The biggest town in the region is Golfito, a coastal community famous for its natural charm and rewarding sport fishing expeditions. Set between 5 miles (8 km) of shoreline and lush rainforest mountains, eco-tourism came almost instinctively.
The Golfito National Wildlife Refuge is the town's pride and joy. All four species of monkeys inhabit this 3,235-acres (1,310 ha) reserve. Magnificent and rare birds such as the elusive scarlet macaw also fly freely through the treetops.
Water taxis are the main mode of transportation when visiting nearby beaches Cacao, Cativo, Punta Encantada and San Josecito. Local fishermen in their colorful pangas (small boats) guide you on a short journey through the waters of the Golfo Dulce to your destination. The beaches are secluded, magical and almost surreal. Several eco-lodges are available throughout the region highlighting the natural surroundings
Golfito is situated at the southeastern side of the Golfo Dulce, a big bay off the Pacific Ocean, northwest from Panama. The port town was founded at the end of the twenties by the United Brand Banana Company. Within a short time it was built into a prosperous trade center. Golfito was the most important port at the south end of Costa Rica.
Its importance has decreased dramatically in the last years since in 1985 when the banana company left and gave all their real estate to the government. One year following the departure of that industry, the government established the Golfito Reserve or "Refugio National de Vida Silvestre" establishing a kind of limited national park or wildlife refuge area.
Street in Golfito
In April 1990 a duty-free shopping zone was opened in Golfito. It attracts ticos and foreigners from all over the country. This new duty-free tourism and a newly developing Eco-tourism industry around Golfito is helping to revive the region and boost the struggling local economy. More and more travelers are attracted to visit the nearby national parks, reserve areas and botanical gardens or to take boat trips in the pristine "Golfo Dulce" (Sweet Bay) and the river "Rio Coto".
Geographical Division 
