Cabo Matapalo is not a town. There are no grocery stores, no pharmacies, not even a pulperia – just the beaches, the jungle and a collection of hotels and resorts scattered about the area. All the produce and other supplies have to be brought in from Puerto Jiménez, which lies 45 minutes to an hour away. The distance is not so great, but it is enough that only three restaurants operate during the high season.
The waves and the wildlife are the two reasons you come here. Surfers from all over are attracted by Backwash Bay, and swimmers will be happy floating in the calmer seas of Playa Pan Dulce. Just walking along the main road you can see spider, capuchin and howler monkeys, as well as the occasional cotomundi, agouti and scarlet macaw.
This isn't really the place for budget travelers, although it's possible get by. If you want to get the most out of Matapalo, however, you are best off with an all-inclusive lodge like Lapa Rios or Encanta la Vida.