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 closest 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 still one of the most popular ones. The National Park is part of nearly every tourists route through Costa Rica, whether you are traveling on tour or on your own. What can be found here that is so special? An undamaged ecosystem with plenty of wildlife, jungle and palm trees right next to the beach, the most beautiful beaches of the Pacific coast and a well-developed tourist infrastructure.
Playa Jacó, Puntarenas
Closest 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, tours 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 everywhere on 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 is also the capital of the province Puntarenas.
Only 45,000 people live in Puntarenas. The city is located 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. Most important are the ferries to the Nicoya Peninsula that depature here daily.
