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This region of the country stretches from the city of Puntarenas to the mouth of the Río Barú in the area known as Dominical de Osa. It has three cities attractive to tourists and well developed for tourism: Quepos, Jacó and Puntarenas. The region also comprises the islands in the Gulf of Nicoya, as these are mainly accessed from Puntarenas. A wet and rainy climate allows for greater biodiversity in the beaches and hills next to the coast; thus, there is a transition from tropical wet forest to tropical forest to tropical dry forest. These ecosystems provide habitat for numerous plant and animal species that are protected in several wilderness areas. Also included within this zone is Isla del Coco, which, though almost 600 kilometers from the port of Puntarenas, falls under this province’s jurisdiction.
The region’s main attractions are its coast and protected wilderness areas. The coast is made up of numerous beautiful beaches, several of which are less than two hours from San José, allowing for quick access. With regard to wilderness areas, the region features wildlife refuges, national parks and biological preserves. Other important attractions are of cultural and recreational interest, including the various organized events—especially sporting events—that distinguish the region. Also worthy of note is the scenic beauty along the coastal highway that connects the Caldera area with the Quepos and Manual Antonio region.
JACO BEACH
At just seven meters above sea level, the city of Jacó has a large beach for enjoying sea and sun. Its proximity to San José makes it one of the most visited beaches in the country by both Costa Ricans and foreigners. Jacó offers one of the most extensive selections of tourist services in Costa Rica.
Shaped in a pleasant curve, its four-kilometer-long beach is bordered by hills at either end. Swimming with caution, due to strong currents, and surfing are the favorite activities here. Visitors can walk or ride horses along the beach, rent mountain bikes or scooters, or take a turn around a go-cart track. Boat travel is possible from Jacó to Playa Escondida, a well-known beach among surfers.
MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK
Manuel Antonio National Park’s 683 hectares boast some of the country’s most varied and breathtaking scenery. Surrounded by lush, very wet tropical forest, the park’s trails offer sightings of white-faced monkeys, sloths, coatis, raccoons, iguanas and many bird species, as well as the Costa Rican squirrel monkey (Saimiri oerstedii citrinellus), which is endemic to Manuel Antonio—that is, it is found only in this part of the world. Increasingly endangered, at last count these monkeys numbered only 1,500.
The park also protects 12 islands that serve as excellent refuges for several seabird species, as well as several stunning beaches (Espadilla Sur, Manuel Antonio and Puerto Escondido), a 14-hectare lagoon and a mangrove swamp. Connecting Manuel Antonio and Espadilla Sur beaches, Punta Catedral is a place of great natural beauty. Visitor services include information, a park ranger station, trails, restrooms, drinking water, signage and several natural viewpoints.
CARARA NATIONAL PARK
The reserve is located 90 km (60 miles), from San Jose, on the right side of Grande de Tarcoles River following the coastal highway. It takes about 2 hours to get there from San Jose.
Flora and fauna
Carara, the evergreen complexity and beauty. However, Carara has three life zones; they can be distinguished at the Reserve and they are the tropical humid forest that covers 20%, transition from pre-mountain tropical and pre-mountain rain forest that covers 15%; and mountain rain forest that extends over 5% of the area.
Carara has the ten finest hardwood and softwood of Costa Rica, which are: crabwood. Spanish cedar, rain tree, cojoba costaricense, hymenea courbaril acosmium panamense, purpleheart, and tabebuia rosea.
Some of the rarest and most spectacular animals of tropical America are also here; scarlet macaw, Great curassow, Fiery-billed aracari, and Black and Green poison arrow frog.
These are endangered species with reduced populations.
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