This
thin strip of coastal land descends from the port of Puntarenas
to the Esterillos Beach and is separated from the Central Costa
Rican territories by the country's highest mountain range: the
Talamanca Cordillera. Offering the closest beaches to San Jose
(2 - 2 ½ hours driving), and a dramatic coastal drive through
the mountains, beaches such as Los Suenos, Punta Leona, Jacó,
and Esterillos have become a haven for surfers and city dwellers
alike searching for the perfect weekend paradise. With a golf
course at Los Sueños, horseback riding, sport fishing,
canopy tours in Jacó and an array of beaches and natural
landscapes the region is ideal for an active traveler.
Famous
for its large American Crocodiles, the Tarcoles River forms the
Northern border of Carara Biological Reserve. The Tarcoles is
full of crocodiles, scarlet macaws, Jesus Christ lizards, and
over 120 species of birds. But everyone comes to see the huge
crocodiles - so big they have names like "Saddam Hussein"
and "Mike Tyson!"
Carrara
Biological Reserve is an amazing array of aquatic and sometimes
toothy fauna that inhabit the Rio Tarcoles, impressive trees that
tower over the paths, and rich wildlife. Travelers have reported
personal experiences such as having nearly been charged by peccaries,
watching majestic scarlet macaws and other exotic birds soar overhead,
and very close encounters with Jaguarundis. Combine these with
the humanistic white-faced capuchins and howler monkeys, as well
as the vibrantly colored poison arrow frogs, one is sure to discover
a natural wealth like few other places.
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Our Selected
Hotels
Standard |
Punta
Leona Resort
The important nature reserve of Punta Leona is in Puntarenas province.
This reserve is one of the most vital in Costa Rica's Pacific sector
both from a geographical and conservation point of view. Punta Leona
is actually home to one of the last remaining forests that are found
in the transitional life zone between the rainforests of the Southwest
and the dry forests of the Northwest. Located near a pristine white
sand beach, Punta Leona has three varied walking and hiking trails,
all of which are easily accessible and prefect for bird watching.
Though a hotel/beach resort actually operates on this reserve, Punta
Leona still manages to provide tourists with an environment that is
both distinctive and enigmatic. |
First
Class |
Club
Del Mar - Jaco
Jacó Beach is a large tourist center with a straight four-km.
beach with open sea, strong surf and yellowish gray sand. On both
ends there are rocky promontories with heavy vegetation mixed with
buidings. The Club Del Mar Hotel, Condominiums & Spa is nestled
in a quiet cove surrounded by mature gardens at the south end of Jaco
Beach. A tropical rainforest serves as a backdrop, with gentle waves
breaking on a pristine beach.
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Deluxe
Class |
Villas
Caletas - Jaco
Villa Caletas is a truly unique combination
of mountain and seaside resort. Looming 1150 feet above the Pacific
Ocean, Villa Caletas shines like a jewel among resorts, prized not
only for location, design and decor, but also for outstanding facilities,
including a boutique, gym, business center, restaurant and two bars.
Villas Caletas makes the perfect romantic hideaway. |
Deluxe
Plus Class |
Los
Suenos de Marriott - Herradura
The Los Suenos de Marriott hotel features
magnificent colonial architecture set on the Pacific Coast, (1 hour,
45 minutes from Juan Santamana International Airport) on a 1,100 acre
rainforest with an 18-hole championship golf course. |
Alma del Pacifico - Esterillos
No crowds, chocolate colored beaches,
and great surf best describe the beaches of Esterillos. You may never
see another person as you stroll down the beaches where palms and
almond trees line the forest edge and the clear blue waters invite
you to go for a swim. Alma del Pacifico on Playa Esterillos Este,
is situated between Jaco Beach and Quepos, with beachfront villas
plus the architecture, art, hospitality and amenities guests have
come to enjoy at the original Xandari Resort & Spa
in the Central Valley. |
December 01, 2022-November 30, 2023
Click here to open and download 2023 Optional Mid-Pacific Day Tours and Rates (65K PDF)
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Isla Damas Sea Kayak Tour |
Toucans in Carara National Park |
Tranopy (Tram & Canopy) Waterfalls Tour |
Notes: All tours require a minimum of two participants.
Child rates apply to children 6-10 years old. Many tours do not permit children under 6.
Day Tour Departures - see Optional Tour Descriptions and Rates PDF above for details:
For more information call EcoAdventures toll free: 1-800-326-5025 |
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