Cabo Matapalo, often just called Matapalo, is a remote destination at the very tip of the Osa Peninsula, on the Southern Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Matapalo is a gorgeous eco-destination, but not really a town, so it’s important to understand what it is and how to get there before you add it to your Costa Rican vacation itinerary.
This guide will help you understand where Cabo Matapalo is located, the best ways to get there and get around, and what to do during your stay.
Where Is Cabo Matapalo… and How Do You Get There?
Cabo Matapalo is a far-flung destination, located at the very tip of the wild and famous Osa Peninsula, home to Corcovado National Park. This is a remote and largely undeveloped part of the world, and visitors who come to Matapalo do so to unplug and disconnect from the grind, while connecting deeply with nature.
There are a couple of ways to get to Matapalo, and they all take some time and patience.
From the San Jose Area
You can drive from San Jose (SJO Airport), and while it’s a scenic route, it’s long. The drive from San Jose to Matapalo can take about seven to nine hours, so it’s best to break it up and spend a night somewhere along the Pacific coast, like Dominical, Quepos, or Uvita.
Most of this drive is on well-maintained highways and major routes, like Ruta 27 and Ruta 34, but once you get to the Osa Peninsula and south of Puerto Jimenez, the conditions get a bit rougher. You will need a vehicle with high clearance and 4×4 drive.
From Puerto Jimenez
Another option is to fly from SJO to the small airport in Puerto Jimenez. From Puerto Jimenez, it’s about a 30 to 45-minute drive down to Matapalo.
The flight from SJO to Puerto Jimenes takes around 45 minutes and costs $150 to $164, one way. Both Sansa and Green Airways operate flights daily.
Many people who visit Matapalo stay at eco lodges, and many of these lodges offer transportation from Puerto Jimenez, so where you are staying may influence how you get there.
Walk the gorgeous Cabo Matapalo beach in Costa Rica5 Fun Things to Do in Matapalo, Costa Rica
Cabo Matapalo is a nature lover’s dream destination. With sustainable eco-lodges, private reserves, proximity to Corcovado National Park, limited wifi and electricity, it’s the perfect place to truly get away from it all. There are plenty of activities to do, but the best thing is likely to slow down and let the experience wash over you.
1. Surfing Osa Peninsula
Surfing here is a dream come true for experienced surfers when the conditions are right. Conditions can be a bit fickle here, as some of the beaches are on the Gulf side of the cape and others are on the open-ocean side.
The three top breaks to check out are Pan Dulce, Backwash, and Playa Matapalo. While this isn’t the place to take your first surfing lessons, for skilled and experienced surfers, it is likely why you made the journey to Matapalo in the first place.
2. Corcovado National Park
If you’ve come this far into the jungle, you’re likely looking to spot wildlife and have some unique encounters. One of the best places to do that is in the Corcovado National Park. Several tour companies offer tours that include being picked up by boat from Matapalo and accessing the Sirena Station. The boat takes about an hour and a half, and you’ll get to enjoy seeing this largely untouched coastline. You might even spot a whale or dolphins on the journey if you’re lucky! Tours must be booked in advance as entrance to Corcovado National Park is limited to help preserve the natural wonders. If you’re staying at an eco-lodge, they can book the tour for you. If you’re staying in your own private accommodation, reach out to us at Costa Rica Escapes, and we’ll happily book the tour for you.
3. King Louis Waterfall
The King Louis Waterfall, also known as the Matapalo Waterfall, is a short hike from the Matapalo Beach Road. While the hike from the road isn’t long, it’s also a bit tough, with slippery rocks and some steep sections. The reward, though, is worth it, with stunning views of the very tall cascading waterfall, and the sensation that you’re at the very tip of the world!
4. Water Taxi to Pavones & Playa Zancudo
There isn’t an official water taxi service in this area, but local fishermen and boat captains will gladly arrange to take you from Cabo Matapalo, across the Gulf to Pavones and/or Playa Zancudo. It’s a fun way to get around, and with the ride taking 45 minutes each direction, it’s a great way to spend the day. While not an official whale watching or dolphin tour, you might still see some marine life out on the open water. Again, if you’re staying at one of the eco-lodges, they will have a few options for this service. If you’re staying in a vacation rental, contact us at Costa Rica Escapes, and we’ll help you set this up.
5. Sea Turtle Tour
This Osa Peninsula is an important habitat for sea turtle nesting, so while you’re in Matapalo, you’d be remiss not to visit COPROT Tortugas de Osa for a sea turtle tour. Tortuguas de Osa offers morning and night tours, to walk the beach and look for turtles laying eggs, identifying where eggs have been laid, and to see the baby turtles hatch and head towards the water.
They also offer a VIP tour where you stay overnight at their station in Carate basecamp for a night and morning experience. The VIP tour is $110 per person and includes breakfast. The night or morning tour is $40 per person. Both Pacific Green turtles and Olive Ridley turtles use this area for nesting, so there are plenty of turtles to see here, with the best times to visit from September to April.
Best Beaches in Matapalo, Costa Rica
Matapalo has some gorgeous beaches and very few people, giving you the chance to experience raw beauty, sometimes all to yourself. But keep in mind, there are no lifeguards here, and the beaches on the Pacific side of the cape can have strong waves and hidden rocks. Take caution.
Playa Matapalo
This is the premier spot for advanced surfers in the Matapalo area. There’s a powerful point break here, with a rocky bottom, so this isn’t the place for beginners, though watching the surfers from the shore is fun for everyone.
Backwash Bay
Backwash Bay is a great place to swim and enjoy some calmer waters at low tide. It’s also a good surf spot when the conditions are right. The bottom here is sandy, making it better for less advanced surfers and non-surfers alike.
Playa Pan Dulce
Playa Pan Dulce is a great beach for everyone to enjoy. The long, gentle wave is kind to beginners and longboarders, and swimming here is also pleasant. This is a very popular beach and sees more visitors than some of the other beaches.
Playa Carbonera
Walking along the long, sandy shore of Playa Carbonera, you’ll likely spot monkeys and hear or see Scarlet Macaws overhead. This beach, just north of Matapalo, is a lovely place to spot wildlife and go for a relaxing swim.
Matapalo, Costa Rica Weather & When to Visit
The dry season in Cabo Matapalo is from December to April, with January and February as the driest months.
The rainy season runs from April to November, with September and October seeing the heaviest rainfall.
Year-round, the temperatures fluctuate between the mid-60s and mid-80s F. The mornings are usually sunny, even in the rainy season, with most of the rainfall coming in the afternoons or at night.
The best time to visit for surfers is May to October, when the swells are larger, though there are waves throughout the year.
Eco-Lodges & Private Reserves in Matapalo
You won’t find many budget accommodations in this area of Costa Rica, as the logistics to get building materials and supplies to such a remote place are reflected in the cost of accommodations. That being said, many places offer all-inclusive packages, so your food, your sleeping arrangement, and oftentimes your tours and transportation are all built into the price.
Some of the most famous and fabulous eco-lodges and private reserves to check out in Cabo Matapalo are:
- Lapa Rio Lodge: The pinnacle of luxury in Matapalo, rooms and suites here start at $800 per night and go up to $2,000. Lapa Rios offers full packages or a bed & breakfast option to design your own experience. Lapa Rios is also a private reserve with 1,000 acres of protected land. Restaurante Guapira is located at Lapa Rios Lodge and open to non-guests.
- Blue Osa Yoga Retreat & Spa: This unique, sustainable eco-lodge is a yoga center offering 200 and 300-hour teacher trainings, as well as year-round accommodations. They have just 12 bungalows, so it’s never very crowded, and their farm-to-table, on-site restaurant makes staying here a truly unique experience.
- Bosque del Cabo Rainforest Lodge: Bosque del Cabo Rainforest Lodge features 750 acres of preserved rainforest, allowing guests to have intimate and direct access to the flora and fauna of the Osa Peninsula. Located 500 feet above the Golfo Dulce, along the cliffs of the peninsula. Bosque del Cabo is a carbon-neutral lodge, running off solar and hydroelectricity. Internet connection is limited.
Restaurants & Food Scene in Matapalo
Because there isn’t much of a town at Cabo Matapalo, there aren’t many restaurants here either. Most eco-lodges include meals. Keep in mind that prices are high at these restaurants, as getting food and ingredients to this remote location takes effort. The few options of where to eat in the area are:
- Mar Luna Lodge & Grill: Pizza, Pastas, Burgers, $$
- Buena Esperanza: Seafood, Pasta, Costa Rican, $$$$
- Restaurante Guapira: Pizza, Sandwiches, Pasta, $$$
Plan Your Trip to Matapalo, Costa Rica
What to Pack for Matapalo: The Remote Travel Essentials
It can be overstated that Matapalo is a remote destination with limited amenities. Before you go, know where you are staying; most lodges require advanced reservations to ensure they have enough supplies for the guests on site.
There are no banks, ATMs, pharmacies, or hospitals in Matapalo. There are no gas stations in Matapalo either. For any amenities, you’ll have to head to Puerto Jimenez.
Many lodges and businesses here are on solar power or alternative girds for power, so be prepared to fully disconnect during parts of your stay.
Some helpful packing tips for traveling to remote areas are:
- Solar charger/battery packs for phones and tablets
- Headlamps/flashlight
- Water bottle with a filtration system
- Power bank for when the power goes out
- Dry bag
- Travel lock
- Medical/First aid kit
- Hiking boots
- Quick-drying rain gear
Build a Custom Matapalo Itinerary with Pros
Visiting Cabo Matapalo is more than just a beach vacation; it’s a journey to a different space and time. Where there is little to no electricity, where the wifi is spotty if it exists. There are no bars or nightclubs here. People come here to connect with nature and remember their place in this great, vast world.
Visiting Matapalo takes effort and planning, and that’s what keeps it so special. Fill out our form below for guidance on staying in this pristine environment with eco-conscious businesses and like-minded conservationists.