Costa Rica, Central Pacific Coast information

The Pacific port town of Puntarenas, which sits on a narrow finger of sand jutting into the Gulf of Nicoya, marks the transitional zone and provides access to the country's mid Pacific. This territory is composed of a combination of private reserves and active villages. Activities include sports fishing, surfing at its best and many other activities ranging from forest oriented to deep sea adventures.

An ancient fishing port, the dark beaches of this sleepy town attract many Costa Rican tourists escaping the rigors of city life. From Puntarenas one can explore several gulf islands, charter fishing trips and catch ferries to the Nicoya Peninsula.

A few miles south of Puntarenas is the port of Caldera. Here is where the Pacific ocean liners dock to release their passengers on an idyllic jaunt through Costa Rica. Although tours to all parts of the country are available from here, most stay in the area to take advantage of the well developed infrastructure and multitude of activities available along this coast.
The coastal road south from Puntarenas crosses rolling terrain as it wanders part way up the mountainside to Orotina. This a good place for a short break before heading back down to the central Pacific beaches. The intersection on the main road has several restaurants and shops to buy drinks, snacks and fruits.

There's 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. Surely some of Costa Rica's best beaches are here, but the rivers and mountains behind the beaches hold a wealth of activities for the adventurous traveler. For more information about travel to Costa Rica, visit our Home Page.