Once you're in the mid-Pacific region, you'll most assuredly want to remain in the area for as long as possible. The name of the game here is sun and beaches. The Pacific coast runs approximately 500 miles, making for plenty of room for everyone.
Whether you're looking for an isolated beach or one offering water adventure sports, it won't be difficult to find yourself enjoying the sun, the atmosphere and the local hospitality. There are several ways to spend your time in the region.
Adventure sports are abundant and usually well worth the physical effort. White water rafting, sea kayaking and hiking are just a few. Those inclined to view the natural beauty of the forests and its residents without making too much effort are also in for a treat. Carara Biological Reserve is one way to go. The park itself is well known for its abundance of wildlife and lush tropical forest.
Trails very in difficulty and with a guide along you won't even feel the extra effort you're making. For those who unwind while cutting up the surf, heading to Jaco should be number one on your list. This small surfer town is well known for the consistent surf pounding the shore. Local establishments, both hotels and eateries, cater to the wave riding set.
Manuel Antonio National Park
Compared to other parks in the country. Manuel Antonio is rather small in size but gargantuan in natural beauty. Plan on arriving early and leaving late because the wildlife and the scenery luye you in as the hours fly by. The lush tropical forest is honre to a wide variety of wildlife. The white-faced monkeys are quite adventuresome and will try to snag unprotected bags if you're not careful.
Pay close attention to the rules of the park and refrain from feeding the monkeys. Even if their hands are outstretched! The park covers more than 600 hectares and is a great mix of forest trails and picture-perfect beaches. You'll want to visit the park fully prepared for a great blend of hiking, swimming and snorkeling. Inside the park you will find four beaches: Playa Manuel Antonio, Espadilla Sur, Escondido and Playita.
The first has tidal pools, great for close-up views of marine residents, and rewarding snorkeling just off shore. A hike up to Punta Catedral, a wonderful look-out point, is definitely recommended. On the opposite side, is Espadilla Sur or, Second Beach, as it is called by the locals.
Quepos
This casual town is a great place to call home for a few days. Found at the foot of a small ridge, the surrounding scenery is beautiful. The town itself is small but worth a walking tour. Not only are there several small souvenir shops selling brightly colored wraps and bathing suits, but fine products of rosewood are available as well.
The town is primarily a fishing village and caters to the sport fishing set quite well. Several outfitters offer day tours into deep water for fishermen looking for sailfish and marlin.
The dock is high off the water and makes a great place to take pictures of the sunset. On the hills above Quepos, several hotels have popped up and offer accommodations for every budget. There is a unique wildlife preservation organization, Jardín Gaia, that offers daily wildlife tours. There is no entrance fee but a donation is appreciated.
Some of the hotels located on large properties have begun opening up hiking trails and for a moderate entrance fee allow you to enter the forest depths in search of exotic wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for brightly colored land crabs, white-faced monkeys, and macaws.
Adventure tours are also offered by many of the local operators. You can take yourself sea kayaking, river rafting or enjoy a walking tour with a naturalist guide. The opportunities are there for the taking.
Dominical
Found an hour's drive south from Quepos, Dominical is a great place for a day trip or longer. The beach, Playa Dominical, is awesome in its pristine beauty. The waters are calor and perfect for swimming. A short drive further south you'll find Ballena Marine National Park. Off shore you'll find plenty of underwater activity that will keep you snorkeling for hours.
If you're in mired to take respite from the sun, you can take a horse-back riding tour deep into the forest in search of wildlife. These guided tours are fun and make for a different type of adventure. Most rides are topped off with a refreshing dip under a waterfall. Ask for Nauyaca or Emerald Pool waterfalls.
Geographical Division 
