Costa Rica's Pacific Coast holidays

What you can find on Costa Rica Pacific Coast holidays that you won't find elsewhere?

Jutting into the sea at the southernmost end of the west coast, the Osa Peninsula remains one of the most remote destinations in Costa Rica. Taking up nearly 40% of the peninsula, the thick virgin rainforest of Corcovado National Park is a biologically diverse bastion, home to half of the country’s species including the largest population of scarlet macaws, secretive jaguars and endangered species such as Baird’s Tapir, and the world’s largest bird of prey, the harpy eagle. If you make it through the dense jungle, waves call all intrepid surfers and the expansive mangroves are begging to be explored by boat.

Who is Costa Rica's Pacific Coast best for?

Calling all adventurers, the Pacific Coast does off-the-beaten-track rather perfectly (well, that’s what us folks at Original Travel think anyway). From rough-and-ready Puntarenas port to the tiny town of Uvita, travel between sun-drenched beaches and wild tropical rainforests on the trip of a lifetime during Costa Rica Pacific Coast holidays.

The best ways to discover Costa Rica's Pacific Coast:

While travelling the length of the Pacific Coast, prepare to encounter sublime surfing towns and some of Costa Rica’s most incredible national parks. Enjoy the white sand beaches of Beso del Viento, the wild wonders of Manuel Antonio National Park - a top spot for surfing and hiking - and the many delights of the Nicoya Peninsula, which is home to the Curu Wildlife Reserve, colourful villages galore and a whole lot of sun, sea and surf. For a real treat, venture off shore to Isla Tortuga where you might catch a glimpse of humpback whales, or head inland for an epic road trip to see the sights and explore further afield towards Arenal volcano and the Caribbean Coast.

What is there to do during Costa Rica Pacific Coast holidays?

The central Pacific coast of Costa Rica has some excellent surfing beaches, ranging from the pristine white-sand beaches around Manuel Antonio National Park, to the grey sands and more challenging waves of Playa Hermosa further down the coast. So, as well as admiring the local wildlife, take the chance to try your luck at surfing while you're here. Manuel Antonio National Park itself is compact but brimming with biodiversity (as well as visitors, unfortunately). It's best to get there early in the morning and make the most of the guides we can organise for you, who will take you to the furthest corners of the park to beat the crowds. A particular favourite activity of ours is a riding tour to admire the Tocori waterfalls and the beaches of the national park, which is a fantastic way to see and learn more about the local flora and fauna from your guide.

Special things to do during Costa Rica Pacific Coast holidays:

Famed for its eco-friendly initiatives, this is the country of sustainable tourism and ecologically-minded programmes. Stay on the slopes of the Tenorio volcano in a lodge made of recycled materials and explore more sustainable hotels throughout the region during your Costa Rica Pacific Coast holidays.

The small (only three square miles) but perfectly formed Manuel Antonio National Park is home to an extraordinary 100-plus species of mammal (from white nosed coatis to capuchin monkeys), and nearly 200 bird types. Unfortunately, this density and diversity of birds and beasties attracts a host of another species - us humans - with Manuel Antonio receiving the second most visitors of any of the country's national parks. Still, a place this beautiful and bounteous has to be worth a squiz, and the beaches, bays and walking trails here are outstanding. Offshore, visitors can kayak, snorkel or dive to see even more species - this time of the aquatic variety. This is also another cracking surfing spot on a coastline awash with them.

Elsewhere, places to take in on this stretch of coastline are Uvita, a throwback to life before tourism, and the nearby Marino Ballena National Park. This marine reserve tends to attract far fewer visitors than Manuel Antonio but the beaches are beautiful and if your luck's in, this is a wonderful place to see humpback whales and dolphins frolicking.

Best Time to Visit for Costa Rica Pacific Coast holidays:

Costa Rica’s dry season runs from December to April and is particularly pronounced on the Pacific coast, so if you’re a fan of warm, dry weather, pack your sunhat and head here at this time. During the wet season (April to November), mornings tend to be sunny, with rainstorms occurring in the afternoon. The wet weather does replenish the abundant plant life, so this can still be a good time to visit to see the country at its most lush (just remember to pack a raincoat).