Buenos Aires, South Puntarenas

Pipa stand in Buenos Aires

Although not as famous as its Argentine counterpart, the town of Buenos Aires in South Puntarenas has a lot to offer. Located just off Route 2, Buenos Aires is an ideal base of operations for travelers who want to experience the real Costa Rica and enjoy the stunning countryside of southern Puntarenas.

Tribal ancestry

The canton of Buenos Aires is home to one of the largest tribal reservations in Costa Rica. The Boruca is an indigenous tribe that has lived in Puntarenas since before the arrival of Spanish conquistadores in the 15th century. Over time, the Boruca grew to encompass many other surrounding tribes, including the Abubaes, Borucac, Coto and Turrucaca.

The reservation itself lies around 12 miles southeast of the town of Buenos Aires, and comprises almost 60 square miles of land, extending into the foothills of the Talamanca Mountains.

A world of adventure

The people of Buenos Aires are friendly and hospitable to travelers, and the town's somewhat remote location makes it an ideal place for visitors hoping to explore Costa Rica off the beaten path. The town's proximity to Chirripo National Park, the Hitoy-Cerere Biological Reserve and La Amistad International Park make Buenos Aires an ideal base of operations for adventurous travelers who want to explore the rugged Costa Rican landscape on their way to these national parks.

Map of the Area

Click to enlarge map - Map of the Area

Alternatively, visitors who want to enjoy the pristine beaches of Costa Rica's Pacific Coast can drive up Route 2 toward San Isidro, before taking Route 243 directly to the beach. While exploring the backroads of Costa Rica can be a memorable adventure in itself, some of the roads can be quite narrow and rocky. If you're planning on driving through the area, you might want to consider renting a four-wheel drive SUV or truck.

Local flavors

Visitors who want a taste of the real Costa Rica will find plenty to get excited about in Buenos Aires. While the town may lack the sophisticated restaurants found in cities such as San Jose, many of the eateries in Buenos Aires are traditional, family-run places with outstanding food at great prices. Exploring the rugged countryside of Costa Rica can really help you work up an appetite, and when it comes to authentic Tico cuisine, there's no better way to experience the flavors of Latin America than by stopping at a family-owned restaurant for lunch.