Costa Rica Vacations at Central Pacific Coast
The Central Pacific of Costa Rica features many important national and private unspoiled 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 Tarcoles River. This transitional zone encompasses several ecosystems and harbors an incredible variety of wildlife, including the largest population of scarlet macaws in Costa Rica.
Cruise charters offer visits to Tortuga Island and romantic sunset tours round out with a full variety of water-related activities including snorkeling and water skiing.
The main cities proximity to both oceans and the quality of the waves attract surfers from all over the world. The Central Pacific coast boasts some of Costa Rica’s most famous beaches for surfing such as Jaco and Playa Hermosa.
Further south you will find the area of Quepos and Manuel Antonio National Park. Quepos is well known by sport-fishing enthusiasts and the blue water of this coast provides exceptional challenge and excitement for 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 growth to hidden sandy coves and magnificent lookouts over the ocean and beaches.
Just a couple of hours walking the Manuel Antonio park’s trails are likely to present various colorful and majestic birds, white-faced monkeys, two and three-toed sloths, coatis, pacas, brilliantly colored land crabs, a variety of multihued butterflies, and interesting insects.
The area between Quepos & Manuel Antonio National Park has dozens of boutique hotels and fine restaurants offering the visitor a wide variety of exclusive lodging and dining choices.
