On the central Pacific coast of Costa Rica is one of the country's most beautiful uncut gems, Dominical. From its turquoise green water to its fiery red and gold sunsets, the natural beauty of the area is second to none. The town sits on the Pacific ocean bordered to the north by the Rio Baru, on the east by three thousand foot high mountains and to the south by dark, coffee brown, beaches and coves.

Dominical has been know for many years to the international surfing community because of its consistently good waves. Discovered in the early seventies by a group of intrepid and dedicated surfers, Dominical has steadily gained in popularity over the last 30 years.

Only recently has it been discovered by those people attracted to its natural beauty. Not more than fifteen years ago the only buildings to be found were a few dilapidated fishing huts built by local fishermen. Since then the town has grown to over 1500 permanent residents with a number of small beach front restaurants, bars and cabinas. Even with the emergence and growth of the town, it is possible to walk from one end of Dominical to the other in less than ten minutes.

The area surrounding Dominical, especially to the South has a low population density. Because of this, the area is full of hundreds of different species of exotic animals including; three different types of toucans, giant green and red iguanas, all four types of native monkeys parrots of all sizes and hues, three toed sloths and various small cats such as jaguarundis and montegordos.

There are two national preserves in the immediate area with three more (Manuel Antonio National Park, Corcovado National Park and Cano Island National Preserve) only an additional hour away. To the south is the country's only totally underwater national park, Marino Ballena. Here it is possible to see a pristine and virgin underwater world with scores of multi-colorful marine creatures, coral reefs and jagged, ash black, volcanic rocks and tide pools. In the hills directly east of tow.

There are many great restaurant venues that are popular such as Tortilla Flats, San Clemente Resaurant, Restaurant Roca Verde, and La Parcela. Dominical also offers a local Banco De Costa Rica located in Centro Comercial Plaza Pacifica along with numerous shops, stores, fresh fruit and vegetable stands and boutique hotels.

Reaching Dominical and the surrounding area is easier than one might expect. It is a two and a half hour drive East from San Jose by car on the new Caldera Highway #27 and then South on the new Costanera Highway until you arrive in Dominical. It is only necessary to rent a four wheel drive car if you intend to do some exploring in the mountains or continue traveling further north or south.

From Dominical, it is a half hour drive to Quepos/Manuel Antonio by car. In a country full of beautiful vistas and lush tropical landscapes, this area not only holds its own, it shines. Dominical, the quiet little out of the way place that's not so out of the way.

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