Introduction to Central Pacific Costa Rica

The closest beaches to San José, and some of the country's most popular, are found on Costa Rica's central Pacific coast. Options here range from the somewhat seedy Puntarenas and the cut-rate, fun-in-the-sun Jacó, to the jungle-clad hillsides of Dominical, and the ecotourist mecca of Manuel Antonio. The climate here is considerably more humid than that farther north in Guanacaste, but it's not nearly as steamy as along the south Pacific or Caribbean coasts.

Jacó and Manuel Antonio are two of Costa Rica's more developed beaches, while Puntarenas, a former seaport, is just a little over 2 hours from San José. If you're looking to get away from it all without traveling too far or spending too much, Dominical and the beaches south of Dominical should be your top choice on this coast.

By FROMMER'S

Southern Highlands

Rising into the clouds on the continental divide is the Talamanca mountain range, home to the montane rain forest, or cloud fores.

The region, which includes largely unexplored areas, is home to birds such as the Quetzal (pharomachrus mocinno) and several species of the Trogon family, and mammals such as the Jaguar and the Ocelot.

None of the mountains of the Talamanca range is considered volcanic. Its complete geological structure includes marine sediments, lava and igneous intrusions. Here we also find the Cerro Chirripo, highest peak in the country, which is host to the sub alpine and páramo ecosystems. Access to the peak in the Chirripó National Park is very difficult, but a good challenge for the serious hiker

The Talamanca range is accessible through he South Interamerican Highway, which makes it an ideal destination when in route to Corcovado and for bird watchers.

South Pacific

Stretching from the highest point of the country, Mt Chirripó, and the Amistad National Park on the continental divide's mountainous border, to the Corcovado National Park and the Osa Peninsula, the Southern Zone has the highest percentage of land devoted to National Parks and Forest Reserves with the greatest biodiversity of any region in the country.

A remote area with pristine forest and wonderful eco tourism opportunities, the South Pacific also offers great deep-sea fishing and diving. One of "the most biologically intense places on earth", according to National Geographic this region of Costa Rica serves up gigantic portions of adventure and nature. The Osa Peninsula will not disappoint with its array of brightly colored exotic birds, azure waters, and emerald canopies that stretch for miles.

Corcovado National Park is an undeniably beautiful place, considered to be one of the most important natural preserves in the Americas, this virgin rain forest park invites superlatives from all who visit. At least thirteen distinct vegetation types in close proximity, including mangroves, palm swamps and bloodweed forest make Corcovado a botanist's dream. Jaguars, giant anteaters, hundreds of white-lipped peccaries, tapers, and a host of rare rain forest animals inhabit the vast reaches surrounding the crocodile-filled lagoon at the park's center. The captivating visual beauty of its forest and of its coastline, with miles of uninhabited beaches and roaring cascades, draws visitors from all over the world.

Caño Island Biological Reserve, only 10 miles from Drake's Bay but a world apart from the mainland. Indians once used the island as a burial ground, however little is known about the pre-Columbian artifacts found there. Take advantage of the Reserve's clear blue waters and snorkel the coral reefs.

Caño Island has been rated by Skin Diver magazine as among the best in hot spots for adventure diving. Located off the southern tip of Costa Rica, this virgin area offers a variety of unique diving attractions, from 15 - 16' reefs to 80' "walls". "The Devil's Drop" for example, is a rock pile which begins at 40' and drops to as deep as 250'. Visibility is outstanding and rarely gets below 50'. The name of the game here is "SHARKS"! Lots of them (white-tips) ranging in size from 6-10' as well as sea turtles, dolphins, stingrays, morays, and huge snapper and grouper.

Quepos & Manuel Antonio

Quepos is well known by sport fishing enthusiasts. The blue water off 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, with locals and foreigners alike. The hilly evergreen forest providing natural shade from the tropical sun lines two gorgeous white sand beaches sloping to the gentle surf. Several trails lead through dense jungle growth to hidden sandy coves and magnificent lookouts over 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. The rain forest and mountains literally meet the sea here and the ecosystem is teeming with land, sea and air species. If there is one place to visit in this country and be assured of seeing animals in the wild, this is it. 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.

The area between Quepos & Manuel Antonio National Park has dozens of hotels and restaurants offering the visitor a wide variety of accommodations and dining choices.

Near Manuel Antonio is Jardin Gaia. Named three years ago as Costa Rica's first official Wildlife Rescue Center, it receives injured and confiscated animals and attempts to rehabilitate them for return to the wild.

North Zone / Arenal Volcano

The summit of the Arenal Volcano, rising 1,633 meters above sea level and continuously active since 1968, towers far above the northern plains overlooking a wind-swept lake and pristine cloud forests reserves. An incredibly diverse population of wildlife awaits you in this part of Costa Rica.

Driving along winding roads, you climb higher into the surrounding mountains, where temperatures drop to a refreshing 70-75 degrees F. Off in the distance one can see the dark green and blue silhouettes of the Guanacaste and Tilaran mountain ranges.

The ideal way to visit this region is by car. The landscapes as you drive along twisting roads make for incredible photographs. Of the 850 bird species identified in Costa Rica, 600 are permanent residents in their region. Don't forget the binoculars!!

The weather in this particular region tends to characterize itself with warm daytime temperatures (low to mid 80's) and relatively high humidity. There are intermittent rain showers that usually pass quickly. From late February to early May, the rain lessens in frequency which allows for fantastic skyscapes during sunrise and sunset.

Monteverde

Founded in the 1950's by a group of Quakers from the U.S., Monteverde has gained international renown as one of the most outstanding wildlife sanctuaries in the tropics. The reserve spreads out over 10,500 hectares of land that hold six different life zones. The climate and terrain of the preserve produce an incredible bio-diversity. There are at least 400 bird species in this high elevation rain forest, including the Resplendent Quetzal, ancient holy bird of the Mayans, over 100 species of mammals, 120 species of amphibians and reptiles and an estimated 2,500 species of plants making Monteverde a true "nature lover's paradise". The preserve has a definite wet and dry season, though the upper levels have fog and rain much of the year.

Delicate orchids, more than 400 species, grace the limbs of majestic trees. Their captivating colors of whites, lilacs, and yellows contrast with the emerald green of the forest.

Aside from the preserve, some other places merit attention while you're staying in nearby Santa Elena. The Children's Eternal rain forest, the first international children's rain forest in the world, the Monteverde Butterfly Garden, and the Hummingbird Gallery a must for those with a penchant for these winged, colored jewels of the forest, to name a few.

A novel and spectacular way to view the forest canopy without much physical effort is the "Skywalk". Some of the bridges hang suspended at over 130 feet making for truly spectacular views.

Mid Pacific

The Central Pacific has many important national and private protected areas. These pristine green zones provide sanctuary for many endangered species. The two most well known areas, Carara National Park and Manuel Antonio National Park, are readily accessible natural 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.

Just past Carara on the left is a road leading up to the mountain to Villa Lapas. Following this road another eight kilometers through rich forest and past breathtaking views brings you to a small tourist complex called La Catarata (The Cascade). Here you can take a four-hour trek on horseback through a private, reforested cattle ranch to a magnificent waterfall. Along the way you'll see several expansive vistas and are likely to spot scarlet macaws, toucans, and monkeys.

Herradura Beach is a small, quiet, protected cove with just enough infrastructures to make it comfortable. Sport fishing charters, visits to Tortuga Island, and romantic sunset tours round out a full fare of water-related activities including snorkeling, wind surfing, and water skiing.

Jaco Beach is what Herradura isn't. This is where "Ticos" traditionally come to play in the sun. There's plenty of infrastructure, shopping, nightlife and accommodations to provide anything one might want in a beach vacation.

Crocodiles catch the morning sun every day in the Tarcoles River

The road follows the coast out of Jaco providing spectacular scenery along the beaches. At the top of the hill is a great spot for a final look back on Jaco. A little further is a perfect view looking down on the long expanse of Playa Hermosa. There are many uncrowded beaches along this stretch, and many gravel roads provide access to these oases with names like Esterillos Oeste, Bejuco, and Palma.

Guanacaste

Beautiful beaches, fascinating national parks and a variety of activities, including world-class fishing and diving, awaits visitors to this largest province of Costa Rica.

Traveling from the Central Valley to Guanacaste is an almost surreal experience. The steep and winding roads gradually become flatter and straighter, and the lush, humid plant-life becomes sparser and drier. The mountains that before hemmed you in on both sides now become relegated to the distant horizon, replaced by vast, open lowlands ("bajura")

Originally part of Nicaragua, Nicoya region was annexed to Costa Rica by popular vote on July 25,1824 and although it is very much a part of the country, it is distinctive not only in its terrain, but also in its culture.

The perfect time to visit Guanacaste is, luckily enough, year-round. The dry season affords the serious sun worshipper with plenty of tanning time, while the "green season" brings the trees into bloom with explosions of color and fragrances.

San Jose-Central Valley

The heart of Costa Rica, the Central Valley, boasts a nearly perfect climate, excellent museums, drive-up volcanoes and fertile hillsides dotted with coffee plantations. Within this fertile temperate valley live most of the country's people. The Capital city of San Jose, is located at an altitude of 2,900' feet above sea level, giving it an idyllic climate with temperatures that vary from the mid-70's F during the day to about 60 degrees F at night.

San Jose offers visitors a wide variety of activities and a thriving nightlife with its many discos, bars, casinos, fine restaurants, shops, and some very impressive museums sprinkled throughout the city.

n the Plaza de la Cultura (Culture Square) a fantastic collection of pre-Colombian gold artifacts gleam inside the enormous vault of the Gold Museum. To one side of the Plaza is the beautiful National Theater, a national pride and architectural jewel that last year celebrated its 100th anniversary.

Attending a performance by the National Symphony Orchestra, one of Latin America's best, is a highlight to any tour. A few blocks away, on the 11th floor of the National Insurance Building (INS), is the Jade Museum, with the largest collection of pre-Colombian jade in the Americas.

Topping the list, literally, of things to do around San Jose are the drive-up volcanoes: Poás and Irazú, towering 8,870 and 11,260 feet, respectively, above sea level.

Among the lovely towns of the Central Valley, one of the most popular is Sarchí. Long at the center of Costa Rica's oxcart production and more recently, home to a thriving crafts industry, Sarchí attracts visitors looking for local handcrafts and souvenirs.

Caribbean

Costa Rica's Atlantic Coast offers tropical, pristine rain forests, abundant wildlife, excellent eco tourism opportunities, world-class fishing for tarpon and snook, and miles of breathtaking beaches, where endangered sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs.

One of the country's most popular eco tourism destinations, the canals, rivers, beaches, and lakes of Tortuguero National Park "Costa Rica's Amazon" are a working laboratory of rain forest, freshwater, and marine biology. In one of nature's most amazing spectacles, Green Turtles nest along the beaches here from July to October.

The northern coast of Costa Rica near the Nicaraguan border, Barra Del Colorado boasts superb tarpon fishing that draws fishermen from around the world. Other fish caught in the area include snook and calba, which run upstream from December to January.

The port city of Limon is Caribbean flavor all the way. Capital of the Afro-Caribbean culture in Costa Rica, Limon possesses dialects based on the English that have survived thanks to the natural barriers between the Central Valley and the Caribbean Coast.

If a stop in Limon produces a little culture shock, it's a good equalizer for the journey ahead.

About an hour south of Limon is Cahuita, another charming Caribbean town, which adjoins the Cahuita National Park. Known for its marine wealth, Cahuita's reefs also hold one of the greatest varieties of live coral along its' white-sand seashore. Half an hour south of Cahuita is Puerto Viejo, the perfect place to kick back and relax for a few days or weeks with miles of gorgeous beaches running north and south from town.

Manzanillo is literally the "end of the road" and the beginning of many great adventures. From here you can take a boat, a horse, or set off on foot. This area is part of Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, one of the most scenic regions in Costa Rica and one rich in flora and fauna. With offshore diving as good as any in Costa Rica and enviable weather all year round, Manzanillo is as close to the lost tropical land of your dreams as you are likely to discover!