Matapalo Costa Rica travel information and destination guide.

Matapalo is one of Costa Rica's best but unknown surf destinations. Matapalo Costa Rica is still off-the-beaten-path travel spot and many refer to it as Costa Rica's best-kept secret. It's situated between two river mouths and the breaks are awesome.

This Matapalo is located between Quepos and Dominical and is not to be confused with the Matapalo located on the tip of the Osa Peninsula. Travel time to Matapalo is about 3.5 hours from San Jose by car and makes a lovely off-the-beaten-path vacation destination.

The rip tides are dangerous and inexperienced surfers need to be aware and cautious. However, surfing in Matapalo Costa Rica is best suited for the experienced.

Near Matapalo are the Terciopelo Waterfalls which have swimming pools. The falls are a few kilometers south of Rio Hatillo Viejo and visitors might want to ask for instructions to the trailhead, as it is not well marked.

Matapalo Costa Rica hotels are as follows:

• Matapalo Costa Rica Hotels — Jungle House is an American-owned establishment with bungalows, hot-water showers, full kitchenette and air conditioning.
• Matapalo Costa Rica Hotels — Dreamy Contentment also offers bungalows with fully equipped kitchen in a garden setting. The main house is on the beachfront. The guests can use a local hotel's pool. The bungalows start at US$75/doulbe and main house starts at US$200/double. Backpacker rooms are US$20 per person.