Puntarenas Canton, Administrative canton in Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica
Puntarenas Canton stretches along Costa Rica's Pacific coast and includes the city of Puntarenas along with multiple districts and island territories. The region covers both mainland coastal areas and remote Pacific islands positioned far offshore.
The canton became important starting in 1840 as a port for exporting coffee and goods. In 1845 it gained duty-free port status, which established its role in Costa Rica's trade networks.
The canton's name reflects its historical connection to maritime trade and fishing traditions. Communities here maintain deep ties to the ocean, shaping daily life and local customs around port activities and coastal work.
The canton connects to Guanacaste, Alajuela, San José, and Limón provinces, making it accessible from different parts of Costa Rica. Roads and waterways link the mainland and island areas within the region.
The canton manages Isla del Coco, located roughly 500 kilometers offshore in the Pacific and designated as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site. This remote island remains one of Costa Rica's least visited and most mysterious places.
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