Located across the bay from Pavones, it catches the same swells, but is much less surfed. There are actually 3 places to go surfing in Matapalo:

Two world-class right rock/point breaks that can get excellent, breaking for 200 yards when it's good. Both are very rocky in the beginning and end of the wave, experts only surfing with a bigger board if there is a serious swell. These breaks are in the two bays right before the huge landslide.

Pan Dulce: much smaller and mellower beachbreak. Pan Dulce means sweet bread in spanish.

Possibly the most beautiful, untouched area left in Costa Rica. The jungle's trees are filled with monkeys and wildlife everywhere you look. There aren't any stores or restaurants in the area, so come prepared if you aren't staying in any of the Jungle lodges that are here. Make sure and stock up in Puerto Jimenez.

Every surfer should try to visit Cabo Matapolo, it is an amazing place, not just for the surfing!

Puerto Jimenez is the closest town, 12 miles or a 45 min drive. There are restaurants, stores and good hotels there, making it a good jumping off point to Matapolo.

A 4x4 with good clearance is needed to get there, as the last 12 miles of road are pretty bad, you have to drive through 3 semi-deep creeks to get there.

Alternatively you could take the collective taxi from Jimenez, which departs daily(except sundays) at 6 am ($3 pp), or get a taxi anytime during the day from Jimenez for $25-$30.

Coming from Pavones: Go to Golfito and take the ferry across the Gulfo Dulce Puerto Jimenez, then take the unpaved road leaving to the SE the rest of the way (12 miles) to Matapolo. Driving all the way around the Gulfo Dulce takes considerably longer, but can be done.

Coming from elsewhere: Take the Interamerican Highway to Chacarita, eat lunch at the only restaurant there, then take the paved/semi paved road all the way the Puerto Jimenez. Leave Jimenez on the road to the SE (just past the gas station), from there it is another 12 miles of unpaved road. You can see perfect waves breaking on reefs that look like they are miles out to sea as you drive this road....

About 30-40 minutes after leaving Pto. Jimenez, you pass a small school on your right, you will cross one more little river. You are 1 minute from the left turn that takes you to the beach area of Matapalo. The road will make a sharp curve to your right, and begin climbing: this is where you turn left. You'll see the beach access trails on your left.

Ranchos Alemendros - Located right on the break, all meals included, $60/person/night. Beautifull.

- Located right on the break, they also have the nicest(and most expensive) restaurant in Playa Grande. $40-$60 night/room.

Obviously the wildlife is a must see, don't leave until you've seen at least 2-3 kinds of monkeys, an anteater, and a few Scarlet Macaws.

There are many small hiking trails leading up into the jungle from the road.

There is a great waterfall along a trail that cuts off to the right along the road, and is very easy to find. This trail will take you to the base of the waterfall.

There is another trail to view the waterfall from the side: Follow the very steep driveway leading up to the right with two concrete slabs, right on the road after the first trail.