Golfito

A major Costa Rican port until the 1980’s, Golfito has gone from a banana growing region to an up-and-coming tourist destination. Many people use Golfito as a launching point to the stunning southern beaches of Playa Zancudo, Pavones and Piedras Blancas National Park.

In many respects, Golfito is Costa Rica's last frontier. Amenities are basic here, but in a country that was built up at a rapid pace, that can be a blessing. The region owes much of its isolation to its distance from San Jose. A typical bus ride from the Costa Rican capital to to Golfito can take as many as 8 hours. The trip is worth the trip, however, if you're looking for an alternative destination with access to quiet beaches and and a slower pace of travel. Another option is to fly, with Golfito's airport just 4 kilometers north of the center of town (check with Sansa and Nature Air for flight information).

The best season for this is November to May.