Central Pacific
The Central Pacific Region of Costa Rica is a narrow strip of coastal land that stretches from north of Jaco to south of Manuel Antonio . Sandy beaches and protected wildlife are two primary draws to this area. The magnificent beaches, flanked by spectacular cliffs, create an awe-inspiring landscape; and with its combination of ocean panorama and lush tropical vegetation, Costa Rica?s Central Pacific has scenery unlike any other.
Savegre River
Beginning in the rainforest clad Talamanca Mountain Range between Cerro de los Muertos and Chirripo, the Savegre River flows south until reaching an estuary in the Manuel Antonio National Park, on the central Pacific coast of Costa Rica.
Explore PlaceManuel Antonio National Park
Created in 1972 to preserve the richness of the forest and the idyllic beaches, Manuel Antonio is home to many of Costa Rica's endangered species. Don't let the size fool you, the smallest of Costa Rica's National Parks, which encompasses almost 1,700 acres of land (683 terrestrial hectares) and 136,000 acres of ocean (55,000 marine hectares), is regarded as one of its best.
Explore PlaceNaranjo River
Located just west of Rio Savegre, the Naranjo River's white water covers about 50 miles (80 km) of stunning terrain.
Explore PlaceManuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio is home to a namesake national park full of unspoilt beaches and world-class views. Enjoy adventures as diverse as snorkeling and jungle hikes. A great destination for families, there’s something for everyone whether you have young children or college-bound teens. See a variety of Costa Rica’s animals when you peek into tide pools and hike through forests; experience the subtle thrill of birding when you cross a variety of species off of your ‘seen’ list. The best part? This is just the beginning of all of the beauty, excitement, and adventure awaiting you in Manuel Antonio.
Explore PlacePlaya Herradura
Playa Herradura is a small beach located on the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, about 3.5 miles (6km) north of the town Jaco. It's Spanish name means "horseshoe", which refers to the shape of the bay of this particular beach. Playa Herradura has different types of hotels, cabins, camping sites and restaurants.
Explore PlaceJaco
Playa Jaco is the closest beach to San Jose, the Central Valley and is one of the most visited coastal destinations in Costa Rica. The beach is a 2.5 mile (4 km) strip which offers world renowned surfing and more.
Explore PlaceQuepos
Quepos allows tourists to experience a once in a lifetime nature experience in Manuel Antonio National Park without leaving any of the familiar amenities behind. The close proximity of the park, located just 4.3 miles (7 km) to the south, and a wide array of services makes Quepos the perfect place to stay for those who wish to explore this enchanting area. The amenities available include everything from banks, restaurants, hotels, gift shops, bakeries, bars, a hospital, supermarket and even a post office.
Explore PlacePlaya Hermosa
Playa Hermosa on the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica is situated about 3 miles (5km) south of Jaco and is one of the best surf destinations in the country. There are two Playas Hermosa the other is in Guanacaste and is not a surfing beach.
Explore PlacePunta Leona
Set along the extraordinarily beautiful Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica, Punta Leona is a vitally important, 750-acre (300-hectare) nature reserve. Though widely unknown to the masses, this reserve is remarkably diverse and unique in its attraction, as it helps to protect crucial transitional forests within the country.
Explore PlacePuntarenas
Puntarenas sits on a long, narrow peninsula in the Gulf of Nicoya on the Central Pacific Coast. The area is blessed with large amounts of sunshine and warmth. Like the name of the town Puntarenas is the Province it lays in and stretches as far south as Panama. This stretch has fantastic flora and fauna, radiant beaches, incredible eco adventure opportunities, and majestic national parks.
Explore PlacePlaya 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. This serene, contiguous stretch of beach is made up of Esterillos Oeste to the west and Esterillos Este to the east, appropriately, where you will find plenty of accommodations laced throughout.
Explore PlaceMatapalo
Just off the beaten track, yet possessing all of the natural beauty of the Central Pacific, Matapalo is an escape from the typical tourist destination. Those who enjoy enchanting beaches and great sunsets will be thrilled to divert from the larger tourist crowds and enjoy this pristine area. The town of Matapalo, about 20 miles (32 km) south of Quepos, is where you can find yourself caught in between scenic beaches and striking forests full of mango, palm and coconut trees.
Explore PlaceSavegre River
The Savegre River runs through a valley in central Costa Rica. It makes its way through the Las Quetzales National Park toward the Pacific coast, flowing from the humid cloud forest down into the lowland tropical forest.
Explore PlacePlaya Palo Seco
This is the beach on the central coast, located about a 45-minute drive west of Quepos and about a 3-hour drive from San José.
Explore PlaceCerros de Turrubares
Cerros de Turrubares, which means Turrubares Hills in Spanish, is a rural area in Costa Rica’s Central Pacific region. Cerros de Turrubares is definitely off-the-beaten-path, but it provides easy access to the Carara National Park and the central Pacific coastline.
Explore PlaceLagarto
Lagarto is a small town on the coast of the Gulf of Morales, on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Go here for nature and wildlife tours, especially bird watching. It's also a good spot for surfing and getting off the beaten path.
Explore PlacePlaya Bejuco
Playa Bejuco is only about 35km north of Manuel Antonio and about 30 km south from Jaco but the atmosphere could not be more distant from the more popular destinations. The beach is pristine and clean with a Blue Flag rating, is a popular nesting area for birds and even has some pretty good surf from time to time.
Explore PlaceEsterillos Oeste
Esterillos Oeste is a small town on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast, in the province of Puntarenas. This town’s main attraction is Esterillos Beach, which has excellent surfing conditions all year round. The beach has dark sand, and palm trees crowd the strip of land between the town and the beach.
Explore PlaceMore about Central Pacific
The Central Pacific is one of the most easily accessible regions in Costa Rica. It is no wonder the region remains one of the country's most frequented destinations. Along Coastal Highway 34, the incredible landscape features beaches, national parks, nature reserves, and exotic flora and fauna. World-renowned Manuel Antonio National Park is just one of the region's many points of natural interest. Additionally, ocean stretches along the Central Pacific provide the ultimate setting for water activities such as surfing, sport fishing, and scuba diving.
Lined with stunning mountainous coastline, the Central Pacific generally maintains a more arid climate then on Costa Rica's Caribbean Coast. (Nevertheless, bring a rain jacket, as showers in the tropics are always a possibility.) The Central Pacific is also not as humid as the Caribbean Coast or the South Pacific. However, it is more humid than Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula to the northwest.
Steep verdant cliffs, swallowed by the vast blue water, and picturesque beaches, gleaming with colorful sunsets, cast spectacular ocean scenery. The breath-taking forests and fascinating mangroves are rich with life. Such diverse natural offerings bring strong allure to Costa Rica's Central Pacific. The region is a short two-hour car ride from San Jose ; all its spectacular beauty is just an arm's length away!
Browse some of our favorite itineraries
Get excited and browse our selection of our favorite hand made tours including Central Pacific. From romantic honeymoons to family-fun; these are completely flexible and arranged to your needs.
Pura Vida Adventure Together
We both love nature and hiking so Costa Rica is ideal for both of those. We went during what’s considered the rainy season so you need to be aware of that going in. It rained at some point almost every day we were there but we still had a very enjoyable time. We visited La Fortuna and Manuel Antonio. We enjoyed La Fortuna more. La Fortuna was more jungle whereas Manuel Antonio was more coastal and felt more touristy.
Adventure Through Costa Rica's Wild Heart
Costa Rica was just magnificent. The people, food, jungles, beaches were all fantastic. Can’t wait until my next trip back.
Big Multi Family Group Adventure
Embark on a vibrant Costa Rican adventure that juxtaposes bustling urban energy with lush, untouched rainforests, delivering a dynamic escape from everyday routine. From San José’s lively streets you’ll head to Monteverde’s cloud‑forest canopy for sky tram rides and hikes, then dive into Rio Celeste’s turquoise waters and trek El Silencio’s volcanic paths. Friendly locals and knowledgeable guides will immerse you in coffee farms, rainforest sounds, and volcanic vistas, leaving you with lasting memories of Costa Rica’s spirited hospitality and natural wonder.
60th birthday jungle adventure
If you like the outside at all, Costa Rica is for you! It truly is a rich coast. The diversity of wildlife is mind blowing. It is spectacular.
Family Adventure Through Costa Rica
Rachel and her family of four spent a week moving across Costa Rica, from Arenal to the Pacific coast, with every transfer and tour arranged door to door. In Arenal they rode the Sky Adventures aerial tram and ziplines, took on the Balsa River's Class II–III rapids, and walked the EcoGarden trails to find sloths in their actual habitat, not a roadside stop, then the falls at La Fortuna. On the coast at Manuel Antonio they hiked the national park with a local guide, snorkeled the reef, and chased the Mulguri waterfall. As Rachel said, these weren't tours with twenty other tourists trailing the buses. They were the real thing, reachable only through local connections, with the family's days handled start to finish.
Dream Honeymoon Adventure in Costa Rica
Embark on a honeymoon that swaps city bustle for Costa Rica’s emerald rainforests and sun‑kissed beaches, where romance meets adventure in every sunrise. From Monteverde’s misty cloud forest trails to Arenal’s volcanic hot springs, then Playa Conchal’s Pacific surf and Damas Island’s mangrove kayak tours, you’ll hike, soak, and sail. Friendly local guides and vibrant community flavors will weave unforgettable memories, leaving you with a deeper connection to nature, Costa Rican warmth, and each other.
Family Annual Adventure
It's a beautiful country and the rainforest, Arenal volcano, rafting safari and catamaran sail were all wonderful. We learned a lot,laughed a lot, and would go back.
Costa Rica Family Adventure Quest
Embark on a vibrant Costa Rican family adventure that weaves together rainforest mist, volcanic fire, and Pacific surf, offering a dynamic contrast of nature’s extremes. Your journey moves from the sun‑kissed beaches of Manuel Antonio to Monteverde’s misty hanging bridges, then into Arenal’s volcano and waterfalls, ending with surf lessons in Tamarindo. Friendly local guides and coffee‑farm hosts will share traditions, flavors, and stories, leaving your family with lasting memories of Costa Rica’s warm hospitality and adventurous spirit.
Tropical Adventure with Friends
Costa Rica is a beautiful place - the biodiversity in terms of animals and plant life is spectacular. The beaches, the natural landscapes - all of it is stunning. The people are kind and welcoming, truly living the Pura Vida lifestyle.
Solo Exclusive Trip
An incredible country which went beyond expectations. Absolutely amazing & so many memorable experiences. The welcome from all the people & the hospitality everywhere is fantastic. I always felt safe
Family Fun in Costa Rica
This trip was perfect for our family of 4! It was full of adventure for EVERYONE! Usually our vacations consists of entertainment for the kids but on this vacation we all got to enjoy so much. We have a 5 and 9 year old and we did zip lining, safari boat tour, coffee/chocolate tour, hot springs, waterfall hike, manual Antonio national park and so much more!! We were here for 11 days (2 of them travel days) and it was just enough time! I can’t wait to come back!
Epic Mother‑Daughter Costa Rica Adventure
The flora and fauna are second to none. We saw and did so many incredible things The people are truly welcoming,, considerate and kind. The love for their country and their pleasure an pride in showing it to visitors shines through. The ease and safety of travelling around as s single mum with 2 daughters aged 12 and 15 without having to compromise on any experiences was s standout feature for me. Just a note: food and supermarkets are expensive - think US levels!
Deep Journey into the Heart of Costa Rica
From misty cloud forests to sun‑kissed Pacific beaches, this Costa Rican adventure weaves together vibrant wildlife, volcanic landscapes, and endless ocean horizons. You’ll trek Monteverde’s canopy bridges, soak in Arenal’s hot springs, kayak mangroves at Drake Bay, and snorkel coral reefs off Manuel Antonio. Friendly local guides and community hosts will share traditions, cuisine, and conservation stories, leaving you with unforgettable memories of Costa Rica’s pura vida spirit.
My Quick Getaway
This is my second trip using Anywhere to book a trip to Costa Rica. For the short time I was there, I had nothing but phenomenal service and helpful guides to make the trip amazing.
Wow We Had Fun!
This is our favourite family trip ever. We'll come back to visit or live.
Insider-led Costa Rica Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
Get StartedPrivate drivers; English-speaking available.
Avoid the crowds in private day tours.
Better stays, better pacing, better reservations.
Insider-only experiences and exclusive local partners.
24/7 in-country support by phone, text, and WhatsApp.
Insider-led Costa Rica Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
Real Voices, Real Benefits
We believe travel is more than ticking destinations off a list, it's about discovering new places deeply, feeling connected wherever you go, and knowing you have a trusted team of local experts behind you every step of the way.
