The central Pacific coast of Costa Rica is one of the country’s most popular destinations. Located about an hour from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), the region provides easy access to sandy beaches, lush rainforests, national parks and lively towns with shopping, dining and nightlife.
With the arrival of Los Sueños Resort & Marina, the area now features a world-class resort that meets the expectations of discerning travelers — an 18-hole eco-friendly golf course, a 200-slip marina, a variety of restaurants, bars and beach clubs. Accommodations range from full-service 5-star hotel options like the Los Sueños Marriott to private villas, homes and condominiums that offer extra privacy and comforts for families or groups.
The Los Sueños Marriott is well-appointed and competitively priced, making it a solid option for solo travelers and couples. Larger groups and families frequently choose Los Sueños condominiums, which come in a variety of floorplans to suit different needs. Stay in Costa Rica, the resort’s leading rental company since 2002, manages a portfolio of more than 100 properties, from one-bedroom apartments to eight-bedroom homes, simplifying the planning process for visitors.
Private rental villas within Los Sueños are ideal for larger groups or families, offering multiple bedrooms and private amenities such as swimming pools, Jacuzzis and exercise facilities. Spacious dining areas, optional chef services and terraces with private spa treatments make these homes comfortable and convenient for extended stays.
The Los Sueños Marina, with its 200 slips, is Costa Rica’s premier sport-fishing hub. The central Pacific coast provides quick access to deep blue waters teeming with marine life. Offshore anglers can target marlin, sailfish, tuna and dorado (mahi-mahi), while inshore trips often yield red snapper, roosterfish and snook.
The central Pacific region is rich in activities and offers some of the best tours in Costa Rica. Adventure-seekers can choose from canopy zip-lines, white-water rafting, all-terrain vehicle jungle excursions, canyoning and surfing. Surfing remains the area’s most popular sport, with beaches suitable for both beginners and experienced riders.
Nature lovers will appreciate two nearby national parks: Carara and Manuel Antonio. Carara, just 15 minutes from Los Sueños, is a bird-watching paradise known for its diverse avian population. Manuel Antonio, about 40 miles to the south, is one of Costa Rica’s most visited parks, where pristine beaches meet rainforest and wildlife such as several monkey species, sloths, iguanas and raccoons.
The main town serving the area is Jacó, which offers a wide range of dining options — from inexpensive local eateries serving traditional casado (rice, beans, plantain, salad and a protein) to international restaurants featuring sushi, Italian and fresh seafood. Despite its compact size, Jacó provides practical amenities including a medical clinic, pharmacies, supermarkets, banks, a post office and hardware stores, as well as entertainment options like a movie theater and a venue for local and international performances.
If you would like more information about the central Pacific coast or Los Sueños Resort, contact Joaquin Rodriguez, Manager at Stay in Costa Rica: [email protected]. To begin planning your next Costa Rica vacation, visit the Stay in Costa Rica website at www.stayincostarica.com.