Central Pacific - Jaco/Quepos

Puntarenas is the largest province of Costa Rica, and also the main city on the Pacific Coast. The city economy has been steadily declining and is now quite dilapidated and unattractive. The province is much better know for Quepos with Manuel Antonio Park, Carara Biological Reserve and for the surfing beaches of Jaco. Puntarenas also encompasses the Gulf of Nicoya with its many small islands most of which are biological preservation areas, as well as famous Monteverde Cloud Forest. Calypso Cruises One of the great experiences in Costa Rica is on the most modern vessel cruising the Nicoya Bay. An incredible combination of blue water, white sand, green mountains and gourmet cuisine on board a deluxe catamaran featuring an underwater viewing window, fresh water showers and a full bar. We include the Calypso Cruise on many of our packages.

Jaco Beach, being one of the beaches closest to San José is a favorite among tourists. The gray sand beach extends for 5 miles and is located only 119 km from the Central Valley. Surfing is one of the main attractions as well as the nearby Carara Biological Reserve.

Quepos The little village of Quepos is famous for its nearby Park of Manuel Antonio and as a small leisure fishing port Attractions/Activities: the Natural Parks and the beaches. Hiking, surfing, diving, snorkeling, and horseback riding.

Monteverde Cloud Forest This small community in north-western Costa Rica was founded by Quakers in 1951 and its attractions include a cloud forest, walking trails, quetzals, cheese factory, butterfly garden and a number of art galleries. The Cloud Forest, probably the best known Cloud Forest park in Costa Rica, is a private reserve and can be easily visited on one’s own or with one of the local guides. The park has been over-visited for years so animals are difficult to spot and the authorities have been trying to limit the number of daily visitors.

photo of Monkeys, courtesy of Tourism Board of Costa RicaCarara Biological Reserve Carara Biological Reserve (4,700 hectares) is a transition zone between dry tropical forest and the wetter regions to the south. It is laced by countless rivers, the largest being the Tarcoles. Crocodiles and caimans are easily spotted along with plenty of wading birds. Coatimundis, peccaries, white-face capuchin, howler and spider monkeys, and the rare-two toed sloth can all be found here along with a great variety of plant life including fabulous heliconias. Carara is one of the few nesting areas remaining for the scarlet macaw. Throughout the day, the macaws can always be heard and often seen in flight, particularly around dusk.

Manuel Antonio Park Manuel Antonio National Park (683 hectares) is Costa Rica’s most famous national park and one of its most visited. It comprises a small, forested area, populated by monkeys and raccoons, and three exceptionally beautiful beaches. It is one of the few remaining areas in which the squirrel monkey is found. Trails pass through secondary forest and primary forest, dominated by bastard cedar and balsa and mangrove swamps. The beaches are fringed with coconut palm, as befits a tropical paradise.

Also tagged with: Central America, Costa Rica, Helpful Information, Region


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