About 5km southeast of town, the long, secluded – and often deserted – Playa Platanares is excellent for swimming, sunning and recovering from too much adventure. The nearby mangroves of Río Platanares are a paradise for kayaking and birdwatching. Take the road that runs parallel to the airstrip.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
28.58 MILES
The world-class Wilson Botanical Garden is internationally known for its collection of more than 2000 native Costa Rican species. Species threatened with…
28.61 MILES
This site, 4km north of Sierpe, offers the best opportunity to view the mysterious pre-Columbian spheres created by the Diquís civilization between 300…
16.6 MILES
Set on a verdant hillside between Pavones and Punta Banco, Tiskita Jungle Lodge consists of 100 hectares of virgin forest and a huge orchard, which…
29.89 MILES
Just past Playa San Josecito is the less famous but more impressive beach, Playa Rincon de San Josecito. It's a vast stretch of sand – 1km or more –…
28.48 MILES
Just west of Punta Agujitas, a short detour off the main trail leads to the picturesque Playa Cocalito, a secluded cove perfect for sunning, swimming and…
29.65 MILES
About 3km south of San Vito, Finca Cántaros is a recreation center and reforestation project. Over 7 hectares of grounds – formerly coffee plantations and…
Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Golfito
12.35 MILES
This small, 28-sq-km reserve encompasses most of the steep hills surrounding Golfito, though it's easy to miss. There are no facilities for visitors, save…
11.03 MILES
About 8km south of La Palma, Finca Köbö is a chocolate-lover’s dream come true (in fact köbö means ‘dream’ in Ngöbere). The 20-hectare finca is dedicated…
Nearby Puerto Jiménez attractions
8.53 MILES
This vibrant botanical garden is the product of 40 years of effort and off-the-grid living by an expat couple, who once cultivated cacao here. Nowadays,…
10.46 MILES
Just a quick trip across the bay, this small beach offers a prime view of Golfito, with the rainforest as a backdrop. It's a pleasant spot to spend the…
11.03 MILES
About 8km south of La Palma, Finca Köbö is a chocolate-lover’s dream come true (in fact köbö means ‘dream’ in Ngöbere). The 20-hectare finca is dedicated…
11.96 MILES
The beautiful sand-and-coral beach known as Playa Blanca, at the east end of La Palma, is a low-key scene popular with Ticos and an excellent place to go…
5. Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Golfito
12.35 MILES
This small, 28-sq-km reserve encompasses most of the steep hills surrounding Golfito, though it's easy to miss. There are no facilities for visitors, save…
16.6 MILES
Set on a verdant hillside between Pavones and Punta Banco, Tiskita Jungle Lodge consists of 100 hectares of virgin forest and a huge orchard, which…
21.28 MILES
This small, newer butterfly farm features 10 butterfly species native to the Osa Peninsula. Visitors learn about the metamorphosis process and tour the…
28.48 MILES
Just west of Punta Agujitas, a short detour off the main trail leads to the picturesque Playa Cocalito, a secluded cove perfect for sunning, swimming and…