Official Transportation TO and FROM:

TRANSPORTATION FROM SAN JOSE TO PLAYA HERMOSA JACO

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From San Jose to Playa Hermosa (the one located next to Jaco Beach) we are able to offer you two types of services: Collective Shuttle and Private Shuttle, please review the following information:


COLLECTIVE SHUTTLE FROM SAN JOSE to Playa Hermosa:

This regular collective shuttle departs:
Morning departure:
8:00am from San Jose down town main hotels
8:45am o’clock from the San Jose airport SJO

(arrival is at 11:45am)

Afternoon departure:
2:30pm from San Jose down town main hotels
3:00pm o’clock from San Jose airport SJO
(arrival is at 5:45pm)

* We are not able to delay the departure times
* Please confirm if you carrying a Surfboard as boards are not allowed at all shuttles.

This is a door to door service rated in $40 per person.

Surboard bag: $15
Drop off in Playa Hermosa is directly to Backyard Hotel
(How many people will be traveling?)


Private Shuttle: (San Jose to Playa Hermosa)
At the time of your arrival one of our drivers would be waiting for you at the airport exit with a sign with your name on it. From there you would be assisted. (if transportation is from hotel we will send the driver to pick you up directly from your hotel in San Jose central area or San Jose airport area)
The total rate for this service is $180 (per way, from 1 to 4 guests and $25 the extra guest after 4)
Includes: Your own private driver, own private minibus or large SUV
Departure time is selected by the client. (Please provide your arrival flight itinerary)
Surfboards allowed with no extra charges.

Surfing in Playa Hermosa / Jaco

Introduction

Hermosa is a bit more challenging than Jaco, and both are considered the definitie surf mecca of Central Pacific Costa Rica.Playa Hermosa and nearby Jaco is THE definitive surf mecca of the central pacific coast. This area arguably offers the most consistent year-round surf with over 3 ½ miles of steep beaches with excellent exposure to swells from almost any direction. Although this area is extremely popular, there are so many peaks up an down the beach that you are likely to find an uncrowded, head high peak at almost any time of year.

Playa Hermosa is a small community of surfer friendly hotels and small restaurants & all accommodations are located beachfront with surf right out the door. Because the surf in Playa Hermosa is more challenging than nearby Jaco, this area attracts a more experienced surfer.

Playa Jaco, located just 2 short hours from the international airport, has become one of Costa Rica's most visited beach towns, especially amongst the traveling surf community. Jaco is a small, yet extremely active town geared towards surfers, parties & nightlife. As you walk down the "strip," you will find countless surf shops, restaurants, bars, discos and a variety of accommodations.

Pacific Central SurfingHermosa is geared more towards the hard-core surfer while Jaco is designed for the active type looking for plenty of hotels, surf shops, bars, discos and an overwhelming nightlife.

Getting There

One of Hermosa's greatest advantages: located just 2 hours on paved road from the international airport in San José.

Breaks

BreaksBest Time:

May ~ November

Because the surf in Playa Hermosa is more challenging than nearby Jaco, this area attracts a more experienced surfer.

Boca Barranca

a very long left that breaks off a rivermouth. This is an ideal wave for longboarding as it does not get hollow, however on a good day, rides are up to 500yds.Best on south or southwest swell & dawn patrol. Water can be extremely dirty after a rain so be prepared!

Hermosa Barranca

Caldera

Calderaa rivermouth break with a left breaking at low, incoming tide over a sand bar. This break needs a large swell from the south/southwest. Just to the south, you will find "El Hoyo" which is a thick, hollow right hand which forms off a jetty and breaks over a sand bar. It is more consistent than Boca Barranca. To get to " El Hoyo," you must enter the port and "convince" the guard to let you through.

Playa Tivives & Playa Valor

Offering a variety of lefts and rights, beach breaks and rocky points (Valor). Tivives offers rights & lefts breaking with strong currents; the mouth of the river creates and almost perfect, tubular left (beware of crocs & dirty water). Valor is accessed by paddling across the river. Best at incoming high tide with a south swell (L & S).

Playa EscondidaPlaya Escondida

a horseshoe, A-frame reef break with a powerful, hollow left and mellower right. Be aware of low tides as rocks are exposed. Best at mid - high tide with a southwest/west swell. Boat access only from Herradura Bay.

Playa JacoPlaya Jaco

long beach with lefts and rights breaking and sandbottom and rocks. This area is smaller than Hermosa and a good option for beginners. Best in front of Cabinas Alice at the south end, in front of Disco in the middle, and in front of Copacabana at the north end.

Roca LocaRoca Loca

a right which breaks in deep water over a reef. It is one of the heaviest spots on the coast offering long, clean rights. Climb down the cliff just before the highway takes you down into Jaco. Paddle out through a narrow 8" wide channel visible on the inside reef at low tide. Best on a due WEST swell at low to incoming tide.

Playa Hermosa

long stretch of beach offering some of the most consistent conditions on the Pacific Coast. A variety of sandbars have formed creating a pounding and tubular beachbreak. The following are the breaks that line this beach:

Terraza Terraza - a fast, hollow right breaking in front of a group of visible rocks. Several other breaks just south of this break offer less punishing waves breaking over a sandbar. Best conditions on a west/southwest swell from low to mid tide incoming.

BackyardBackyard - a very consistent sandbar located at the entrance to the dirt road in Hermosa. This wave breaks close to the beach and is generally hollow with rights and lefts. Best conditions on a southwest/west swell at mid - high tide incoming.

Almendro (Almond Tree) - breaking in deeper water than most of the hotel breaks, this break also offers a sandbottom with rights and lefts. Best conditions on a south/southwest swell at mid- high tide incoming.

Corners - breaking in even deeper water creating a little more size, more sandbottom rights and lefts. Generally bigger than northern breaks of Hermosa. Best conditions at low to mid tide and a west/southwest swell.

TulinTulin - located in front of the Soda Tulin about 10 minutes south of the Backyard, this break is consistently a few feet bigger than the hotel breaks. There is also a rivermouth break further south (with crocodiles) with a perfect line-up in ideal conditions. Best conditions at low tide on a west swell.

EsterillosEsterillos

Breaking over a sandbar on the inside and outside on a submerged reef. Generally outside breaks reforms on the inside for more beginner surfers. No crowds and best conditions at high tide on a south swell. To get here, travel south of Hermosa for 20 minutes and enter at Esterillos Oeste.

BejucoBejuco

Beach break offering long waves breaking close to the shore. Best conditions at mid - high tide on a south/southwest swell.

Places to Stay

Located just 5 minutes south of Jaco, Playa Hermosa is a small community of surfer friendly hotels and small restaurants. All accommodations are located beachfront with surf right out the door.

Backyard Hotel

Backyard Hotel

This newly built hotel sits right on the beach of Playa Hermosa. This hotel is ideal for those of you looking for surf out your backdoor and nice, relaxing accommodations. more >

Hotel Fuego del Sol

Located beachfront in Playa Hermosa, making it a perfect location for checking out the local surf. This small surfer friendly hotel was recently remodeled and under new administration, offering 15 rooms, a private pool, restaurant, bar and private parking. more >

Hotel Terraza del Pacífico

The Terraza del Pacifico is a surfer friendly hotel located on the secluded, pristine black beaches of Playa Hermosa. more >

Hotel Villa Caletas

The Villas Caletas is located high on a cliff over the ocean surrounded by rainforest, this tropical mansion and the surrounding private villas provide the ideal getaway for honeymooners/couples to enjoy the beauty of the Central Pacific in a first class environment. more >

Hotel Marriott Los Sueños

The brand new Marriott Los Suenos resort is an incredible resort that offers everything that one could imagine. This 202 room hotel, located only 5 minutes from Jaco has an 18 hole golf course, a private beach/marina, 6 restaurants and lounges, large pool, casino and entertainment center, lighted tennis courts, jogging trails, a 1,100 acre rainforest reserve and much more! more >

Hotel Fiesta, Barranca

Long lefts at BOCA BARRANCA ALERT!…This beautiful resort comprises 230 rooms in 3 story building, featuring 143 standard rooms with two full size beds and 87 ocean view Jr. Suites with queen size bed and sofa bed. more >

Best Western Jacó Beach

The Best Western is a beachfront hotel that offers first class lodging in a resort atmosphere. more >

Hotel Arenal Pacífico

This new hotel sits beachfront Jaco at the more remote southern end of town. The hotel offers standard and suite rooms that are situated around beautiful gardens, old growth trees, and the local Jaco beach. more >

Hotel Club de Mar

Each villa has an ocean view and is designed to provide the concept of indoor/outdoor living in harmony with the surroundings. more >

Places to Eat

Although there are a few restaurants in the area, most choose to head into nearby Jaco for food, nightlife, shops, and more.

--- In Jaco ---

Tsunami Sushi

Excellent sushi with a lot of variety located in the center of Jaco in the second floor of the Galeone Mall. This is the best sushi in Jaco, and most likely better than you will ever find in the US!

Nacho Daddy’s

Located in the first floor of the Galeone Mall in the heart of Jaco. They offer excellent Mexican food including great nachos and incredible margaritas. At night it doubles as bar/club with reggae, hip pop and a little bit of house music late at night and good surf videos on a big screen.

Wishbone

Our personal favorite…Located right in the heart of Jaco, this restaurant offers a variety of food from fresh tuna, sashimi, pizzas, burritos, pitas and more. Excellent atmosphere, good prices and we assure you will return here!

Tangeri BBQ

Towards the northern end of Jaco, this restaurant offers excellent steaks including a jalapeno tenderloin, as well as fresh fish, local dishes, salads, etc.. Large menu, with very accessible prices and great food.

Pollo Express

This place has very good roasted chicken at an excellent price located in front of the Beetle bar at the north end of Jaco.

Sunrise Place

Located towards the northern end of Jaco on the main road, only open for breakfast offering a wide menu including pancakes, eggs, breakfast burritos, etc..

Hotel Poseidon

Located on an access road to the beach passing the Colonial, you will find an excellent option for dinner with a variety of dishes including seafood, steaks, pastas, etc.

Monica’s

Excellent homemade Italian food made by Monica and her mother… Located along the access road to the beach turning at the Colonial. Great food, family atmosphere, good prices.

Soda la amistad

In front of the Hotel Marparaiso, this is a great option for local food including casados, arroz con pollo, etc

--- In Hermosa ---

Jungle surf

Jungle Surf is a tiny restaurant located on the road across from the soccer field, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Although the menu is small, the food is fantastic in a very laid back picnic atmosphere. Nightly specials…BYOB

Jammin

Located on the main road in Hermosa in front of the Cabinas, offering large portions and very affordable local dishes. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Surf atmosphere with reggae music and surf videos

Backyard

Variety of dishes ranging from Tex-Mex, and American food including burgers, quesadillas, etc..They are open from 10am – 1pm (breakfast coming soon) and at night, this turns into the happening bar in the area with ladies night on Wednesday and Friday.

Brown sugar café

This is a very small place right in the entrance of Hermosa Beach open from 6am - 6 pm They offer great natural juices,sandwiches and banana cake. No tables, but a great view of the surf and sunset!

Rancho Tipico de Beto

Located 5 minutes south from Hermosa, offering a variety of local food at very accessible prices. They have great casados, fresh fish and ceviche!

Things to Do

Jaco is a small, yet extremely active town geared towards surfers, parties & nightlife. As you walk down the “strip,” you will find countless surf shops, restaurants, bars, discos and a variety of accommodations (including La Hacienda and Backyard Bar). This is the ideal destination for surfers or young travelers looking to be in the middle of the action. Carara Biological Reserve is located about 25 minutes north, you will find the unique opportunity to see the scarlet macaw, hundreds of species of flora and plenty of other wildlife including the occasional toucan.

Local activities include surfing, fishing, canopy tours, horseback riding, kayaking, and more.

Other Adventures

Surf Lessons in Hermosa - Duration is 2–3 hours, and includes transportation, surf instructor, surf board.

Tortuga Island Tour - The Original "Calypso Catamaran Cruise". Particularly enchanting for it's beauty, Tortuga Island is known for its immaculate white sand beach and turquoise waters, a perfect stop for swimming, snorkeling and Calypso's Famous Lunch. GREAT food.

Hermosa Canopy Tour - This is an exciting look at one of the few remaining transitional forest in Costa Rica . The Tour consists of 11 suspended platforms and a hanging bridge from tree to tree in order to reach the other platform, connected with steel cables, the total length around seven hundred meters (+2000 feet). The height of the platforms vary from 60 to 120 feet above the ground.

Kayak & Snorkeling in Jaco - Includes transportation, guide, kayak, water, fresh fruit buffet, snorkeling equipment. Duration: 3 hours approximately

Horseback Riding in Herradura - Includes transportation, guide, horses.

Sportfishing in Herradura - All full day charters include lunch, beverages, bait and tackle.

Manuel Antonio National Park - A half day trek that includes transportation, entrance fee & snacks.

Aerial Tram - What a ride! Includes transportation to and from the Park, meal, guide, optional hike, all transportation at the Preserve. The Pacific Rain Forest Tram is about two hours from San José (108 km) and is located 2 miles from the main entrance to Jacó Beach.

Carara National Park - Carara National Park covers a low mountainous area of 15,000 acres of an interesting 'transition' forest between the Dry Tropical Forest and the Rainy one. Home of many mammals, as well as the rare Scarlet Macaw and vast number of species of plants and trees. Appreciate the wonders of this intricate eco-system. And there's monkeys!

ATV Tour - Includes drinks & snacks. Explore Costa Rica with an ATV! Modern equipment with all the fixings.

Things to Avoid

Disco Central: once a great dancing spot, the ambience has turned a little dark and we recommend avoiding this area

Do not park your vehicles on the beach or main road with ANY valuables inside as petty theft is created by temptation.

Surf Shops and Surf Camps

Keep me updated...To many surf shops on The Strip to even mention. We'll have more information later as we compile.

Playa Hermosa

Province: North Puntarenas

Central Pacific (w/ Manuel Antonio)

Playa Hermosa

City Map of Playa Hermosa

Hotel & Activities in Playa Hermosa

Neighboring Cities

Jaco

Manuel Antonio

Book Hotels & Activities in Playa Hermosa

Costa Rican RiverAn important point that most tourists need to be aware of is the fact that there are two beaches named Playa Hermosa in Costa Rica. One is located in the province of Puntarenas, while the other Playa Hermosa lies in Guanacaste. The Playa Hermosa that is in Puntarenas is situated just five kilometers south of Jaco, and is one of the best surfing havens for professionals both national and international, in the country.

Lying just at a ten-minute drive away from the beach town of Jaco, and a short drive from the capital San Jose, Playa Hermosa offers surfers some of the best and most consistent surf breaks in the world. However, it is important to mention here that the currents in Playa Hermosa are very strong and are not ideal for swimming. While Jaco offers waves for both beginners and experienced surfers to enjoy, Playa Hermosa is an expert surfer’s beach with waves reaching as high as 13 feet. There are a number of economical surf board rental shops on the beach as well that stow gear and rent out surfboards.

With world class waves, Playa Hermosa holds the International Quicksilver Surf Championships every year in August that literally brings hundreds of expert surfers here from all over the globe. The best time to surf in Playa Hermosa is from April to November, when the tide is high and rising. One of the most well known breaks on the beach is located in front of a large tree known as ‘El Almendro’ or the ‘Almond Tree’.

Since the economical accommodations in Playa Hermosa are quite sparse, most surfers tend stay in Jaco, which has a number of quality bars, hotels, restaurants, resorts and rooms for rent. Many people often prefer to surf the black sand beach of Hermosa to Jaco, as this beach is often empty during the week. However there are some very nice higher end hotels in Playa Hermosa.

For those who get tired of surfing, Playa Hermosa is perfect for spending a day lounging in the sun with a good book, as not many people come here often. If you prefer, you could take a day trip to Costa Rica’s most famous national park, the Manuel Antonio National Park, which is about 45 minutes away or you could visit the Playa Hermosa Wildlife Refuge, which protects the Olive Ridley sea turtles that come to nest here every year.

Jaco

A laidback bustling town, Jaco is one of the most popular Costa Rican beaches. Located in the North of the Puntarenas province along the country’s central Pacific Coast less than 2 hours from San Jose, Jaco has the reputation of being a ‘party beach’ with an excellent nightlife. However, the fun here is casual and relaxed, and the people here are nice and friendly. Catering mostly to a huge number of foreign tourists who want to enjoy a more tranquil lifestyle, Jaco has a nice clean beach that is especially popular in the summer.

In Jaco you will find accommodations to suit every budget, as well as good food, plenty of restaurants and a number of local sodas and stores. There are also plenty of tour operators in town that arrange everything from horseback rides on the beach, to some excellent off shore sport fishing and sea kayaking.

One of this town’s major attractions is the fantastic surfing here as the waves are consistently big and the breaks are very good. A yearly international surf contest is also held in the nearby Playa Hermosa that attracts a huge number of surfers from all over the globe to this beach.

Easily accessible by all, Playa Jaco is about 3 km long and is best reached by catching an International flight to San Jose and then driving out here. The areas to the north and south of Jaco are some of the most picturesque and cleanest, with stunningly gorgeous panoramic ocean views.

You need to be careful about swimming here, as riptides are quite common along the beach shore.

Jaco

The Central Pacific Region of Costa Rica is a narrow strip of coastal land that stretches from north of Jaco to south of Manual Antonio. Sandy beaches and protected wildlife are two primary draws to this area. The magnificent beaches, flanked by spectacular cliffs, create an awe-inspiring landscape; and with its combination of ocean panorama and lush tropical vegetation, Costa Rica?s Central Pacific has scenery unlike any other.

The Central Pacific is one of the most easily accessible regions in Costa Rica. It is no wonder the region remains one of the country's most frequented destinations. Along Coastal Highway 34, the incredible landscape features beaches, national parks, nature reserves, and exotic flora and fauna. World-renowned Manuel Antonio National Park is just one of the region's many points of natural interest. Additionally, ocean stretches along the Central Pacific provide the ultimate setting for water activities such as surfing, sport fishing, and scuba diving.

Lined with stunning mountainous coastline, the Central Pacific generally maintains a more arid climate then on Costa Rica's Caribbean Coast. (Nevertheless, bring a rain jacket, as showers in the tropics are always a possibility.) The Central Pacific is also not as humid as the Caribbean Coast or the South Pacific. However, it is more humid than Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula to the northwest.

Steep verdant cliffs, swallowed by the vast blue water, and picturesque beaches, gleaming with colorful sunsets, cast spectacular ocean scenery. The breath-taking forests and fascinating mangroves are rich with life. Such diverse natural offerings bring strong allure to Costa Rica's Central Pacific. The region is a short two-hour car ride from San Jose; all its spectacular beauty is just an arm's length away!

Welcome to Playa Hermosa Costa Rica

At Hermosa Beach House Hotel you will wake up to the relaxing sound of the waves rolling onto the sands of Playa Hermosa Costa Rica.  Surf Playa Hermosa and enjoy consistant surfing right out your front door. Playa Hermosa is one of the top destinations for surfers all over the world. Costa rica is know by surfers as a top surf destination. There are beautiful waves and 85 degree water every day. The waters are also renowned for their world-class sportfishing. Sailfish, Marlin and dorado are only a few different types of fish caught daily on one of many boats available for a daily fishing charter out of Los Suenos Marina.

Costa Rica has alot more to offer then just fishing and surfing so bring the whole family for an extensive activity list. Fly thru the trees on one of 5 different jungle canopy tours. Or visit one of Costa Ricas many wildlife parks. Play a round of Golf on one of costa ricas best courses. So much to do and so little time. The beauty is, if you want you can do so much or you can do nothing at all. Just lay by the beachfront pool or swim in the ocean all day.

Our Costa Rica hotel in Playa Hermosa is located only 5 minutes outside of Jaco beach which is one of the most popular towns in Costa Rica. In Jaco Beach there is Everything that you need. Many different types of Restaurants, shops, supermarkets and of course, bars. Jaco is the party capital of Costa Rica.

The country of Costa Rica is located in Central America and has unlimited tourist potential. Costa Rica is ranked as one of the most visited international destinations in the world. One of it’s main sources of income is tourism. Costa Rica is a democratic and peaceful country.

Costa rica's tropical rain forests have 6% of the existing biodiversity in the entire world. 25.58 % of the country is composed of conservation and natural protected territory.  Costa Rica is also one of the top countries for investment and it offers great potential for large companies as well as individual investors. This is due to costa ricas politicaly stabil government.

It doesn't matter if you want to surf playa hermosa, go deep sea fishing for world record marlin, fly through the trees in the costa rican rain forest, or just relax by the pool at our costa rica hotel.  You will have an experience of a lifetime.

Come experience Costa Rica at Hermosa Beach House Hotel. Our incredible location, Reasonable pricing, and friendly staff can help you have the vacation of your life.  With affordable travel packages and a central location surrounded by popular tourist attractions, The Hermosa Beach House at Playa Hermosa Costa Rica is a vacation that travelers cannot pass up.

The Backyard Hotel is located on the central Pacific coast of Costa Rica in Playa Hermosa, 4 kms south of Jaco Beach. This tropical paradise boasts one of the country's most well-known surfing and sunbathing beaches. The Backyard offers you luxury accomodations in a spectacular ocean-front setting. Your ocean-front room or suite overlooks the Refugio de Vida Silvestre National Park and has breathtaking whitewater views of the Pacific Ocean.

Summary:

Most popular surfing beach in Costa Rica, Hermosa beach offers a strong, long stretch of break peaks that are better on high tide.Click on [+info] for more information.

A large tree known as “El Almendro” serves as the reference point for the preferred sand bar where good waves break. The beach is 6 miles long and arrow straight with surf pummeling ashore along its whole length. Playa Hermosa Hermosa is definitely a renowned beach where is the setting for an international surfing championship each August. Its best feature is the constant right beach break that is better when the tide is high.

There are all kind of accommodations and restaurants available in this area. Another good option to stay is Jaco, main tourist city from the Central Pacific coast.

Address (How to get there)

Take Highway #1 from San Jose heading north until the exit to Atenas. From here a very nice and curve drive will be part of the fun. Pass Atenas and Orotina. Next you will be driving on road #32 along the beautiful warm waters of the Pacific to Jaco. Just about 5 miles past Jaco is Hermosa beach.

Playa Hermosa - Jaco

Known for being home to some of the very best waves in Costa Rica, Playa Hermosa meaning beautiful beach is located just 5km from Jaco in Puntarenas.

Waves consistently pound the black sandy beach making it a haven for experienced surfers which in turn contributes to the laid back atmosphere. Developments are only on one side of the road and dogs and chickens easily out number the human population. Surf competitions are held at 10km long Playa Hermosa beach every year and in 2009 the World Surf Championship is set to come to the area.

A number of hotels and cabinas can be found at Playa Hermosa but the majority of visitors decide to stay in one of the many luxurious hotels in neighboring Jaco. Taxis between Jaco and Playa Hermosa can be taken for $4 and many include surf racks.

Whilst the beach is a delightful place to visit, it must be noted that only experienced surfers should swim in the sea due to the strong rip tides capable of dragging you out to sea and the huge waves can dangerous to novices. For those looking for a more refreshing swim, a different beach would be a better option.

Lonely Planet review for Playa Hermosa

The waves that pound the long Playa Hermosa (10km/6.2mi) are among the most consistent in the world, which means that just about any day, any time, there'll be a wave here waiting for you to thrash. Only 5km (3mi) south of Jacó, Playa Hermosa is fronted by hotels and cabinas, though development here is relatively low-key. Note that this beach can only be recommended to advanced surfers as the huge waves and strong rip tides are unforgiving.

Central Pacific Beach Living

The Central Pacific

The Central Pacific is one of Costa Rica’s jewels. It extends from Puntarenas

in the north to the Barú River in the south. The closest and most accessible

beaches to San José are found in this area. The beaches are sunny year-round,

the weather is hot and the ocean is warm. Whether you want to retire or

just live in a tropical paradise, the Central Pacific Coast has something for

you. Some of the outdoor activities the area offers are: golfing, sport fishing,

yachting, canopy tours, river rafting, parasailing, hang gliding, mountain

biking, snorkeling, diving, kayaking, bird watching and a lot more. There

are even places to study Spanish and practice yoga in this part of Costa Rica.

82 The New Golden Door to Retirement and Living in Costa Rica

Here is one expat’s take on the Central Pacific: “It was our experience

that the west coast was very much like where we came from in San Diego,

California. The ocean was similar to that of California (but warmer). There

has been a lot of American-style investment here. Prices, as you’d expect,

are higher as you get closer to the water. “

The Central Pacific, like Northwest Guanacaste, has been going

through quite a building boom over the past few years, and a whole lot of

resorts, condominiums, condotels, and gated communities are set to come

onto the market there in the near future. The rate of development is such

that it’s spilled out from the beach areas up and down the highway that

runs along the coast into the hills set back a few kilometers from the ocean.

Puntarenas

The Central Pacific’s largest city, Puntarenas (meaning “sandy point”), sits

on a long, narrow peninsula or spit in the Gulf of Nicoya, a short 62 miles

from San José. The town itself is about three miles long but just a few blocks

wide. It is also the capital of the province of the same name. Costa Ricans

affectionately refer to Puntarenas as”El Puerto” or “the port.” Due to its

proximity, Puntarenas has been the main beach destination for Costa Ricans

from the Central Valley for more than a century. ticos still flock here to spend a

day or weekend. The seven-mile brown-sand, palm studded, Blue Flag beach

runs along the narrow spit of land. The beach is cleaned and raked every day.

The Paseo de los Turistas is a seaside palm-shaded walkway with a series

of souvenir kiosks, open-air bars and inexpensive restaurants that dot the

waterfront and add to the city’s atmosphere. This tourist promenade is also

the place where dozens of huge cruise ships anchor yearly. It buzzes with

activity day and night. Puntarenas also boasts year-round spectacular sunsets.

Puntarenas is also home to the country’s only aquarium, and is one of the

best places to savor fresh seafood, including chuchecas (ink-black clams). In

fact, the people who live in Puntarenas are affectionately called chuchequeros.

Some of the best marisquerías or seafood restaurants in the country are found

all along the Paseo de los Turistas. Puntarenas is also the home of another

local delight called the Churchill, a beverage similar to a snow cone over

which layers of syrup and ice cream are poured.

I know a few Americans who call this port city their home. Bill, is

a colorful local character who used to live in the San José area where he

managed a huge penthouse right in the heart of the city. When he started

to receive his monthly Social Security checks he moved to Puntarenas and

seems to be very content there.

The Central Pacific Coast to the south of Puntarenas offers superb

locations for living. This area has something for everyone: swimming and

surfing beaches, excellent sport fishing, developed and undeveloped beaches

and natural parks. The area is a magnet for beach lovers because of its

proximity to San José, especially now that the new Ciudad Colón-Orotina-

Caldera Highway is finished. You can get from San José to the Central Pacific

beaches in about an hour.

South of Puntarenas

Four miles north of Jacó, at Bahía Herradura, is the upscale Los Sueños

Marriott Ocean and Golf Resort, considered the premier resort and

marina in the area. Los Sueños is set on a 1,100-acre property surrounded

by protected rainforest. The largest full-service marina between Mexico and

Chile is found here. This 200-slip marina can accommodate vessels from 20

to 200 feet with all of the amenities international boaters expect. For more

information about the marina, call 1-866-865-9759 toll-free or see www.

lsrm.com.

Los Sueños Resort

In addition to boating facilities, the marina offers restaurants, bars, a

supermarket, gift shop, marine supplies and concessions for jet skis, kayaks,

water skiing, scuba diving, snorkeling and other recreational activities. There

is also an 18-hole, par-72 championship golf course, a 201-room palatial

Marriott Hotel, home sites, deluxe condominiums for sale and a number

of nature walks. All of the condos and the hotel feature elegant Spanish

colonial-style architecture. Condo prices start at about $500,000. Some

affluent visitors have been known to visit Los Sueños and like it so much

they never leave.

The improving infrastructure makes it idea for living with all of the

amenities of home. Plaza Herradura is located on the main Pacific Ocean

coastal highway (La Costanera) at the entrance to Playa Herradura and

the Los Sueños Resort. This new shopping center has an AutoMercado

supermarket that caters to the many North American residents of Los Sueños,

providing American brand names and products. The Fischel pharmacy is the

largest chain in Costa Rica, and carries typical medications and antibiotics.

In addition to the fast food restaurants at Plaza Herradura, Pizza Hut,

Subway and Spoon, the center also hosts four fine dining restaurants, Inka

Grille, Long, Samurai Sushi and Asian Cuisine. The mall also has Radio

Shack, furniture and appliance stores, resort wear, boating supplies, and

other services.

Playa Jacó

If you like a lot of action, good waves and partying, I recommend Jacó

Beach. Lately, it has become known as Jacopulco due to the many high-rise

condominiums under construction and its similarity in appearance to Acapulco.

Jacó is conveniently located just 72 miles from San José. This Key-Westlike

town is a very popular weekend retreat with both ticos and foreigners

since it is only one to two hours from San José. With a floating population

of about 40,000, it is by far the most developed beach town in the Central

Pacific region and has an excellent tourist infrastructure. An eclectic mixture

of foreigners and locals gives Jacó a sort of cosmopolitan feeling.

Central Jacó changes constantly, with new shops, strip malls, condos and

restaurants popping up almost monthly. A new shopping mall was completed

in 2007 and the area has a couple of large supermarkets (AutoMercado in

Herradura and Mas x Menos in downtown Jacó) that are stocked with both

Costa Rican and high-end imported products.

There are pizza parlors, international restaurants, handicraft shops, bars,

discos and late-night spots where you can party until the wee hours of the

morning. Water sports, especially surfing and sport fishing, attract scores

of people to the area. You can also explore the natural wonders of nearby

forests on foot, horseback or a canopy ride through the treetops. The Jacó

community’s new Plaza Coral Mall features 60 stores, a food court and

two formal restaurants and caters to both tourists and local residents.

Because of its fame, Jacó is usually packed on most summer weekends,

holidays such as Easter Week and special occasions such as surf tournaments.

Lodging ranges from four-star hotels to small, inexpensive cabins for locals

on a tight budget. Boredom will not be a factor here.

Like many beach spots popular with foreign men past their prime, Jacó

is a happening place to find a prostitute. The infamous Beatle Bar is the

hub of this activity.

Development in Jacó began earlier than in Tamarindo, though the

latter has now more or less caught up. Real estate brokers estimate that the

frenzy of condominium, resort, and condotel development will put about

2,000 new units on the market over the next few years. Of course, as with

any real estate development, some of the proposed projects may never get

built, especially considering the current woes of the global economy. It’s

something to look into before buying anything pre-sale in Jacó or anywhere

in the country. Overall, however, the message is that Jacó and its surrounding

areas will keep growing, though maybe not as quickly.

Many of the expatriate residents of the area are involved in the real estate

business in some way, whether developing, selling, marketing, or building.

A lot of the area’s developers, however, don’t live in the Jacó area. Other

expatriates here work in the tourist industry, managing hotels and beachfront

cabins or restaurants and clubs.

Downtown Jacó Beach is always bustling with activity

Of course, plenty of ticos are also involved in real estate and tourism, working

as real estate lawyers, developers, construction workers, electricians, plumbers,

waiters, and receptionists. The importance of tourism to the area means

there is plenty of English spoken. Tico residents who work in the service

industry mostly live in the small villages around Jacó such as Tarcoles, as

well as along the main road just outside Jacó.

Playa Hermosa

Hermosa, about 10 minutes south of Jacó, has a completely different feel.

Do not confuse this idyllic community with the beach with the same name

in Guanacaste or the one near Uvita to the south. Hermosa (“beautiful”),

as its name indicates, is protected as a national wil life refuge.

Unlike Jacó, Hermosa has remained a low-key village popular mainly

with surfers because of good year-round waves Many international surfing

tournaments are held here every year. However, there is plenty to keep nonsurfers

busy, especially at nearby bustling Jacó.

A number of expatriates live in the area, running hotels or just enjoying

a quieter life. The village itself hasn’t yet been caught up in the condo boom.

Surfers apparently aren’t too worried about where they sleep, as long as they

have enough money for sex wax and beer. Expensive rooms there would

probably be a difficult sell.

Nevertheless, more building is underway on the land behind the beach

that rises steeply into areas of dense woodland. In that area, projects are

appealing to buyers seeking ocean views rather than the Jacó party scene.

The views from developments, especially like Hermosa Highlands, have to

be seen to be believed.

Esterillos

Esterillos means small estuary in Spanish. It is easy to get confused here because

the area is divided into Esterillos Oeste (West Esterillos) and Esterillos Este

(East Esterillos). This area has long, uncrowded beaches with treacherous

currents surrounded by African palm trees, estuaries and mangroves. Many

ticos have vacation homes along here, and there is a smattering of hotels as

well. Monterey del Mar and Xandari are two of the nicer hotels. The latter has

a great open-air restaurant with a good panoramic view of the beach. We stop

for lunch there on all of my Central Pacific retirement and relocation tours.

There has been a lot of building in this area. Cabo Caletas and Del

Pacifico are two huge projects in the Esterillos vicinity. Both projects are

supposed to eventually include golf courses.

Playa Bejuco is a nice beach with a few small developments nearby and

strong ocean currents just south of Esterillos Este.

Parrita

The town of Parrita is located south of Esterillos or about half way between

Jacó and Quepos. It is a center for the African palm oil ranch founded by

the United Brands Fruit Company many years ago. In Parrita you can find

almost any service you may need. Parrita boasts a long seven-mile beach.

There are a few new housing developments being touted in the foothills a

few miles in back of the town.

There is good news for the town of Parrita. A new two-lane bridge

eliminates traffic congestion, which at peak hours, added an hour or more to

driving time. It replaces the one lane bridge that saw its better days decades

ago. The old bridge was lower and was sometimes submerged when the

Parrita river flooded.

Palo Seco is a gray-sand beach on a small peninsula a few miles south

of Parrita. There are a couple of new projects being built here . Tesroro

promises to be a good project but is currently on hold because the local

banks are not lending money due to the economic crisis in the U.S. Los

Pelícanos is an ambitious development that will be built along the canals

of the estuary. Many of the homes will come with a dock located on a canal.

Quepos and Manuel Antonio

The Quepos and adjoining Manuel Antonio area is one of the country’s

most popular tourist destinations, and offers some of the most beautiful beach

resorts in the world. Few other places in Costa Rica offer so much in one

spot. You will find endless activities to keep you busy in this quaint beach

town. Some of the area’s most prominent features are white sand, paradise

- like beaches, beautiful hidden coves, abundant wildlife, good nightlife, fine

cuisine, unforgettable sunsets from many vantage points and even a chance to

mingle with the Hollywood crowd at a five-star hotel. This area offers other

activities such as rafting on either the Naranjo or Savegre rivers, horseback

riding, four-wheeling, hiking and canopy tours in the incredible mountains

that serve as a backdrop to this part of Costa Rica.

Quepos and Manuel Antonio lie about an hour’s drive south from Jacó

and host a very different community altogether. Of the two, Quepos is the

bigger town but still very much a working fishing town rather than a tourist

destination. Its real estate market isn’t as developed as that of Manuel

Antonio, a 10-minute drive up the road.

Downtown Quepos is a beach community surrounded by forested hills

facing the Pacific Ocean. It’s not, however, the prettiest of Costa Rica’s beach

towns. Quepos has all the services one would expect to find in a large Costa

Rican town, including bars, boutiques, eateries, a mini-bookstore, good

nightlife banks, small supermarkets, tourist shops and a whole lot more to

keep local foreigners entertained.

The infrastructure is good here with a public hospital, an airport for

small planes and limited docking facilities. Construction of a new 200- slip

$11 million Pez Vela Marina began in 2006. Expect to see the commercial

real estate market heat up as the marina comes online in the near future and

attracts more sport fishermen and other tourists to the town. Until then,

Quepos is likely to remain a tico town bypassed by second-homeowners or

permanent residents fro the more attracative Manuel Antonio up the road.

Known for its sport fishing scene, Quepos is the site of several yearly

tournaments. Hotels, businesses and even an old airplane converted into a

restaurant are scattered around the hills and line the highway between Quepos

and Manuel Antonio. Many of the hotels are situated on large properties that

extend into the forest.

Most foreigners live in and around the town of Quepos and along the

road leading to Manuel Antonio National Park, just a few kilometers south

and over the hill. The community living here is relatively young and run the

numerous local tourist businesses. The coastal road connecting Quepos to

the Manuel Antonio National Park is filled with boutique hotels, restaurants,

bars, clubs and spas, all with their share of the ocean views that make the

town so special (and expensive) for many.

The park is nestled on some 682-plus hectares of land. The park receives

more visitors than any other park or reserve in the country. If you are a

nature lover you can always explore the national park or go to one of its

pristine white-sand beaches that slope down from tropical forests into the

clear blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. The park teems with paradisiacal

flora and fauna.

Despite its distance from an international airport and city-quality shopping

and services, real estate prices in Manuel Antonio have risen to be some of

the highest in the country. It comes as no surprise that the popularity of the

park, the beauty of the beaches, and the quiet magnificence of the ocean views

have all played a part in pushing vacation rental prices for family homes high.

Renting a vacation home in Manuel Antonio can be a profitable business.

In the past, many real estate investors came to Manuel Antonio to build

large individual houses and buy tracts of land for segregation. The condominium

market, however, has yet to take off. There are a couple of mid-sized

towers under construction, but for now the Manuel Antonio buyer is more

interested in a single-family home for personal use and vacation rental.

The long-awaited Costanera Sur

(Costal Highway)

By Christopher Howard

The idea of coastal highway linking Quepos in the Central Pacific with

Dominical in the South Pacific was originally conceived during the

government of José María “Don Pepe” Figueres Ferrer in the year

1970. Work was begun in 1976 under the government of Daniel

Oduber Quirós, but the concession was cancelled when a Spanish

company pulled out of the project. Thirty years of delays were basically

due to a lack of funding and bureaucratic snags which kept the project

in limbo until the Arias administration (2006-2010) made it a priority

to finish this baldly needed north-south artery.

The transportation ministry (Ministerio de Obras Públicas y

Transportes or MOPT) promised that by the end of the 2009 the entire

42 kilometers (26 miles) between Quepos and Dominical would be

paved. Well his prediction was almost correct. As of April 2010 only

about three kilometers just north of Dominical are unpaved and one

bridge has to be completed.

The project is a boon to tourism and will open up the whole area

south of Quepos. Trucks can now easily go north and south along

the coast without traveling on the Pan-American Highway that passes

through San José, and Cartago and thus avoid also crossing the dreaded

Cerro de la Muerte or “Hill of Death” (appropriately named due to

the sometimes treacherous driving conditions and cold temperatures)

twice when going from one border to another.

The paving was done in two sections. Consorcio Meco-Santa

Fe had the job between Savegre and Quepos. That stretch is about

19 kilometers (about 13 miles) and cost $16.4 million. The section

from Savegre to Dominical is 22.6 kilometers (about 14 miles) and

was the responsibility of Constructora Solís-Sánchez Carvajal. The

contract was for $15.5 million. The Meco-Santa Fe contract had a

deadline of eight months. The Solís-Sánchez Carvajal had a 10-month

deadline, according to MOPT. In both sections the workers installed

a 30-centimeter (12-inch) sub-base, a 20-centimeter (eight-inch) base

and a 13-centimeter (5.1-inch) road surface.

The new highway has changed everything. It used to take at least

two hours or more to travel from Dominical to Quepos. Now it can be

done in under an hour. The highway is a as smooth as glass and a far

cry from the old pothole filled-road.

Expect, to see the commercial real estate market heat up as a marina

comes online in the near future and attracts sport fishermen and other tourists

to the town. Until then, Quepos is likely to remain a Tico town bypassed by

second-home owners or permanent residents for the more attractive Manuel

Antonio up the road.

On the downside, the area between Quepos and Manuel Antonio

National Park has been overbuilt and there is little land available near the

coast. Consequently, more and more people are purchasing land in the

spectacular foothills and mountains to the east.

One of the best opportunities I have seen in this area are lots offered in

Vistas de Manuel Antonio, where a 5,000 square meter ocean-view lot costs

around $150,000 with a log home on it. For additional information call toll-free

1-888-581-1786 or e-mail: robert@costaricaretirementvacationproperties.

com, http://www.costaricaretirementvacationproperties.com/index.

php?op=view_property&PropertyID=1044

Matapalo

Matapalo located about 15 miles south of Quepos and along the new coastal

highway, between Quepos and Dominical, is a little town with a laid-back

beach community and a virtually unspoiled beach. The long beach is perfect

for walking, horseback riding or just soaking up the rays. A lot of beachfront

property can still be had this area. There are also many beautiful homes and

lots with ocean views in the foothills behind Matapalo. The town has a few

hotels, restaurants and places to buy basic groceries.

I know quite a few foreigners who live here. My friend Robert Klenz

has built a large equestrian development called the Hills of Portalón in the

mountains high above this area.

All of the property between Quepos and Dominical will increase

dramatically in value because the new 26-mile coastal highway or Costanera

Sur (see sidebar). The main reason this area had escaped development for over

forty years was its inaccessibility. The old road from Quepos to Dominical

was described as “a road from hell.” Driving along it used to be like sitting

on a vibrating bed at full speed or riding a mechanical bull like in the movie

“Urban Cowboy.” Some locals theorized that the políticos (politicians) and

rich businesspeople in Quepos deliberately used their influence to keep this

stretch of the coastal highway from being paved because they feared they

would lose a lot of business given the natural beauty of Dominical and the

areas to the south. One thing is for sure the new highway will sure beat the

old one from having to travel over the inland route or Cerro de La Muerte

and through San Isidro to get to the Southern Zone.

Jaco/Playa Hermosa

Jacó is well known as one of the top beach destinations for both locals and foreigners, surfers, backpackers and travelers in general, especially in the summer time.

It is located in the North of the Puntarenas Province along the country’s central Pacific Coast which encompasses the beaches of Herradura, Jacó and Hermosa. About 15 miles north of Jacó, lies the popular Carara National Park, recognized for it´s scarlet macaws, toucans and white faced monkeys.

The drive to Jacó used to be less than 2 hours from San Jose trough the old road Monte del Aguacate. The new Caldera's Road has reduced the drive time to about an hour or so from San Jose to Jacó.

Rumor has it that Jacó earned its reputation for being a ‘party beach town’ with a wild nightlife and the people here are nice and friendly.

Jacó has all the facilities and elements of a modern city, dozens of restaurants, bars, night clubs, discos, lounges, hotels, expensive condominiums, shops and supermarkets among others. These make it very convenient for those who enjoy taking a vacation while still having that comfort of feeling of home.

On the other hand, you should keep in mind that prostitution and drugs are quite a common scenario. For instance, it might not be as suitable for a family trip as it might be for a bachelor, specially at night. So, if you are looking for some peace of mind on a casual and relaxed type of fun vacation, this might not be as suitable for you due to the level of development and boisterousness that is present, compared to other beaches in Costa Rica.

Many of Jacó’s surfers head to Playa Hermosa, located at about six miles south of Jacó, to take advantage of its consistently large waves.

Playa Hermosa also holds an international surf convention each year. In the low season of 2009, the International Surf Association held the World Masters Surfing Championship hosted by Billabong in the popular surfing destination, Playa Hermosa. This beach is slowly being developed just like Jacó, but for the time being, it's still a surfer's paradise.

Part of Playa Hermosa is a National Wildlife Refuge, its sole objective protecting several species of sea turtles that visit this beach to lay eggs. Some of the species that use Hermosa as a birthing ground include Black Turtles, Golfina Turtles and the rare Carey Turtles.

The discovery of the territory known as Garabito, that goes from Tárcoles to Playa Hermosa, dates from the year 1522, when expeditions where conducted in the area under the leadership of Gil Gonzalez Davila. At that time, the area was occupied by indigenous people from the West Huetar Kingdom.

By the 1920’s, Jacó was still a rural area, inhabited by very few families; all of them dedicated to agriculture and commerce. Until the road to Orotina was opened, the area could only be accessed by boat.

The development process was slow. In 1927, Jacó’s Mixed School was opened, and in 1946 a Catholic Church was founded. These buildings were evidence that the population was starting to concentrate in Jacó, and they served to give an identity to the area.

In 1965, Jacó was named a district of the province of Puntarenas, which opened the door for new infrastructure, for example, the water system (1976), the main road “Costanera Sur” that gave access to the Central Pacific region (1978), and the electricity system (1981). This infrastructure allowed for community dynamism and tourism development. The distance to San José, and the availability of reasonable access roads was an important incentive for internal tourism.

More intensive development started in 1983, when Jacó was named the capital of the Garabito region. From then on, Jacó has experienced faster population growth, going from 3,144 to 10,378 people. The population has grown at an annual rate of 7.5%, the fastest in the country between 1984 and 2000.

Tourism has been the main engine for development, and the most important economic activity in the region. Nowadays, Jacó is a major destination for international and domestic tourism that seek beach, nature, and water activities such as surf. Outside investment has also played a key role in the development of the area, becoming part of the area's culture.

Interesting Activities:

Jacó is surrounded with the eco-amenities and filled with bio-diversity that attract tourists, among those, we can include two of the largest ecological reserves in Costa Rica: Manuel Antonio in the south and Carrara National park on the north side.

Surfing is the most popular activity in the Jacó area since it draws many people to the beaches, which are known for their consistent 3 to 4 meter surf.

Other activities include canopy, aerial trams, ATV riding, kayaking and scuba diving, sport fishing, zip lines, botanical gardens, ATV and horseback tours which are all hosted in the Cerro Fresco mountain range are offered around the area.

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