Pacific coast holidays
Pacific coast holidays at a glance
Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast is a real surfer’s paradise, defined by foaming ocean waves, broad golden beaches and lush tropical vegetation. Unlike the country’s Caribbean coastline, the Pacific is exposed to the full force of the ocean, creating exceptional conditions for surfing and water sports.
The coastline is fringed by coconut groves and dense tropical greenery, a beautiful backdrop to the region’s beaches. One of the standout attractions is Manuel Antonio National Park, where a rich mix of palms, creepers and mangrove swamps meets sweeping ochre-coloured beaches.
Wildlife is never far away here. Monkeys descending from the forest to the beach at sunset is one of the many memorable encounters that make the Pacific Coast so appealing.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday to Pacific coast
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
This surfer’s paradise offers wide golden beaches shaded by tropical vegetation and coconut groves.
When to visit Pacific coast
Best time to visit Costa Rica Pacific Coast? Warm year-round, with temperatures generally between 22°C and 30°C depending on season and location.
Highs of 30-32°C during the day and minimal rainfall make this period an ideal time to enjoy the Pacific coast. Easter can be busy as Josefinos and Josefinas flock to the area from the capital.
Although the Pacific can still be enjoyed from May to November with warm daytime temperatures of around 29°C you will see heavy sporadic rainfall especially in August, September and October.
Top Things to do in Pacific coast
The Pacific Coast is ideal for combining beach time with outdoor activities and wildlife encounters.
Paddle through shaded estuaries rich in tropical flora and fauna.
Accommodation in Pacific coast
Our featured accommodation in the region includes Arenas del Mar, Falls Resor, La Cusinga Ecolodge and Rafiki Safari Lodge. We love these featured properties for their easy access to beaches, national parks and Costa Rica’s outstanding wildlife.
Arenas del Mar is a first class luxury Pacific coast beach resort close to Manuel Antonio good for couples and families alike.
The Falls Resort is an agreeable mid-range hotel close to the beach and Manuel Antonio National Park. The gardens are especially lovely, and attract all sorts of wildlife.
La Cusinga Ecolodge is an intimate family-run property swathed in jungle close to sweeping Pacific beaches.
Rafiki tented camp is glamping inspired by South African upmarket tented camps, featuring furnished fixed tents which offer a true sense of proximity to the natural world.
Colonial-style hotel in a superb location, with traditional décor and touches of Central American colour.
Relax at the family-run Yaba Chigui countryside lodge near an undeveloped stretch of glorious Pacific coast in Costa Rica.
A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.
Holidays to Pacific coast
Discover our range of holidays on Costa Rica’s beautiful and rugged Pacific Coast. Book now with Journey Latin America.
Group Pacific coast Tours
Our group tours follow expertly designed, well-planned routes with an experienced local guide throughout. Prefer to keep it to your own party? Book the same trips privately for four or more.
Tanager: Flora and Fauna of Costa Rica
Places visited: San Jose, central highlands and central valleys · Caribbean coast · Monteverde and the cloud forest
12 days from £3,443
Tailor-Made Pacific coast Tours
Prefer to travel on your own terms? We’ll build a trip around your dates, your pace and the things you most want to see – whether that’s a first run at Machu Picchu, a family adventure mixing history and wildlife, or a food-focused journey through Lima and the Sacred Valley. Our Travel Experts can help shape it with you.
Off The Beaten Track Costa Rica
Places visited: San Jose, central highlands and central valleys · Savegre valley and Chirripo foothills · Pacific coast · Osa Peninsula
14 days from £3,750
Value Costa Rica: The essential highlights
Places visited: San Jose, central highlands and central valleys · Caribbean coast · Arenal and the north · Monteverde and the cloud forest · Pacific coast
12 days from £1,900
FAQs about visiting Pacific coast
Pacific coast is one of the most popular destinations, and there’s plenty to think about before you go. Here, our specialists share their best advice.
- When is the best time to visit Pacific coast of Costa Rica?
To enjoy the beaches, good weather is a priority so most visits are in the dry season Dec – Apr when there is plenty of sun. It’s hot all year round (average temperatures range from 22-25°C, rather higher in the dry season). The busy times for visitors are the dry season months, especially weekends and Easter week. The green (i.e. rainy) season is much quieter.
For more detailed information visit our When To Go section.
- What language is spoken on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica?
The main language spoken on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica is Spanish.
- What currency do I need on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica?
The Colón is the main currency used on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Notes can be withdrawn from ATMs in San José using a UK credit or debit card. You may have to authorise your bank first, and withdrawals may be limited to amounts lower than in the UK. US dollars cash can be exchanged in banks too. There are ATMs in Quepos, but stock up with your local currency needs before travelling to Manuel Antonio.
- What is the time difference between the Pacific coast of Costa Rica and the UK?
The time difference between the Pacific coast of Costa Rica and the UK is GMT -5 hours.
- What places combine well with the Pacific coast of Costa Rica?
By light aircraft from San José to Quepos, from where it is a 30mins road journey over the cliffs to Manuel Antonio. Flights take less than one hour. By road, the journey to Manuel Antonio from San José takes about 2.5 hours.
Ready to start planning?
Tell us where you want to go, and we’ll take it from there. No obligation, no sales pitch – just a conversation with someone who knows the region inside out.