Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The central Pacific coast is home to a number of parks and reserves, including the most
visited national park in Costa Rica.
Hacienda Barú National Wildlife Refuge
is a small reserve that encompasses a range of
tropical habitats and is part of a major biological corridor that protects a wide range of spe-
cies.
Parque Nacional Carara is home to no fewer than 400 species of bird, including the rare
scarlet macaw, which is, amazingly, a commonly sighted species in the park.
The pristine beaches, rainforest-clad mountains and dense wildlife of
Parque Nacional
Manuel Antonio
never fail to disappoint in Costa Rica's most touristed national park.
Parque Nacional Marino Ballena
is a vitally important marine park. This is the country's
premier destination for both whale- and dolphin-watching.
Getting There & Around
The best option for exploring the coast in depth is to have your own form of private trans-
portation. With the exception of a few odd unpaved stretches of dirt off the main high-
ways, the central Pacific coast has some of the country's best roads.
Major cities and towns along the coast, such as Puntarenas, Jacó, Quepos, Dominical
and Uvita, are serviced by regular buses. Generally speaking, public transportation is fre-
quent and efficient, and is certainly more affordable than renting a car.
which is the base town for accessing Manuel Antonio. Prices vary according to season and
availability, though you can expect to pay a little less than US$75 for a flight from San
José or Liberia.
PUNTARENAS TO QUEPOS
The northern reaches of the central Pacific coast extend from the maritime port of Puntar-
enas, a historic shipping hub that has fallen on harder times, to the booming town of Que-
pos, which is the main access point for Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio. In between are
vast swaths of forested hillsides and wilderness beaches, which together protect large con-
centrations of remarkable wildlife. However, the local spotlight is fixed firmly on the surf
city of Jacó, which plays host to a colorful cast of characters.
