South Pacific

​The gateway to this extraordinary region is the city of Pérez Zeledón, which stretches to the canton’s edge and includes popular destinations like the Fila Tinamastes, the Nauyaca Waterfalls, the town of Platanillo, and the Barú River—marking the beginning of the coastal corridor that runs 490 km to Punta Burica.

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This region offers a diverse range of natural experiences. Visitors can enjoy pristine beaches, observe whales and dolphins, explore lush mangroves, hike scenic trails in national parks, go sport fishing, surf world-class waves, dive in vibrant marine ecosystems, and trek to the summit of Cerro Chirripó. The area is also home to botanical gardens, waterfalls, and protected reserves—making it an ideal destination for nature lovers.

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Ecotourism is the region’s core offering, especially in:

• Sierpe-Térraba Wetlands

• Golfo Dulce Forest Reserve

• Marino Ballena National Park

• Isla del Caño Biological Reserve

• Corcovado National Park (hailed by National Geographic as "the most biologically intense place on Earth")
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Beach tourism holds great potential along the coastlines of:

• Dominical–Piñuela

• Platanares Beach

• Zancudo and Pavones​
   

Mountain tourism is centered in the Talamanca range, with San Gerardo de Rivas and San Vito de Coto Brus serving as key gateways to Chirripó National Park and the La Amistad International Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Rural tourism is also thriving, with immersive experiences available in local villages throughout the region.

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Did You Know?

The Golfo Dulce offers world-class sport fishing in a sustainable, low-impact way. Communities like Puerto Jiménez, Golfito, and Zancudo provide services that prioritize both the environment and visitor experience.