Southern Pacific Costa Rica | Bahía Ballena
Aerial view of Marino Ballena National Park in Punta Uvita
BAHÍA BALLENA COSTA RICA

Southern Pacific Costa Rica

Where rainforest, ocean, wildlife, and local culture unite in a truly immersive experience. Discover one of the world's most biodiverse regions.

400+
Bird Species
27°C
Average Temperature
85%
Protected Rainforest
300+
Adventure Activities

Horseback Riding

Explore natural landscapes, rural communities, and coastal areas on horseback. Popular locations include Rivas de Pérez Zeledón, Dominical, Osa Peninsula, Puerto Jiménez, Sierpe, San Vito, and beaches such as Dominical, Marino Ballena, Drake Bay, and Carate. Seasonal rides, including Holy Week routes, are also available.

Rivas de Pérez Zeledón Dominical Osa Peninsula Puerto Jiménez Marino Ballena Drake Bay
Horseback Riding in Costa Rica

Hiking & Nature Walks

Enjoy scenic trails through some of Costa Rica's most important protected areas, including Chirripó, Corcovado, La Amistad, and Piedras Blancas National Parks, as well as forests and pristine beaches.

Chirripó National Park Corcovado National Park La Amistad Park Piedras Blancas
Hiking in Southern Pacific Costa Rica

Recreational & Mountain Biking

The region features diverse routes ideal for road and mountain biking, connecting coastal towns, rural communities, and national parks.

Aerial view of Costa Rican landscape

Sparkling Bird & Whale Watching

The South Pacific region of Costa Rica is an ecological jewel, offering a unique blend of biodiversity that attracts birding enthusiasts, nature lovers, and adventure seekers from around the globe.

With its varied landscapes, including lush rainforests, coastal wetlands, and scenic beaches, this area is home to an astonishing array of wildlife, particularly birds. Over 400 bird species thrive in this region, making it one of the premier birding destinations in the world.

Birdwatchers flock to renowned spots such as Bahia Ballena, where the dense forests and rich ecosystems provide optimal habitats for many avian species. The area itself is often described as the crown jewel of Costa Rica's birding hotspots, hosting remarkable species like the Fiery-billed Aracari, Riverside Wren, Black-and-white Owl, White-crested Coquette and majestic Velvety Manakin.

Fiery-billed Aracari
Toucan in Costa Rica

Photography Paradise

The Southern Pacific is ideal for photography, with waterfalls, rivers, mountains, beaches, wildlife, and rural landscapes offering endless visual inspiration.

Humpback whale jumping in Costa Rica

Humpback Whale

Young humpback whale jumping in Pacific waters

Manta Ray

Manta Ray

Graceful underwater giant

Sea Turtle

Sea Turtle

Ancient mariner

Sloth

Three-toed Sloth

Rainforest icon

Sport Fishing

World-class sport fishing is available in coastal communities such as Puerto Jiménez, Golfito, and Zancudo. Experience the thrill of deep-sea fishing in some of the most abundant waters in Central America.

Year-round
Availability
Deep Sea
Fishing Type
Sport fishing in Costa Rica

Chirripó Mountain Race

Held every February in San Gerardo de Rivas, this iconic race is one of Central America's most challenging events, featuring a 14 km climb from 1,000 to 3,500 meters above sea level.

14 km
Distance
2,500m
Elevation Gain
February
Month
Mountain hiking in Costa Rica

Begin Your Southern Pacific Adventure

From horseback riding through rural communities to whale watching in pristine waters, the Southern Pacific of Costa Rica offers unforgettable experiences for every type of traveler.



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