Pavones

Introducing Pavones

About 15km south of Zancudo, the Bahía de Pavón is legendary among surfers for its long left-hand break. The name Pavones is used to refer to both Playa Río Claro de Pavones and Punta Banco, which is 6km south. Here, near Costa Rica’s most southern point, the wide sandy beaches lined with palms and the coastal hills covered with rain forest provide a breathtaking backdrop to the waves crashing in across the gulf.

This village used to be off-the-beaten-track. (And it’s still not so easy to get to.) But surfers have their ways. Both foreigner and Ticos are transforming this town from an off-beat backwater into a hip, happening hotspot. A small but significant ex-pat community has relocated to Pavones on a semi-permanent basis; old, dilapidated houses are being demolished in favor of modern construction with rental units. Fortunately, the tranquil air remains (especially outside of surf season). The palm-lined streets are still not paved and the pace of life is slow.

Of course, Pavones has much more to offer than a good wave. This is Costa Rica, after all, and the flora and fauna of the rain forest are never far away.

Note that the best season for surfing coincides with the rainy months, so getting here offers an adventure of its own. A 4WD vehicle is highly recommended in the rainy season.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009