Costa Rica’s Pacific coast stretches from the north of Panama to the south of Nicaragua and is very different from the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica in terms of nature, views and atmosphere.
The Pacific coast is vibrant, verdant and absolutely stunning; from the rugged shoreline with surrounding fields and low tropical forests in the north to the lush rainforest backed beaches in the south.
Dramatic ocean views, relaxation and tropical adventures are waiting for you along the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, so what are you waiting for?
♦ The ‘Pura Vida’ on the North Pacific Coast
Sharing its border with Nicaragua, the northern Pacific coast of Costa Rica is also known as the Gold Coast due to its dry, warm climate, heavenly beaches and relaxing atmosphere. With the least amount of rainfall and more days of sun than anywhere else in Costa Rica, you will be able to enjoy Costa Rica’s quintessential paradisiacal beaches.
The north Pacific region of Costa Rica has the Guanacaste Province and Nicoya Peninsula within its borders.
In the Guanacaste Province, the town of Tamarindo with its long, golden sand beaches and spectacular sunsets is the focal point of the region and with the Mangrove Wildlife Reserve, the dry-tropical forest and clear waters to enjoy there are a number of adventures and activities waiting for you. The untouched coastline of the Nicoya Peninsula attracts those looking to make the most of the gentle surf, slow ‘pura vida’ way of life and pure relaxation in Mal País and Santa Teresa. With the nearby Cabo Blanco National Park, which was established in 1963, and was Costa Rica’s first protected area, you can venture into the tropical wilderness exploring the diverse ecosystem and environment of Costa Rica.
♦ Paradise on the Central Pacific Coast
The central Pacific coast of Costa Rica is scattered with more stunning beaches and a wide variety of protected areas that marry together the three elements ever-present in Costa Rica: nature, adventure and relaxation. Located a couple of hours drive or a short flight from the capital of San José, the central Pacific coast is extremely easy to access.
The National Park of Manuel Antonio is alive with some of Costa Rica’s best examples of wildlife, from toucans, monkeys and sloths in the treetops to armadillos and poison dart frogs.
With breath-taking white-sandy beaches backed by verdant rainforest, the Manuel Antonio National Park has excellent walking trails to explore the very best of the region. Further south, is the Marino Ballena National Park where between January and April and August to October, humpbacks whales and dolphins gather along this stretch of coastline, providing a spectacle for everyone!
♦ Getting wild on the South Pacific Coast
From the southern border with Panama to the Central Pacific Coast, the wilderness takes over at the Osa Peninsula and within the Corcovado National Park. Tucked away in the southern part of Costa Rica’s Pacific coast are windswept beaches, remote luxury eco-lodges and perhaps Costa Rica’s best display of wildlife.
Tropical forest and rare mammals such as tapirs, ocelots and anteaters as well as four different species of monkeys can be seen on the South Pacific Coast along with hummingbirds and the brightly colored scarlet macaws.
The South Pacific Coast definitely has one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful and diverse ecosystems making it a true environmental jewel on earth. With the National Geographic Magazine describing Corcovado National Park as, ‘the planet’s biologically richest place’ there is no doubt that in spite of the humidity and tropical rainfall, you will have an overwhelming and unique wildlife adventure unlike anywhere else in the world!
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