Beaches
North Pacific
Central Pacific
This spectacular area is very close to the Central Valley, a two-hours drive, 120 kms away from the capital. It has three cities attractive to tourists: Quepos, Jacó and Puntarenas - the principal center, nice for stopovers, distribution, scale and excursion.
South Pacific
Regarding as being one of the wildest part of the country, the south Pacific offers enchanting beaches and an extraordinary variety of fauna and flora. One important protected area is located in this zone: the Corcovado National Park -located south and constituting the habitat of important endemic species such as the gold frog, defined by National Geographic Magazine as “the planet’s biologically richest place”.
The main activities in this area include beach enjoyment and marine resources, such as whales and dolphin’s observation, as well as mangrove swamp’s, landscapes, reptilian, sport fishing, surfing, hiking through the National Park’s paths, professional diving, botanical gardens, protected areas, impressive waterfalls…
South Caribbean
This region extends from the city of Limon to the border with Panama and offers a unique combination of beaches, natural resources and Afro-Caribbean culture. It possesses a unique culture in Costa Rica, a way of life that may be fully appreciated during the traditional carnivals held each year, an experience of rhythms and euphoric and captivating colors.
The Caribbean’s extraordinary natural and cultural wealth allows adventure and natural history activities which definitely compliment with culture, gastronomy and music. Stand out the reefs, multicolor-sanded high quality beaches (from black to yellow and gray), coastal vegetation and medium-high forest.
Cahuíta National Park and Gandoca Manzanillo Reserve are worldwide recognized, not only because of their natural beauty but because they are becoming unique conservation places in almost the whole Caribbean.
Beaches Nicoya
The Nicoya Peninsula is separated from the mainland of Costa Rica by the Gulf of Nicoya and the Tempisque estuary. This region is well known for its beaches and the sun, which is exactly what visitors find along its coastline, with an abundance of hotels, cabins, and restaurants. Some are luxury ones, others more modest, but they all guarantee that guests have the perfect option for each budget.
You can reach Flamingo Beach, an ideal place for those lookimg for a mix of good hotels and a quiet atmosphere. Grande Beach is located further south, and along with Las Baulas National Park, is a sanctuary for thousands of leatherback turtles (baula) arriving to spawn in its coasts each year. Tamarindo offers a blend of white-sand beaches and mangroves, sea birds and iguanas, making it a paradisiacal and perfect spot for those wishing to live in harmony with nature.
Many other beaches along the coast of Guanacaste will complete a matchless natural offer. Carrillo Beach, Ostional Beach, Manzanillo, and Conchal, are some of those destinations giving the greatest province of Costa Rica its reputation.
Many of these beaches are Blue Flag beaches, a distinction granted to beaches with excellent or very high sanitation and cleanliness.
