Golfito Area Information

Golfito is located in the most Southern region of Costa Rica, on the eastern side of Golfo Dulce, close to Panama. The port enjoyed prosperity at the beginning of the 20th Century with the United Banana Company, and was the only port of any importance in those parts, but lost its status in 1985 with the end of the banana company.

Today, it is enjoying popularity again, this time as a tourist attraction and has become known as the Golfito Reserve, otherwise called the Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre. In 1990 a duty-free zone was created, attracting Ticos and foreigners alike by the thousands. National Parks were created in the whole area and now Golfito is totally established as being one of the most important tourist attractions in Costa Rica.

There are “out of this world” boat trips through the Golf Dulce, as well as enchanting trips on the Rio Coto. The Corcovado National Park, one of Costa Rica’s highly prized treasures, is just across the gulf.

Pavones, south of Golfo Dulce, is a surfer’s paradise. San Vito is a small village hiding high up in the hills, it was founded by Italians in the late 1950s. At over 900 meters high, it is a welcome change from the hot and humid climate found further down, and it is a good spot for an Italian meal.

The Wilson Botanical Gardens, also named Las Cruces Biological Station, is a paradise for gardeners, bird watchers, biologists, or just for anyone who enjoys nature. Over 700 species of palms can be found there, making it the second largest collection in the world. Also in the area is the International Park La Amistad, international because it occupies Panamanian as well as Costa Rican soil, where many indigenous tribes such as Bribri, Ngobe, Naso, Cabecar as well as other Latin ethnic groups are living.

Playa Zancudo is definitely the best beach to visit while in Golfito; it is possible to drive there, or to take a bus, but a boat trip is the most beautiful route to take if you get the opportunity. The long and peaceful beach is good for swimming and perfect for talking long strides past the many bars and restaurants along the shore. There are small cabinas there too should you want to spend some time.

Golfito has a nice selection of hotels, and following below are some of the best: Hotel El Gran Ceibo, nice place with balconies, A/C, and beautifully located in a tropical setting. La Purruja Lodge, located 4 kms before you reached Golfito, Hotel Bay Marina, where sport fishing is offered, with a view over the ocean, and hotel Golfo Azul, for those who enjoy comfort.

There are many restaurants to choose from as well, amongst which the Pizzeria Alery, the Restaurant Hotel Corcovado, incidentally a good hotel too, Mar y Luna, all to do with seafood. Rio de Janeiro offers lots of meat with Filet Mignon, BBQ Ribs, etc. and Samoa del Sur, with its wonderful open-air restaurant Le Coquillage, has a whole range of international cuisine, pastas, pizzas, and seafood. There are pool tables and dart boards, and it is also a place to just drop by to have a drink!

Because it takes so long to drive there, most people choose to fly to Golfito, but it is possible to go by car or bus, the ride takes between 6 and 8 hours