Punta Banco Travel Guide

Punta Banco is a 200 person strong village, south of Pavones. It is accessible by either walking from Pavones (90 minutes) or by driving (30 minutes) along a pothole-ridden and often wet dirt road.

Punta Banco is mainly popular among surfers and has yet to become a tourist destination. If the famous Pavones left isn't picking up swell, there might be a chance at some surf at Punta Banco, which is more consistent. The surf consists mainly of rocky reef breaks, but there are also some beach breaks with more powerful, hollow waves further south down the coast. Conditions vary dram… read moreatically with tide, and Punta Banco seems best surfed on the late rising tide.

If you are not a surfer, Punta Banco is a good place to get away from the more touristy destinations of Costa Rica and get a deserted, beautiful black sand beach to yourself. The townspeople are incredibly friendly and welcoming, the pace of life is slow and easy, and the weather was good even during the "rainy" season.

For those of you looking to spend a bit more time in Punta Banco, there are also opportunities to contribute in several Conservation Projects in the area. (Turtles, Macaws and Monkeys!)

Check this place out before it gets too popular.