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UNDISCOVERED SOUTH PACIFIC - BEACHES IN COSTA RICA
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One of the wildest and most spectacular regions in Costa
Rica, the southwest coast is rich in natural assets and
low on tourists, which makes it an ideal destination for
anyone who wants to stray from the beaten path. The area
around Dominical features such dramatic coastal scenery
as deserted beaches, rugged offshore islands and steep
hillsides draped with lush vegetation. Much of the region´s
rainforest is protected within private reserves, several
of which have impressive waterfalls to complement the
flora and fauna. The coast and islands south of Uvita
Point are protected within the Ballena National Marine
Park, which was named for the whales that are occasionally
seen there. There are plenty of small lodges scattered
along the coast and tucked into the hills between Dominical
and Coronado, offering a choice of accommodations that
caters to all tastes and budgets.
The Osa Peninsula, further to the south, is an even wilder area, with beaches
that have hardly changed during the last five centuries. Corcovado National Park
covers one third of the peninsula, and if you make the effort to hike down one
of that park´s secluded beaches, you´ll be just as likely to encounter
monkeys and scarlet macaws as you are another human being. About a dozen nature
lodges are located along the coast near Corcovado, in such wild and isolated enclaves
as Drake Bay, to the north of the park, and Matapalo, on the peninsula´s
southern tip. Across the Golfo Dulce from the peninsula are more isolated nature
lodges and tranquil beach towns set between tropical forests and marine wonders.
Zancudo, located within the gulf, provides opportunities for sportfishing and
nature observation, while Pavones, on the southern edge of the gulf´s mouth,
is a legendary surfing spot that has plenty to offer birdwatchers and botanists
as well.
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