CENTRAL PACIFIC

National and private protected areas along the Pacific Coast

The Central Pacific has many important national and private protected areas. These pristine green zones provide sanctuary for many endangered species. The most well known area is Manuel Antonio but there are others where you can find exactly what you’re looking for. Herradura Beach is a small, quiet, protected cove with just enough infrastructures to make it comfortable.

Sport fishing charters, visits to Tortuga Island, and romantic sunset tours round out a full fare of water-related activities including snorkeling, wind surfing, and water skiing. Jaco Beach is what Herradura isn’t. This is where “Ticos” traditionally come to play in the sun. There’s plenty of infrastructure, shopping, nightlife and accommodations to provide anything one might want in a beach vacation.

Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the most beautiful parks, with more than 140,000 visitors a year (more than any other park in the country). The hilly evergreen forest providing natural shade from the tropical sun lines two gorgeous white sand beaches sloping to the gentle surf. Several trails lead through dense jungle growth to hidden sandy coves and magnificent lookouts over the ocean and beaches. The area is also a prime destination for spotting sloths.

As soon as your feet sink into the soft white sand of Playa Manuel Antonio, and you jump into its gentle, turquoise waters, the reason why people flock here will become overwhelmingly clear. You will never be bored in Manuel Antonio, and apart from the national park, scores of activities await the adrenaline hungry. Manuel Antonio temperatures remain fairly stable throughout the year, with average daytime highs in the upper 80s to low 90s and nighttime lows dropping to the upper 70s. During the dry season, which extends from December to April, you can expect glorious blue skies, heat and non-stop sunshine.

Experience More
Manuel Antonio is one of only two locations in Costa Rica where you can see all types of monkeys, many of which can be visible from your hotel window.