Around Costa Rica
In the heart of Central America lies an earthly paradise. Costa Rica is one of the
small nations that together comprise the isthmus of Central America. The country's
borders are defined by Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south. Set as it is,
between two continents and two oceans, Costa Rica is a convergence of land and water
that makes the region a unique ecological bottleneck. It encompasses just 50,900 sq
km (19,563 square miles) - an area comparable in size to Denmark or West Virginia -
divided into 7 provinces (Alajuela, Cartago, Guanacaste, Heredia, Limón, Puntarenas,
and San José,the capital-set centrally in a high valley).
In the heart of Central America lies an earthly paradise. Costa Rica is one of the
small nations that together comprise the isthmus of Central America. The country's
borders are defined by Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south. Set as it is,
between two continents and two oceans, Costa Rica is a convergence of land and water
that makes the region a unique ecological bottleneck. It encompasses just 50,900 sq
km (19,563 square miles) - an area comparable in size to Denmark or West Virginia -
divided into 7 provinces (Alajuela, Cartago, Guanacaste, Heredia, Limón, Puntarenas,
and San José,the capital-set centrally in a high valley).
But within this diminutive nation lives an astonishing-
five percent of the world's bio-diversity, including more
than 800 species of ferns, 1,000 orchids, 2,000 kinds
of trees, and 200 species of mammals. Both coastlines
of Costa Rica have an abundance of beaches, though
the Pacific strands are less developed and less spacious. The country’s interior is shaped by four mountain
ranges, all running north to south. And cascading down
from the central mountains-especially on the moist
Caribbean side-are many of Costa Rica's great rivers.
five percent of the world's bio-diversity, including more
than 800 species of ferns, 1,000 orchids, 2,000 kinds
of trees, and 200 species of mammals. Both coastlines
of Costa Rica have an abundance of beaches, though
the Pacific strands are less developed and less spacious. The country’s interior is shaped by four mountain
ranges, all running north to south. And cascading down
from the central mountains-especially on the moist
Caribbean side-are many of Costa Rica's great rivers.
Costa Rica is now a favorite international vacation destination, with its rich Latin American
culture and the beautiful welcoming smiles and warm, friendly culture of its people.
Costa Ricans (“Ticos”) are friendly, well-educated and hard working citizens who take
pride in their country. They have not had an army for more than 50 years-nor under-
gone a civil war or any major military attack in modern history.
The Ticos’ appreciation for their country is clear in their efforts to preserve its natural
resources. Over 28% of Costa Rica has been set aside in national parks or reserves-
protected by the best-developed conservation program in Latin America. The nation
now boasts some of the most beautiful tropical coatlines and exotic rainforests in the
world. It is a land of contrasts: active volcanoes, sultry beaches, lush jungles, wind-
swept mountaintops. And just as varied are your options for enjoying it all.
culture and the beautiful welcoming smiles and warm, friendly culture of its people.
Costa Ricans (“Ticos”) are friendly, well-educated and hard working citizens who take
pride in their country. They have not had an army for more than 50 years-nor under-
gone a civil war or any major military attack in modern history.
The Ticos’ appreciation for their country is clear in their efforts to preserve its natural
resources. Over 28% of Costa Rica has been set aside in national parks or reserves-
protected by the best-developed conservation program in Latin America. The nation
now boasts some of the most beautiful tropical coatlines and exotic rainforests in the
world. It is a land of contrasts: active volcanoes, sultry beaches, lush jungles, wind-
swept mountaintops. And just as varied are your options for enjoying it all.
Around Jaco
Strolling the beach The beach is just over 3km in length
from one end to the other—a nice walk, but if your legs
give up on you, the local taxis are more then happy to
help you out. The surf is best in the rainy season from
May to November, but depending on what you crave in
size of waves, Jacó really can offer an all-year surfing
experience. (Note: Jacó’s surf is not a good place for in-
experienced surfers or swimmers or anyone who is un-
accustomed to the ocean. There are big waves, rip tides
and undercurrents.) You can also rent cars, bicycles
motorcycles, scooters, or kayaks. You can go deep-sea
fishing, take an all-day catamaran excursion or a sun-
set cruise, or even go with a boat-plane to private
beaches. Horseback riding is also very popular, as is
paragliding. Reading Keep your eyes open for the Jacó News and the Tico Times, both English-language publication.
You'll find lots of choices for dining out in Jaco. For the best seafood place in town Hicaco
restaurant (they have a lobster feast on Wednesdays from 6 to p.m), try also, Clarita's
beach bar and grill, Restaurant Colonial, Restaurant Tabacon, Steak House. This is only
the beginning, there are many more choices for you to explore.
Horseback riding:
Enjoy the beauty of the Jacó surroundings riding a well-trained horse through mountain
trails, sighting monkeys and birds along the way. From lookout points you’ll enjoy ex-
ceptional views of the coast all the way north to the Gulf of Nicoya.
Crocodile and bird tour
Enjoy two hours on the river Tarcoles on a comfortable and secure boat, as you travel
through a bird watching paradise (the most important refuge of the Scarlet Macaw and
many more different species of birds). And giant crocodiles (12-18 feet long) come
right up to the boat seeking food!
Sportsfishing
Jaco has become an important deep sea fishing center.
Located midpoint between the fishing centers of Quepos
to thesouth and flamingo to the North, Jaco is ideally
located to intercept the seasonal fish migration. Both
inshore and offshore charters are offered. Inshore fishing
near the scenic beaches, cliffs and rock formations of the
Central Pacific Coast yields an abundance of local species
such as roosterfish, mackerel, Cubera snapper and African pompano. Offshore in
blue water are marlin, sailfish, dorado (mahi-mahi), yellowfin tuna and wahoo.
Catamaran cruise
This day trip combines blue water, white sand, green mountains, and superb cusine
and service. In the morning, the boat cruises past the islands of San Lucas, Gypsy,
Sugar Loaf, Guayabo, Jesuita, Cedros and Negritos. But Tortuga Island is the dest-
ination, with its immaculate white-sand beach and turquoise waters, a perfect stop
for swimming, snorkeling and lunch.
Originally designed for biological research, forest canopy networks are now popular for
local adventure-seekers. You zip on high-tension cables between platforms at heights
of up to 40 meters above the forest floor, traversing distances of up to 150 meters in
one of the few remaining transitional forests of Costa Rica.
Kayaking, outriggers and snorkeling
The waters of the Pacific Coast offer the perfect conditions to enjoy kayaking and
outriggers as a leisure or serious sport. Admire beautiful coral and fish while ex-
ploring a rock reef at a peaceful hidden beach. Or, choose a whitewater river kayaking
and waterfall adventure inland.
Manuel Antonio National Park
This is one of the countries most beautiful locations (an easy drive south of Jaco) with
idyllic beaches surrounded by rainforest filled with birds sloths and monkeys. Take your
camera and take the day….
Strolling the beach The beach is just over 3km in length
from one end to the other—a nice walk, but if your legs
give up on you, the local taxis are more then happy to
help you out. The surf is best in the rainy season from
May to November, but depending on what you crave in
size of waves, Jacó really can offer an all-year surfing
experience. (Note: Jacó’s surf is not a good place for in-
experienced surfers or swimmers or anyone who is un-
accustomed to the ocean. There are big waves, rip tides
and undercurrents.) You can also rent cars, bicycles
motorcycles, scooters, or kayaks. You can go deep-sea
fishing, take an all-day catamaran excursion or a sun-
set cruise, or even go with a boat-plane to private
beaches. Horseback riding is also very popular, as is
paragliding. Reading Keep your eyes open for the Jacó News and the Tico Times, both English-language publication.
You'll find lots of choices for dining out in Jaco. For the best seafood place in town Hicaco
restaurant (they have a lobster feast on Wednesdays from 6 to p.m), try also, Clarita's
beach bar and grill, Restaurant Colonial, Restaurant Tabacon, Steak House. This is only
the beginning, there are many more choices for you to explore.
Horseback riding:
Enjoy the beauty of the Jacó surroundings riding a well-trained horse through mountain
trails, sighting monkeys and birds along the way. From lookout points you’ll enjoy ex-
ceptional views of the coast all the way north to the Gulf of Nicoya.
Crocodile and bird tour
Enjoy two hours on the river Tarcoles on a comfortable and secure boat, as you travel
through a bird watching paradise (the most important refuge of the Scarlet Macaw and
many more different species of birds). And giant crocodiles (12-18 feet long) come
right up to the boat seeking food!
Sportsfishing
Jaco has become an important deep sea fishing center.
Located midpoint between the fishing centers of Quepos
to thesouth and flamingo to the North, Jaco is ideally
located to intercept the seasonal fish migration. Both
inshore and offshore charters are offered. Inshore fishing
near the scenic beaches, cliffs and rock formations of the
Central Pacific Coast yields an abundance of local species
such as roosterfish, mackerel, Cubera snapper and African pompano. Offshore in
blue water are marlin, sailfish, dorado (mahi-mahi), yellowfin tuna and wahoo.
Catamaran cruise
This day trip combines blue water, white sand, green mountains, and superb cusine
and service. In the morning, the boat cruises past the islands of San Lucas, Gypsy,
Sugar Loaf, Guayabo, Jesuita, Cedros and Negritos. But Tortuga Island is the dest-
ination, with its immaculate white-sand beach and turquoise waters, a perfect stop
for swimming, snorkeling and lunch.
Carara Biological Reserve
Just 30 minutes from Jacó is a world-renowned nesting
ground for Scarlet Macaws - which is habitat, also, for
thousands of other birds, monkeys, sloths and huge
river crocodiles. The Reserve’s most popular trails offer
some of the world's most intriguing life forms including
countless varieties of tropical plants and insects due to
the park's strategic location in the zone of transition be-
tween the Pacific Coast’s dry and humid tropical regions.
Canopy tourJust 30 minutes from Jacó is a world-renowned nesting
ground for Scarlet Macaws - which is habitat, also, for
thousands of other birds, monkeys, sloths and huge
river crocodiles. The Reserve’s most popular trails offer
some of the world's most intriguing life forms including
countless varieties of tropical plants and insects due to
the park's strategic location in the zone of transition be-
tween the Pacific Coast’s dry and humid tropical regions.
Originally designed for biological research, forest canopy networks are now popular for
local adventure-seekers. You zip on high-tension cables between platforms at heights
of up to 40 meters above the forest floor, traversing distances of up to 150 meters in
one of the few remaining transitional forests of Costa Rica.
Kayaking, outriggers and snorkeling
The waters of the Pacific Coast offer the perfect conditions to enjoy kayaking and
outriggers as a leisure or serious sport. Admire beautiful coral and fish while ex-
ploring a rock reef at a peaceful hidden beach. Or, choose a whitewater river kayaking
and waterfall adventure inland.
Manuel Antonio National Park
This is one of the countries most beautiful locations (an easy drive south of Jaco) with
idyllic beaches surrounded by rainforest filled with birds sloths and monkeys. Take your
camera and take the day….
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