ABOUT THE SOUTHERN ZONE
The South Pacific Region of Costa Rica, commonly referred to as the “Southern Zone” encompasses the southwestern portion of the country from Playa Dominical to the Osa Peninsula, Golfito and down to Punta Burica on the Panamanian border. This region features several national parks, numerous private reserves, enchanting unspoiled beaches and an endless array of rainforests filled with copious amounts of exotic plants, wildlife and insects known to the Country. With its virgin rainforests, palm-lined beaches and lush mountain beaches the Southern Zone remains Costa Rica’s last frontier.
One of the areas featured are Dominical which lies in the northernmost point of the Southern Region. Dominical is a beachfront town known to most for its consistent surf break. Once a small fishing village, the town is now home to a thriving friendly community. The “town center” consists of a string of a half-dozen shops that line the only dirt road that leads down to the ocean side and back. The Pacific Ocean lies at the end of the Dominical “Main Street,” as did the setting sun each evening. At the far south of Dominical, almost to Roca Verde, is a remote section of beach that is the epitome of beauty and tranquility. Dominical is the only place in Costa Rica where the mountains meet the ocean.
Puerto Jimenez is part of the Southern Zone compilation located in the southeastern tip of the Osa Peninsula. Puerto Jimenez is a busy little port town, where rough jungle gold panners mix with the wealthy ecotourists, budget backpackers and a surprising number of celebrities seeking anonymity and escape. The town itself of Puerto Jimenez is basically just a couple of dirt roads, soccer fields, a block of general stores and some inexpensive sodas, restaurants and small bars. However, the beauty of the nature and the remoteness that surrounds it is the best feature it contains. The nightlife can get a bit rowdy as well in a couple of bars in the town, especially if the gold panners have a find!
The Southern Zone also features four of Costa Rica’s national parks such as Corcovado National park located in the Osa Peninsula. Corcovado National Park is home to some 500 species of trees. National Geographic describes the Osa Peninsula as “the most biological intense place on earth.” Chirripo National Park. Mt. Chirripo is the highest mountain and the fourth highest peak in Central America. Ballena Marine National Park is named after the Humpback Whales that migrate here each year from December through April to mate prior to returning to the frigid waters to the north. Lastly, La Amistad International Park. It is called an International Park because part of it lies within Costa Rica and the other part within Panama. Within the biosphere reserve as a whole, over 500 bird species exist only within the Reserve. In addition, 115 species of reptiles and amphibians have been listed and more are being added regularly. La Amistad International Park has the nation’s largest populations of Baird’s tapirs, as well as giant anteaters, all six species of neotropical cats – jaguar, puma, margay, ocelot, tiger cat and jaguarondi and many other common mammals.
Another area featured in the Southern Zone is Golfito. Golfito (little gulf) is located on the north side of the Golfo Dulce (sweet gulf). Prior to 1998, Golfito was home to the United Fruit company where exportation of bananas to the United states took place. Golfito is a port city surrounded by a mountainous green background. Much of the rainforest that borders Golfito is Piedras Blancas National Park which includes 30,000 acres of protected forest and contains one of the highest rainforests in Central America. This makes Golfito one of the most attractive port cities Costa Rica has to offer. Golfito is also known for its sport fishing and Deposito Libre (tax free zone) shops. Lastly, Golfito has been approved for the construction of a 217-slip marina.
Zancudo is a narrow peninsula with miles of beach on the ocean side and bordered by several rivers on the other. If you are looking for peace and tranquility, to sit in a hammock surrounded by wading beaches and exquisite mountainous sceneries, then this is the place to be. Zancudo is a remote area and one of the last areas of Costa Rica to be invaded by tourists which makes this spectacular corner of Costa Rica a unique, romantic getaway. Zancudo is also known for its sport fishing.
Lastly, there’s Pavones. Pavones is a quaint little surfer town known for its world class left hand break. This break goes for approximately 2-3 minutes on a good day. Pavones is not just for surfers, it features a little restaurants and shops on a dirt road as well as sodas (small restaurant/cafeterias). It has the famous beachfront “Cantina” where you can sip on a Pilsen and watch the surfers do their thing along with the stunning mountain backdrops over the Pacific Ocean.
In summary, the Southern Zone is the best place to do a little bit of everything surrounded by nature its unspoiled beauty. You can do absolutely everything or absolutely nothing at all and still have an unbelievable Costa Rica experience. Don’t just take it from us; experience the “Pura Vida” for yourselves!
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