Central Pacific

Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast is a tropical playground, year-round.

Central Pacific

Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast is a tropical playground, year-round.

Central Pacific

 

Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast is a tropical playground, year-round. Its evergreen forests and sandy beaches provide a unique setting. The Central Pacific region is a distinct geographical region, a thin, virtually ruler-straight coastal plain narrowing to the southeast and backed by steep sided mountains.

The coast is lined by long gray-sand beaches. The region is a transition zone between the tropical dry forest of the north pacific and the wet forests of the nearby south pacific coast. Despite the fact that the region’s protected areas are among the smallest in the country, they are vibrant habitats alive with an amazing variety of flora and fauna. These pristine green zones provide sanctuary for many endangered species.

The two most well – know areas.

Carara Biological Reserve and Manuel Antonio National Park, are readily accessible natural laboratories that nature lovers will enjoy immensely.

There is a lot to do along this part of Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast, and not all of it has to do with beaches and water. The rivers and mountains behind the beaches hold a wealth of activities for the adventurous traveler.

A place of swaying palms and playful monkeys, sparkling blue water and a riot of tropical birds, Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio is the country’s smallest and most popular national park. It’s a truly lovely place; the clearly marked trail system winds through rainforest-backed white-sand beaches and rocky headlands, the wildlife (iguanas, sloths, monkeys) is plentiful, and the views across the bay to the pristine outer islands are gorgeous. Manuel Antonio National Park combines the rainforest with breathtaking white-sand beaches, among the most beautiful in Costa Rica. The Manuel Antonio Region has received plenty of coverage in travel magazines, earning it the distinction of one of the 10 most beautiful places in the world! Manuel Antonio’s humid tropical forest remains green year-round. The town itself is spread out across a hilly and curving road. Along this main road, near the top of the hill, are the area’s most luxurious hotels and fine-dining restaurants, surrounded by rain forest with amazing views of the beaches and offshore islands. From Manuel Antonio you can experience whitewater rafting, guided rainforest waterfall walks, horseback riding, snorkeling and sports fishing.

Optional activities in the Area:

Some activities include: Manuel Antonio National Park visit and a variety of water sports, including surfing the legendary waves, diving and snorkelling and sunset cruises

***Note that Manuel Antonio National Park is closed on Mondays

Major attractions

Beaches (Herradura, Jacó, Punta Leona, Tambor, Manuel Antonio, Puntarenas and much more), Carara Biological Reserve, Iguana Park, Canopy Tour, Manuel Antonio National Park.

Activities available

Surfing, Hiking, Bird watching, Horseback riding, Pacific Island Cruises, Rafting, Sport fishing, Snorkeling, Kayaking & boat tours, jet skiing, parasailing.