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Playa Carate: A Pristine Paradise on the Osa Peninsula

Discover Playa Carate: A secluded Costa Rican beach offering stunning natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and access to Corcovado National Park.

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Playa Carate, a secluded beach near Puerto Jiménez in Costa Rica's Puntarenas Province, offers untouched natural beauty. Known for its golden sands, lush rainforest backdrop, and proximity to Corcovado National Park, it's a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and those seeking tranquility.

A brief summary to Playa Carate

  • Puerto Jiménez, Puntarenas Province, CR

Local tips

  • Bring plenty of water and snacks, as amenities are limited near the beach.
  • Visit during the dry season (January to April) for the best weather and road conditions.
  • Wear sunscreen and protective clothing to shield against the tropical sun.
  • Check local tide schedules to ensure safe swimming conditions.
  • Be aware of potential hazards such as submerged rocks and rip currents when surfing.
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Getting There

  • Bus

    From Puerto Jiménez, take the ADI Corcovado - Carate bus towards Carate. Buses depart twice daily and the journey takes approximately 1 hour. The fare is about $9. The bus will drop you off in Carate, a short walk from the beach.

  • Taxi

    Alternatively, hire a taxi from Puerto Jiménez to Playa Carate. The trip takes around 51 minutes and costs approximately $45-$60. Ensure you negotiate the fare before starting your journey.

  • Driving

    If driving from Puerto Jiménez, take the road south towards La Palma. Continue for approximately 15 kilometers (9 miles) until you reach the turnoff to Playa Carate. Follow the dirt road to the beach. A 4x4 vehicle is recommended, especially during the rainy season. Parking is available near the beach for around $5 per day.

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Discover more about Playa Carate

Playa Carate is a captivating and remote beach located on the Osa Peninsula in Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica. Situated close to the La Leona Ranger Station, the southern entrance to Corcovado National Park, it is approximately 50 kilometers south of Drake Bay. This location marks the end of the road accessible by national highway from San José, making it one of the most remote destinations in Costa Rica. The beach itself is characterized by its dark, volcanic sand stretching over 3 kilometers. The powerful surf is ideal for boogie boarding and body surfing, with swimming being safest during low tide. Playa Carate is renowned as a significant sea turtle nesting site, with Olive Ridley and Pacific Green turtles frequently coming ashore. The area is teeming with wildlife, including scarlet macaws feeding in the almond trees lining the beach. The Osa Peninsula, where Playa Carate is located, is known for its incredible biodiversity, containing an estimated 2.5% of the planet's biodiversity. Visitors can spot various monkey species, tapirs, and a plethora of bird and reptile species. Historically, the Osa Peninsula was among the last regions explored by local ranchers and farmers during Costa Rica's agricultural expansion. Half of the peninsula remained untouched, preserving its natural flora, fauna, and wildlife, largely due to the establishment of Corcovado National Park and other protected areas. In the 1980s, Playa Carate experienced a gold rush, attracting gold panners to the area. Today, ecotourism drives development in Carate and its surroundings, with several eco-lodges offering sustainable lodging options.

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