Ever wonder what it would be like to live the life of a Tico for a day? Well...me either but after my recent trip to Zancudo, I slowed down a bit and was able to experience a slower pace of life. Take a step back in time and visit Zancudo, Costa Rica.
ABOUT ZANCUDO:
Zancudu is located in Costa Rica on the southern pacific coast, roughly 15 km south of Golfito in the Puntarenas province. It lies on a long and narrow peninsula at the mouth of the Rio Colorado. With a population of about 450 people, Zancudo is a place to come to relax and reconnect with yourself or someone. A less popular destination compared to the rest of Costa Rica, there's something about this untouched paradise and laid back atmosphere that draws unique people from all over the globe.
HOW TO GET THERE:
Golfito is the nearest accessible town that you'll have to connect through before getting to Zancudo if you're traveling down from San Jose. If you are coming from Panama you won't have to go through Golfito as Zancudo is about an hour away from the Panama border.
Golfito has a small airport that services domestic flights on Sansa Airlines to and from San Jose. Once you've arrived in Golfito, there are 2 options to get to Zancudo.
OPTION 1:
Boat - There is a boat that you can catch from the docks that costs $3 USD one way with a man named CoCo. The boat leaves Golfito for Zancudo around 11 am give or take, don't worry theres a bar by the docks or a grocery store where you can grab a beer while you wait.
(Leaving Zancudo to Golfito is 7 am.) To get to the docks you can take a taxi.
There is also an option to rent a private boat that will pick you up at your desired time. However it is a bit more expensive running you at $60 one way. If you are traveling in a larger group this could be cost effective. The boat ride takes about 30 minutes.
OPTION 2:
Bus - There is also a bus service that runs from Golfito to Zancudo, the roads aren't paved and its very bumpy, dusty, and hot. Tickets will run you about $2 one way and takes about 1-1.5 hours. (From Zancudo the bus leaves at 6 am.)
OPTION 3:
Taxi - Take a taxi to the doorstep of where you'll be staying, prepare to pay an arm and a leg though as taxis in costa rica aren't terribly cheap.
WHAT TO SEE/DO:
You won't find much in town but a couple convenient stores, a handful of restaurants, and locally run 'cabinas'. Again, people usually find themselves in Zancudo to take life in the slow lane for a bit. But life here isn't painfully slow as there are a few things to see and do.
Playa Zancudo
The biggest draw to Zancudo has the be the 9 mile long, black sand beach. Scattered with drift wood and backed by palm trees, you could walk for miles along the shore line and not run into another person. You'll almost feel guilty that you have the whole beach to yourself. But if you're looking to get rid of some of your tan lines, Playa Zancudo might be the place for you.
The north part of the beach is excellent for swimming and snorkeling as it has calm waters. The southern half of the beach has bigger waves where you can boogie board and/or surf.
Fishing
If you're a fisherman, you'll find some World Class Fishing right at your fingertips. The east side of town are mangrove swamps which attract lots of marine life. You can fish offshore and onshore and expect to catch all types of fish like Marlin, Sailfish, Tuna, Snappers, Bluefish, several different types of Jack fish, Groupers, Mackerel, Barracuda and much more.
Wild Life Watching
As I mentioned before the east side of town are several large mangrove swamps which are home and sanctuaries to thousands of aquatic bird species, a variety of different fish, and even crocodiles.
There are also sloths, monkeys, iguanas and many other land species that live in the area like snakes, so keep you eyes peeled and you'll be sure to spot some of them.
Kayaking
One way to explore the mangroves is to kayak through them seeing the exotic flora, birds, and wildlife up close. Remember that there are dangerous animals though so paddle with caution.
Horseback Riding
Whether you want to ride up in the mountains, through the jungle or along the empty black sand beach, horseback riding is a unique way to explore Zancudo.
Sunsets
No trip to Zancudo would be complete without watching the sun sink beneath the oceans surface. The after glow lasts long after the sun has set and becomes more fiery red, orange or pink depending on how many clouds are in the sky. Sunsets never get old and you can never see too many, so do yourself a favor and catch the sunset every night you are here.
NEARBY:
Pavones
Pavones is considered to be the longest warm water left in the world, which is why so many people want to surf it but so few make it to this remote part of the country. It's worth the trek if you want to get barreled all day and not have to wait in a line up!
Hiking in Osa Peninsula
Most of the hikes are guided. You'll get to see and learn about lots of wildlife, chase waterfalls, and get a workout in while you're on vacation so you can indulge on more pina colodas.
WHERE TO EAT:
Lo Cochito - Fun atmosphere and the best bar/restaurant in Zancudo if you ask me. Every item on the menu is tasty and good sized portions. Must try Items: The Nachos and the Ceviche! There's darts, a pool table, and even karaoke some nights. Opened Thursdays-Sundays.
The owner Carlos and his right hand women Sue are personal friends of mine and make the experience there more memorable, so make sure you say hi to them when you're there.
ACCOMODATION RECOMENDATIONS:
Cabinas Au Coeur du Soleil - Located right on the beach, each cabina (or cabin) is equipped with WIFI and has a seating area including some hammocks which are perfect for watching the sunset. They also provide free use of bicycles, paddle boards, and various other water toys. Prices start at $50 a night.
CHECK OUT REVIEWS AND PRICES FOR YOURSELF HERE!
BEFORE YOU GO:
Cash is King! USD's are accepted everywhere so if you plan accordingly you won't have to deal with money exchanges.
I always choose safe over sorry and I never travel without World Nomad's Travel Insurance. You can never be too prepared.
LANGUAGE: Spanish is the official language. Know your basics in the language to be able to get around, I ran into a couple drivers that didn’t speak English.
Bring sunscreen and bug spray. You'll use it the whole time you explore Costa Rica.
SURVIVAL TIPS:
There is no pharmacy in Zancudo, closest one is in Golfito or Laurel
Bring bug spray as there are lots of bugs in Costa Rica
No ATM's but most places accept credit card
A/C isn't super common
If you're walking at night use a flashlight to see where you're walking so you don't stumble onto a snake
It gets very hot in the summer months, desert like hot especially in the month of March
You can use USD's widely but you'll get Colones back as change
No gas stations but you can purchase milk jugs full of gas from the grocery store
Sunscreen is a must!
Tap water is safe to drink
Basic Spanish Phrases to Help you on your Trip:
Hola ( o-la) - Hello
Que tal? (ke tal) - How are you?
Gracias (bra-syas) - Thank you
Lo siento (lo syen-to) _ Sorry
Habla ingles? (a-bla een-gles) - Do you speak English?
Donde esta...? (don-de es-ta..) - Where is...?
Cerveza (ser-ve-sa) - Beer
Vino tinto (vee-no teen-to) - Red wine
Vete (ve-te) - Go away
Salud (sa-loo) - Cheers
Thanks for reading, follow along @imjess_traveling as I explore more off the beaten path destinations.