THE CLIMATE :

Zancudo is in a tropical area of Southern Costa Rica and only has two seasons: wet or dry.

The dry season is generally between early December and late April. The wet season usually starts slowly with afternoons showers in mid May and builds until mid November when the rains gradually start to decrease leading back to the dry season. Some of the best months to visit Playa Zancudo are at the start of the rainy season - May to August after most vacationers leave for summer climates at home.

Temperatures in Zancudo vary little between seasons. Along our Pacific coast the temperatures are usually around 23C (75F) at night and near or slightly over 30C (86F) during the day. The humidity along the coast can be oppressive so pack to dress accordingly.

GETTING HERE :

Playa Zancudo is not the easiest place in Central America to reach, but the trip is worth the time and effort.

 Sansa and NatureAir both have numerous daily flights to and from San Jose to the airport at Golfito

 Bus service is available to Golfito from anywhere in Costa Rica

 Private vans can be arranged by calling Latitude 8 Lodge; (506) 776-0168

 4 wheel drive mini vans are available at numerous locations in San Jose

GETTING FROM GOLFITO TO PLAYA ZANCUDO :

Playa Zancudo is not the easiest place in Central America to reach, but the trip is worth the time and effort.

 Inexpensive boat taxis leave the public dock going to Zancudo around 8:00 AM and Noon 6 days a week

 A few private boat operators are usually around the public dock all day, but expect to pay a premium

 Susan and Andrew at Cabinas Los Cocos can be waiting on you at the dock on request

 Taxis are available, but the road is terrible and the cost cab be prohibitive

WHERE TO STAY :

There are a number of places to stay on Playa Zancudo. The most popular amoung vacation guest are:

 Rental houses can be arranged by clicking on Rental Houses on Playa Zancudo or by calling
Sue at (506) 776-0168 in Costa Rica

 The links at the top of this page will take you to more information on places to stay in Zancudo.

ACTIVITIES :

The main activity at Zancudo is enjoying Zancudo and the beach, relaxing, and reading; ALL are taken very seriously. You will find hammocks at almost every lodge on the beach where you can spend hours relaxing in the tropical breezes.

The beach, Playa Zancudo, is great for swimming, surfing and other water activities. The waves are calm at the north end and get higher (good for bodysurfing) as you go south. At the extreme southern end of the beach lies Pavones, which draws hundreds of surfers went a swell arrives.

The offshore waters around Zancudo have produced over 40 world records and more set every year. Be sure to arrange a fishing trip in advance. The Zancudo Lodge (506) 776-0008, Sportfishing Unlimited (506) 776-0070, and Capt. Palone (506) 776-are all located on Playa Zancudo. Reservations should be made in advance if you plan to fish with Zancudo Lodge.

Fishing Blues -- For the past few years blues singer, Taj Mahal, has been hosting a fishing tournament and benefit that has attracted some stellar musical talent to the area. They usually top off their festivities with a public concert. The event usually takes place in mid-February. If you plan to attend make your reservations very early, Zancudo usually is booked up a year in advance of the festival.