Papagayo

While most travelers in Costa Rica car rentals prefer to stay close to the country's capital city of San Jose, there are those adventurous souls who can't wait to explore vacation destinations in the northern pacific region. Located about 174 miles northwest of San Jose, Papagayo is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the North Pacific Tourism Region. Known for it's year round sunshine, Papagayo sees less yearly rainfall than many other Costa Rica towns. Whether you prefer to surf or sunbath, Papagayo provides travelers in Costa Rica car rentals with the ultimate coastal escape.

Papagayo's environmental history

The area of Papagayo has well-known history in Costa Rica, thanks to it's focus on travel and tourism. Back in 1974, the Costa Rica government declared that he gulf area would be designated tourism land and could thus be developed as resort property. Development began quickly and it wasn't long before people started thinking that the Gulf of Papagayo would become the next Cancun. Unfortunately, the government made one critical error when the program was launched – no environmental studies were conducted. After just a few months of building, it was determined that the shoreline would be unable to support the more than 20,000 planned hotel rooms. The coast became a ghost town until 1997 when a new developer decided to built the country's most expensive hotel. The area would continue to be plagued by environmental issues for the next five years as more and more developers began to build along the Gulf. Today, travelers in Costa Rica car rentals can rest assured that their Papagayo hotel room abides by some of the highest environmental standards, thanks to stiff local regulations.

This is what paradise should look like

Sun-drenched beaches, lush-green forests – Papagayo has everything you could ever want in a tropical retreat. Located just five hours north west of San Jose, Papagayo is close enough for travelers in Costa Rica car rentals to explore this very weekend! Travelers in Costa Rica car rentals will discover several all-inclusive resorts along the gulf, each with their own unique amenities and offerings. Between them, these hotels share 12 amazing public beaches, and some of the bluest waters in all of the land.

Discover nature in Papagayo

Travelers in Costa Rica car rentals will have to share the beach with a variety of wild local residents, including colorful hermit crabs and noisy howler monkeys. A car rental is a must in this area, especially if you plan to visit any of the many neighboring attractions. Beautiful dry forests, endless fields, and incredible coastlines are all within a days drive. Interesting nature reserves surround Papagayo. These include: Palo Verde National Park: Travelers in Costa Rica car rentals will discover Central America's largest concentration of water fowl and shorebirds inside this unique natural park.

Santa Rosa National Park: Known for it's amazing hiking, wildlife watching, and surfing (this is where travelers in Costa Rica ca rentals will discover Witch's Rock, one of the country's best surfing destinations).

Though most of the area is developed, Papagayo still provides travelers in Costa Rica car rentals with plenty of natural surroundings. A simply walk along the beach or hike down a nearby trail is often all that it takes to yield and amazing wildlife encounter. Remember to keep your eyes peeled for white-face capuchin monkeys, spiny-tailed iguanas, coatimundies, and plenty of exotic birds. Seasoned wildlife watchers are encouraged to pick up a field guide prior to venturing out as a way to help identify and categorize some of the more elusive species.

Papagayo is truly one of the most beautiful places in all of Costa Rica – but don't take our word for it! Simply spend an evening watching the sunset and you'll understand why so many travelers in Costa Rica car rentals can't wait to explore this amazing area.