Central Pacific. The Coast and
nature, just a few hours away.
Just a few hours
away from the capital city is the Central Pacific region,
the closest beach area to San José. The area
offers beach amusement centers and popular places to
practice surf and sport fishing, as well as tropical
forests rich in wildlife species, islands full of exotic
vegetation, fishing towns and endless stretches of soft
sand beach, ideal for those who wish to rest. The lodging
and cuisine are equally diverse, due to the existence
of some of Costa Rica's best boutique hotels, as well
as international hotels.
The observation
of wildlife is one of the region's most attractive activities.
Two hours from the capital, in Carara National Park,
lies one of the country's largest populations of scarlet
macaws, which can be observed at sunrise or at sunset.
The park itself constitutes a biological jewel by representing
a transition area between the Pacific humid forest and
the dry forest. Nearby the delta of the Rio Tárcoles,
has become a must stop to observe, enormous crocodiles
resting beside the river banks.
Continuing along
the coastal highway, its possible to observe the endless
lines of African palm, whose oil is used in cosmetics
and other products. These Palms show the way to one
of the most visited national parks in the country: Manuel
Antonio, home of numerous wildlife species such as the
small Titi monkey and the capuchino monkey. (white face-monkey)
The park offers the opportunity to explore its tropical
humid forest, its mangroves, islands and marine life.
Many of the region's
beaches are ideal to surf on, such is the case of Esterillos,
Jacó, Hermosa, Boca Barranca and the beaches that
skirt Puerto Caldera.
On the other hand, Puntarenas, the largest city in the
region, offers visitors its port atmosphere. Puntarenas
is literally a point of sand that points toward the Gulf
of Nicoya and one of the main areas for the arrival of
cruises and ships. The city possesses the only marine
park of the country and is considered the best place in
Costa Rica for the realization of international biathlons.
It also has many festivities such as the carnivals, in
February, and the Festival Virgin of the Sea in July.
Anchored in the Gulf
of Nicoya, the Guayabo, Negritos, Pájaros and
Tortuga islands offer those who navigate their proximities,
a natural display in which large flocks of frigate birds,
brown pelicans, and parrots and the stand out. Isla
Tortuga is one of the most visited destinations due
to its white sand beach and natural landscape.
After crossing
the Gulf of Nicoya hidden beaches, waterfalls and wildlife
preserves areas such as the Reserva Absoluta Cabo Blanco,
offer the visitor a variety of activities to enjoy. In the
Pacific lies an island that marks the furthest reach of the
country at 535 kilometers from Cabo Blanco, rises the Coco's
Island, declared by UNESCO, a Patrimony of Humanity. A former
refuge for pirates and treasure legends, Coco's invaluable
wealth resides in its natural life, especially the marine
life that presents abundant species of great attractiveness
for divers, such as hammerhead sharks, marine mammals and
the coral reefs.
