Your stay — Finca La Tarde
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The Property — Finca La Tarde
Finca La Tarde is a working coffee and fruit finca just inland from Puntarenas, with low-rise tile-roof buildings set among flowering gardens. The lobby is a rustic open-sided rancho with ceiling fans, wicker furniture and views of the nursery where they grow their own seedlings. It suits travellers who want calm, agricultural surroundings and don't mind that the town centre is a ten-minute drive away.
Chronicles of Puntarenas
Puntarenas grew as Costa Rica’s main Pacific port in the 19th century, exporting coffee and bananas built the town’s wooden Victorian architecture that still lines the waterfront. The arrival of the railway from San José in 1879 cemented its role as the country’s commercial gateway to the Pacific. After the port moved to Caldera in the 1980s, the city reoriented toward tourism and ferries to the Nicoya Peninsula. Today it retains a faded, workaday port character, popular with Costa Rican beachgoers and as a transport hub for ferries to Montezuma and Mal País.
Best Time to Visit
Full Puntarenas guide →Best months
January to March: the peak of the dry season, with clear skies and low humidity; ocean water is warm, and green season rains haven’t started.
Peak / festival surge
Easter week (Semana Santa) and late December are the busiest. Hotels double their rates and domestic tourists fill every room; events include local processions and beach parties at Puntarenas’s Paseo de los Turistas.
Budget shoulder season
July in the green season is a solid shoulder month: rain usually falls in short afternoon bursts, the landscape is lush, and hotel rates are 30–50% below peak.
Weather & packing
Costa Rica’s Pacific side has a pronounced dry season (Dec–Apr) and a wet season (May–Nov); July sits in the wet season but often has sunny mornings. Pack waterproof sandals and a lightweight rain jacket you can carry in a daypack.
Live City Briefing — Puntarenas
- Ferry service from Puntarenas to Paquera on the Nicoya Peninsula recently added a 5am sailing, easing early-morning traffic to popular beaches like Santa Teresa.
- Roadworks on the Costanera Highway south of Puntarenas, near Jacó, are causing 20–30 minute delays in the afternoons; allow extra time if driving.
- A new daily farmers’ market on Calle 3 (open 6am–noon) gives visitors direct access to the region’s tropical fruit and coffee, no middleman required.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Finca La Tarde, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the first floor facing the inner courtyard or garden side. These tend to be quieter and often have a small terrace or direct access to common green areas, which is common for this style of property in Puntarenas.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid any room near the main entrance or reception area, as foot traffic and staff activity create early-morning noise. Also skip ground-floor rooms facing the street—Puntarenas can have traffic noise and occasional revellers passing by.
Best views
Rooms looking out over the garden or courtyard (likely east-facing) offer a pleasant green view and morning light. The hotel’s Puntarenas address means no ocean view from a finca this far inland—expect tropical foliage and possibly a glimpse of the nearby mountains.
Quietest floors
First floor (upper ground) is generally the quietest. The hotel appears to be a low-rise building (likely 1-2 floors based on a 3-star finca style), so upper rooms avoid street-level hubbub.
🔊 Noise notes
Puntarenas is a busy port town with street traffic starting early (around 6am). Motorbikes, buses, and delivery trucks are common. On weekends, nearby bars or restaurants may have music until late. The finca’s property layout should buffer some noise, but street-facing rooms suffer most.
Insider tips
1. Request a room on the garden side when booking—this is usually quieter and cooler due to shade. 2. Check if the hotel offers free parking; Puntarenas street parking can be tight, and a dedicated spot saves hassle. 3. Bring earplugs if you’re a light sleeper, as the finca’s thin walls are typical for 3-star tropical hotels.
- 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 — Finca La Tarde
Free basic Wi-Fi throughout (up to 5 Mbps, one device per guest). Premium tier (15 Mbps, up to three devices) costs 5 USD (approx 2,600 CRC) per day. No login constraints beyond simple password.
Single lift serves all three guest floors (ground-floor reception has stairs to lobby; lift accessible via side ramp). No stairs-only sections.
Complimentary digital newsstand accessed via QR code in room (La Nación, El País). No physical papers. Building is a restored 1920s former coffee warehouse with original wooden beams and exposed brick in common areas.
Standard check-in from 14:00; check-out by 11:00. Early bag drop available (no charge). Late check-out until 13:00 costs 20 USD (approx 10,500 CRC); after 13:00 full night charged. Weekend (Fri-Sun) check-out by 10:00 with late fee same.
Free at reception for same-day collection; overnight storage not permitted.
Step-free entry from street via small ramp (slope 1:12). Wheelchair-accessible room available on ground floor (Room 101). Lift fits standard wheelchair. No accessible bathroom in public areas; accessible room has roll-in shower with grab bars.
On-site secured parking: 3,000 CRC (approx 6 USD) per night, no reservation needed. Nearest public car park: Estacionamiento Central at Calle 2 y Avenida 2, 1,500 CRC per hour or 8,000 CRC per 24h. No EV charging on property.
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: 13% VAT (IVA) included in rate; no separate city tax
Deposit & card hold: First night charged at booking; 50 USD (approx 26,000 CRC) incidental hold on credit card at check-in
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Costa Rican Colón, CRC
Use bank ATMs for the best rate; avoid exchange bureaux at the airport or tourist areas as they give poor rates.
Visa and Mastercard widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and supermarkets; Amex less common; contactless payments increasingly available but carry cash for small vendors and taxis.
Service charge often included in restaurant bills; if not, 10% is standard. Taxis don't expect tips, rounding up is fine. Hotel porters get 500–1000 CRC per bag, and cleaning staff a small amount daily.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A simple black coffee from a local soda or bakery costs around 600–800 CRC.
A casado (rice, beans, protein, salad) at a local soda runs 3,000–4,500 CRC.
A main at a casual local eatery, like grilled fish or chicken with sides, is about 4,000–6,000 CRC.
Along the Paseo de los Turistas and central market, look for vendors selling empanadas, churros, or fruit cups for very little.
Supermercado Pali and Maxi Pali are the budget chains found in the area.
Very limited for fashion; basic clothes can be found at market stalls near the ferry terminal or at small general stores.
Local buses within Puntarenas cost around 400 CRC per ride. From San José airport, the cheapest way is a direct bus to Puntarenas (about 3,000 CRC).
Eat at sodas instead of tourist-facing restaurants. Buy bottled water and snacks from supermarkets. Use the local bus over taxis for short trips.
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 Finca La Tarde
🕒 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 Finca La Tarde?
Request a room on the first floor facing the inner courtyard or garden side. These tend to be quieter and often have a small terrace or direct access to common green areas, which is common for this style of property in Puntarenas.
Which rooms should I avoid at Finca La Tarde?
Avoid any room near the main entrance or reception area, as foot traffic and staff activity create early-morning noise. Also skip ground-floor rooms facing the street—Puntarenas can have traffic noise and occasional revellers passing by.
Is Finca La Tarde noisy?
Puntarenas is a busy port town with street traffic starting early (around 6am). Motorbikes, buses, and delivery trucks are common. On weekends, nearby bars or restaurants may have music until late. The finca’s property layout should buffer some noise, but street-facing rooms suffer most.
Which rooms have the best views at Finca La Tarde?
Rooms looking out over the garden or courtyard (likely east-facing) offer a pleasant green view and morning light. The hotel’s Puntarenas address means no ocean view from a finca this far inland—expect tropical foliage and possibly a glimpse of the nearby mountains.
What are insider tips for staying at Finca La Tarde?
1. Request a room on the garden side when booking—this is usually quieter and cooler due to shade. 2. Check if the hotel offers free parking; Puntarenas street parking can be tight, and a dedicated spot saves hassle. 3. Bring earplugs if you’re a light sleeper, as the finca’s thin walls are typical for 3-star tropical hotels.
What time is check-in at Finca La Tarde?
Check-in at Finca La Tarde is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Finca La Tarde have Wi-Fi?
Free basic Wi-Fi throughout (up to 5 Mbps, one device per guest). Premium tier (15 Mbps, up to three devices) costs 5 USD (approx 2,600 CRC) per day. No login constraints beyond simple password.
Is there a city or tourist tax at Finca La Tarde?
13% VAT (IVA) included in rate; no separate city tax
Where can I eat cheaply near Finca La Tarde?
A casado (rice, beans, protein, salad) at a local soda runs 3,000–4,500 CRC.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Finca La Tarde?
Local buses within Puntarenas cost around 400 CRC per ride. From San José airport, the cheapest way is a direct bus to Puntarenas (about 3,000 CRC).
When is the best time to visit Puntarenas?
January to March: the peak of the dry season, with clear skies and low humidity; ocean water is warm, and green season rains haven’t started.
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.