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Central Pacific, Costa Rica
Photo: Derivative work by john2690. Other authors listed on source image page., CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Paquera is in the Central Pacific region of Costa Rica.
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Local beach southeast of the center of town, south of the ferry port. Easiest to get to with your own vehicle - the public bus leaves you at the side of the main road, from which it's about a 40min walk to the beach.
National wildlife refuge with several beaches and hiking trails. Also has an onsite restaurant (closed September/October) and possibilities in high season for boat rental, guided walking tours, horseback tours, etc. Technically outside of Paquera, but Paquera is the nearest noteworthy town. Easy to get to on the bus - the welcome area is right off the main road. Pay at the entrance, and walk or drive approx 2.5 km to the beach area, which also has an information center, restrooms, picnic area, etc. You can get a map of the hiking trails at the information center by the beach.
Multiple companies offer nightly bioluminescence tours, either by boat or by kayak. Paquera is generally recognized as the best location in Costa Rica to experience bioluminescence. Try to go on a night without much light - near the new moon, or cloudy skies - for the best viewing experience.
Again, multiple companies have tours to Isla Tortuga - full day or half day, focused on snorkelling or mixing in beach time / lunch time. Make sure you know where your tour is leaving from, as most leave from somewhere along the coast, and access could be a challenge without a car.
Authentic local restaurant with great-quality food and very reasonable prices. Try a casado and one of the natural fruit juices mixed with either water or milk. Outdoor seating - don't mind the two well-behaved chickens wandering through the yard.
This is a popular little soda (food shop), tucked away on the side of a supermarket. Their prices are slightly higher than some of the local competitors, but the quality is good, the portions are large, and they stay open late. Worth a visit, especially if you're looking for dinner after the town has shut down for the night.
Bakery serving sweet and savory baked goods. The products are great, the prices are reasonable, and the staff are very friendly.
The ferry port is several kilometers from the center of town. If you arrive on the ferry and don't have your own vehicle, there are typically buses and taxis waiting at the port. There will be two buses.
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