Carate to La Leona Beach Walk

Tip

Walk it in the morning with a hat and plenty of water (there is almost no shade) and check the tide, because the beach narrows at high tide.

Be careful

Strong sun, rip currents and river mouths that become hard to cross at high tide: do not swim along this stretch and ask locals about the tide before setting out.

Getting there

The road from Puerto Jiménez to Carate is gravel with river fords and needs a 4x4 (4x4 taxis are available); free parking next to the Carate airstrip, but never leave valuables in the car.

Places nearby

• Bosque del Río Tigre LodgeStays · takes 3 h · from $35Small birding and wildlife lodge at the edge of Corcovado National Park, near Dos Brazos on the Osa Peninsula, with meals included.
• Rancho Raíces de OsaParks & WildlifeFamily-run organic farm west of Puerto Jiménez where visitors learn how cacao becomes chocolate, taste fruit straight from the farm and often see monkeys; also takes farm-stay guests.
• Finca Köbö (chocolate farm tour)Food & CoffeeAn organic farm about 17 km north of Puerto Jiménez, a few kilometers south of La Palma, whose tour explains how cacao is grown and turned into chocolate on a small scale — with tasting.
• El Remanso LodgeStaysRainforest eco-lodge near the tip of the Osa Peninsula, with villas, a pool and adventure activities such as waterfall rappelling.
• 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.
• 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.