One of the highlights of living in and visiting Jaco is its Central location.  Located in the heart of the Central Pacific, Jaco is ideal for exploring the surrounding area and one of those highlights are some of Costa Rica’s most beautiful national parks.  Two of my favorites are both within a short drive.

Carara National Park is a favorite with bird watchers for several reasons. First, its position in a transition zone means that residents of both habitats are likely to appear. Second, the Río Grande de Tárcoles has free flowing sections and its waters seep into seasonal marshlands and a shallow oxbow lake covered with hyacinths further expanding number of local habitats. 

Finally, because it is slightly dryer, and not all of the trees are evergreen, Carara is more open than the rain forests further south making wildlife spotting easier.  Carara National Park is usually not as busy or touristy as Manuel Antonio and is just a 20 minute drive from Jaco Beach.

Located just 45 miles south of Jaco, Manuel Antonio National Park is internationally recognized as being one of the most biodiverse parks on the planet. Lush tropical forests, lagoons, mangroves and pristine white sandy beaches make up one of the most diverse ecosystems imaginable. 

Among the 109 species of mammals and 184 species of birds, some of the frequently viewed residents include white-faced and howler monkeys, two and three toed sloths and iguanas. The endangered squirrel monkey calls the park home as well.

The park features its own private beaches and a very well laid out hiking trail.  A trip to Manuel Antonio is usually a must for those visiting Jaco and is a perfect day trip. It can get quite busy during the weekends and especially in high season, so I prefer to go during the week, just skip Monday as the park is closed that day.  

For more information about condos, homes and land for sale in the beach town of Jaco and surrounding areas please contact our Recommended Realtors in Jaco Shawn Fletcher and his wife Hannah Fletcher
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Andrew Makarik

to@welovecostarica.com

Andrew Makarik is the main editor of WeLoveCostaRica, a fan of this sunny country. He is also a loving husband and a has a lovely daughter. By being a devoted family man and the biggest Costa Rica fan, he wants to make more people feel at home there. WeLoveCostaRica unites people and helps them find new home or a new travel destination. This website is a friendly community where everyone can find not only information, but also new friends and travel pals. Andrew is also passionate about IT and programming, so he himself maintains a friendly atmosphere in this cozy environment of WeLoveCostaRica.com.