Page 42 - EPUB OYW

CENTRAL & SOUTHERN PACIFICThe Central Pacific is a narrow strip of coastline that extends from the north of Jacó to the south of Manuel Antonio. It has easy access and is just a short distance from San José, either by air or by land. It has three towns of interest and tourist development, Puntarenas, Jacó and Quepos. This area also includes the islands in the Gulf of Nicoya as the principal access to them is reached through Puntarenas. The principle economic activities are: tourism, fishing, and agriculture. This province offers tourists sun, sand, tropical beaches, fun, parties, music, and excellent food. Here you can find a series of national parks. The most visited is the National Park Manuel Antonio with impressive white sand beaches and a humid tropical forest. In addition this province has a tourist port where a great number of international cruise ships dock.This marvelous area is known to have the beaches closest to the capital city with picturesque white sand beaches surrounded by spectacular cliffs, beautiful forests and mangrove swamps at sea level. It is a region whose climate is rainy and humid giving its beaches and neighboring hills a greater biodiversity, rich in flora and fauna. The driest month is February and October is the rainiest. Because of its position it holds tropical forests of transition from the dry tropical forest to the rainy tropical forest. These ecosystems are the habitat for numerous species of plants and animals that are found in various protected areas of wildlife. From the bridge over the river Tárcoles it is possible to see crocodiles along the banks of the river.There is adventure for all tastes: if it is adrenaline you want there is rafting, exploring the forests from canopies, hiking the trails in the forests, relaxing while navigating a kayak or observing the brilliant colors of the macaws. World class sport fishing is a must here. Surfers find this site ideal for its tournaments. You will be surprised at the various scenes that this coast offers that makes it worth the time to explore, from the large crocodiles sunning to picturesque towns with street venders of fruit and plantations of palm oil among others. Luxurious hotels and golf courses are also at hand.