Costa Rica’s South Pacific coast is one of the wildest and least visited regions in the country. The area is covered in rainforest that extends to some of the most beautiful beaches imaginable. The area starts north from Dominical, a pleasant little surf village. Uvita, south of Dominical, is the main entrance to the Marino Ballena National Park, which is home to spectacularly beautiful beaches and also an important breeding area for humpback whales during a few months of the year. The Osa Peninsula is home to the Corcovado National Park, which is one of the most biologically intense areas in the world.
The South Pacific coast has managed to remain an off the tourist trail destination. The region offers peaceful solitude in an unspoiled tropical location.
Tradition and Culture
Indigenous culture, Boruca and Terraba people
Inspired by the knowledge of centuries of ancient tradition, the Boruca represent their intrinsic very creative expression through masks carved in balsa wood and painted with bright colors and the weaving of colored fabrics. The threads for the material are generally dyed with leaves, roots and sea shell extracts.
Masks are important elements in the annual Diablitos Dance celebrated in Boruca y Curré. The dance represents the resistance of the «Diablitos», who represent the Boruca people, against the Spanish conquistadors.
The experience of meeting these indigenous communities is unforgettable for the tourists who visit them, the observation of the work of the artists who sculpted masks, the women who weave, the theatrical presentation of traditions, mythologies and history of their culture native is something worth knowing.
The Best Atractions
The stone spheres of the South Pacific of Costa Rica
Considered unique in the world for perfection, size and high technological level, up to now it has not been possible to establish precisely which of the 5 ethnic groups still present in this territory is responsible for such a complex engineering work.
This historical legacy is unique and unparalleled in the rest of the world. Some of the richest and most precious pre-Columbian archaeological masterpieces remain in the county of Osa.
The first spheres were discovered in the delta of the Terraba River, also known as the Diquís River. They have been found as far north as the Estrella Valley and as far south as the Coto Colorado River. Stone spheres have also been discovered on Isla del Caño.
In 2014, UNESCO chose the pre-Columbian set of stone spheres from Diquís as a World Heritage Site.
Nauyaca Waterfall
The Nauyaca Falls are located in a canyon about eighty meters wide. One of the falls is forty-five meters high in free fall, forming a pool of one thousand square meters and six meters deep. There are also other smaller natural pools, which can be used for the enjoyment of the whole family.
The Nauyaca Falls in Costa Rica are the ideal place for nature and adventure lovers. You can visit Nauyaca Falls from Manuel Antonio, Dominical, Uvita and Ojochal. From Manuel Antonio, it’s about a 45-minute drive. From Uvita, it’s about 25 minutes. We also offer guided tours.
Cacao Plantations
Discover the beautiful Finca Kobo located in the middle of the primary rainforest on the Osa Peninsula, an unspoiled and mystical area, where we can get the first impressions of the “cocoa forest”, flowers and fruits. The history and culture of this tropical crop is very interesting and dates back to the Maya.
Wandering through the «cocoa forest» and the finca on a guided tour: experience and learn about the organic cocoa production process and the production of chocolate from fruit to pure chocolate. Learn about the origins and history of this delicious harvest, taste different fresh fruits from our trees, eat different chocolate products and meals and chocolate fondue with exotic fruits in our tropical garden.
Diamante Cave and Waterfall
Diamond Cave, a truly magical place located in the center of the Diamond Canyon. The Green Diamond Waterfall is the largest in Costa Rica with a spectacular 185-meter panoramic view. Nestled in the jungle of Diamante is a hidden canyon with ten picturesque waterfalls.
Cataratas Diamante (Diamond Waterfalls) is located in a beautiful and unique region, 40 minutes inland from Dominical Beach on the Pacific coast. This jewel of the jungle plunges in front of the city called Tinamastes, surrounded by impressive natural beauty.
Marino Ballena National Park
The Marino Ballena National Park is located in Costa Ballena and belongs to the conservation area of the Osa.
The goal of the Marino Ballena National Park is to preserve the rich marine ecosystem and its pristine landscape value. In its warm waters we find very interesting geological formations, such as beaches, cliffs and small islands.
By protecting coral reefs and keeping our beaches and rivers healthy, we take care of a unique and rich ecosystem, which is, among other things, a breeding area for whales and many marine species.
The park is fortunate to receive two annual whale migrations, the northern humpback whale visits the South Pacific coast from December to March, and the southern humpback whale begins migration from July to October.
Corcovado National Park
Corcovado is the last Pacific lowland rainforest remaining in the sustainable range in Central America and has been called «the most biologically intense place on earth» by the National Geographic Society.
Here among the largest trees in Costa Rica are the densest populations of tapir, jaguar and scarlet macaws in Central America.
This is a nature lover’s paradise! This pristine natural Eden is far removed from the crowds and offers visitors a blend of wilderness and tropical beaches.
Wildlife is great here in Drake Bay! Don’t be surprised if you encounter tapirs, red parrots (Scarlet macaw), toucans, howler, white-faced and spider monkeys, whales, dolphins and even jaguars during your visit!
Participate in the conservation program, by the Corcovado Foundation, a non-profit organization created by the concerned neighbors of Corcovado National Park to lead the fight to stop illegal hunting, while encouraging responsible tourism as a tool to help protect this incredible gift for everyone, the Osa Peninsula.
Puerto Jimenez
This community is the main entrance to the Osa Peninsula and Corcovado National Park, commercial and tourist services are available, including several sport fishing, adventure and leisure companies.
Jimenez can be reached via Chacarita on the Inter-American highway or with a daily boat service from Golfito, from San Jose you can also take a local flight directly to the city of Puerto Jimenez, Sansa and Aerobell offer scheduled regular daily flights.
Five kilometers from the city, Playa Platanares features a stunning pristine tropical beach bordered by lush greenery.
Visiting the Corcovado National Park and the Golfo Dulce Forest Reserve is one of the most intense experiences. There are 3 ways to access Corcovado park from Puerto Jimenez; the first is to continue driving south on the peninsula to the entrance to Carate.
The second is the entrance to Los Patos which is located north of Puerto Jimenez in the city of La Palma; from here you arrive directly at the Sirena Ranger station and through the heart of Corcovado.
The last entrance is at El Tigre station, but this itinerary is not recommended. Golfo Dulce is one of only three tropical fjords in the world.
This marine environment is not only extremely special, but also very fragile. The mangroves within the gulf are a crucial nursery for marine life.