The Central Pacific Coast
is the actual recreation area of people from San Jose and its surrounding areas.
With the construction (in February 2010) of the highway San José – Calderas, the nearest beaches are only 50 minutes away from San José. The stretch of the coastline, all the way to the Nicoya Peninsula offers many great places to go.
Manuel Antonio National Park
more monkeys than tourists!
The Manuel Antonio National Park is the smallest national park in Costa Rica, but not an unknown one (on the contrary). Manuel Antonio National Park is part of nearly every tourist route through Costa Rica, whether traveling on tour or on your own. What is to be found here so special? An intact nature with plenty of wildlife, jungle and palm trees next to the beach, the most beautiful beaches of the Pacific coast, and a well-developed tourist infrastructure.
Playa Jacó, Puntarenas
nearest beach to capital San José
Playa Jacó (if not exactly a spectacular beach) is one of the best beaches near the capital (50 minutes), and has a first class infrastructure. Restaurants, banks, hotels, casinos, nightlife, tour and leisure facilities, etc. You can find all of these in a considerable quantity. Not everyone is looking for this, nature lovers want more tranquility. But it is a good option on the way to the south, or for a trip over the weekend.
Esterillos beach & surroundings
Playa Esterillos is considered one of the most attractive beaches in the central Pacific
A mile-long sandy beach, which is ideal for surfing and walking. When bathing, you have to be careful with strong currents and the tide's undertow (like anywhere in this coast).
beach town Montezuma
Nicoya Peninsula
Montezuma is a small beach town
It was discovered in the early seventies as a traveler's destination. There have been many immigrants that have settled here. This resulted in a casual and relaxed atmosphere.
Puntarenas, ferry terminal to Nicoya
The small town of Puntarenas is also the capital of the province Puntarenas.
In Puntarenas only live 45,000 people. The city lies on a narrow spit of land across the middle of the Gulf of Nicoya. As a destination, Puntarenas is not particularly attractive, but the city has its charm. Here are important the ferries that translate to the Nicoya Peninsula from here.
