Central Pacific

The Central Pacific has the most accessible beaches from the capital of San Jose, where most visitors arrive to. The beaches vary between white and dark sand, secluded and overcrowded. The center of action is Jaco with its happening nightlife and wide array of hotels for all budgets. While many choose to pass up a visit to the further north port town of Puntarenas, it is an area that has managed to flourish while dedicating itself to the Costa Rican tourist, with the exception of the giant cruise ships that dock there once in a while. The town is also the jumping off point for the ferry that will take you to the beautiful beaches on The Nicoya Peninsula.

Manuel Antonio, lovingly termed the “gem” of the Costa Rican park system, is a land and marine park mixing rain forest and beautiful white sand beaches, all within a four hour drive from the city. Quepos and the town of Manuel Antonio have grown to cater to tourists with restaurants, bars, hotels and even a Casino. This is one of the most popular beaches to visit and is definitely worth a see. It is also home to a large number of tour outfitters that will hook you up with sport fishing, scuba diving, surfing, snorkeling, horseback riding or the infamous canopy zipline.

• Jaco
• Manuel Antonio
• Playa Hermosa
• Puntarenas
• Matapalo