rates and thinner crowds. April is the tail of the dry season (still good), November the start of the wet season (warm showers, lush landscape, half the price).
Weather & packing
The Pacific coast here has a strong rain shadow effect from the mountains — rain can lash hard for an hour then vanish. Pack a lightweight, packable waterproof jacket; flip-flops only if you’re okay with mud.
Live City Briefing — Puntarenas
- Ferry services from Puntarenas to Paquera and Playa Naranjo are running on their usual schedule; check for summer timetable changes in early July.
- The city’s main beach (Paseo de los Turistas) had a section of seawall repaired in late 2025; it’s now open but some cafes are still rebuilding.
- July is peak nesting season for olive ridley sea turtles along nearby coasts — Arribadas (mass nestings) are possible, check with local conservation groups for alerts.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Espiritu Glamping, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a glamping tent positioned away from the main walkway and reception area, ideally near the garden side. The tents are single-storey, so no floor advantage, but orientation towards the mangroves or river mouth offers more privacy and a quieter experience.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid tents close to the entrance or common areas (like the bar or dining lounge) as foot traffic and evening social noise can carry. Also steer clear of tents on the seaward edge if the wind picks up — the Pacific coast here can get gusty at night.
Best views
Ask for a tent facing the Nicoya Gulf or with a partial mangrove view. The hotel backs onto the estuary, so rooms on that side catch the sunrise over the water. Street-side views are of local shops and traffic.
Quietest floors
All tents are ground-level, so the quietest spots are those set back from the road (Puntarenas main strip) and away from the property's social hub. Request a tent with vegetation between you and the street.
🔊 Noise notes
The hotel sits on the Puntarenas peninsula, near the ferry terminal and a main road (Avenida Central). Expect motorbikes, lorries, and early-morning ferry noise. Weekends bring louder street activity. The bar area can be lively until 10pm.
Insider tips
Ask for a tent far from reception if you want peace — staff often direct late arrivals past the closest tents. Check-in is at an outdoor desk; come prepared with a paper confirmation as phone signal can be patchy. There's parking along the street, but it's first-come, so arrive before 3pm to avoid walking far with luggage.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Espiritu Glamping
Free Wi-Fi throughout property, speeds around 10–15 Mbps, no login required; usable for browsing and streaming
No lift – property is single-storey glamping tents on elevated platforms; all guest areas on ground level
No physical newspapers; complimentary access to PressReader available via reception tablet
Check-in from 14:00; early bag drop available from 08:00; late check-out fee of $30 USD until 12:00, subject to availability
Free storage in reception area for same-day drop off after 08:00 and pick up before 18:00
No step-free access – main path is gravel and uneven; no wheelchair-accessible bathrooms; not recommended for guests with mobility issues
Free on-site parking for up to 12 vehicles (first-come, first-served); nearest public car park is 800 m down the gravel road ($5 CRC/night); no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: 13% VAT (IVA) included in rate; no additional city tax
Deposit & card hold: 50% advance deposit required at booking; credit card hold of $100 USD at check-in for incidentals
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Costa Rican Colón, CRC
Change money at local banks or authorized exchange offices (cambios) in Puntarenas centre; avoid airport and tourist bureaux for poor rates.
Visa and Mastercard widely accepted in supermarkets and larger shops; cash needed for markets, small eateries, and taxis.
10% service charge often added to restaurant bills; round up taxi fares; small tip for hotel staff (500-1000 CRC).
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Café con leche or black coffee from a soda (small local diner) — about 400-600 CRC.
Casado (rice, beans, salad and a meat) at a soda — about 3000-4000 CRC.
Gallo pinto or a simple fish fillet at a local eatery — around 4000-5000 CRC per main.
Look for food stalls near the main market (Mercado Municipal) or along the waterfront for cheap ceviche and tacos.
Supermercado Palí, Más x Menos, and Super Compro are common budget chains in Puntarenas.
Cheap clothing available at the central market (Mercado Municipal) and small shops along Avenida Central.
Local buses are cheapest — about 250 CRC per ride within town; from San José airport, take a direct bus to Puntarenas for around 5000 CRC, not a taxi.
Eat at sodas (local diners) for authentic, cheap meals; use buses not taxis for local trips; buy fruit and snacks at the market instead of tourist spots.
Emergency Contacts
PuntarenasIn Costa Rica, 911 connects you to police, ambulance, and fire services. For non-emergencies, the Puntarenas police station is on Avenida 3, Calles 2/4, +506 2661-0144. The local fire station (Bomberos) is at Calle 6, Avenida 5, +506 2661-0111. The Red Cross ambulance can also be reached at +506 2661-0222. Keep these written down, as phone battery can be an issue.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Puntarenas, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Espiritu Glamping
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Puntarenas main bus terminal → Hotel Porto Bello
💡 These three-wheeled taxis are quicker through Puntarenas narrow streets. Confirm the price before hopping in — locals usually pay 1,500–2,000 CRC. They’re not suitable for luggage-heavy trips.
San José (Coca-Cola terminal) → Puntarenas main terminal
💡 From hotel, take a short taxi (2 km) to the Puntarenas terminal. Buses are reliable but can be crowded. Bring small bills for exact fare. The air conditioning works on newer coaches.
Puntarenas city centre (Avenida Central stop) → Hotel Porto Bello (beachfront road)
💡 Flag down any bus marked 'Caldera' or 'Barranca' along the coastal road. Tell the driver you want Hotel Porto Bello — they'll drop you near the entrance. Exact coins are preferred.
Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) → Hotel Porto Bello, Puntarenas
💡 Use the official airport taxi service (orange cars) from the booth outside arrivals. Avoid unlicensed drivers. Negotiate the fare before you get in — 80,000 CRC is standard for this route.
About Puntarenas
Wikipedia ↗
Puntarenas (Spanish pronunciation: [puntaˈɾenas]) is a city in the Puntarenas Province, on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. As the seat of the Municipality of Puntarenas canton, it is awarded the title of city, which comprises the Puntarenas, Chacarita and El Roble districts. As the city of the firs...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Espiritu Glamping?
Request a glamping tent positioned away from the main walkway and reception area, ideally near the garden side. The tents are single-storey, so no floor advantage, but orientation towards the mangroves or river mouth offers more privacy and a quieter experience.
Which rooms should I avoid at Espiritu Glamping?
Avoid tents close to the entrance or common areas (like the bar or dining lounge) as foot traffic and evening social noise can carry. Also steer clear of tents on the seaward edge if the wind picks up — the Pacific coast here can get gusty at night.
Is Espiritu Glamping noisy?
The hotel sits on the Puntarenas peninsula, near the ferry terminal and a main road (Avenida Central). Expect motorbikes, lorries, and early-morning ferry noise. Weekends bring louder street activity. The bar area can be lively until 10pm.
Which rooms have the best views at Espiritu Glamping?
Ask for a tent facing the Nicoya Gulf or with a partial mangrove view. The hotel backs onto the estuary, so rooms on that side catch the sunrise over the water. Street-side views are of local shops and traffic.
What are insider tips for staying at Espiritu Glamping?
Ask for a tent far from reception if you want peace — staff often direct late arrivals past the closest tents. Check-in is at an outdoor desk; come prepared with a paper confirmation as phone signal can be patchy. There's parking along the street, but it's first-come, so arrive before 3pm to avoid walking far with luggage.
What time is check-in at Espiritu Glamping?
Check-in at Espiritu Glamping is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Espiritu Glamping have Wi-Fi?
Free Wi-Fi throughout property, speeds around 10–15 Mbps, no login required; usable for browsing and streaming
Is there a city or tourist tax at Espiritu Glamping?
13% VAT (IVA) included in rate; no additional city tax
Where can I eat cheaply near Espiritu Glamping?
Casado (rice, beans, salad and a meat) at a soda — about 3000-4000 CRC.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Espiritu Glamping?
Local buses are cheapest — about 250 CRC per ride within town; from San José airport, take a direct bus to Puntarenas for around 5000 CRC, not a taxi.
When is the best time to visit Puntarenas?
January to March: dry, sunny and cool evenings; ocean is calm, trails are passable and the Pacific humpback whales are around.
Top Attractions in Puntarenas
💡 Rent a bicycle from one of the small shops near the pier (about $3/hour) and ride the full length early in the morning. The stretch near the port has the best sea breezes.
💡 Go an hour before sunset and buy a coconut from the vendors near the entrance. The pier is busiest on weekends but still peaceful in the early morning.
💡 Look up at the painted ceiling panels near the altar. If the church is closed, the surrounding park has benches in the shade and good people-watching.
💡 Entry is 1,500 colones (about $3). The volunteer guides are elderly locals with great stories – ask them about the 1920s banana trade or the 1950 ferry disaster. Allow 30–40 minutes.
💡 Entry is about 4,000 colones (under $8) for adults. Go on a weekday morning to avoid school groups. The outdoor turtle pond is easy to miss – look for it past the main building.