Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Dominical
Dominical hits a real sweet spot with the travelers who wander up and down its rough dirt
road with a surfboard under an arm, balancing the day's activities between surfing and
hammock hang time. And although some may decry the large population of expats and
gringos who have hunkered down here, proud residents are quick to point out that Domin-
ical recalls the mythical 'old Costa Rica' - the days before the roads were all paved, and
when the coast was dotted with lazy little towns that drew a motley crew of surfers, back-
packers and affable do-nothings alike. Dominical has no significant cultural sights, no
paved roads and no chain restaurants, and if you're not here to learn to surf or to swing in a
hammock it might not be the place for you.
But the overall picture is a bit more complex, especially since Dominical is starting to
stretch its legs, seeking to attract more than the college-aged and shoestringer sets. The
completion of the Costanera Sur, which runs right by town, is facilitating the spread of de-
velopment further south along the coast, which has brought along with it an intense wave
of foreign investment. Although reliable wi-fi is now available throughout town, the dirt
roads are still unpaved and Dominical remains the sort of place where it's best to just slow
down, unwind and take things as they come.
Sights & Activities
Dominical owes its fame to its seriously sick point and beach breaks, though surf condi-
tions here are variable. There is a great opportunity to learn surfing in the white water
beach breaks, but beware of getting in too deep, as you can really get trashed out here if
you don't know what you're doing. If you're just getting started, stay in the white water or
make for the nearby Playa Dominicalito, which is a bit tamer.
Centro TurĂ­stico Cataratas Nauyaca WATERFALL
( 2787-0542, 2787-0541; www.cataratasnauyaca.com ; horseback tour US$60, hike admission US$5;
tours depart 8am Mon-Sat; )
This Costa Rican family-owned and -operated center is home to a series of wonderful wa-
terfalls that cascade through a protected reserve of both primary and secondary forest. The
family runs horseback-riding tours to the falls, where visitors can swim in the inviting nat-
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