The Central Pacific area starts with the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula in the north and end at Playa Dominical in the south. It includes the city of Puntarenas which is the capital of the province of Puntarenas and also the biggest coastal town of Costa Rica. Located about 110 km West of San José, it was traditionally the main destination of the people from Costa Rica's Capital San José to enjoy a few days at the long sandy beach. There are several bigger hotels available right in Puntarenas City, some small Cabins and Villas along the Coast and a larger Deluxe Resort called Fiesta Resort.
Generally the Pacific Coast, with exception of the southern end, is more developed for tourism than the Caribbean Coast. If you are looking for luxury beach and resort accommodations, golf courses and high end residential areas and condominiums, the Pacific Coast of Puntarenas and Guanacaste is where to look for it.
Driving South, you can find lots of deserted beaches, wildlife and small coastal towns. Reaching Playa Dominical you'll find again some hotels and cabins on the beach including the well known Hotel Villas Rio Mar located a little off the Beach on the Riverside.
In Costa Rica most Beach Resorts and Hotels have different rates for High and Green Season. Some have in addition Peak Season Rates for Christmas, New Year and Easter Week. Vacationers that want to visit Costa Rica during this season and specially if they want to find accommodations in the more luxurious hotels and resorts, are well advised to make reservations ahaid of time (several month).
The average temperatures on the beach are about 22ºC (72ºF) minimum and 32ºC (90ºF) maximum. The main activities here are observing White-faced Capuchin Monkeys, Motmots, Morphos and Manzanillos at Manuel Antonio National Park, Canopy Tours, and Horseback rides, tanning at the Beach or observing Crocodiles, Mangroves and lost of birds on River Tárcoles and Ara Macaws at the Carara National Park, Surfing at Jacó Beach of Playa Hermosa near Jacó, take Surf lessons in Playa Dominical or ride a horse into the magnificent sunsets.
Other Costa Rica Regions:
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