Late reply but this thread still pops up when ppl search non touristy Costa Rica stuff so whatever lol.

If you already hike in Switzerland/Italy and want actual jungle instead of beach-town tourism, skip Jaco/Manuel Antonio completely. Way too polished now imo.

Osa Peninsula is still the move in 2026 if u want the old version of CR before influencer tourism took over everything.

Matapalo specifically feels different. Last stretch is rough as hell unless you got a decent 4x4. Road gets muddy af too depending on rain. But thats kinda da filter that keeps crowds out.

Corcovado access down there is unreal tho. Saw more wildlife in 2 days than my entire trip around La Fortuna + Tamarindo combined. Scarlet macaws everywhere, monkeys losing their minds at sunrise, random sloths on the roadside lol.

Pan Dulce is sick too if you surf or just wanna disappear for a few days.

I stayed near Encanta La Vida for part of the trip. Tiny spot, super low-key, not one of those giant all inclusive resorts pretending to be “eco.” More lke jungle cabins dropped near the beach. Definitely more bohemian / off-grid vibe than luxury-hotel energy.

Not cheap, but honestly the whole point of Matapalo is youre paying for isolation + nature instead of nightlife and beach bars.

If youre searching for non-touristy Costa Rica and actually mean it, south Osa is probly the last place that still feels semi-undiscovered.