The Central Pacific region of Costa Rica, features a tropical climate characterized by a distinct wet and dry season. The rainy season lasts from May to November, bringing frequent rainfall. The lush tropical rainforests in the region thrive during this period. September and October are the worst months when the rainy season reaches it's peak. From mid-November the rainy season starts to shift towards the dry season. The dry season spans from December to April, with less precipitation and occasional light rain showers. This season is favored by tourists for its predictable weather, but popular destinations like Manuel Antonio National Park get very crowded during this high season. The main vegetation in the region is tropical rainforest, with some mangrove forests along the coast.

One of the first attractions of the region and a very famous stop on the way south to the towns of Jaco, Manuel Antonio and Quepos is the Rio Tarcoles Bridge or Puente de Rio Tarcoles.  This bridge is located on the main road along the west coast, Ruta 34.  You will notice you have reached this place by the restaurants and gift shops at the beginning and numerous tourists walking the bridge. The reason why this is such a popular stop is due to the large population of crocodiles that inhabit the Tarcoles River. While walking the bridge, you can easily spot these impressive reptiles on the riverbanks or swimming in the water below. After watching the crocodiles you can continue to your final destination, but you might want to extend the experience and drive to the nearby town of Tarcoles. This small community located near Pacific coast and the Tarcoles river mouth serves as a starting point for boat tours on the river, which allows you to get even closer to the crocodiles and experience the region's diverse wildlife, including various bird species. 

Carara National Park is a beautiful but lesser known national park located next to the Tarcoles river. The main entrance of the park is located at Ruta 34 almost right after the Tarcoles bridge on your way to the town of Jaco. The park offers a unique blend of ecosystems as it serves as a transitional zone where tropical dry forests of the north meet the tropical rainforests of the south. I’m told it is a birdwatcher's paradise! The most iconic bird that you can spot in the park is the beautiful Scarlet Macaw. The park offers some well-maintained trails that wind through the forest.

There are three trails that are loped onto each other, of which the first loop is very easy accessible. The trail is only 1.2 kilometers (0.75 miles) long and loops back to the main entrance. It's perfect for families with young children, strollers, or wheelchairs. From the Universal Access Trail, you are able to continue on to the Sendero Quebrada Bonita. This short trail is 1.3 kilometers (0.8 miles) long and takes you through the rainforest and alongside the Quebrada Bonita creek. It loops back to the Universal Access Trail or you can continue on to the Sendero Los Araceas: This third loop trail is 1.1 kilometers (0.7 miles) long, and winds through a forest rich with araceae plants. You can loop back to the Sendero Quebrada Bonita trail, or you can exit the national park onto Ruta 34 at some distance from the main entrance.

The fourth trail is the Laguna Meandrica Trail. This trail is the longest, with 4.4 kilometers (2.7 miles). It follows the Tarcoles river and offers opportunities to spot crocodiles and other wildlife. This trail is closed from September until October due to flooding. Check the official website of the national park for more information and tickets: SINAC ACOPAC Carara NP. 

Nestled along the Central Pacific coast, there is a hidden paradise called Punta Leona. This place is an escape for people seeking a relaxing place to explore this region. It is an amazing place with white sand beaches and turquoise waters that invite you to dive right in, like the amazing Playa Mantas and Playa Blanca. This was one of my first encounters with the Central Pacific coast when living in Costa Rica, and it is truly an idyllic destination, capturing the essence of Costa Rica's natural beauty. Whilst stepping out of the hotel right onto Playa Mantas following the coastline to the south, the beautiful beach turned into a rocky formation leading up to the lookout point over Punta Leona with the amazing Playa Blanca on the other side. 

Jaco is a beach town located approximately a 2-hour drive away from the capital San Jose, making it easily accessible for both locals and international tourists. Jaco is known as a popular surf town with a vibrant, somewhat crazy nightlife. This makes Jaco loved by some and something to avoid for others. If you are not that much into surfing, bars and party and prefer to avoid the crowds you might want to stay outside the town center. Having that said, Jaco and the surrounding area offers a lot of opportunity and a variety of outdoor activities. Although the beach right in front of Jaco is great for surfing, it is not that impressive in terms of beauty and nature. 

If you are looking for beautiful beaches nearby worth visiting I would definitely recommend Punta Leona with Playa Mantas and Playa Blanca, or Playa Herradura to the north, and Playa Hermosa to the south of Jaco. When it comes to nature, you can explore the rainforests through various eco-adventure providers. These activities often include zip-lining, canopy tours, hiking trails, and wildlife watching. Rainforest Adventures also has a sky tram. It's a great way to experience the rich biodiversity and natural beauty of the central Pacific. 

Explore where to stay near Jaco

• Club de Playa Punta Leona, also known as Punta Leona Beach Club & Nature Resort or Hotel Punta Leona, this hotel is great resort option to stay in between Tarcoles and Jaco. Besides a couple if swimming pools it is located directly at Playa Mantas, and you have access to the nearby Playa Blanca. Check out Hotel Punta Leona on Booking.com for great deals!

Explore things to do near Jaco

• The Tarcoles Bridge is a great attraction. When taking Ruta 34, the main route in the direction of Jaco you will cross a bridge, el Puente de Rio Tarcoles. From this bridge you can see plenty of crocodiles in the water. You can make this a short stop, but if you want to see more crocodiles you can go to the nearby town of Tarcoles and get a crocodile boat tour.

• Carara National Park is located at Ruta 34 between the Tarcoles bridge and Jaco, is a hidden gem offering a blend of northern dry tropical forests and southern lush rainforests, with well-maintained trails, including an easily accessible first loop. 

• Hidden in the rainforest near Jaco, Rainforest Adventures offers a great combination of eco-tourism and more thrill-seeking fun. Imagine zipping through the treetops with the Pacific Ocean peeking through in the distance. The sky tram tours are a more relaxed way to observe the canopy. There is also a nice butterfly garden and a medicinal plants garden.

• Surfing

Don't forget to check the Highlights Map for points of interest, activities, accommodations, and more.

Manuel Antonio is a small town, but very popular due to its proximity to the stunning beaches and abundant wildlife of Manuel Antonio National Park. You will find plenty of accommodations, restaurants, shops, and tour operators in and around the town center. Due to popularity, the town can get crowded, especially during peak seasons. Just a short drive away from Manuel Antonio, you'll find the town of Quepos. While Manuel Antonio is known for its natural wonders, Quepos is renowned for its lively waterfront and marina. The town is a hub for various outdoor activities, such as sport fishing, sailing, and water sports. Quepos is a worthy alternative to Manuel Antonio when looking for a place to stay and explore the area, with plenty of restaurants, bars, and souvenir shops. El Avion Restaurant is one of those places worth checking.

If you have heard about Costa Rica, you’ve probably heard about Manuel Antonio National Park. It is without a doubt one of the most well-known and most visited parks in the country. The coastal park is small, easy accessible, has plenty of wildlife and the beaches are gorgeous. However, I have to seriously warn you that the success of Manuel Antonio can come with a downside. During high season, the park and the town can get very crowded. This might make it more of an amusement park type of experience if you are unlucky. 

If you do visit during high season, note that the park has multiple hiking trails, some of which are less crowded. Also make sure that you figure out where the official car parking area is to avoid being drawn to privately owned overpriced parking areas. Note that the park is closed on Tuesdays and that you are not allowed to bring single use plastics such as bottles and bags. Rules are very strict on reducing plastic waste in the area. You can bring your reusable water bottle. Check the official website of the national park for more information and tickets: SINAC ACOPAC Manuel Antonio NP.

Explore where to stay in Manuel Antonio & Quepos

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Explore things to do near Manuel Antonio & Quepos

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• Rainmaker Park is a great destination for nature enthusiasts. Just a short drive from Quepos, this park is a must-visit The park offers a network of well-maintained hiking trails and hanging bridges that wind through the rainforest. The main trail, which features several beautiful waterfalls along its 1.5-mile loop. This trail takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the scenery. Going though the park on a slow pace with a couple of stops will take you about 2 to 3 hours. The trails are not too challenging, making them accessible for most visitors, but they still provide a sense of adventure and discovery.

Don't forget to check the Highlights Map for points of interest, activities, accommodations, and more.

During high season the major towns Jaco, Manuel Antonio and Quepos can be crowded. For people that want to stay somewhere more tranquil but near the region's highlights, or for people that just want to spend a night on their way back and forward to the South Pacific, there are alternatives. At Ruta 34 between Jaco and Manuel Antonio you will find Esterillos and Bejuco. These are two beautiful and small coastal towns with a relaxed atmosphere. They are quieter and less developed in terms of tourism, but have some good hotels and restaurants and nice beaches. Esterillos is the biggest of the two and has a laid-back, rural beach vibe. The beach is good for surfing and there are some surf options in town. Bejuco is a smaller town located next to Esterillos, offering a more secluded and intimate atmosphere.

Explore where to stay in Esterillos & Bejuco

• Casa Amarilla Beachfront, is probably one of the best places to stay when visiting the Esterillos and Bejuco area. This small hotel makes you feel at home. It has a swimming pool, fully equiped kithen and is located directly at Playa Esterillos. Check out Casa Amarilla Beachfront on Booking.com for great deals!

Explore things to do near Esterillos & Bejuco

• Enjoy the beaches in front of these towns like Playa Esterillos and Playa Bejuco.

• Rainmaker Park as described in the Explore Manuel Antonio & Quepos section is also a great place to visit from Esterillos and Bejuco.

Don't forget to check the Highlights Map for points of interest, activities, accommodations, and more.

The Central Pacific is relatively easy to reach, and places like Jaco (2 hours) and Manuel Antonio (3 hours) are not that far from the capital.  From the direction of San José, or from the direction of Puntarenas, you have to get to Ruta 34 which goes all the way down the central and south Pacific coast.

For detailed descriptions and a map on how to get to the Central Pacific and for detailed descriptions and a map on how to travel between the Central and South Pacific and the Caribbean and vise versa, check the Routes & Roads page.