The village of Matapalo is kept a mystery because of its isolated position on the sparsely inhabited southern point of Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula. Nearly deserted beaches and rain forests may be found in this unspoiled piece of heaven, which is accessible to those who don't mind a lengthy, rough trip. The swells are what really catch the eye, in addition to the stunning shoreline. "You can take on the challenge of the right-hand wave for something more daring," advises Guillén. "Pan Dulce Beach in Matapalo is where professional surfer Brisa Hennessy from Costa Rica learned to board."
Isla Uvita, also known as "Little Grape Island" in Spanish, is a tiny, deserted patch of land with a reef on one side and Limón on the other in the Caribbean Sea of Costa Rica. It's an undeveloped, leisurely day excursion that's incredibly mellow by all vacation standards, and it's reachable by boat from the mainland. The wave conditions are similar to those in the Aloha State: according to Guillén, "it's the closest you'll find dordle to Hawaii in our country." Along with beaches and colorful animals, Isla Uvita is known for its surfing history and for being the site of Christopher Columbus' landing in 1502, when he came to repair his boat.
Because of its closeness to the city, Guillén claims that the central Pacific region is by far the most popular destination. This area includes Jacó, which is known as the surf capital of Central America and is just 90 minutes from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO). It is one of the more established beach towns in Costa Rica, with a main street lined with eateries, boutiques, and nightclubs. During the day, the beaches are busy, and popular activities include ATV trips and catamaran cruises. When the sun sets, nightlife comes to life.
Situated on the southern shore of the Nicoya Peninsula, Montezuma is a bohemian and creative village that has the luxury of being more remote from the throng. Countless travelers would undoubtedly swarm this hidden gem of a town if it were easier to get there in order to laze on the white sand beach, trek to the picturesque waterfalls, and see local fauna like sea turtles, butterflies, and monkeys. Naturally, a lot of tourists do make the journey, which adds to the city's exciting nightlife and diverse dining options.
Manuel Antonio is a resort town located just outside the boundaries of the same-named national park. It's a great starting point for exploring rain forests full with white-faced capuchin monkeys and apparently unspoiled shoreline. It is a center for eco-adventure, offering activities ranging from canopy tours to snorkeling, and it has a relaxed vibe that makes you want to spend time cooling down in the turquoise ocean and relaxing on the white sand beach. Not to mention that it's among the most reasonably priced tropical travel locations.
