The Port of Caldera, Costa Rica
The port of Caldera in Costa Rica is the most important port city in the country and was founded in 1868. It has a tropical climate and is one of the perfect destinations for travelers who want to enjoy their trip with sun, sand, water, and all the other natural attractions that this region has to offer. In fact, Caldera is a Costa Rican port city known for its beautiful beaches and perfect destination for travelers. It is located in the district of Caldera in the canton of Esparza, in the province of Puntarenas.
History of the Port of Caldera, Costa Rica
The city was founded on February 25, 1859 by José María Castro Madriz and was named Bahía Caldera. In colonial times, this was the main port of the Pacific slope. However, it was located a few kilometers away from the current port. Loading and unloading operations were carried out to the north of the bay by boats. Later, in 1910, the decision was made to build a dock on wooden piles and a small storage warehouse.
By 1940, the dock was replaced by another one. This was built on steel piles and at the same time, the Customs building with a main warehouse was also created. Over the years, more warehouses and some shallow berths were built, both at the main dock and at a site called El Cocal in the Puntarenas estuary.
However, the city grew around the port and due to the continuous congestion of ships, at the end of the sixties a port development was considered to facilitate the nation’s foreign trade with the economic access zones through the Pacific Ocean. After several consulting companies carried out their studies, Caldera Bay was chosen as the site for the new port, as it represented the best location from the economic point of view of the project.
The port of Caldera, currently in use, was artificially created in 1978, beginning operations until 1981, after the main port of Puntarenas was discontinued for commercial use. Since then, it has been the main import and export point of the country’s Pacific coast. In 2001, the Government of Costa Rica began the process of modernizing port management in Costa Rica. Finally, on August 12, 2006, the concession of the Port of Caldera began.
Nowadays
Puerto Caldera continues to be a very convenient place to visit, not only because of its proximity to other cities and destinations, but also because it offers many attractions and activities for tourists, such as tours through the mangroves or even a visit to Tortuga Island. There are even new activities in the area such as sport fishing.
In summary
- The port of Caldera in Costa Rica is the most important port city in the country.
- The port of Caldera, currently in use, was artificially created in 1978 and began operations in 1981.
- Puerto Caldera continues to be a very convenient place to visit.
Author
Zelda Walters for Sensorial Sunsets
Bibliography
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