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Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica

Costa Rica's Pacific Coast

Beauty & the beach

Coast Rica's Pacific Coast holidays

Introduction

Spectacular and unspoilt, Costa Rica's sun-kissed Pacific Coast is a delightful blend of golden beaches and dense forests dotted with waterfalls. And, right along its 1,000-kilometre length, it's a treasure trove of wildlife wonders, from breeching whales to nesting turtles and forest canopies alive with playful monkeys and brightly coloured birds. Good transportation links and a well-established tourism infrastructure make the North coast a popular beach-holiday destination, while those who head south will discover a more intimate and enticing side of Costa Rica.

Peninsulas north & south

This is a coastline dominated by peninsulas, with the Nicoya Peninsula to the north and Osa to the south. The sheltered bays and gulfs provide welcome shelter for some of the Pacific Ocean's more endangered nomadic creatures, amongst them whale sharks, turtles, dolphins and humpback whales. They also provide some truly idyllic spots in which to simply relax, with a smattering of boutique spa resorts, often fronted by delightfully secluded sandy stretches, offering the perfect place to simply chill out and watch the natural world go by.

Beach on the Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica

Spectacular national parks

The coast's concentration of wildlife isn't limited to its bays and reefs. The inland forests are as biologically diverse as anywhere in Costa Rica, and both Manuel Antonio and Corcovado National Park are both rightfully popular stops in this vibrant and varied Pacific region. And, for those that prefer to step further off the beaten track, the quieter Carara Biological Reserve is the place to spot scarlet macaws resting among the mangroves as peccaries and coatis forage through the undergrowth.

Squirrel monkey, Corcovado National Park


 

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Top itineraries in Costa Rica's Pacific Coast

Beach in Manuel Antonio

Birds & Beaches of Costa Rica

10-day tailor-made journey from £3,985 pp incl. flights

Take in the best of Costa Rica's beaches, birdlife and wildlife-viewing hotspots as you travel to the beautiful Turrialba Valley and on to San Gerardo de Dota – one of the world's great bird-watching destinations – ending with the beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park.

Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica

Costa Rica Classic

13-day tailor-made holiday from £4,855 pp incl. flights

Costa Rica is a land of spectacular volcanoes, wildlife-filled cloud forests, fast-flowing jungle rivers and tropical jungles. Explore its natural-world highlights in Arenal and Monteverde before kicking back on the beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park or Guanacaste.

Toucan, Costa Rica

Costa Rica Self-Drive

12-day tailor-made self-drive from £3,815 pp incl. flights

Travel past farmlands, forests, lakes and volcanoes to Arenal and on to the cloud forests of Monteverde. Top it all off with a relaxing stay on the palm-fringed bays of the stunning Nicoya Peninsula.

Lagarta, Costa Rica

Wild Costa Rica & the Osa Peninsula

12-day tailor-made holiday from £5,855 pp incl. flights

Immerse yourself in the best of Costa Rica's natural world, discovering incredible wildlife and some truly breathtaking landscapes from towering volcanoes and dense rainforest to some of the continent's finest beaches.

Top places to stay in Costa Rica's Pacific Coast

Parador Resort & Spa

Parador Resort & Spa, Manuel Antonio

Contemporary hotel

In an exceptional location on the doorstep of Manuel Antonio Park, this hotel offers eco-tourism on a luxury scale, with several swimming pools and restaurants making it ideal for both families and honeymooners.

Lapa Rios Ecolodge

Lapa Rios Ecolodge, Osa Peninsula

Contemporary eco-accommodation

This luxury eco-lodge is located in the remote Osa Peninsula deep in the rainforest, offering open air bungalows and ocean views for guests to truly immerse themselves in nature.

Punta Islita, Costa Rica

Hotel Punta Islita, Nicoya Peninsula

Contemporary eco-accommodation

This upmarket beach resort is built along the Pacific coastline of Guanacaste, with rugged eco-luxury and spectacular views of the coastline.

Lagarta, Costa Rica

Lagarta Lodge, Nicoya Peninsula

Contemporary lodge

This boutique eco lodge sits on the Nicoya peninsula surrounded by winding rivers, turtle-dotted sandy beaches and tropical rainforests teeming with biodiverse flora and fauna. Enjoy timber-roofed suites, private decks, exquisite gastronomy and endless opportunities for wildlife spotting.

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Where to go in Costa Rica's Pacific Coast

Lapa Rios Ecolodge

Corcovado & Osa Peninsula

The Osa Peninsula is one of the best-kept secrets in Costa Rica. Described by National Geographic as 'the most biologically intense place on earth', it's unarguably the most pristine of all Costa Rica's ecosystems.

South Pacific Coast

Costa Rica's South Pacific Coast is dominated by the Osa Peninsula. The Golfo Dulce separates this spit of land from the mainland; its divorced location has helped preserve the area's natural vegetation, creating forests so dense you'd be forgiven for thinking you were in the Amazon Basin instead. …

Beach in Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica

Manuel Antonio National Park

Don't be deceived by the size of Manuel Antonio National Park. Although one of the smallest of Costa Rica's national parks, it's also rated as one of its best.

Central Pacific Coast

The Central Pacific is a slightly rockier stretch of coastline but these rugged cliffs only add to the beauty of this area, contrasting spectacularly with the region's beaches and tranquil bays.

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When to go to Costa Rica's Pacific Coast

Corcovado & Osa Peninsula
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Costa Rica's Pacific Coast articles

Macaw, Costa Rica

Trip report: Costa Rica

Join Wexas Latin America specialist Alison Nicolle as she travels to Costa Rica, finding everything from volcanoes and rainforests to jungle-fringed beaches teeming with wildlife.

Lagarta, Costa Rica

The best luxury eco-lodges in Costa Rica

Discover Costa Rica's finest accommodation, where luxurious indulgence and unique wildlife experiences go hand in hand.

Meet our Costa Rica's Pacific Coast experts

Speak to a tailor-made specialist on 0207 590 0697

Meet the team

Why book with Wexas Travel?

At Wexas, we specialise in bespoke travel experiences. Our itineraries are just samples of what we can arrange, and can be changed depending on your precise needs, finances and ideas by our experienced destination specialists.

Contact one of our consultants on 0207 590 0697 to discuss how we can tailor your holiday.

Learn why Wexas is the leader in creating luxury holidays. What is tailor-made travel?

Expert advice & support

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Every step of the way

Every step of the way

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