Puerto Jiménez This bustling port is the largest town and main service hub on the peninsula, known for its practical, frontier-town vibe. The town is built on a grid that is easily walkable, centered on a main street, a public dock, and the local airport. Here you will find banks, supermarkets, tour operators, and a range of local restaurants and hotels. The town’s location on the calm Golfo Dulce makes it the soul of the area, serving as the primary launchpad for sportfishing, dolphin tours, and land-based excursions into Corcovado National Park.

Drake Bay (Bahía Drake) For those seeking a more remote and wild jungle experience, the village and coastline of Drake Bay offer an escape into nature. This area is a collection of eco-lodges and small hotels scattered along the coast, primarily accessed by a scenic boat ride from the town of Sierpe. Staying here offers direct access to the northern ranger stations of Corcovado and is the main departure point for tours to Caño Island. Drake Bay is perfect for travelers wanting an immersive nature experience, but it is less independent and requires boat transport for most activities.

Cabo Matapalo Located a 45-minute drive south of Puerto Jiménez on a rugged dirt road, this remote cape is a haven for surfers and wildlife lovers. Matapalo is not a town but a collection of off-the-grid eco-lodges and rental houses set deep in the rainforest. The area is famous for its three world-class surf breaks and its role as a dense biological corridor, offering some of the peninsula’s most frequent wildlife sightings. This area is ideal for adventurous, self-sufficient travelers who want to disconnect while being steps from both pristine beaches and primary jungle.

Carate Situated at the very end of the road on the southern Pacific coast, this secluded area is the final frontier before entering pure wilderness. Carate consists of a long, dramatic black-sand beach, a few rustic lodges, and a small airstrip. Its main purpose is serving as the gateway to the La Leona ranger station, one of the primary entrances to Corcovado National Park. This is the best choice for hardcore hikers and nature purists who want to be completely immersed in the wild and as close to the national park’s trails as possible.