The Central Pacific

The Central Pacific is a well known region in Costa Rica, mostly thanks to Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio, which is one of the most popular national parks of Costa Rica, and the surf town of Jaco. Note that a large portion of the popularity of these places is due to the fact that they are relatively close to the capital city of San José and easy to reach. These places, with Manuel Antonio in particular, get very crowded during high season. Fortunately, the region has more to offer like Parque Nacional Carara and more unknown and laid-back beach town destinations like Esterillos and Bejuco. Your first stop when entering this region however will be without a doubt the Tarcoles Bridge, from which you are able to see a countless number of crocodiles.

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Climate & Vegetation

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 vegetation thrives during this period. September and October are the worst months, while 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 and enjoyable beach activities, but popular destinations like Manuel Antonio National Park get very crowded. The main vegetation in the region is tropical rainforest, with some mangrove forests along the coast.

Temperature and rainfall statistics are averages over a longer period of multiple years. The 'Average Days with Rain' statistic shows the average number of days per month that had rain, but this does not say anything about the duration of rain per day. Weather, especially rainfall, is difficult to predict and varies per year due to different influences. Visit the Seasons page for more information regarding weather and climate.

Tarcoles

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, located on the Pan-American Highway, Route 34. It is a significant attraction, which you will notice by restaurants and gift shops at the beginning of the bridge and numerous amout of tourists walking the bridge. The reason is due to the large population of crocodiles that inhabit the Tarcoles River. While walking the Rio Tarcoles Bridge, you can easily spot these impressive reptiles lounging on the riverbanks or swimming in the water below. After watching the crocodiles you can continue your trip, but you might want to extend the experience and drive to the nearby town of Tarcoles, it is a small community located near the bridge at the Tarcoles River. The town itself is very small and serves as a starting point for popular boat tours along the Tarcoles 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

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 next to 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 the dry tropical forests of the north meet the lush 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 rainforest.

There are three trails that are loped onto each other, of which the first loop is very easy accessible. This first so-called Universal Access Trail is the most popular and very 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.

Jaco

The town of Jaco is a popular beach town located o approximately a 2-hour drive away from the capital city, 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, and a variety of outdoor activities. Although the beach is great for surfing, it is not that impressive in terms of beauty and nature. Other beaches nearby worth visiting are Punta Leona with Playa Herradura to the north and Playa Hermosa to the south. When it comes to nature, just outside Jaco, you can explore the lush Costa Rican rainforests through various eco-adventures. These activities often include zip-lining, canopy tours, hiking trails, and wildlife watching. Rainforest Adventures also has a skytram. It's a great way to experience the rich biodiversity and natural beauty of the central Pacific. Also located nearby is Carara National Park, a popular destination for birdwatching. It's home to various bird species, including scarlet macaws and toucans, as well as other wildlife like monkeys and crocodiles.

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

Manuel Antonio & Quepos

Manuel Antonio is a small town, popular to tourists due to its proximity to the stunning beaches and abundant wildlife of the Manuel Antonio National Park. You will find plenty of accommodations, restaurants, shops, and tour operators in and around the town center. Due to popularity of the national park, 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.

Manuel Antonio National Park

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, the beaches are gorgeous and the town of Manuel Antonio and the nearby town of Quepos are home to great hotels and restaurants. However, I have to seriously warn you that the success of Manuel Antonio comes with a huge downside. During high season, the park and the town are overcrowded. Yes, people will tell you that you can escape the crowds by staying away from the city center and by visiting nearby lesser known beaches, but when visiting the park during high season you will have an amusement park type of experience. 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.

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

Esterillos & Bejuco

During high season the major towns Jaco, Manuel Antonio and Quepos can be crowded. For people that want to stay somewhere more tranquil but nearby the region 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.

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

How to get to the Central Pacific

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.

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