Puntarenas, Costa Rica -- Jan. 23

We were late starting our tour because the very narrow dock we were using was being shared with the arrival of a huge Holland America ship, the Zuiderdam. 
Since we are covid free and the Holland American ship recorded many cases, we did not want to intermingle on the narrow dock and possibly become infected. So we patiently waited for them to clear the dock.

Sunrise arrival of another ship


A former fishing village, Puntarenas has magnificent beaches and rich wild life.
Puntarenas prospered due to the coffee industry.  Before the railroad in 1879, oxcarts delivered coffee beans to the docks. One form of local art is the beautifully painted oxcart, or Sarchi. 

Sarchi cart

Even today coffee is Costa Rica's largest export. We enjoyed local school children performing in the town square of Esparza. We also stopped in the church during mass and enjoyed the beauty of the mountains and beaches of the western side of Costa Rica.  

Our tour guide joining in the dance