The Southern Pacific Coast in Costa Rica’s southwest corner stretches from Dominical to the Osa Peninsula at its southern end. The rugged coastline in the Dominical-Uvita area is famed among surfers seeking great waves, warm water and long uncrowded beaches. In season, area tours can be arranged for watching migrating whales and dolphins. The 100,000 acre wilderness park of Corcovado offers ancient forests, scarlet macaws, all four of the nation’s monkey species (the only park that does so), plenty of other wildlife and the slight possibility of encountering a jaguar-or more likely jaguar tracks crossing a trail. Although this region is remote and the rainforests pristine, attractive area nature lodges make one’s visit comfortable.