The main activity at Zancudo is relaxing, and people take it seriously. Every lodge has hammocks, and if you bring a few good books, you can spend hours swinging slowly in the tropical breezes. The beach along Zancudo is great for swimming. It’s generally a little calmer on the northern end and gets rougher (good for bodysurfing) as you head south. There are a couple of bars and even a disco, but visitors are most likely to spend their time just hanging out at their hotel or in restaurants meeting like-minded folks or playing board games. If you want to take a horseback ride on the beach, your hotel can arrange it.

Susan England, who runs Cabinas Los Cocos, also operate Zancudo Tours (tel. 8400-5185), which offers kayaking tours, hikes on the Osa Peninsula, a trip up the Río Coto to watch birds and wildlife, and more. A boat trip through the Río Coto mangroves will turn up a remarkable number of sea- and shore-birds, as well as the chance to see a crocodile resting on a riverbank or a white-faced monkey leaping overhead. Tour prices are $50 to $75 per person, with discounts available for larger groups.

For fishing, ask at your hotel, or contact the Zancudo Lodge. A full day of fishing with lunch and beer should cost between $950 and $1,600 per boat.

Because a mangrove swamp is directly behind the beach, mosquitoes and sand flies can be a problem when the winds die down, so be sure to bring insect repellent. Just FYI, zancudo means “mosquito.”

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.