Scarlet macaws, a crocodile bridge & a de Leon
The Central Pacific is one of the most accessible areas in Costa Rica. It is known for the majestic merging of six small mountain ranges into the Pacific Ocean, surrounded by green forested cliffs and white sandy beaches worthy of the Costa Rican name. The Central Pacific’s jungles are filled by a number of natural habitats, including both primary and secondary rainforest and an array of exotic birds and wildlife, including both the two- and three-toed sloth. You are likely to see the once endangered scarlet macaw flying through your hotel lobby. When you’ve finished at the jungles, head inland to hike the rainforest to Mount Chirripo, the tallest peak in Costa Rica and the day along the coastline of nearly isolated coastal beaches with some of the best surf in Costa Rica, and some might say the world.
Manuel Antonio National Park
The Manuel Antonio National Park is small, but its ecological diversity is mighty. Forbes magazine has called it one of the most beautiful parks in the world, and it doesn’t disappoint. Today’s park spans several natural habitats and is treasured for its biodiversity, wildlife and breadth of activities. Its well-connected network of hiking trails leads through the rainforests and into the expansive palm-lined Playa Manuel Antonio, which is the kind of stunning that makes you take a deep breath. The park also has the dubious pleasure of having been discovered in 1519 by Ponce de Leon’s nephew Herman. It’s hard to get bored at Manuel Antonio National Park – unless you want to be. And with its glorious beach, that’s okay too.
Try this
· Learn how indigenous spices are grown and prepared for use at a working spice plantation.
Carara National Park
The Carara National Park is an ecological wonder. It has the only transitional forest in Central America, which causes a dual habitat from both bio-environments. The park has a large and diverse body of wildlife and critters, but it is the birds that puts Carara on the world stage. The park is home to 48% of Costa Rica’s bird species and has a large population of the near extinct scarlet macaws. Ornithologists, photographers and avid birdwatchers are regular visitors to the park to admire and study its magnificent bird population. Birds are not the only attraction at the Park, however. Be sure to stop at the Crocodile Bridge at the Tarcoles River at the entry way to Carara, where you can see wild crocodiles in their natural environment. And always keep your eyes open for sloth or two hanging around in the park.
Try this
· Walk one of the fifteen pre-Columbian archaeological sites from two distinct periods, Pavas (300 BC to 300 AD) and Cartao (800 AD to 1500 AD)
Jaco Beach
There is always something to do at Jaco Beach. It is conveniently close to San Jose, guards the teeming rainforest of nearby Carrara National Park and has surf that has the world’s attention. The village of Jaco is set just behind the beach and offers a good range of shops, restaurants and accommodations – it’s a blast. Jaco is known for being high-spirited with a healthy list of aquatic sports, world-class waves and a lively nightlife, and rightfully so. But there’s more to do in Jaco than just catching waves. As the gateway to the lush Central and South Pacific Coasts, Jaco is an excellent place to experience all the jungle, nature, wildlife and adventure of a tropical rainforest, and then head back to the beach. Or take a full day and treat yourself to a luxurious catamaran cruise to Tortuga Island to snorkel, kayak, swim or lounge on the idyllic beach and have a delicious lunch and drinks. Jaco really can’t be missed.
Try this
· Hike to El Miro ruins of an unfinished mansion with its once white walls covered in traditional murals and a startling panoramic view of Playa Jaco
