Central Pacific (Manuel Antonio), Costa Rica
Perhaps the most popular tourist destination in Costa Rica, the Central Pacific region of the country is also the most accessible. It is located at a short distance from the capital of Costa Rica, San Jose, either by plane or car. The area is known for its beautiful beaches, coastal and tourist cities and the fantastic opportunities to surf. The area offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy all kind of activities, including fishing and sunbathing. Undoubtedly the biggest and crowded attraction of this area is the beautiful Manuel Antonio, National Park.
It has a lush and dense forest along with its stunning coastline ideal for swimming or just for bird watching. Manuel Antonio National Park attracts the largest number of tourists in the country. Manuel Antonio is surrounded by a large number of hotels and restaurants and offers fantastic views to the Pacific Ocean. The park is home to many endemic species of plant and animal life. Nearby the park is the town of Manuel Antonio, a good place to use as a base while exploring the park. However, be careful to do so during the tourist season because while you stay in this city you can get very expensive prices and crowded places.
When you visit the Manuel Antonio National Park in Costa Rica, one of the best and cheapest places to stay in Quepos. It is located 7 miles from the park. This tourist city is growing rapidly due to fishing (both touristic and commercial) and for the development of tourism. This picturesque town has its own small airport which is located near a lot of friendly hotels, fine restaurants, and an active nightlife.
The city of Quepos is north of the popular city of Jaco in Costa Rica, which has been for a long time of the most famous touristic places in Costa Rica. Due to its proximity to the city of San Jose, this beach is ideal for those that want to travel in the spring to the west coast of Costa Rica with their magnificent beaches. Near Jaco is located in an excellent place for surfing, the town of Hermosa Beach, which even hosts an international surfing competition every year.
A good place to visit in Costa Rica during the exploration of the Central Pacific region is the provincial capital city of Puntarenas. It is a bustling port in the sea; this city offers some of the finest seafood and cuisine of the Costa Rican Pacific coast. But if you prefer a quieter and relaxed vacation then travel to the southern city of Dominical that is always a pleasant beach with good surfing conditions beach hotels. Located south of Dominical there are a series of beautiful secluded beaches perfect for those who require some relax and rest of the daily life.
If you want something more exciting the city of Puntarenas is perfect for you with hotels, bars, restaurants, and casinos. The city will allow you to enjoy the great nightlife. It has de taste of the Pacific of Costa Rica and a big beach. Also, the tourist can enjoy with an old port that is obsolete and is kept for tourism and for cruises. Another attraction is the famous “Paseo de Los Turistas” through which you can tour the city in a walk.