Cabo Matapalo (Tip of the Osa)

Tip

Combine it with King Louis Waterfall and Playa Matapalo, and check swell and tide before heading out: the surf breaks are for experienced surfers.

Be careful

Strong rips and big sets when swell arrives; the jungle roads are rough and rivers can be impassable after heavy rain.

Getting there

Gravel road from Puerto Jiménez; a 4x4 is recommended, especially between May and November.

Places nearby

• El Remanso LodgeStaysRainforest eco-lodge near the tip of the Osa Peninsula, with villas, a pool and adventure activities such as waterfall rappelling.
• Pollo Surf SchoolSurf, Boats & Diving · from $65Locally owned surf school at Playa Pan Dulce, Matapalo, teaching beginners and intermediates on a gentle right point break since 2002.
• Buena Esperanza (Martina's)Food & CoffeeLong-running local bar and restaurant on the Matapalo road known as Martina's; on Friday nights an artisan market sets up outside with music and dancing that draws surfers, locals and visitors.
• The Pearl of the Osa (Iguana Lodge beach restaurant)Food & CoffeeCasual beachfront restaurant and bar at Iguana Lodge on Playa Platanares: fish tacos, ceviche, tropical mahi-mahi and homemade coffee ice cream, with vegan and gluten-free options and macaws overhead.
• Aventuras CaféFood & CoffeeFamily café near the Puerto Jiménez airstrip, opened in 2021 by the owners of a long-running kayak outfit: healthy breakfasts, tuna burgers, chicken fajitas on corn tortillas, fresh coffee and a coconut-yuca cake.
• Osa Wild TravelFood & CoffeeLocally run Osa tour company founded by a tropical biologist; biologist guides lead Corcovado day trips and multi-day treks, mangrove kayaking and farm visits from Puerto Jiménez and Drake Bay.