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Living in southern Costa Rica: a guide to the towns

From the surf of Dominical to the mangroves of Sierpe, the south offers very different lifestyles a few kilometers apart. An overview to choose where to look.

Dominical and Uvita

Dominical is a laid-back surf town. Uvita, next to Marino Ballena National Park and its famous "whale tail", is the hub of the Costa Ballena: supermarkets, schools, banks and plenty of ocean-view lots.

Punta Mala, Ojochal and Chontales

Punta Mala and Ojochal offer quiet beaches and an international community known for its restaurants. Chontales, further inland, combines fincas, rivers and more affordable prices.

Tres Ríos and Coronado de Osa

Rural villages along the Costanera Sur between the Costa Ballena and Palmar: farms, rivers and hills, ideal if you want space and nature a few minutes from the beach. See Tres Ríos de Osa and Coronado de Osa.

Palmar Norte, Palmar Sur and Ciudad Cortés

Palmar Norte is the commercial center of the area, on the Pan-American Highway, with banks and transport. Palmar Sur is known for the pre-Columbian stone spheres of the Diquís, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Ciudad Cortés, seat of the Osa canton, has the regional hospital.

Sierpe, Drake Bay and Puerto Jiménez

Sierpe is the gateway to the Térraba-Sierpe wetland and the boat ride to Drake Bay. Drake Bay and Puerto Jiménez leads to Corcovado National Park: wild nature and a more remote life.

Pérez Zeledón

San Isidro de El General, in Pérez Zeledón (San Isidro), is the nearest large city: hospital, shops, universities and a cooler climate, less than an hour from the coast.

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General information, not legal advice. Always check with a Costa Rican lawyer or notary.

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