Area:  4,351.6 sq. miles
(Largest province: 22% of national area)
Population:  358,137 (2000)
Main City:  Puntarenas
Population Density:  82.3 per square mile
Elevation:  13 feet
Average Temperature:  80.7°F
Annual Rainfall:  59-83 inches

Carara National Park protects a unique stand of primary forest and yet is located right along the Pan-American Highway.  Look for the big crocodiles basking along the Tarcoles River and the pairs of scarlet macaws flying over at dusk, not to mention a few poison dart frogs hidden under leaves and logs.  Staff at Try Costa Rica almost always recommend this to our friends as part of their Costa Rica vacation.  The crocs are huge and viewing them safely from the top of the bridge is awe inspiring.

Guided tours are offered through the Curu National Wildlife Refuge, a small private reserve on the Nicoya Peninsula chock full of an amazing variety of turtles, birds, and mammals.

Islas Guayabo and Negritos Biological Reserves protect the nesting sites predominantly of the brown booby, frigate bird, pelican, and pregrine falcon.  Isla Tortuga Cruises depart from Puntarenas and take about 90 minutes via large catamaran.

It has been said that a visit to Manuel Antonio National Park is like a rainforest ride at an amusement park.  You are guaranteed to see sloths, monkeys and exotic birds while you hike well-marked trails, lounge on golden beaches, or bob in emerald-green water.  The nearby town of Quepos offers many choices of accommodations and dining.  Quepos is a common destination for offshore fishing enthusiasts too.  Try Costa Rica staff heartily recommend Manuel Antonio as a great place to visit for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.

Piedras Blancas National Park borders the Golfo Dulce, an excellent place to have dolphins escort your boat to a private beach backed by rainforest.  Beautiful!

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