Overview
Cabo Matapalo is a tiny, off-the-grid village on the southern tip of Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula, wedged between Puerto Jiménez and the Carate entrance to Corcovado National Park. It draws surfers chasing consistent Pacific swells, nature lovers spotting monkeys and scarlet macaws, and backpackers seeking raw jungle immersion far from tourist crowds.
Beach · Budget Travel · Nature · Surfing · Trekking
Before you go
Accommodation
Budget options include Osa la Vida (US$15/person) and free beach camping with waterfall showers nearby.
Connectivity
Cell phone signal is unreliable and WiFi is essentially nonexistent. Arrange all logistics and banking in Puerto Jiménez before arriving.
Food
No shops or markets in the village. One restaurant serves breakfast for US$10. Stock up on supplies in Puerto Jiménez.
Money
Bring cash from Puerto Jiménez; no ATMs or banks exist in Cabo Matapalo. US dollars are widely accepted alongside colónes.
Packing
Bring water shoes for the waterfall hike, surfboard if you have one (rentals limited), and all food and supplies.
Safety
Low crime but standard jungle precautions: snakes on trails, strong currents at some beaches, no local medical facilities.
Transport
Colectivo buses run twice daily between Puerto Jiménez and Matapalo (06:00 and 13:30) for US$4 each way. Hitchhiking is common.
