From Jacó To Papagayo, Tourists Prefer The Pacific Coast For Vacationing

Jan 4, 2011

By The Staff, SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (Inside Costa Rica)

Closeness, comfort, access to supermarkets and other services are some of the reasons the Pacific beaches are a hit with vacationers, according to the Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT) and the Cámara Nacional de Turismo (Canatur).

The opening of the Ruta 27 (San José - Caldera) and the opening of major supermarket and services in beach communities like Jacó in the Central Pacific and Playas del Coco, Hermosa and Panama and the Golfo de Papagayo has meant more national tourists choosing the Pacific coast to vacation.

Jacó is now a little over an hour, Papagayo, Coco, Hermosa and Panama 3 hours, instead of the almost 2 hours and 4 1/2 respectively before last January.

Supermarkets like Automercado and Mas x Menos and retailers like Gollo, Monge and Casa Blanca have all opened stores serving the beach communities, not only to serve locals, visitors who are accustomed to their services in the Central Valley.

Carlos Benavides, ministro de Turismo, said that although the official numbers aren't in, Puntarenas (Jacó) and Guanacaste are the favorite of vacationers.

Other locations in Guanacaste that are favored, though taking a little longer to get to, are Tamarindo, Conchal and Flamingo. The Cámara de Turismo de Guanacaste (Caturgua) said a study reveals that 90% of vacationers in those areas are North Americans.

To avoid being victims of criminals, the Policía Turística (tourist police) recommends to keep a close eye on all luggage, especially if travelling by bus and your belongings on the beach.

The Cruz Roja (Red Cross) recommends not to drink and go into the water.

The Guanacaste sun is strong and it is best to use a sun blocker to avoid a burn and worse.

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Source: http://www.insidecostarica.com/dailynews/2011/january/04/costarica11010402.htm