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Costa Rica Papagayo Gulf Region

The Papagayo region is rich in beautiful beaches, resorts, activities, dining, entertainment, vacation, travel and real estate offerings. The Gulf of Papagayo (Spanish: Golfo de Papagayo, literally "Gulf of the parrot") is a large body of water off Guanacaste province and the northwestern coast of Costa Rica. Among the most popular destinations on the Gulf of Papagayo are Ocotal Beach, Playas del Coco, Playa Hermosa, and Playa Panama. The Papagayo peninsula is the most developed area in the gulf region.

The Papagayo Peninsula and the surrounding area is one of the most well-known, famous  and ecologically diverse areas of Costa Rica.  Named for the colorful parakeet that is indigenous to the region, the Papagayo Peninsula was initially formed by a region of volcanic activity that has been slowly eroded and weathered by wind and ocean activity.  The peninsula shelters the largely known Gulf of Papagayo, which is even further sheltered by the much larger Santa Elena Peninsula to the north.  As a result, the well protected gulf is the location for the Papagayo Marina, an on-going project that plans to make the Pacific side of Costa Rica much more accessible.

As stated before, the Papagayo area is one of the most pristine, well-protected, and ecologically diverse areas in Costa Rica.  The tropical dry forests and wild beaches are huge magnets for tourism and development in the area, and has a very well-maintained and developed infrastructure.  The popularity of this region amongst tourists and travellers led to action by the Costa Rican government to issue a mandate that 70% of the land on the Papagayo Peninsula must remain natural and undeveloped, thus ensuring the preservation of the region.  Even so, Playas del Coco in the Papagayo region has the highest population of any city in the Guanacaste province, and the area remains very populated and well-traveled.

Only 15 miles of coastline in the gulf contains over 31 different beaches, including some of the most breathtaking in Costa Rica Playas del Coco, Playa Ocotal, and the aptly named Playa Hermosa.  Furthermore, the tropical dry forests of the Papagayo region contain over 400 species of animals, including numerous types of monkeys and birds.  During a typical day in Papagayo Peninsula you will receive about 12 hours of sunlight that starts at 5 in the morning and ends at around 6, with temperatures ranging from 22 to 28 degrees Celsius.  Don't expect to see any rain during the months of December to April, or what is known as the high season in Costa Rica.  The seasonal rains start in April and run to mid-November, a period known as the low or green season.

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