Getting Oriented
Most of the Central Pacific is mountainous, and beach towns are backed by forested peaks. Humid evergreen forests, oil-palm plantations, and cattle pastures blanket the land. The coastal highway connects all towns from Tárcoles to the southern Pacific. The hub town of Jacó makes a good base for visiting surrounding beaches and wildlife areas. Farther south are neighboring Quepos and Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica’s most popular destination, followed by smaller towns barely touched by tourism.
- Tárcoles. This small town is famous for its crocodiles. You can get a peek at the huge reptiles as they lounge on the riverbanks or take a river tour.
- Punta Leona. Past Tárcoles on the Central Pacific Coast, Punta Leona is worth a trip if your ideal stay is an upscale villa in the lush rain forest with killer views and access to a private beach.
- Playa Herradura. Just north of Jacó, this beautiful coastal town named for its horseshoe-shaped beach is known for its marina, golf course, and sportfishing.
- Jacó. Famous for nightlife and surfing, this lively, popular destination is the most developed beach town in Costa Rica and offers something for both beach lovers and adventure seekers.
- Playa Hermosa. Not to be confused with the beach of the same name in Guanacaste, this surf town south of Jacó is has ample outdoor activities, including turtle tours and surfing lessons.
- Esterillos Este. This under-the-radar gem has some great beachfront boutique hotels.
- Quepos. The gateway town to Manuel Antonio is good for stocking up on supplies, visiting the area's nature reserve, and taking canopy tours.
- Manuel Antonio. One of the most popular spots in Costa Rica is home to the wildlife-rich, beach-lined Manuel Antonio National Park and a nice selection of restaurants and hotels.
- Central Pacific Coast. From Tárcoles, the highway along the coast connects the lively surf towns of Jacó and Playa Hermosa to several quiet beach communities dotting the South Pacific. This is the place to surf, do a multitude of activities, party, and laze on the beach.
- Manuel Antonio Area. Boutique hotels and sustainable resorts cradle the steep cliffs of this coastal town, where white-sand coves border the wildlife-rich Manuel Antonio National Park.
