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The Central Pacific
region is a transition zone between the tropical dry forest
of the north pacific and the wet forests of the nearby south
pacific coast. Temperatures average about 30 C (86 F) in dry
season (Dec-Apr), slightly lower in rain season. For more detailed information on the Manuel Antoinio area please visit www.manuelantonio.com
 Despite the fact that the region's protected areas are among
the smallest in the country, they are vibrant habitats alive
with an amazing variety of flora and fauna. These pristine
green zones provide sanctuary for many endangered species.
The two most well - know areas, Carara Biological Reserve
and Manuel Antonio National Park, are readily accessible natural
laboratories that nature lovers will enjoy immensely.
There is a lot to do along this part of Costa Rica's Pacific Coast, and not all of it has to do with beaches and water. The rivers and mountains behind the beaches hold a wealth of activities for the adventurous traveler.
 The
Carara Biological Reserve - This 4700Ha reserve
form an oasis for wildlife from a large surrounding area.
Carara offers rich biodiversity due to its transitional position
between the dry northern forests and the humid tropical forests
from the south, and hence is of great interest to biologist.
The reserve is known for its abundant birds and diverse plants,
also, is one of Costa Rica’s last habitats for the brilliantly
patterned scarlet macaw which is seen here especially in June
and July. Other birds to watch for include guans, trogons,
toucans, marmots and many other forest species. Monkeys, squirrels,
sloths and agoutis are among the more common mammals present.
Its rivers and lagoon are home to crocodiles, roseate spoonbills,
boat-billed herons, blue-winged teals, howler and white-faced
monkeys, deer and peccaries.
Two trails lead through the reserve: a short 1km trail starts at the main entrance, about 3km south of the Tárcoles River bridge, and a longer 4km trail starts about 500m past the bridge. Black-hooded antshrikes, long-tailed hermit hummingbirds and armadillos are quite often encountered, and you may see nesting pairs of the macaws, in hollows high up large trees.
Manuel Antonio, Quepos & Jaco.
- The Manuel Antonio National Park is diminutive, at 682ha (soon
to be enlarged to 1,800ha), but for visitors it offers the key
elements: stunning beauty and offshore islands, beaches which
epitomise tropical beaches, exuberant rainforest, a network
of simple trails, and visible wildlife. The only problem is
that this is the most visited park in the country, with over
150,000 visitors annually, and this is causing concern. It is
not only a park for taking trails and watching out for animals,
but also for enjoying the beautiful beaches.
Manuel Antonio and Quepos are within 3-4 hours of San Jose
and easily reachable. It is great area to spend 3-4 days or
more. It offers wonderful beaches, fishing, tours, a National
Park, a wide range of places to stay, and some nightlife in
the small town of Quepos. Quepos has found renewed growth
through being the gateway to visitors heading for the Manuel
Antonio National Park 7 km south, and for sport fishermen.
Quepos is an active local tourism destination, with plenty
of bars, restaurants, hotels, and shops, but its beaches cannot
be compared with those of Manuel Antonio & Quepos.
Once there you’ll have no problem choosing among the variety
of hotels in the area: Hotel
El Parador,
La Mansion Inn, La
Mariposta, Costa
Verde,
Villas Rio Mar, Iguanazul,
Villa
Alegre or The
Surf House. All with the best accomodations to
enjoy your stay at Manuel Antonio.
Jaco is a small
town, but the tourist activity is enormous. It is located
at 3 or 4 hours from San Jose, and plenty of bars, restaurants,
hotels, and shops active
too. If your destiny is Jaco, you will be able to lodge in
the best accomodations to enjoy of Jaco: Hotel
Punta Leona, Villa
Caletas, Hotel
Marparaiso, Hotel
Cocal o el Hotel
Copacabana.
For more information
on visiting Costa Rica to view this spectacular event please
visit Costa Rica’s TravelWEB @ www.crica.com, or by calling our toll free number
at 1-800-788-7857 .
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