About Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coasted

costa ricaThis region of the country stretches from the city of Puntarenas to the mouth of the Río Barú in the area known as Dominical de Osa. 
The region also comprises the islands in the Gulf of Nicoya, and these are accessed from Puntarenas. A wet and rainy climate allows for great biodiversity at the beaches and hills next to the coast; thus, there is a transition from a tropical wet forest to tropical forest to a tropical dry forest.

These ecosystems provide habitat for numerous plant and animal species that are protected in several wilderness areas. Also included within this zone is Isla del Coco, which, though almost 600 kilometers from the port of Puntarenas, falls under this province’s jurisdiction.

The region’s main attractions are its coast and protected wilderness areas. The coast is made up of numerous beautiful beaches, several of which are less than two hours from San José, allowing for quick access. With regard to wilderness areas, the region features wildlife refuges, national parks and biological preserves. Other important attractions are of cultural and recreational interest, including the various organized events—especially sporting events—that distinguish the region. Also worthy of note is the scenic beauty along the coastal highway that connects the Caldera area with the Quepos and Manual Antonio region.


HERMOSA BEACH jaco

Hermosa Beach is three kilometers to the south of Jacó, and is easily accessible.
Hermosa Beach is located in the province of Puntarenas, on the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica, in the Jacó and Garabito canton. This beach has the most consistent waves year-wide.  The extension is approximately 24 km.

Jacó
Jacó is the first developed beach town on the Pacific coast. It is a large, pretty beach, and its proximity to San Jose makes it popular to many visitors.
The turnoff from the Costanera Sur for Jacó is just 3.5km beyond Herradura. Playa Jacó is about 2km off the Costanera. The beach itself is about 3km long, and hotels and restaurants line the road running behind it. Development has been fast in Jacó -perhaps too fast.
Although the rainy season is considered the best for Pacific coast surfing, this area has some decent possibilities even in the dry months.  Jacó is approximately 6 miles North of Hermosa Beach.


TRAVEL INFORMATION

Entry Requirements
Citizens holding valid passports from the following countries are permitted to stay in Costa Rica for 90 days without a visa:

travelArgentina, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France and Germany dependencies, Greece, Holland and dependencies, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Trinidad & Tobago, United Kingdom, United States of America, Czech Republic and Uruguay.


Citizens holding valid passports from the following countries are exempt from all visa requirements for stays of 30 days in Costa Rica, though once inside the country, they can apply for extension from the Immigration office, for an authorized period of stay of 90 days:

Antigua & Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Bulgaria, Chile, Dominica, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Iceland, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Mexico, New Zealand, Philippines, Russia, Saint Kitts/Nevis, San Marino, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, Suriname, Taiwan, Turkey, The Vatican, Venezuela, Estonia and Monaco.
Citizens of all countries not listed above are required a visa from a Costa Rican embassy or consulate before traveling.

Custom regulations
No customs duties are charged on personal luggage, which includes a series of items for personal, professional, non-commercial use. Costa Rican laws require checked luggage to be screened and travelers to fill out customs declarations declaring the value of any item in their possession, including fruits, vegetables, meat and by- products, biological products such as vaccinations, serums, etc. The head of a family may make a joint declaration for all members residing in the same household and traveling together to Costa Rica.

Safety Tips
Here and everywhere, enjoy a safer holiday by following these simple tips:
  Decide your destination in advance and make a planned route of travel.
 
Always be alert and aware of your surroundings.
 
If your car is bumped from behind, do not stop on the roadway or along the roadside. Drive to the nearest public area and call to 911 in search of police assistance. If someone suspicious approaches your vehicle while you stop at a traffic light or sign, sound the car horn.
 
Do not pull over for flashing headlights. A police vehicle and an authorized emergency vehicle are the only ones authorized the display of flashing, rotating red or blue lights.
 
If you become lost, try to find a public place, like a service station, in order to read your map or ask for directions.
 
If you are told that something is wrong with your vehicle, do not stop immediately. Drive to the nearest service station or to another well lighted public area.
 
Keep doors locked and windows shut up when driving, and mainly when the vehicle is parked.
 
Goods and valuables should be kept in the trunk, locked glove compartment, or out of sight, whenever traveling or before leaving the vehicle parked.
 
Always park in well-lit areas.
 
Check the interior of your vehicle and surrounding areas before getting into your vehicle.
 
Do not pick up hitchhikers.
 
If using an automatic cashier, be sure the area is well lit. Count your money inside your vehicle with the windows shut down.
 
Do not leave the keys in your vehicle or your car engine running when using an automatic ashier or public telephone.
 
If you suspect that you are being followed, head immediately to the nearest well lit public area and call the police.
 
If you must carry a purse or bag, hold it in front of you close to your body. Be sure it is securely closed.
 
When encountering a threatening, hostile individual, do not put up any resistance. If all that person wants is your belongings, give them up, they are not worth your life or any serious injury. In case of emergency call 911 from any telephone.
 
Pay airport taxes only at authorized places.
 
Taxes are $ 26 per person.