Playa Cativo, South Puntarenas

Tucked within one of the most remote areas of the stunning Golfo Dulce in the southern Pacific region of Costa Rica, Playa Cativo is a stunning locale far from the hustle and bustle of tourism hotspots. Travelers seeking a quiet getaway will love Playa Cativo, which is situated near thousands of miles of unspoiled shorelines. This little-known secret of Costa Rica is within the Piedras Blancas National Park, a gem within the immense Costa Rican park system. People visiting this area will also notice the low density of other travelers in the park, as it is one of the last virgin rainforests in Central America. While Playa Cativo has yet to become a big name destination in Costa Rica, within minutes of getting here, it will be obvious why it is one of the region's best kept secrets.

The calming waters of the Golfo Dulce offer an incredibly bio-diverse and scenic landscape, as well as plenty of opportunities for recreation. This region is known for its sport fishing, which is available along virtually the entire coastline.

However, to experience a true ecological jewel of the region, travelers must travel to Piedras Blancas National Park. With a wide-stretching array of flora and fauna, Piedras Blancas neighbors the Corcovado National Park and Golfito National Wildlife Refuge. Since its inception in 1993, the park has protected more than 34,595 acres of coniferous primary forest. Travelers will experience untouched beaches, winding rivers and cascading waterfalls throughout the rugged mountains. Although portions of this park are still privately owned, during the 1990s much of it was bought by charities who believed the land could better serve the public.

Receiving more than 200 inches of rain annually, Piedras Blancas is home to lush greenery and an abundance of plant and tree life. The park is home to several rare trees, as well as a great number of animal species – and there are still many plant and animal species to still be discovered here. Visitors will notice a high population of snakes and frogs in the park's ponds and mangroves. Ocelots, jaguar, toucans, scarlet macaws, two-toed sloth and spider monkeys are among the many animals that reside here.

Map of the Area

Click to enlarge map - Map of the Area

Visitors who are looking for a little adventure will quickly find it here. Piedras Blancas offers plenty of opportunities for recreation, including hiking and aquatic activities. There are several intact coral reefs in the Golfo Dulce, making it a great location for snorkeling and swimming.

To visit unmatched beauty in a serene landscape, Playa Cativo is an ideal destination that offers some of Costa Rica's finest natural resources.