Unexplored Gems: Punta Banco, Costa Rica
When people think up the dream beach vacation, they often conjure up images of unspoiled, pristine stretches of sand free from other people. But too often, they all end up crowding the same destinations, which often get developed and lose the charm that originally made them such enticing places. If you're looking to avoid the masses at Waikiki or Cancun, and don't mind doing a little bit more work, refuges from throngs of bikini clad, beer drinking mobs still exist, and Punta Banco is a prime example of this.
Indigenous people still live near town and walk to the market in Punta Banco to get supplies. The coastal route they come along is only accessible at low tide.
Punta Banco provides few traditional amenities. There are no restaurants here, but you might be able to get a cooked meal at the "bar" or a place behind the church during certain hours (i.e. if the cook is home). There is one hostel with spartan rooms, and a few extremely basic rooms available above the bar for $5 a night. Pavones, a more developed town about an hour away by walking, has slightly more accommodations and more dining options. But, given the gorgeous natural scenery here, you probably wont be spending much time in your room anyway.
"Downtown" Punta Banco. Regular soccer games occur with friendly locals.
For surfers, the beach right next to town gets consistent swell, and nearby Pavones has the "longest left in the world." For nature lovers, there are monkeys, bird reserves, and sea turtles. For hikers, there are miles of unexplored, deserted coastline (just make sure you carry a tide chart, as some coastal areas are accessible only on certain tides). You are guaranteed a deserted, beautiful black sand beach to yourself. The locals are friendly and treat tourists like long lost friends rather than nuisances. If you're friendly, they might even take you on a fishing trip and offer you some fresh ceviche.
Squirrel monkeys are a common site. Photo: Dave
The easiest way to get to Punta Banco is to volunteer as part of the PRETOMA project. You'll be set up with accommodations, travel logistics are sorted out, and you get to help out by protecting the turtles that come on shore to lay eggs. Otherwise, the best way to get here is to rent a good 4WD car to navigate the dirt roads. Bus service from Golfito is possible, but very infrequent. For more information, check out the Punta Banco Travel Guide
Waterfalls abound.
Unexplored Gems will be a regular series dedicated to highlighting some of the more off the beaten path tourist destinations. If you have a suggestion for an Unexplored Gem, please email us at wanderlust AT travbuddy[dot]com with a few sentences describing your suggestion. Please include your TravBuddy username as well if you are a member.
The blog is a great idea 
But my wishlist is already very long, I'm afraid it is going to be a lot longer with al these articles 
