Formerly a banana port

Golfito, formerly a banana port, is located just a walking distance from the downtown area and a few minutes drive from the airport. A taxi boat is the commonly used local transport around the bay’s numerous beaches.

Taxis are plentiful.

Cruise calendar for this port.

Golfito is located south of Costa Rica on a bay that is surrounded by the larger Golfo Dulce. This small bay’s water is often calm and is famous among local fishing aficionados. Golfito is located on a strip of land bordered by the bay and a series of hills. Beyond and around there are protected rainforests and national parks, and long stretches of beach.

The beaches are the main attractions in Golfito. Pavones beach located south of Golfito near the entrance of Golfo Dulce is famous among surfers.

There are hiking and sightseeing opportunities at the Refugio Nacioal Golfito, the protected wildlife area. Trails start from the town and may lead to several landings with scenic views of the ocean and the dense forest. There are no public facilities within the wilderness area.

If you plan to travel outside the towns: protection against mosquito bites is very important, wearing lightweight long pants, long sleeved shirts and using insect repellents with high concentrations of DEET is recommended by the CDC

Costa Rica is Spanish for rich coast. As such, one can expect to find this place to be the ideal tropical paradise. A native song is that the Virgin Mary came down to Costa Rica and never went back to Heaven.

Costa Rica is often called the Switzerland of Central America.

There is such biodiversity in Costa Rica not only because it's a land bridge between North and South America, but also because the terrain is so varied and there are weather patterns moving in from both the Pacific and Atlantic/Caribbean. There are impressive volcanoes, mountain areas, rivers, lakes, and beaches all throughout the country. There are many beautiful beaches - most of the popular ones are on the Pacific side but the Caribbean has many excellent beaches as well.

Shopping is best done at the duty free center located north of the town. Foreigners will need to present a passport.

The local currency is Colón(es). The rate of exchange is about 490 Colones for 1 US Dollar. You can find ATMs in most places. They normally dispense US Dollars and Colones. Traveler's checks are rarely used.

Currency Converter

Spanish is the main language in Costa Rica. English is used widely in areas populated by international tourists.

The emergency number in Costa Rica is 911

Internet cafes are fairly easy to find in tourist areas.

Shopping hours
Mon-Sat 0900-1800/1900. There may be variations between areas.

Costa Rica is a Catholic country and it's holidays are mostly church-related. Most businesses, including banks, close on official holidays. The country closes down entirely during the biggest holiday time, Easter Holy Week, but only during Holy Thursday, Friday and Saturday, by Holy Sunday, some services might be available, but don't count on it in remote parts of the country.

Most Ticos now take the whole Christmas holiday week through New Year as an unofficial holiday.

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