PLAYA HERMOSA-PUNTARENAS STUDIO

Playa Hermosa translates to "beautiful beach," and is unsurprisingly a place of great aesthetic appeal -- its broad gray-sand beach contrasted by pounding white surf. It boasts one of the biggest beach breaks (after Dominical) on the country's Pacific coast. Just three miles south of Jaco, Playa Hermosa is a favorite spot among surfers, with seven distinct surf points along its six-mile shore.

Much less developed than its northern neighbor, experienced surfers from around the world are attracted to its consistent waves and international surf contests. Hermosa is also part of a wildlife refuge that protects nesting Olive Ridley sea turtles. Females come to shore to lay their eggs between the months of July and December, producing a remarkable spectacle.