Puntarenas Canton

Puntarenas Canton extends along the Pacific Ocean coast of Costa Rica, encompassing numerous districts including Puntarenas city, Coco Island, and Chira Island.

The canton gained prominence in 1840 when its port facilities started operating to export Costa Rican coffee, leading to official recognition as a duty-free port in 1845.

Municipal councils within Puntarenas Canton conduct elections every four years, representing local communities and maintaining traditional governance structures across fifteen districts.

The territory connects to multiple provinces including Guanacaste, Alajuela, San José, and Limón, facilitating transportation and trade throughout western Costa Rica.

This administrative region includes Isla del Coco, positioned 500 kilometers offshore in the Pacific Ocean, making it one of the few cantons managing remote island territories.

Location: Puntarenas Province

Capital city: Puntarenas

Elevation above the sea: 3 m

Shares border with: Abangares Canton, Tilarán Canton, San Ramón Canton, Montes de Oro Canton, Esparza Canton, Nandayure Canton, Monteverde Canton

Website: http://puntarenas.go.cr

GPS coordinates: 9.96667,-84.83333

Latest update: March 19, 2025 18:30