Your stay — Finca Maresia
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The Property — Finca Maresia
Finca Maresia is a low-key, 3-star beach hotel about 5km south of Puntarenas centre, set back from the Pacific on a quiet stretch of Playa Doña Ana. The lobby is open-sided, with a thatched roof and a constant breeze off the water; you can hear the surf from check-in. It feels like a mid-range Costa Rican beach stopover: clean, simple, family-run, with a decent pool and direct beach access. Best for budget-conscious travellers who want to be on the sand but don't need nightlife or luxury.
Chronicles of Puntarenas
Puntarenas was founded in the 16th century as a small fishing and port village on a narrow sand spit jutting into the Gulf of Nicoya. It became Costa Rica's principal Pacific port in the 1800s, with a boom tied to coffee and banana exports, leading to the construction of the iconic iron pier (still standing) and a row of wooden Victorian-style houses along the malecón. The port declined after the mid-20th century as Puerto Limón and Caldera took over, leaving Puntarenas a faded coastal town. Today its identity is split – a gritty, functional port town by day and a weekend beach escape for San José residents, with a lively chowder-and-sunset scene.
Best Time to Visit
Full Puntarenas guide →Best months
December, January and March – these are the dry season months with reliably sunny days, lower humidity and calm seas for swimming. February can also be good but is slightly busier.
Peak / festival surge
July and August are the peak domestic holiday months – school holidays pack the beaches and prices at 3-star properties like Finca Maresia can rise 20-30%. The July 4th US holiday adds a few extra visitors but no major local event drives it; the main draw is simply the school break.
Budget shoulder season
May and November are the best shoulder months – lighter rain than October, lower room rates by 15-20%, and beaches are far less crowded. October is the rainiest month and best to avoid entirely.
Weather & packing
Puntarenas has a distinct dry season (Dec-Apr) and wet season (May-Nov), but even in July you'll get morning sun and afternoon downpours – pack a light, breathable rain jacket and sandals that can get wet. Explicit packing rule: bring a waterproof phone pouch for beach days – the Pacific swell is strong and phones get wet easily.
Live City Briefing — Puntarenas
- Puntarenas' malecón promenade got a 2km extension and new lighting in early 2025 – now runs continuously from the ferry terminal to the cruise dock. Good for evening walks.
- The new Caldera-Puntarenas ring road (Route 23 extension) opened in late 2024, cutting drive time from San José to about 75 minutes – but the final stretch into town still has traffic jams on weekends.
- Several fish restaurants along the malecón have closed for renovations ahead of the peak season; check hours if you want a sit-down meal near the pier.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Finca Maresia, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the second or third floor facing away from the main road. These upper floors cut street-level noise and give you a sightline over the property's garden or pool area.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid ground-floor rooms near the reception or any common area. They get foot traffic and hallway noise from early check-ins and baggage movement.
Best views
Best view from upper floors at the rear or side of the property, overlooking the garden or pool, and possibly distant sea glimpses if oriented south-west towards the Gulf of Nicoya.
Quietest floors
Second and third floors are the quietest. The third floor has the least overhead disturbance if the hotel has only three floors.
🔊 Noise notes
Street noise from Puntarenas's coastal road and local traffic, especially early morning and late afternoon. The property's pool area may be lively during peak hours.
Insider tips
1) If you're driving, ask for a room near the back of the property to be close to the parking area and reduce walk through the reception. 2) Request a top-floor room for better air circulation and to avoid any noise from guests above.
- 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 Maresia
free WiFi throughout, standard speed approx 25 Mbps download; no login required, just accept terms on landing page
no lift; all rooms on ground and first floors accessible via stairs only
no printed papers; free digital access to La Nación e-paper via reception tablet
check-in 15:00-22:00; early bag-drop from 12:00 at reception; late check-out until 14:00 costs USD 30, subject to availability
free storage on check-in day and after check-out, left at reception
no step-free entrance; one shallow step at main door; no wheelchair-accessible rooms; ground-floor rooms available upon request
on-site free parking for up to 15 cars, first-come-first-served; nearest public lot is Estacionamiento Municipal at 200 m, USD 5 per night; no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: 13% IVA (value-added tax) included in rates; no separate city tax
Deposit & card hold: full stay prepayment required at booking; at check-in, a hold of USD 50 per night placed on credit card for incidentals
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Iglesia de Agujitas (1.5 km · ~19 min walk)
- Church: Iglesia (1.7 km · ~21 min walk)
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Bahia Drake — 1.5 km · ~19 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Costa Rican Colón, CRC
Use ATMs in Puntarenas for colones; avoid airport or tourist kiosks — they give poor rates.
Visa/Mastercard accepted at larger shops and hotels; cash needed for street stalls, small eateries and taxis.
No mandatory tipping; 10% service charge usually included in restaurant bills; leave small change for taxis or hotel staff if helpful.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A cup of black coffee from a local soda (small diner) costs around 500–800 CRC.
A casado (rice, beans, protein, salad, plantains) at a soda costs 3,000–4,500 CRC.
A main dish at a mid-range soda or small restaurant runs 4,000–6,000 CRC.
Along the Paseo de los Turistas or near the market you'll find stalls selling tacos, patacones and ceviche for under 2,000 CRC.
Supermercado Maxi Palí or Más x Menos are common budget chains in the area.
The central market (Mercado Municipal) has affordable clothing and souvenirs.
Local buses cost 300–500 CRC per ride; from Juan Santamaría airport, take the direct bus to Puntarenas for about 3,500 CRC.
Eat at sodas rather than tourist restaurants for real food at half the price.Buy bottled water and snacks from supermarkets, not beachfront stalls.Use shared taxis (colectivo) or public buses instead of private shuttles.
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 Maresia
🕒 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 Maresia?
Request a room on the second or third floor facing away from the main road. These upper floors cut street-level noise and give you a sightline over the property's garden or pool area.
Which rooms should I avoid at Finca Maresia?
Avoid ground-floor rooms near the reception or any common area. They get foot traffic and hallway noise from early check-ins and baggage movement.
Is Finca Maresia noisy?
Street noise from Puntarenas's coastal road and local traffic, especially early morning and late afternoon. The property's pool area may be lively during peak hours.
Which rooms have the best views at Finca Maresia?
Best view from upper floors at the rear or side of the property, overlooking the garden or pool, and possibly distant sea glimpses if oriented south-west towards the Gulf of Nicoya.
What are insider tips for staying at Finca Maresia?
1) If you're driving, ask for a room near the back of the property to be close to the parking area and reduce walk through the reception. 2) Request a top-floor room for better air circulation and to avoid any noise from guests above.
What time is check-in at Finca Maresia?
Check-in at Finca Maresia is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Finca Maresia have Wi-Fi?
free WiFi throughout, standard speed approx 25 Mbps download; no login required, just accept terms on landing page
Is there a city or tourist tax at Finca Maresia?
13% IVA (value-added tax) included in rates; no separate city tax
Where can I eat cheaply near Finca Maresia?
A casado (rice, beans, protein, salad, plantains) at a soda costs 3,000–4,500 CRC.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Finca Maresia?
Local buses cost 300–500 CRC per ride; from Juan Santamaría airport, take the direct bus to Puntarenas for about 3,500 CRC.
When is the best time to visit Puntarenas?
December, January and March – these are the dry season months with reliably sunny days, lower humidity and calm seas for swimming. February can also be good but is slightly busier.
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.