Find World Class Surf in Jaco, visit the National Park in Manuel Antonio and beyond!
Central Pacific Coast
The Costa Rica Pacific Coast is easily accessible from the capital city of San José. Highway 27 (Ruta 27) allows you to get from the city to the beach in just over an hour. The Central Pacific area is characterized by small coastal villages and several well-developed resort areas. It’s mixed with palm plantations that stretch down the length of the coastline. Also, there are several beach towns that are popular with visitors to the area including Jaco Beach, Esterillos, Manuel Antonio and Dominical–to name a few. Visit the Pacific Coast for an incredible Costa Rica vacation and find great surfing, an abundance of rainforest wildlife and the classic pura vida vibe!
Families and couples flock from around the world to enjoy the beautiful beaches of Manuel Antonio, home to one of the most popular national parks in the country. Set up a canopy tour, ride ATV’s, go sports fishing or snorkeling and dolphin watching from a catamaran cruise. There is much to see and do in this beautiful area! Manuel Antonio is the most developed beach towns in the area. It offers incredible hotels and resorts, tons of activities. Shopping, restaurants, and nightlife will also help keep you busy during your stay.
The beach town of Jaco is one of the most popular surfing and nightlife destinations in Costa Rica and the Central Pacific. Only 1.5 hours from San Jose, it is easily accessible and full of adventure for the whole family. Relax on the beach, surf, go zip lining and watch for the countless Scarlet Macaws that fly around the area.
The Carara National Park is famous for being home to crocodiles, Scarlet Macaws, Toucans and Trogans. It is a great birding destination! Carara National Park is a transition zone between dry forest and rainforest so you get to see incredible birds from both types of forest.
Not to be confused with Playa Hermosa in Guanacaste, Hermosa beach is a fantastic surfing destination. Beginners should steer clear, however. The breaks are intense!
Nauyaca Waterfalls is one of the best ecotourism destinations in the Central Pacific. Ride on horseback to the beautiful waterfalls where you can swim in the natural pools.
The Central Pacific tours are great for everyone. You can find adrenaline-pumping adventure tours like zip lining or white water rafting or more relaxing birding and wildlife tours! You can also go on an ATV tour, visit a wildlife sanctuary or soar above the ocean on a parasailing tour.
Central Pacific Weather
The Central Pacific has some of the nicest weather in Costa Rica. From December-April you’ll find spring-like weather conditions all day, every day. From April-November there are usually rain showers in the last afternoon and early evening.
Central Pacific Nature
There’s no shortage of wildlife in the Central Pacific. It’s a popular place to photograph the famous Scarlet Macaws, who always fly in pairs. You’ll also see white face capuchin monkeys trying to steal your snacks, lazy sloths napping, crocodiles soaking up the sun under the Tarcoles bridge and lots of iguanas running around.
Central Pacific Culture
In the Central Pacific the culture is very pura vida and very tourist-y. Because there are so many stellar beaches and lush national parks there are always a great deal of foreigners and locals running around enjoying the incredible destinations. Luckily people are extremely friendly and laid back. Pura vida!
Getting to the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica is fast an easy. Simply take Highway 27 from San Jose. My Costa Rica can help set us a shuttle, private transfer or rental car!
HotelsRentalsToursBeachesCitiesIslandsRiversVolcanoesWaterfallsNational Parks
Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast
Central Pacific Coast The Costa Rica Pacific Coast is easily accessible from the capital city of San José. Highway 27 (Ruta 27) allows you to get from the city to the beach...
Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast Vacation Packages
Costa Rica Relocation with Christopher Howard and Stay in Punta Leona
7
SJO
$1500-$2000 p.p.
Costa Rica’s Top Three Destinations
SJO
$1500-$2000 p.p.
Luxury Family Getaway with Hacienda AltaGracia
7
SJO
More than $2000 p.p.
Caribbean Dream with Manuel Antonio
12
SJO
$1500-$2000 p.p.
Best of Costa Rica with Peace Lodge (4 Star)
7
SJO
$1000-$1500 p.p.
Perfect Combination with Corcovado
SJO
More than $2000 p.p.
Coast to Coast with Puerto Viejo
12
SJO
More than $2000 p.p.
Birding in Costa Rica’s Eco-Zones
11
SJO
More than $2000 p.p.
Best of Birding in Costa Rica Paradise
SJO
More than $2000 p.p.
Costa Rica’s Seventh Heaven
7
SJO
$1000-$1500 p.p.
Nature Birding Tour
10
SJO
More than $2000 p.p.
Pacific & Caribbean Combo
10
SJO
More than $2000 p.p.
Extended Costa Rica Highlights
20
SJO
More than $2000 p.p.
Costa Ballena Exploration
9
SJO
More than $2000 p.p.
Full Board Birding Trip!
8
SJO
More than $2000 p.p.
Dancing with Quetzals
11
SJO
More than $2000 p.p.
Away from the Crowds
SJO
$1000-$1500 p.p.
Beaches
Herradura Beach
Visiting Herradura Costa Rica Playa Herradura Costa Rica is located in the Central Pacific zone. It is about an hour from ...
Central Pacific Beaches
Visiting the Central Pacific Beaches The Central Pacific Costa Rica beaches are a short drive away from the capital city o...
Punta Leona Costa Rica
Visiting Punta Leona Costa Rica Punta Leona Costa Rica is located on the Central Pacific in the province of Puntarenas. Pu...
Guacalillo Costa Rica
Visiting Guacalillo Costa Rica The beach of Guacalillo Costa Rica is a relatively unknown destination on the Central Pacif...
Biesanz Beach
Visiting Playa Biesanz What makes Playa Biesanz in Costa Rica so special? It’s a beautiful unknown quiet corner between Qu...
Manuel Antonio
Visiting Manuel Antonio National Park Manuel Antonio Costa Rica is one of our top recommended destinations a great locatio...
Dominical Beach
Visiting Dominical Costa Rica Dominical Costa Rica is a friendly surf town on the Central Pacific Coastline, 28 miles sout...
Jaco Beach
Visiting Jaco Costa Rica Jaco, Costa Rica has been the focal point of the Central Pacific Coast for a couple of decades; i...
Hermosa Beach Near Jaco
Visiting Playa Hermosa Near Jaco Considered as having one of the best surf breaks, the Playa Hermosa on the Central Pacifi...
Esterillos Beach
Visiting Esterillos Costa Rica Playa Esterillos is on the Central Pacific coast in Puntarenas, Costa Rica is one of those ...
Cities
Puntarenas
Visiting Puntarenas Costa Rica Puntarenas Costa Rica is the largest province and one of the most important tourist destina...
Islands
Damas Island Mangrove
Manuel Antonio's Damas Island is home to one of Costa Rica's richest and most vital mangrove forests, providing a unique e...
Rivers
Tarcoles
The Crocodile Bridge As you are driving toward the Costa Rica Central Pacific, make sure to stop by the Tarcoles River Bri...
Savegre River
Apart from getting your adrenaline levels high, you are going to meet the true wilderness of Costa Rica.
National Parks
Carara National Park
Visiting Carara National Park Carara National Park is located near the Tarcoles River in the Central Pacific. It was estab...
Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast Hotels
La Mansion Inn
5
2
From: $125 - $200
Hotel Si Como No
4
5
From: $200 - $300
Hotel El Parador
4
5
From: $200 - $300
Croc’s Resort & Casino
5
From: Over $300
Hotel Balcon del Mar
3
From: Under $125
Cerro Lodge
4
From: $125 - $200
Gaia Hotel and Reserve
5
4
From: $200 - $300
Hotel Punta Leona
3
4
From: Under $125
Hotel San Bada
4
5
From: $200 - $300
Hotel Villa Caletas
4
5
From: $200 - $300
Arenas Del Mar
5
5
From: $200 - $300
Hotel La Mariposa
4
From: $125 - $200
Los Suenos Marriott
4
2
From: $125 - $200
Costa Paraiso
3
From: Under $125
Hotel Costa Verde
3
2
From: $125 - $200
Hotel Playa Espadilla
3
3
From: $125 - $200
Espadilla Gardens
3
From: $200 - $300
Club del Mar
4
2
From: $200 - $300
Hacienda Barú Lodge
3
5
From: Under $125
Kura Design Villas
5
From: Over $300
Rafiki Safari Lodge
3
From: $125 - $200
Makanda by the Sea
5
From: Over $300
Santa Juana Lodge
3
5
From: $125 - $200
Alma Del Pacifico
4
From: Under $125
Rancho Pacifico
4
From: $200 - $300
Las Nubes Resort
4
5
From: $125 - $200
Terraza del Pacifico
3
3
From: Under $125
Tulemar Resort
5
From: $200 - $300
Hotel Cuna Del Angel
4
5
From: Over $300
Hotel Clandestino Beach Resort
4
From: $125 - $200
Hotel Cristal Ballena
4
4
From: Under $125
Hotel Shana
5
From: $200 - $300
Plaza Yara
3
From: Under $125
Oceano Hotel
5
From: Over $300
Lookout Playa Tortuga
3
From: Under $125
Hotel El Castillo
4
From: $125 - $200
Macaw Lodge
4
From: $125 - $200
Hotel Karahe
3
From: $125 - $200
Oxygen Jungle Villas
4
From: $125 - $200
Villas Rio Mar
3
4
From: Under $125
Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast Tours
Parasailing Tour Costa Rica Adventure
From: $75 - $100
Catamaran Adventure Tour with Planet Dolphin
Surf Lesson with MASS (Manuel Antonio Surf School and Camp)
Jungle Tubing Savegre River
From: Under $50
Manuel Antonio National Park tour with Tucanes Tours
Savegre River White Water Rafting with Tucanes Tours
Horseback Riding Tour with Tucanes Tours
Damas Island Estuary Mangrove Tour with Tucanes Tours
Santa Juana Rural Mountain Adventure Tour
From: $75 - $100
Ocean Kayaking & Snorkeling with Tucanes Tours
Kids Saving the Rainforest Wildlife Sanctuary Tour
Horseback Riding in Mulguri with San Bada
Santa Juana Rural Mountain Adventure Tour with Si Como No
ATV Rainforest Adventure in Manuel Antonio
From: $75 - $100
Canopy Tour with Canopy Safari
Coast Jet Ski – Manuel Antonio Adventure
From: Over $100
Tortuga Island Cruise with Calypso
Canopy & ATV Tours at Safari Adventures
From: $50 - $75
Manuel Antonio National Park Tour with Expediciones Tropicales
Scuba Diving Tour Costa Rica Adventure
From: $75 - $100
Manuel Antonio National Park Tour
From: Under $50
Kids Saving the Rainforest Wildlife Sanctuary
From: Under $50
Southern Zone
Why Visit?
Costa Rica’s Southern Zone is where you’ll find the tallest mountains, pristine cloud forest areas, and a virtually unexplored paradise. Find a large variety of birds and just an endless array of biodiversity.
Costa Rica’s Central Valley is home to the capital of San José and the Juan Santamaría International Airport. Steeped in History & Culture, many people use the capital as the jumping off point for their vacations.
The Osa Peninsula is truly an unexplored paradise and a must see for nature lovers. If you are looking to get off the beaten path and explore – this is the spot for you.
Guanacaste is home to Costa Rica’s most popular beach destinations and all-inclusive resorts. If you are looking for a beach vacation, this is your destination for sun, sand, and surf.
The Nicoya Peninsula is still largely undeveloped and home to some of Costa Rica’s most beautiful beaches. Known for it’s laid back surfer vibe and boutique beach resorts.
Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast is a rich cultural area offering a laid back tropical atmosphere. Experience what Tico Time truly is on this Afro-Caribbean influenced area.
Nicaragua is a unique country full of culture and historical parts. You can see a lot of the old part of the colonial age including the cobblestone streets and old forts.
Panama is a totally different level of destination. It has so much to offer. You can experience history and modern architecture all in one in Panama City with skyscrapers and the old part of the city.
Follow Us