Central Pacific Region of Costa Rica

The southern part of the Península de Nicoya, the Jacó Beach area, and the world famous Manuel Antonio National Park, Quepos, belong to the Central Pacific region.

This destination has many important National Parks and private, green protected areas that provide sanctuary for many endangered species.  The most well-known are Carara National Park and Manuel Antonio National Park, biological laboratories that nature lovers will enjoy immensely.

Carara National Park borders the Tárcoles River.  This transitional zone encompasses several ecosystems and harbors an incredible variety of wildlife including the largest population of scarlet macaws in Costa Rica.

Your visit may begin with the islands on this shore that offer visitors nice beaches to sunbathe, swim, snorkel, have a boat ride, or peaceful rainforests. In the central area you may find attractive places, like Puntarenas, with the landing of cruise ships on its pier, its famous gastronomy, offering well-known and varied seafood dishes, like “ceviche” (marinated/pickled fish in lemon and/or vinegar) and baked whole fish.

Jacó Beach is where “Ticos” traditionally come to play in the sun.  There is plenty of infrastructure, shopping, nightlife, and accommodations to provide anything one might want in a beach vacation.  The road follows the coast out of Jacó providing spectacular scenery along the beaches.  At the top of the hill there is a great spot for a final look on Jacó.  There are many uncrowded beaches along this stretch while many gravel roads provide access to these oases with names like Esterillos, Bejuco and Palma.

Further south, you will find the area of Quepos, and Manuel Antonio National Park.  Quepos is well known by sportfishing enthusiasts.  The blue water off this coast provides exceptional challenge and excitement for the seasoned, as well as occasional, anglers.  International bill fishing tournaments in these waters routinely tie and break world records.

Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the most beautiful parks in the country and the most popular, among locals and foreigners alike.  Several trails lead through dense jungle to hidden sandy coves overlooking the ocean and beaches.  Despite its small size and great popularity, Manuel Antonio has managed to remain one of the premiere nature spots in the country.

Just a couple of hours walking the park’s trails are likely to present various colorful and majestic birds, white-faced monkeys, two and three-toed sloth, coatis, pacas, brilliantly colored land crabs, a variety of multihued butterflies, and interesting insects.

The endangered squirrel monkey, and a subspecies of the squirrel monkey endemic to Costa Rica, are also frequently seen.  In all, over 100 species of animals, and nearly 200 species of birds, have been identified in this park.