Costa Rica Central Pacific Region
Manuel Antonio National Park, Carara National Park, Tarcoles River, & Tortuga Islands
Jaco, Putarenas, Quepos, beaches, river boats, rain forests, & dry forests
Scarlet macaws, squirrel monkeys, white-faced monkeys, iguanas, & crocodiles
Canopy tours, hanging bridges, zip-lines, & white-water rafting
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Scarlet macaw in Carara |
Sunset over the Pacific Ocean at Jaco. |
Tours
We use the best tour operators to book all kinds of tours to Costa Rica, including independent tours and packages. If you have a group we can design a tour for your group. Check with us for details or for other information. Please contact us to book your travel. We book travel worldwide. Check out our Special Promotions.
Special Photo Tour
Please contact us if you are interested in a special photo tour of Costa Rica with workshops and instruction in the field with an emphasis on digital photography.
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Plant growing on a tree above |
Tarcoles riverboat for observing wildlife in the |
Central Pacific region
The Central Pacific region of Costa Rica includes two of the most popular developed beaches in the country. One is at Jaco and the other is at Quepos/Manuel Antonio National Park. Also, Manuel Antonio National Park is a great place to see wildlife, and is one of the most popular parks in Costa Rica.
Rip currents
Swimmers should be on guard for rip currents. They are often called riptides, but they are generated by breaking water waves, and have nothing to do with the tides. If caught in a rip current do not try to swim toward the beach, as a strong current will wear you out. Instead, swim parallel to the beach, and in a short distance you should come out of the current.
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Large iguana on the riverbank of the Tarcoles |
Bird seen from Tarcoles River |
Carara National Park
The Carara National Park, sometimes referred to as the Carara Biological Reserve, is located near Jaco. Here you find a transitional forest between the drier climate to the north and the more humid climate found to the south. This leads to a variation in plants and wildlife. The largest number of scarlet macaws in Costa Rica are found in the Park. These very beautiful birds spend their days in the Park but nest in the nearby coastal mangroves. They can be seen flying into the Park in the early morning and leaving late in the day. The picture of the scarlet macaw above was taken when the bird was high up in a tree. Many other species of birds are found here as will as other wildlife. For example, look for toucans, armadillos, coatimundis, and monkeys. Unless you are with a naturalist guide you will likely miss most of flora and fauna, because most people do not know what to look for or where to look.
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Crocodile with reflection in the Tarcoles River. |
Trees that seem to be running along the |
Tarcoles River boat trip
We did a boat trip in the Tarcoles River because it is not only relaxing but a great way to see wildlife. We saw crocodiles, iguanas, and lots of birds. It is always fascinating to see the large iguanas, such as the one in the picture above. There are many photo opportunities.
Jaco and more
The popular beach town of Jaco has lots of restaurants and souvenir shops. There are also plenty of bars and discos for those wanting nightlife. Due to the large ocean waves this place attracts many surfers. If you want to do canopy tours the area offers an aerial tram, hanging bridges at tree-top level, and zip-line tours. You can also go horseback riding and white-water rafting.
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Looking from one Tortuga Island to the other. |
A termite nest up in a tree on |
Tortuga Islands
We did a day boat trip to one of the Tortuga Islands. They are located off of the southern coast of the Nicoya Peninsula. The islands are an example of a dry forest. The vegetation is not thick like in a typical rain forest in Costa Rica. To get there we went from the port city of Puntarenas. The boat trip afforded some spectacular views of the coastline. Musicians entertained us both on the boat and during lunch on the island. Note the picture of the termite nest about 8 feet (2.5 meters) up in a tree, which was seen on a nature walk. You can also swim and snorkel at the island. The boat tour to Tortuga Islands is a nice way to spend some time if you are looking for a relaxing day.
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Boat used for trip to Tortuga Island. |
Musicians that entertained both on the boat |
Quepos and Manuel Antonio National Park
South of Jaco is Quepos. As you go a few miles south of Quepos to Manuel Antonio National Park you encounter gorgeous views of the Pacific Coast. From our hotel room we had a stunning view of the coastline. Manuel Antonio National park is one of the most popular parks in Costa Rica. Here you will have a chance to see squirrel monkeys, which are so much fun to watch. The picture of the two squirrel monkeys below was taken at our hotel in the late afternoon when dozens of them showed up looking for bananas. In the Park you might also see white-faced monkeys, sloths, and agoutis plus other wildlife including numerous species of birds. When you are ready for a break there are beautiful beaches both inside and outside the Park. It is important to note that Manuel Antonio National Park is closed on Mondays.
Quepos/Manuel Antonio area
If you are looking for other things to do in the area you can do river rafting, kayaking, fishing, zip-line tours, horseback riding, and visit butterfly gardens. There are bars and discos for those in search of nightlife.
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Squirrel monkeys near Manuel Antonio |
Beach near Manuel Antonio National Park. |
Photos by Sunny Breeding. We sell prints and images.
