 Climate: Hot and humid
Average Temperature: 81°F with 85% humidity on average
See Central Pacific Weather Region
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Central Pacific: Best Known For.....
Places to See in the Central Pacific Region
Things to Do in the Central Pacific Region
This tourism region encompasses the central part of the Pacific coast from Puntarenas south to the mouth of the Baru River, just north of Dominical. This area mostly consists of scenic beaches and seaside villages separated by beautiful coves and bays.
In addition to the many activities available for beach lovers, wildlife viewing in this area is excellent and adventure sports include zip-line canopy tours and canyoneering. A large population of scarlet macaws live in the Carara National Park where toucans, monkeys and other tropical birds are regularly spotted.
If traveling from San Jose or Puntarenas, be sure to stop at the Tarcoles River Bridge. There are usually up to a dozen massive crocodiles sunning themselves on the river’s edge, some of them up to 12 feet long. Visitors will drive over this bridge when traveling from San Jose south on route 34 to Jaco and beaches further to the south.
In addition to great surfing, Jaco is notorious for its lively party scene and adventure sports, including everything from parasailing and sport fishing to horseback rides along secluded mountain trails.
Along this length of coast there are many picturesque beaches, including Playa Hermosa, Esterillos Oeste, Centro and Este, and the tranquil Playa Bejuco. Surf schools, cozy restaurants, some specializing in fresh ceviche, and quaint towns make this stretch of coast worth exploring.
Quepos, one of the larger cities on the Central Pacific Coast, has an airport located just outside of town and regular bus service from San Jose. The town is filled with shops, restaurants and a great outdoor market on the weekends. Sport fishing is huge in Quepos. World records have been set by anglers in this region and the warm Pacific waters are rife with marlin, sailfish, mahi mahi, amberjack and tuna.
Just over the hill are Manuel Antonio and its national park. Early morning hikers are likely to see white-faced capuchin monkeys, whiptail lizards and a variety of song birds. Coatimundis, two and three-toed sloths, and black spiny-tailed iguanas are common, too. The area is well known for its population of the endangered squirrel monkey (mono titi).
The beaches located inside Manuel Antonio National Park are some of the most beautiful Costa Rica has to offer. There is plenty of shade and gentle currents to help you laze the day away. A wide range of hotels, from budget to luxury, line the road between Quepos and Manuel Antonio.
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The Central Pacific Tourism Region is Best Known For:
Hot Spots:
Jaco, Playa Hermosa, Quepos and Manuel Antonio
Places to See:
Popular Beaches: Jaco, Playa Tárcoles, Punta Leona, Playa Herradura, Playa Hermosa, Playa Esterillos, Playa Bejuco, Playa Palma, Quepos, Manuel Antonio’s beaches and Playa Matapalo
See Also Central Pacific Beaches
Museums & Gardens: Iguana Park, Fincas Naturales (butterfly garden, night hikes and other natural history displays)
National Parks:
Other Protected Areas: Playa Hermosa Wildlife Refuge, Portalón Wildlife Refuge, Transylvania Wildlife Refuge, Finca Barú del Pacifico Wildlife Refuge, Cataratas Cerro Redondo Wildlife Refuge
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Things to Do:
Air Activities: Canopy tours, aerial trams, parasailing, hang gliding, ultralight tours and air boat tours
Land Activities: Bird and wildlife watching, hiking, horseback riding, visiting butterfly gardens and serpentariums, golfing, tennis, mountain biking, canyoneering, trips to day spas and and studying Spanish
Water Activities: Sport fishing, boating, diving and snorkeling,sea kayaking, surfing, jet skis, dolphin & whale watching, sunset tours, rafting & tubing and mangrove tours through Damas Island
See Also: Central Pacific Surf Breaks
Read our Central Pacific Region Travel Blogs:
Jaco, Playa Hermosa & Bejuco (February 2008)
Manuel Antonio/ Quepos (August 2007) and (July 2006)
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Playa Hermosa
Central Manuel Antonio
Tarcoles River American crocodile