Boquete area / San Vito

The San Vito area, located near the Panamanian border, is a quiet find in Costa Rica's southern highlands. Founded in the 1950s by Italian immigrants, the town has a unique cultural blend that sets it apart from the rest of the country. Visitors are drawn to its cool mountain climate, rolling green hills, and tranquil atmosphere, making it a first-rate retreat from standard tourist trails. Nature enthusiasts flock to the region to visit the Wilson Botanical Garden, a world-renowned research center operated by the Organization for Tropical Studies. The garden has an incredible collection of exotic plants, ferns, and one of the largest palm collections in the world. The surrounding middle-elevation forests are also a paradise for birdwatchers, offering frequent sightings of colorful toucans and tanagers. The Italian heritage is strongly felt in the local gastronomy. San Vito is one of the best places in Costa Rica to enjoy authentic Italian pizza, homemade pasta, and excellent espresso, alongside traditional Costa Rican coffee grown in the surrounding plantations. To get there, travelers drive south from San José via the Interamericana Highway. The dry season from December to April is good for exploring.

Nearby cities

Chacarita

Located on the Pacific coast, this town serves as a residential and secondary service center for the port city of Puntarenas.

Esparza

One of the oldest towns in Costa Rica, strategically located on the way to the Pacific coast.

Quepos

Quepos is a bustling harbor town famous for world-class sport fishing and acting as the dynamic gateway to nearby Manuel Antonio.

Ciudad Neily

The main commercial hub in the southern border region of Corredores, serving as a primary link for trade with Panama.

Jacó

A major beach destination on the central Pacific coast, world-famous for its surfing, nightlife, and proximity to San Jose.

Parrita

A town located between Jaco and Manuel Antonio, primarily serving as an agricultural center known for oil palm plantations.

Uvita

Known for the 'Whale Tail' rock formation and the Marino Ballena National Park, it is a key destination for whale watching and nature lov…

Pavones

Pavones is a remote surfer's paradise in the southern Pacific region of Costa Rica, famous for having one of the longest left-hand surf b…

Zancudo

Zancudo is a tranquil beach town offering one of the safest swimming beaches in Costa Rica, featuring miles of dark sand and stunning sun…

Puerto Jiménez

Puerto Jiménez is the main town on the Osa Peninsula, offering rustic charm and serving as the primary launching point for expeditions in…

Ojochal

Ojochal is a culinary haven nestled in Costa Rica's southern Pacific jungle.

Drake Bay

Drake Bay is a spectacularly remote village on the northern Osa Peninsula, offering exclusive eco-lodges, pristine beaches, and world-cla…

Dominical

Dominical is a laid-back South Pacific beach village known for consistent year-round waves, yoga culture, and its proximity to lush rainf…

Bejuco

A highly pristine, entirely Blue Flag-certified beach perfectly located on the Central Pacific coast.

Esterillos

A massively vast, highly pristine stretch of quiet beach on the Central Pacific coast, favored for entirely uncrowded surf.

History & landmarks

Boruca Mask Art

Exquisite hand-carved masks created by the Boruca people, traditionally used in the annual 'Dance of the Devils' festival.

Yoga and Wellness Retreat

Costa Rica's yoga and wellness retreats combine tropical scenery with rest and mindfulness.

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Puntarenas House of Culture

A cultural center in the former barracks of Puntarenas.

Puntarenas Pier

The long pier is a landmark of the port city of Puntarenas.

More places

Puerto Golfito

Historic port in the south of the country.

Boruca Ancestral Lands

The homeland of the Boruca indigenous people, known for their vibrant masks and the traditional 'Dance of the Little Devils'.

Puerto Cocos (Cocos Island)

A protected anchorage on the remote Cocos Island.

Finca 6 Stone Spheres

An archaeological park showcasing the mysterious pre-Columbian stone spheres of Costa Rica.

Puerto Balboa (Golfito)

A small maritime terminal in the southern Pacific area.

Puerto Quepos

Port for tourism and fishing on the Pacific.

Puerto Villas

A maritime terminal facility focused on handling specialized shipments and supporting regional port operations.

Puerto Caldera

The largest port on the country's Pacific coast.