Playa Zancudo

Tip

Walk south, away from the village, for empty sand, and plan to be on the beach for sunset.

Be careful

The beach is calmer than most on the Pacific but rip currents form near the river mouth; mosquitoes (the village's namesake) bite at dusk, so bring repellent.

Getting there

Dirt road south from Golfito with daily bus service; slower than the map distance suggests and rough after heavy rain.

Places nearby

• Restaurante Mar y LunaFood & CoffeeA relaxed seafood restaurant right on the water in the southern part of Golfito; the whole fried fish is the dish to order, and it's good enough that visitors come back for dinner the same day.
• Restaurante Buenos DíasFood & CoffeeRetro diner in Golfito's Pueblo Civil with air conditioning and a long opening day (6 am to 10 pm), known for fish and chips, burgers and typical Costa Rican plates.
• Restaurante La Playa (Golfito Marina Village)Food & CoffeeWaterfront restaurant at the marina in Golfito with ocean views, known for ceviche, fish tacos, burgers and well-made cocktails; open for breakfast and dinner.
• Cielo LodgeStays · from $290Intimate luxury eco-lodge of private canopy suites high above the Golfo Dulce, with farm-to-table dining and ocean views.
• Pavones Surf Shop & Surfboard RentalsSurf, Boats & DivingLocally owned surf shop at the Pilón crossroads in Pavones, renting epoxy boards for every level and shaping custom boards in its own workshop since 2008.
• 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.