Matthew Houde's Blog, page 21

Hot Springs and Mud Baths in Rincon de la Vieja

Two Weeks in Costa Rica |

One of the most alluring activities to do in Costa Rica is soak in natural hot springs. While the most popular hot springs resorts are in La Fortuna near Arenal Volcano, there are some other great options as well. In this post, we’ll tell you about the Rio Negro hot springs in Rincon de la Vieja. These are thermal hot spring pools set naturally in the tropical forest. We give information on how to access these hot springs, as well as what it is like to do a mud bath.

Orientation

The Rio Negro hot springs are located in Guanacaste Province in northwestern Costa Rica. They are near Rincon de la Vieja, an active volcano. This volcano is known for its intense thermal energy. The government electric company even harnesses this power to make electricity. You can see the huge pipes that transfer steam all around the area.

If you’re visiting the Rincon de la Vieja area, you can hike the national park to see volcanic features like steam vents, bubbling mud pots, and a mini-volcano.

Another relaxing way to experience the area is to visit one of the hot springs. Here, you can soak in thermal mineral pools that are naturally heated by the volcano’s thermal energy. Most facilities also have mud baths, where you can slather on some mineral-rich volcanic mud.

There are a few options for hot springs and mud baths in Rincon de la Vieja. This article will focus on the Rio Negro hot springs. These are part of the Hacienda Guachipelin property, a local hotel.

Visiting the Rio Negro Hot Springs in Rincon de la Vieja
Getting Tickets

You’ll first want to get your tickets. These can be purchased online through Hacienda Guachipelin’s website or by visiting their front desk. You cannot show up to the hot springs and buy your tickets right there. See below for more details.

Once you have your tickets and have checked in at the hotel to get a wristband, you can head to the hot springs. The hot springs aren’t located right at the hotel, as some people think. They are actually a few miles away, on a side road before the national park.

Arriving at the Hot Springs

Once you arrive and park, a guard will check you in. This area has a simple bath house with changing rooms and small lockers if you need to store anything.

Lockers and bath house at the entrance to the hot springs

Then it’s a short walk (0.2 miles/0.32 km) through the forest to get to the river and hot springs. The trail to the hot springs is well maintained, but there are a few steps and steeper spots. In 5- 10 minutes, you’ll arrive at the river and hot springs.

The trail to the river and hot springs

There are two ways to enter. If you follow the signs and go to the left, this will take you the long way over a hanging bridge. It’s just a short bridge over a pretty river, and is a nice place to take some pictures.

One of the hanging bridges over the river

If you want to get there faster, just keep straight over a different hanging bridge that leads directly to the stairs down to the hot springs.

The Hot Springs and Mud Bath Experience

Once you come down the short set of stairs, you’ll enter a small landing area bordering the river. This has a few hot spring pools and showers and is also where you can do the mud bath. Someone from Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin will be there to guide you.

The landing area with a few pools and the mud baths

After showering off, they first recommend soaking in one of the hot spring pools (38˚C (100˚F)) for around 10 minutes. Then, doing the mud bath after.

Mud Bath

The mud used for the mud baths is taken directly from the ground where the thermal energy bubbles up. This soupy, gray mud is full of volcanic minerals.

Mineral-rich volcanic mud

Mud baths like these have been done for centuries. They are believed to have many health benefits. Relieving stress and purifying, exfoliating, and softening the skin are just some of the many benefits linked to volcanic mud.

Many believe that minerals like zinc and magnesium can alleviate inflammation. Sulfur, which is found in volcanic ash, is even said to help reverse the aging process.

The hotel employee will get you a fresh container of mud. Then you can spread a thin layer all over your face and body. It’s best to let the mud dry completely before rinsing off in the river or showering. Afterwards, your skin should feel softer and look more vibrant. Ours did!

The showers next to the beautiful river
Hot Springs
Overview

With your skin fresh and rejuvenated, and mind cleared, it’s time to relax in the various hot spring pools.

There are 10 pools in total, with water temperatures ranging from a steamy 40˚C (104˚F) to a comfortable 37˚C (98˚F). Each one is a different shape and size, holding around 5-10 people spaced out.

We were traveling with our young children, so enjoyed the warm, but not hot, pools the most.

The Hot Spring Pools

Right from the main landing area, you can access two hot pools and one warm pool. To get to the warm pool, you do have to wade through a hot one first, but it’s doable, even carrying small children.

These pools overlook the beautiful Rio Negro. They are built right into the river’s edge using concrete and rocks. They fit nicely into the natural environment.

Two of the hot springs pools on the main side of the river

You can also wade in the river itself. The Rio Negro has cool, clear water, and there are plenty of little natural pools to sit in. The river’s water also has a lot of volcanic minerals and sometimes appears blue because of them.

Be aware that in rainy season (May through end of November), the current may be strong depending on recent rainfall, so do use caution.

If you take the hanging bridge across to the other side of the river, there are several more hot spring pools. Some of these are more private and would be a nice place for a group or family traveling together.

One of the pools on the other side of the river

Tip: The hot springs at Hacienda Guachipelin are beautiful, but on the rustic side. If you are looking for luxury, head to La Fortuna/Arenal. That area has several options for hot spring resorts that are nicely landscaped and much more elaborate. See our La Fortuna Hotel Guide for recommendations of specific properties.

Planning Your Visit to the Hot Springs in Rincon de la Vieja
Cost

Tickets to the hot springs are $20 per person adults, $15 per person children ages 4-12. Children under 4 are free.

You can also buy tickets as part of a package. We did the nearby Oropendola Waterfall on the same day as the hot springs, and it worked out great.

Tickets

You can buy tickets online through Hacienda Guachipelin’s website or at their front desk. Occupancy is limited so be sure to get them in advance.

On the day of your visit, you will need to go to the hotel front desk to check in and get a wristband. If you’re traveling during Covid-19, they will also do a temperature check for everyone in your group.

Hours

The Rio Negro hot springs are open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Facility – Changing Rooms, etc.

At the entrance to the facility is a rustic bath house with bathrooms and changing rooms. Lockers are also available.

Right before you get to the hot springs is another bath house.

Towels are provided so you don’t need to bring your own.

No food or drink is allowed in the hot spring pools.

Directions to the Rio Negro Hot Springs

From Liberia, head north on the Interamericana, Highway 1. In a few minutes, take a right towards the town of Curubande/Rincon de la Vieja National Park (Las Pailas sector).

Follow the curvy, paved road, continuing through the small center of Curubande. A few miles after Curubande, the road will turn to rough dirt with some large ruts. Eventually you will come to a gate blocking the road. This is the entrance to the Hacienda Guachipelin property.

At the gate, a guard will check to make sure you have a reservation. If not, he will charge a small fee per person to enter the property (around 800 colones or $1.50). After the gate, continue for about 3 km (1.86 miles) until you reach Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin to get your wristband. The main lobby is off the main road to the right.

After you have your wristband, keep going on the road for a few kilometers. Look for the sign for the Rio Negro Hot Springs, and take a right. Follow this back road for about five minutes. As you come down a hill, the entrance/guard station will be on the right-hand side before a small bridge.

The entrance to the Rio Negro hot springs is about 40 minutes from downtown Liberia.

Conclusion

If you’re visiting the Rincon de la Vieja area or just looking for a fun day trip from the beach in Guanacaste, the Rio Negro hot springs are a great option. These can be easily paired with some of the area’s other interesting attractions like Rincon de la Vieja National Park or the Oropendola Waterfall. We certainly enjoyed a nice soak in them after a big hike in the national park the day before!

Have a question about visiting the hot springs in Rincon de la Vieja? Or have you been yourself? Let us know in the comments below.
Looking for more information to plan your visit to Costa Rica? Check out these posts:

Rincon de la Vieja National Park: Learn about trail conditions and what you’ll see at this popular national park.

Oropendola Waterfall: An Easy-to-Access Waterfall in Guanacaste – This waterfall is just minutes from the Rio Negro hot springs. You can get to it by taking just a 15-minute walk through the jungle. Check out our post for all the details.

The Untapped Miravalles Volcano: Hot Springs, Nature, And Zero Crowds – The hot springs in Rincon de la Vieja can get busy during certain times of year. If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, the nearby Miravalles Volcano area is a great choice.

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Oropendola Waterfall: An Easy-to-Access Waterfall in Guanacaste

Two Weeks in Costa Rica |

The Rincon de la Vieja area in Costa Rica’s Guanacaste Province has plenty of gorgeous waterfalls. Many of these tropical cascades, though, are harder to access. Some are located deep in a rocky gorge and may even require you to wade through a river. Others, like the waterfalls in the national park, are a full day of hiking away. The Oropendola Waterfall, on the other hand, is easy to get to. Just about anyone can visit. In this post, we’ll tell what you need to know to plan your visit to the stunning Oropendola Waterfall.

Location

The Oropendola Waterfall is located in Guanacaste Province in northwestern Costa Rica.

If you want to see a waterfall during your time in Guanacaste, it’s a very good option. You could easily visit on day trip from the beach (from Tamarindo, Flamingo, Potrero, Playa Hermosa, etc.). The drive is about 1.5 hours or so depending on your location. Or, you could plan on a couple of nights right in Rincon de la Vieja to be nearby and explore the region’s other sights.

The waterfall abuts Rincon de la Vieja National Park. The parking area is just before the national park entrance.

The property where the waterfall is located is owned by a hotel called Hacienda Guachipelin. Because of this, access is only through that hotel.

Accessing the Oropendola Waterfall
Getting Tickets

To access the Oropendola Waterfall, you will first need to buy your tickets. You can get them at the front desk of Hacienda Guachipelin or through the hotel’s website.

Note that even if you get tickets online, you will still need to check in at the hotel front desk. Here, they will give you a wristband to show the guard at the trail entrance.

Tip: Be sure to get tickets in advance. The waterfall entrance is several kilometers after Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin, and the guard at the waterfall cannot sell tickets. So, if you don’t get them beforehand, you will need to drive all the way back to the hotel. Also, if you’re traveling during Covid, entry is limited so we recommend getting your tickets well in advance, especially during busy times, so they don’t sell out.

The Short Hike
Trail Conditions

Once you have your tickets, you can continue to the parking area. The guard will make sure you have a wristband, then you can begin the hike.

The dirt trail to the waterfall is nicely maintained, but still wild feeling. It starts wide and mostly flat. Along the sides of the trail is brushy tropical forest. In the rainy season (May through November), the trail feels very lush. However, since this is one of the driest regions of Costa Rica, in the dry season, the foliage becomes more barren.

The beginning of the trail to the waterfall

About five minutes into the walk, the jungle will get thicker, and the trail, a little more rugged.

As you begin the descent to the waterfall, the trail gets much narrower. There are some rocks and steep steps to navigate, but handrails make it a little easier. We did the hike without any problems with our five-year old and toddler in a baby carrier.

Farther down, the trail narrows

Tip: If you are traveling during Covid-19, we highly recommend wearing a mask if you are trying to keep your distance. The trail gets very narrow in places. Passing people coming the other way can be make for some close encounters.

Hanging Bridge

The best part of the hike is right before the waterfall.

Just as you begin to feel the cool damp air from the falls, you’ll come to an impressive hanging bridge over the river gorge. This is one of the most unique hanging bridges we’ve seen in Costa Rica. It slopes downward, to get you down that last bit of elevation, and has steps built into it.

The hanging bridge over the river gorge, right before you get to the waterfall

The hanging bridge is a little wobbly, but all closed in and secure. You can hold onto the railing to help balance.

If you’re visiting with young kids that can go in a carrier, you may want to carry them. Our five-year old did it, but he was definitely nervous!

Braving the hanging bridge

The hike is about 15-20 minutes total each way. Overall, it is easy-to-moderate in difficulty.

The Oropendola Waterfall

Right after the bridge, you’ll come to the landing area. This small platform looks out onto the cascade and is a great spot to get some pictures. It can hold around 10-15 people comfortably.

The viewing platform

The waterfall itself is stunning. It flows 82 feet (25 meters) over a rocky, moss-covered canyon. The water is a rich turquoise color. It gets this unique hue from minerals in the soil that are abundant in this volcanic region.

Those wanting a closer look can walk down the metal stairs to the riverbed. This area is nice because it lets you explore the base of the waterfall and get a sense of the grandeur of the canyon. In the rainy season (May through November), you may not be able to get too close since the water can be very powerful, depending on recent rainfall. But in dry season when it is tamer, you can swim around easily and get an up-close view.

Even during rainy season, the river usually has calmer sections. When we visited in late November, there was a nice sandy area at the bottom of the stairs where you could stand up and enjoy the cool water. Other people were venturing closer to the waterfall, dunking under and getting plenty of photos.

Rainy Season: If you’re visiting during the rainiest months like September through early November, use caution as there is a flash flood risk.

No one was jumping into the waterfall when we were there. However, we noticed some climbing hooks on the rocks in a few places. So, jumping in is possible during certain times of year when conditions are safe.

Details on Planning Your Visit to the Oropendola Waterfall
Tickets
Self-Guided Visit: Waterfall + Lunch

Hacienda Guachipelin now only sells tickets to the waterfall as part of a combo package, which includes lunch. The lunch is a traditional-style casado (chicken, beef, or fish along with rice and beans and side salads). It comes with fresh fruit juice, soup or salad, and dessert. The meal was big and delicious.

The price for this combo is $32 per person adults, $21 per person children ages 4-12. Children under 4 are free.

Tickets need to be purchased in advance online or at the front desk of Hacienda Guachipelin. If you buy online, you still need to check in at the front desk to get a wristband. If you are traveling during Covid, they will also do a temperature check for everyone in your group.

Again, be sure to get your tickets in advance since occupancy is limited due to Covid.

Tours Available

If you like horseback riding, this is another way to arrive at the waterfall. Tours can be arranged through Hacienda Guachipelin.

Hacienda Guachipelin also has other packages with different activities that include a visit to the Oropendola Waterfall. We did the package that included the waterfall, hot springs, and lunch. Details of the options available are on their website.

Hours

The waterfall is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

What to Bring

We recommend bringing a hat for the sun, water bottle, your bathing suit, and a towel. There is no changing station so be sure to wear your bathing suit under your clothes.

Wear good-gripping sandals like Keens or sneakers for the hike. Water shoes would be handy if you plan to spend a lot of time in the riverbed and natural pool, as the bottom is rocky.  

A waterproof case for your phone or a waterproof camera is nice to have to take pictures from in the pool.

No food is permitted at the waterfall but there are a couple of picnic tables in the parking area.

Restrooms

No restrooms are available. Of course, there are facilities a few miles down the road at Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin.

Directions to the Oropendola Waterfall

From Liberia, head north on the Interamericana, Highway 1. In a few minutes, take a right towards the town of Curubande/Rincon de la Vieja National Park (Las Pailas sector).

Follow the narrow, curvy, paved road, continuing through the small center of Curubande. A few miles after Curubande, the road will turn to rough dirt with occasional large ruts. Eventually you will come to a gate blocking the road. This is the entrance to the Hacienda Guachipelin property.

At the gate, a guard will check to make sure you have a reservation. If not, he will charge a small fee per person to enter the property (around 800 colones or $1.50). After the gate, continue on for about 3 km (1.86 miles) until you reach Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin to get your wristband. The main lobby is off the main road to the right.

After you have your wristband, keep going on the road. You’ll pass some huge geothermal pipes owned by the local electric company. In about 10 minutes, you’ll see a large sign on the left for the Oropedola Waterfall. If you get to the national park, you’ve gone too far.

The entrance to the Oropendola Waterfall is about 40 minutes from downtown Liberia.

Conclusion

If you’re looking to see a waterfall during your time in Guanacaste or the Rincon de la Vieja area, we highly recommend the Oropendola Waterfall. This gorgeous waterfall is easy to access, making it a great option for older people, kids, and anyone who wants to experience one of Costa Rica’s amazing waterfalls.

Have a question about visiting the Oropendola Waterfall? Ask us below.

Some of the links in this post are connected to affiliate programs we have joined. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Looking for more information to plan your trip to Costa Rica? Check out these posts:

Guanacaste Province: Are you still figuring out where to visit? Check out our overview of Guanacaste to learn about its beautiful beaches, popular destinations, and abundant amenities.

Llanos de Cortez Waterfall: Llanos de Cortez is another stunning waterfall near Liberia. This one is closer to Highway 1. It’s just a five or so minute hike down, and you can swim in the calm water of the natural pool.

Rental Car Discount: Having a rental car makes it easy to get around and explore the Rincon de la Vieja area. Check out our discount to save at least 10% and get other free extras.

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Covid Travel: What It Is Like in Costa Rica Right Now

Two Weeks in Costa Rica |

In 2020, the world was turned upside down and we were all affected. But many are trying to put it all behind them and still travel—to get away—at least for a little while. Those planning to visit Costa Rica have been asking us what it is currently like here and what is open for them to enjoy. In this post, we’ll share what you can expect when traveling around Costa Rica, what is open, and how locals and other travelers are handling the situation.

Background 

Costa Rica, like most countries, suffered a big economic hit from the pandemic. With tourism being a major income source for many citizens, the government decided to reopen its air borders to the entire world on November 1, 2020. The country also eliminated the need for a COVID-19 test to make the entry process easier. See here for the full entry requirements.

These efforts have opened Costa Rica’s doors to international tourism once again. It has slowly trickled down to the many families that rely on tourism, making a big impact on their lives. And while some viewed the opening and lack of testing as rash, the government has stood by the decision.

Leading up to the reopening, hospital capacity was increased and, as of this writing, there has been no shortage of beds. Additionally, travelers are required to carry specific travel insurance (for private care). This further protects the public healthcare system from being overwhelmed in the future.

Costa Rica does have many active cases of the virus (see stats and info here). In general, though, the situation has somewhat leveled off. There haven’t been any dramatic spikes in the last few months.

Overview of What Is Open in Costa Rica

While some businesses did close during the pandemic, for most, it was temporary. Starting in November and December 2020, many hotels, restaurants, tours, and attractions are open again. The country’s beaches and most national parks are open too.

Everyone in the tourism industry is getting ready for what is normally the busy season in Costa Rica. High season starts in December. The weeks around Christmas and New Years are typically the busiest time of year here. This year may look a little different. But we are still expecting a larger volume of visitors during that time.

We have done several small trips within the country ourselves over the last several months. Based on that and our experience living on the central Pacific coast, we would say that about 7/10 things in tourist destinations (restaurants, hotels, shops, attractions, etc.) are back open.

With appreciative locals that have been through a lot, you’re likely to get an especially warm welcome when traveling these days.

Limited Capacity and Health Precautions

Though open, all businesses face new regulations to help protect both employees and visitors. Most businesses are only allowed to operate at 50% capacity. That means that things like tour times, available tickets, or table space at restaurants are limited. We highly recommend reserving your spot in advance, especially for tours. 

Additionally, people entering most businesses or starting a tour are now required to sanitize or wash their hands, wear a mask, and sometimes have their temperature taken.

You’ll also notice markings on the floor, reminding you to keep at least 1.8 meters (6 feet) apart from others.

Use of Masks

Just like everywhere around the world, the use of masks is controversial. But in Costa Rica, it is the law to wear one when going inside any indoor space (shared vehicles like shuttles and buses included). The one exception is at bars and restaurants. They are not required, except for the staff. Luckily, many restaurants in Costa Rica are open to the outside and have plenty of natural airflow.

While traveling around the country as well as in our own town, we have seen masks being used incorrectly or not at all. However, most people are following the rules and being respectful.

In areas where there have been more cases, like San Jose, wearing a mask is part of life. People are just used to it. In rural areas that may not have been impacted by the virus as much, there is generally more resistance to using masks.

At least the masks here are tropical feeling
Driving Restrictions

Most travelers won’t have to worry about this, but all of Costa Rica has driving restrictions in place. Currently you aren’t allowed to drive one day per week, based on your license plate number.  (See this post for info.) However, rental cars and tourism vehicles are exempt.

If you experience any problems, just show the officer the rental car contract. If you’re still looking for a rental car company, check out our discounts page for a really good option.

A driving curfew between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. is also in effect. We have heard that rental cars are exempt from this as well, but just to be sure, we would not recommend driving during curfew hours unless necessary (e.g., to catch your flight).

Refer to this government website (Alertas section) for more information on the measures in place. It is in Spanish but can be translated using the Google Translate extension.

What to Expect When Traveling in Costa Rica 

Below we’ll give some specifics for what you should expect when traveling around Costa Rica and how different establishments are handling things.

Arriving at the Airport

We’ve been getting a lot of feedback from people entering the country that the process was smooth and quick (as fast as 30 minutes). This is assuming you meet all the entry requirements, of course. We’d still plan on about one hour, just in case.

People have said that they only needed to have their QR code from the Health Pass scanned and then they could continue through to immigration and customs/baggage.

Some people have reported that the lines through immigration and surrounding the baggage claim can get crowded. While there are markings on the floor indicating where you should stand, multiple people in the same group crowd up these designated areas and push everyone closer together. So, just be prepared that there may be some closer contact inside the airport if immigration is processing a lot of people at once.

Hotels

When arriving at your hotel, you’ll be required to wear a mask, wash your hands, and most likely, have your temperature checked. The staff should inform you of other safety protocols during check in.

Hotels are one of the few businesses that are allowed to operate at 100% capacity. That means that all rooms can be booked. However, common areas like restaurants, pools, and gyms are limited to just 50% capacity.

As a result, you’ll notice some changes at hotels. For example, instead of a breakfast buffet, you may be asked for your order ahead of time. Or you may be given a specific time slot to visit the breakfast area. Or the breakfast area may have the tables spread apart with a la carte ordering only. Different hotels are handling it in different ways.

Pools at hotels are limited to 50% capacity too. We’ve seen some hotels remove half the lounge chairs around the pool to help with this. However, we’ve also seen some pretty full pools at other places, especially on busy holiday weekends.

Restaurants

When visiting a restaurant, expect to have to sanitize your hands before entering. Most have a handwashing station set up right near the entrance. Often these have a foot pedal so that you don’t have to touch the faucet.

Many restaurants require a mask when entering but you can take it off when sitting down at your table. We usually take ours off after ordering and getting our drinks. Other restaurants are, honestly, pretty lackadaisical. They allow people to enter with no mask, only requiring the hand washing.

Waiters and other staff are supposed to wear a mask at all times. You may also notice that some restaurants have big chalk boards or QR codes that you scan for the menu, to avoid extra contact with objects. We’ve even eaten at a couple of restaurants where the entire inside area was closed off and only outdoor tables were available.

Beaches

Most beaches in Costa Rica are open from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (8:00 p.m. weekends), though a few municipalities may have different hours.

When visiting the beach, there isn’t much to know, except to keep your distance from others. You are not supposed to have large gatherings or play close-contact sports like soccer or volleyball, though some people still do.

The nice thing about Costa Rica’s beaches is that there is usually plenty of space to spread out. Beaches that are busy still aren’t that crowded, and in general, everyone can keep a distance of at least 20 feet or so, if they want to.

The weeks between Christmas and New Years and during Easter (Semana Santa) will definitely have more crowds, though, so be sure to watch for that.

Along the beach, vendors selling things like ice cream, ceviche, and souvenirs, on foot should be wearing masks. However, we’d say that about half don’t in the areas we’ve been to lately. If you’re not comfortable having them come close, just wave and shake your head to indicate you aren’t interested. Most will be respectful.

National Parks

Almost all of Costa Rica’s national parks are open again, though with limited occupancy and some with limited trail access. In Manuel Antonio National Park, for example, there is one loop of trails open and you are supposed to stay in one direction, limiting the amount of passing.

When hiking through national parks, we have noticed that some people keep their mask handy in case they pass others along the trail. At other times, we’ve had to ask people for more space, when waiting in a short line to see something like a waterfall.  

All national parks require handwashing, a temperature check, and a mask upon entering. They are only accepting credit cards to limit the use of cash. For some national parks, you can buy your tickets online in advance.

Handwashing station and temperature check outside Rincon de la Vieja National Park
Tour Operators

Most tours are operating again so you can still do things like zip lining, whitewater rafting, nature hikes, boat trips, agricultural tours, and more.

Each tour is different, but all operators are following the basic protocols like hand sanitizing, requiring masks (especially at reception areas, in vans, etc.), and limiting the number of people. We know some tour operators that are only offering private tours, to prevent mixing different groups.

For watersports and adrenaline-type tours, the use of a mask is only required during portions of the tour. Especially since it would either get wet or fall off in some cases.

In booking tours for clients, we have seen that some operators that usually offer a tour several times per day have modified their schedule to reduce the number of time slots available. For this reason, we recommend booking ahead of time if possible so that you can get a reservation and they can schedule staff. Many tourism workers have been laid off or are only working part time because of the pandemic.

Compliance of Locals and Other Tourists

Generally speaking, most people in Costa Rica are taking the pandemic seriously. Everyone at grocery stores, banks, and other indoor businesses are all wearing their masks and sanitizing hands often.

On trips we have taken recently, we have seen many locals (especially from city areas like San Jose) respecting the protocols very carefully. On the other hand, in our small town on the central Pacific coast and in some other rural areas, we often see people mingling and very few wearing a mask. Many expats living in the country also seem to be hesitant to wear a mask when getting together. Of course, with any population, there is a mix.

Those international visitors that we have seen seem to be going with the flow and learning what to do at each place they stop. They all seem very happy to be here and who can blame them!   

Conclusion

Like everywhere, people in Costa Rica want to get back to some type of normalcy after having businesses closed for many months in 2020. Locals are excited to have international tourists back again and it gives them hope for the future. If you are thinking about planning a visit, we hope this post helps you decide one way or another. If you do come, Costa Rica will be waiting with open arms (and a mask).

Have a question about what’s open? Or are you in Costa Rica now? Leave us a comment below.
Need more info? Check out our other Covid-related posts before you travel:

Traveling to Costa Rica During Covid-19: Entry Requirements, Protocols & What to Expect 

Costa Rica and the Coronavirus (COVID-19): Latest Statistics

Where to Get a Covid-19 Test in Costa Rica  

Covid-19 in Costa Rica: Living Here Through the Pandemic 

Just starting to plan your trip? Check out these helpful posts and pages:

Rental Car Discount – Save 10% or more and get free extras like surfboard racks, child seats, and more.

Weather in Costa Rica: What You Need to Know – Weather Apps hardly work in Costa Rica. Read this post to find out typical weather patterns for the month you are planning to come.

Packing for Costa Rica: The Essentials – Covid may have changed a lot, but you still need much of the same gear these days. Be prepared for your Costa Rica trip with our detailed packing list.

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Family Itinerary for Costa Rica: Rainforest, Beach, and Volcano

Two Weeks in Costa Rica |

You’ve heard all about Costa Rica’s amazing wildlife and lush rainforest, and have booked your family’s flights to Costa Rica. You know you’re ready to create some amazing memories together but aren’t sure how best to spend your time.

In this post, we’ll give recommendations for a 10-day family itinerary for Costa Rica. It takes you to an active volcano, lush rainforest, and ends with time at the beach. With two kids ourselves, we made sure to consider certain key factors for family travel, like drive times, so that your trip goes smoothly.

Day 1: Arrive at San José International (SJO) Airport. Stay overnight in the San José area.

Your first destination will be about 2.5 hours from the airport. Since most flights don’t arrive into San Jose until early afternoon and it takes about one hour to get through the airport, we recommend staying overnight in the San Jose area. Unless you’re a very active family, usually this works best for people with kids. You can spend that first night recharging, then start fresh the next day.

The outskirts of San Jose have many good options for hotels set in scenic locations. These don’t have a typical airport-hotel feel so are a nice way to start your vacation. Hotel Buena Vista is in the mountains just outside the city. It has really nice views, an onsite restaurant, and a pool.

For more options, check out our post, Best Hotels Near SJO Airport.

Tip: This itinerary will work if you are flying into Liberia International Airport (LIR) as well. From LIR, your first destination also will be about 2.5-3 hours away.

Days 2-6: Head to La Fortuna for a volcano, nature, and plenty of adventure.
Overview

Your first stop will take you to La Fortuna, home of Costa Rica’s famous Arenal Volcano. This active volcano isn’t currently erupting, but still puffs steam occasionally and is an incredible sight to see.

The mighty Arenal Volcano

La Fortuna is perfect for families. It has a huge selection of accommodations, including vacation rentals and many family-friendly hotels with pools. See our La Fortuna Hotel Guide for specific recommendations.

We recommend spending four nights here because there is so much to do.

Transportation Tip: For families, a rental car is usually the best way to get around. You’ll have more flexibility to make stops along the way and can be on your own schedule. To get 10% off your rental car, free car seats, and a free second driver, check out our Rental Car Discount through Adobe Rent a Car.

Activities

Here are some of the many family-friendly activities you can do in La Fortuna/Arenal.

Nature Hikes – National Parks and Reserves

La Fortuna has several excellent nature hikes that the whole family will love.

One that we almost always recommend to first-time visitors is a volcano hike. You can really get a feel for the grandeur of the volcano on a hike of its old lava flows. Two options are Arenal Volcano National Park or the nearby Arenal 1968 Trail. Weather permitting, these trails will get you up-close views from the base of the cone-shaped giant.

Other short hikes that are especially good with young kids are the Peninsula Sector of Arenal Volcano National Park, the Bogarin Trail for seeing sloths, or EcoCentro Danaus.

EcoCentro Danaus has a short 600 meter (0.4 mile) trail. The walkway is well maintained so easy for little feet to maneuver. This spot is a good one with kids because it’s easy to see wildlife. Things that can be seen include sloths, lizards, toucans, poison dart frogs, and butterflies.  

Thick rainforest at EcoCentro Danaus
Hanging Bridges

Traipsing along suspension bridges high above the treetops is another must when in La Fortuna/Arenal. From this unique vantage point, you can really experience the rainforest.

There are a couple of different options for hanging bridges in this area. Mistico Hanging Bridges has a two-mile (3.2 km) loop with 16 bridges. It is easy to moderate in difficulty so great for families.

A more challenging hike is Sky Adventures. Their trail spends more time on the ground in primary rainforest (never been cut down). But they also have five long hanging bridges.

Waterfalls

Swimming below a refreshing waterfall in the jungle is on most people’s list when visiting Costa Rica. Luckily, La Fortuna has one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the whole country.

La Fortuna Waterfall (Catarata La Fortuna) is a gorgeous cascade that drops 70 meters (230 feet) into a deep pool. It’s located right outside the downtown. You buy your tickets at a visitors’ center, then just need to walk down the 530 concrete steps through the tropical forest to reach the bottom.

Be sure to bring your swimsuit to enjoy the river and natural pool!

The gorgeous La Fortuna Waterfall

If you love waterfalls, there’s another stunner you won’t want to miss. A day trip away is the Rio Celeste. This waterfall has a bright blue color that is out of this world. For more information on visiting, read our post, The Enchanting Rio Celeste.

Zip Lining and Adventure Tours

Before heading to the coast, you will want to get in some adventure. Although the beach has some adventure activities, the experience is better overall in places like La Fortuna/Arenal.

In La Fortuna, you can go zip lining, whitewater rafting, river tubing, waterfall rappelling, and do ATV tours. All these activities, even waterfall rappelling, are family friendly. La Fortuna has several options for zip lining, some of which allow kids as young as two-years old.

Chocolate Tours

A chocolate tour is perfect for when you have a few hours of downtime but need something to keep the kids busy.

These teach you about how chocolate actually comes from the white seeds of a fruit. There are several tour options in La Fortuna. All of them will take you through the process from drying the cacao beans to roasting and grinding into scrumptious chocolate.

A young cacao pod
Days 7-10: Head to the beaches of Guanacaste for swimming and relaxation.
Overview

After some busy days in La Fortuna, you will head west about 3.5 hours to Guanacaste Province for beach time and relaxation.

This region along the northern Pacific coast has some of Costa Rica’s most beautiful beaches. Not only that, but many have calm water and are good for swimming—perfect with kids.

The resort town of Flamingo and nearby community of Potrero are excellent home bases for families. You’ll find many choices for hotels, and importantly, vacation rental homes are plentiful as well.

Potrero is a laid back, quiet seaside town with many options for affordable vacation rentals. While small, it still has good restaurants and amenities.

Flamingo is a higher-end destination with mostly luxury condos and villas in the hills with ocean views. It is famous for its white-sand beach.

The view from a hotel in Playa Flamingo

To learn more about these areas, read out separate posts, Potrero: A Home Base for Beaches in Guanacaste and Playa Flamingo: A Luxury Destination in Guanacaste.

Activities
Beaches

From the Flamingo/Potrero area, you can visit an incredible 8+ beaches within a 15-minute drive. Many of these are undeveloped and pristine, like Playa Danta, Playa Dantita, Playa Prieta, and Playa Penca. Others have amenities. At places like Playa Conchal and Playa Flamingo, restaurants and beach chair rentals are just a short saunter away. 

The secluded Playa Dantita near Potrero
Other Activities

When you’ve had enough splashing in the waves, there’s snorkeling, scuba diving, stand-up paddleboard, kayaking, and catamaran tours. You can even rent small sailboats to explore the area’s quiet coves.

Although farther away, day trips can be a fun way to break up your beach time. Llanos de Cortez near Liberia is a gorgeous waterfall with a gentle pool for swimming.

Las Pumas Rescue Center is a wildlife rehabilitation center that will get the kids up close to rainforest animals and birds.

If you want to see another volcano, Rincon de la Vieja is about 1.5 hours away. The intense thermal energy that this volcano creates forms bubbling mud pots, powerful steam vents, and acidic crater lakes.

Finally, if you haven’t seen monkeys yet, a boat ride up the Tempisque River will almost guarantee a sighting. Read our post, Palo Verde National Park: A Wildlife Tour Through Guanacaste’s Wetlands for more details.

A boat tour up the Tempisque River to see wildlife
Other Guanacaste Destinations

Guanacaste is a huge region with lots of diversity. If Flamingo and Potrero don’t sound like what you’re looking for, here are some more great choices. All are still within a reasonable drive to Liberia International Airport and would work well for the second part of your trip.

Tamarindo

Tamarindo is a very popular, built-up beach town with a central area steps from the sand. This town has lots of restaurants and good shopping. The main beach is best for surfing, but the waves aren’t huge so you can still wade in the water. For more information, read our post, Tamarindo: Where Paradise Meets Convenience.

Playa Hermosa

A quieter beach town in northern Guanacaste. The main beach is a picturesque calm cove that is great for swimming. Playa Hermosa has many options for vacation rentals and condos. For more information, read our post, Playa Hermosa: Costa Rica’s Northern Beauty.

Playa Hermosa (Guanacaste)
Samara

Located in the less developed southern part of Guanacaste, Samara is a smaller beach town with a relatively calm cove. Despite its modest size, the town has a nice centrally located downtown with beachside dining. For more information, read our post, Samara: Guanacaste’s Most Overlooked Beach Town.

Day 10: Fly back home.

From the Flamingo/Potrero area, Costa Rica’s Liberia Airport is only about one hour away. That means that if your flight departs in the late morning or afternoon, you can enjoy that last night at the beach.

Hopefully, this itinerary will have given your family a good sense of what Costa Rica is all about, and you’ll bring back some unforgettable memories. Even though we live here, our family still loves exploring Costa Rica’s many destinations and discovering new things about each place. 

Have a question about your family’s Costa Rica itinerary? Ask us below.
Looking for more information to plan your family’s trip to Costa Rica? Check out these posts:

Planning a Family Vacation to Costa Rica: Read this for more help with choosing an airport, destinations, and activities, as well as tips on transportation and packing.

Family Travel: Why Costa Rica Is the Perfect Destination – Info on what makes Costa Rica ideal for a first family international trip. Culture, safety, accessibility, and more.

Traveling with a Baby in Costa Rica: Covers the quirks you’ll want to know about traveling with a baby.

Car Seats in Costa Rica: Learn about Costa Rica’s car seat laws and your options for getting seats.

The post Family Itinerary for Costa Rica: Rainforest, Beach, and Volcano appeared first on Two Weeks in Costa Rica.

Building a House in Costa Rica: Understanding the Basics

Two Weeks in Costa Rica |

With its warm weather, beautiful landscapes, and welcoming locals, Costa Rica is a desirable location for those moving or retiring abroad. For many people, building a house in Costa Rica is a top priority. A customized home gives you certain comforts, which you may not be able to find in a prebuilt house. Or maybe you are looking to invest and create a dreamy rental property that will bring in extra income in the future. 

But where do you start when building a house in a foreign country like Costa Rica? What hurdles are there and how is the process different from what you may be used to? To get some answers, we sat down with an experienced contractor and longtime acquaintance. In this post, we’ll share his insights into building a house in Costa Rica.

Background – Building a House in Costa Rica

We have lived in Costa Rica for over seven years and have either done house sitting or rented the entire time. Over the years, we’ve lived in many different style homes and can see why someone would want to build their own custom house. Whether it is an odd layout, poor material choices, a lack of closets or natural light, or bad airflow, many buildings have at least some flaws.

We haven’t built our own home yet, but we did gain some useful experience when we oversaw the construction of an addition for a house we were living in.  

To find out more about the entire process of building a house in Costa Rica, we sat down with the contractor on that project, Carlos Morales.

Carlos is the owner of Five Star Construction near Dominical on the southern Pacific coast. We met him in 2013 during our first house sit. He had helped build the house we were staying in and came to do an emergency repair. Over the years, we kept in touch and he ended up doing several large-scale construction jobs on a property that we were taking care of.  

Carlos often works with expats to build or remodel homes in the Dominical, Platanillo, Matapalo, Uvita, and Ojochal areas. He also worked for several years doing construction in the United States. So, he has an idea of what expats have to adapt to when choosing to build in Costa Rica.

According to Carlos, there are two major steps when building a home in Costa Rica. The first is finding a good lot. The second is proceeding with the plans and construction work. We’ll cover some details on both below. 

Finding a Suitable Lot to Build

This step could almost be its own post because there are so many variables, but Carlos gave us some good, simple advice.

“Find a good, honest real-estate person and hire good lawyer.”

Carlos stresses the need to find honest people because, like everywhere in the world, there is a lot of money to be made on real estate. You definitely want someone who will guide you in the right direction and keep your best interests in mind. His advice is to ask for several referrals and talk with past clients. Make sure the customers were happy with the outcome. 

Things to Look for in a Property

A good real-estate agent should know a lot about the property you are looking at and whether it is suitable to build on.

Here are the basic things to check for before you get too far into the buying process. Construction can be held up for weeks, months, or even indefinitely if one of these elements is missing or needs further investigation.

Water Source

This can be from a town source like the AyA or ASADA (public water companies/associations in Costa Rica), or by concession (legal access to a spring).

In the case of a concession, Carlos mentioned that it is important that the property title mentions access to the water and specifies how many houses it can supply. For example, sometimes a spring is rated for only three homes, but the developer is selling five lots.

Electricity

The most common source for electric power in Costa Rica is ICE (the government-owned electric company).

You should make sure that the electrical wires pass very close to the property. Extending service to a new area can be quite expensive and time consuming.

Solar power is another possibility with so much sun in Costa Rica, but a big investment up front.

Internet

Everyone needs Internet these days. Many areas have wired, cable Internet now. Some even have fiber optic. But if the property is far from a main road or in a rural area, Internet access may have to be through a cell-phone tower or satellite. It is best to find out what neighbors are using and what works best in the particular area you’re looking at.  

Road Service

Access to the property is a must, especially if other properties sit between the one you are looking at and the main road. Make sure there is a legal right of way for you to access the land.

Property Limits

Make sure that the property boundaries are detailed on a stamped plan and registered with the municipality. These plans may include setbacks from roads, rivers, or protected areas that you should know about. Then make sure they are correct by hiring a surveyor/engineer.  

Zoned Use

This may seem obvious, but it is important to make sure that the lot you are buying can be used for the purposes you want. Check with the municipality to see if it is zoned for a residential building. If not, find out what the process is to get approval.

Be careful around coastal properties as there is a 200-meter setback in Costa Rica that usually prevents new construction.

Clear Title

One of the most important things to make sure of is a clear title. Ensure that the person selling has paid all taxes and there are no disputes or liens.

Importance of Attorney and Contractor/Architect

While a real-estate professional should be able to give you a basic idea of the above list, Carlos says that it is important to hire an attorney early in the process. They will ensure that everything is official in the government system and identify any potential issues early on.

Carlos also mentioned that before getting too far in the process, it can be beneficial to bring in a contractor or architect to assess the site as well. This way, they can look at the property for things like water-runoff issues, flooding potential, slope stability, future machine access needed for building, etc.

This cement mixer couldn’t make it up the hill to a jobsite. It blocked the road for two days! 
Purchasing the Property

A lawyer is essential for this step. Not only will they be needed to take care of many of the purchasing requirements, but they also will be looking out for you, as your legal representative. Always get your own lawyer and don’t rely on the seller’s lawyer.

Once you have decided on a property, the lawyer will help you draft an offer that’s in your best interest. They also will help review the final purchase agreement and do due diligence to make sure that the property meets the requirements above (title research, zoning, survey, free from liens, etc.).

The lawyer can further guide you on creating a corporation for the property (if desired), and help you open local bank accounts so that you can transfer the purchase money and pay for utilities, permits, and taxes. They also will help with the required paperwork involved in sending a large sum of money into Costa Rica.

If you would like a recommendation for a reputable law firm in Costa Rica to help with your purchase, feel free to contact us at info(at)twoweeksincostarica(dot)com. We can email you one we have used for our legal matters, and who has helped some of our friends with real estate purchases specifically.

The Building Process

Once you own the land, the fun part of designing and building your home begins. The first step is to assemble your team. You will need both a contractor and an architect/engineer. Real-estate professionals may have recommendations, but it’s important to do research on several different options and go with the ones you feel the most comfortable with.

It’s also important to note that many contractors have certain architects they work with often, and vice-versa. So if you find a contractor that you like, they may be able to introduce you to a reputable architect/engineer.

The role of the architect is to make the design and blueprints. They are also responsible for the project as a whole and will come to the jobsite weekly and/or during important phases of construction to make sure things are being built as specified.

Engineers also can do this but typically don’t do as much design work. An architect, on the other hand, is an engineer but with the next level of degree/license.

Design Phase

In the design phase, Carlos says that it is very common for clients to have their own design in mind or at least some ideas for what they like. They then sit down with the contractor or architect (or both) to discuss the options as a whole.

“This is where it is important that you hire the right people, because you will likely talk about the budget for the entire project and what is realistic.”

Carlos went on to say that when checking references, previous clients should say that the contractor “offered this and did exactly what he offered.”

If past customers think that shortcuts were made, it’s a big red flag!

Along with the layout of the home, the design phase also will specify the general building materials (block, stucco, wood, steel, etc.) and costs per square meter.

Once the budget, general materials, and design ideas are shared, the design process will go through a series of steps:

1) 3D-Mock Up

The architect will take the design ideas and work up a 3D proposal to show you.

“The nice thing about this process,” says Carlos, “is that it can be done online with the client thousands of miles away.”

The 3D model will give you a very good idea of how the home will look when finished.

2) Blueprints

With the 3D model edited and approved, it is now time to prepare the blueprints.

To do this, the client and contractor must specify the finish materials. According to Carlos, it is in everyone’s best interest to put as many details on the blueprints as possible. For example, floors will be concrete with porcelain tile on top. The bathroom shower will have high quality porcelain tiles that go from floor level, up two meters. The shower doors will be glass, going up 2.5 meters. And things like that. The contractor will be there to guide the client on typical costs.

Once the blueprints are complete, they will be sent to the College of Engineers in San Jose for approval. Once approved, a small percent of changes is okay, but no major changes, especially structural.

With the stamped blueprints, you can apply for the building permit with your municipality.

3) Proposal & Contract

With blueprints in hand, now the contractor can give you the final price to build. The contractor will work with the original budget and blueprints to specify the materials and labor costs on a proposal.

Carlos says that like the blueprints, “The proposal and contract should be very detailed so that there are no major questions later from either side.” And that, “it should include everything you want and everything that was agreed on in the design.”

While some changes to the contract later on are fine, having it all in writing from the start will protect both the client and the contractor. For example, the contractor might specify that he is planning to spend $25/sq. meter on tile. That price should allow him to purchase a high quality tile that you pick out, but if for some reason, you find one at a higher price that you like better, you can pay separately for the upgrade.   

Build Phase

After the contract is signed and a deposit is made, it’s time to build!

This will be the fun part, as you will get to see each step of the process and eventually the final product. Be prepared, though, as the building process can be notoriously lengthy in Costa Rica. A custom home may take 7-12 months from start to finish, or even longer, depending on the size and complexity.

Carlos warns that if a contractor says that the house will be done in six months, plan for a few extra months just in case. There can be weather delays, especially in rainy season (May to November), permits pending, materials backordered, and other factors that hold up the work.

Additionally, unlike in North America, where we are from and Carlos worked for a while, subcontractors are not that common. In other words, a crew of workers in Costa Rica may do everything from start to finish, including things like foundation work, electrical, plumbing, roofing, tile, and painting. This limits the amount of work that happens simultaneously, but on the other hand, ensures control over the project every step of the way.

Conclusion

Building a house abroad in a country like Costa Rica can seem daunting at first, but we hope this post gets you started. With the right team of people and a little patience, your dreams can become a reality.

Special thanks to Carlos Morales for his help with this article. If you are looking for an honest builder in the Southern Pacific area, please look him up at Five Star Construction. Oh, and tell him that Matt & Jenn sent you!

Have you built a home in Costa Rica or are planning to build soon? Leave us a comment below.
Want more information about moving and living in Costa Rica? Check out these articles:

Buying a Car in Costa Rica: Need a car for when you get to Costa Rica? This post shares our three car-buying experiences, through a direct consumer sale, from a rental car company, and a new car from a dealership.

FAQs About Moving to Costa Rica: Learn the basics about getting residency in Costa Rica, visas, cost of living, and how to get your stuff here.

Starting a Business in Costa Rica: If you’re thinking about starting a business, this post will give you a good idea of the process and important things to keep in mind.

The post Building a House in Costa Rica: Understanding the Basics appeared first on Two Weeks in Costa Rica.

9 Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations in Costa Rica

Two Weeks in Costa Rica |

Costa Rica is no doubt on the map as an ecotourism destination, with millions of visitors each year. While many people head straight to the country’s most famous sites and attractions, there are some lesser known spots worth a visit. If you’re looking for a little more seclusion, or perhaps a socially distanced vacation, this is the post for you. We’ll let you know about nine off-the-beaten-path destinations in Costa Rica. Many are located remotely and require some effort to get to, but several are easily accessible.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations in Costa Rica

Below are five off-the-beaten-path beach destinations in Costa Rica and four inland areas.

Beach DestinationsMontezuma and Santa Teresa – Southern Nicoya Peninsula

Isolated by jungle-covered hills and rough dirt roads are the towns of Montezuma and Santa Teresa. While these destinations are more remotely located on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, they still have plenty of amenities.

Montezuma is super laid back, with a small main area along the beach. It has a charming, bohemian feel. Accommodations are modest in size and located mostly in and around town. A small resort, perfect for getting away from it all, lies on the secluded northern end.

Santa Teresa and the neighboring Mal Pais are more spread out. ATVs are a popular way to get between the two beach communities.

The main draw of Santa Teresa are its surfing beaches. It also has some amazing sunsets.

While remote, Santa Teresa has a metropolitan feel, with upscale accommodations and good restaurants.

For more information on the southern Nicoya Peninsula, read our posts, Road Trip to Mal Pais and Montezuma: A Bohemian Beach Town.

MontezumaPlaya Avellanas Area – Northern Pacific Coast

Although the Playa Avellanas area is only about 1.5 hours from Liberia International Airport, it feels a world away. Unlike many beach towns along the developed Guanacaste coastline, Playa Avellanas still has dirt roads, virgin jungle, secluded beaches, and a remote feel.

The area may not be on the typical tourist trail but is well known for surfing. Two top surfing beaches are Playa Avellanas and Playa Negra.

Even if you aren’t a surfer, this area is a nice retreat with enough amenities to make for a comfortable vacation.

Read our post, The Playa Avellanas Area: Going Off-the-Beaten Path in Guanacaste for more information.

The quiet Playa Lagartillo in the Playa Avellanas areaEsterillos Area – Central Pacific Coast

Although it is close to popular destinations, the Playa Esterillos area is off-the-beaten path and quiet. Sandwiched between Jaco and the famous Manuel Antonio, this area has its own beaches, that while lesser known, are gorgeous.

The towns of Esterillos (Esterillos Oeste, Esterillos Centro, and Esterillos Este) have beautiful gray sand beaches. They’re all different, some with elaborate tide pools, others with almost black, volcanic sand.

You’ll find a handful of restaurants in this area, and lots more choices in nearby Jaco and Playa Hermosa. Vacation rentals are plentiful, with ocean or rainforest views.

For more information about the area, read our post Esterillos Oeste: Surfing, Serenity, and La Sirena.   

The mermaid statue at Playa Esterillos OesteDrake Bay – Southern Pacific Coast

For the ultimate off-the-beaten-path experience, there’s Drake Bay. Accessible by boat or small plane, this village on the remote Osa Peninsula is immersed in thick, lush rainforest.

Wildlife viewing is incredible here. A popular thing to do is to take a boat ride to visit Corcovado National Park for the day. Corcovado is one of the most biodiverse parks in Costa Rica. You can see many types of birds and animals, including the rare Baird’s tapir, collared peccaries, four types of monkeys, and Scarlet Macaw parrots.

Drake Bay has a small town center, but many ecolodges are set off on their own in the rainforest outside town. Lodging ranges from cheap hostels to luxury ecolodges.

For more information, read our post Drake Bay: Costa Rica Unplugged.

The main bay in the remote destination of Drake BayPavones – Southern Pacific Coast

On the far southern Pacific coast, almost at the border with Panama, is Pavones. Pavones is best known for having one of the longest left-hand breaks for surfing in the world. But it’s also a nice place to just recharge in a beautiful natural setting.

The palm-tree-lined beaches in Pavones feel very wild, with rocky outcroppings and untamed vegetation. Following the coast south, you’ll find even more remote beaches, like Punta Banco.  

Pavones is a long drive from San Jose, at about seven hours, but luckily small plane flights are available into nearby Golfito.

For more information, check out our post, Pavones: Surfing and Seclusion on the Southern Pacific.

One of the remote beaches south of PavonesInland DestinationsBijagua – Northern Mountains

If you’re looking to experience nature in a tranquil setting, look no further than Bijagua. This small town is only about an hour from the famous La Fortuna/Arenal Volcano area, but couldn’t feel more different. In Bijagua, you’ll find a charming community with a handful of small lodges and locally owned restaurants.

Although Bijagua isn’t a large destination, it has a big attraction, the Rio Celeste Waterfall. This bright blue river and waterfall is an amazing site to see. Its sky-blue water looks almost artificial, but occurs naturally, due to volcanic minerals.

Bijagua is a wonderful place for wildlife and birding. It has a mix of ecosystems, including lush rainforest and cloud forest. There are many opportunities for hikes where you may be the only one on the trail.

For more information, read our post, Bijagua: A Gateway to the Rio Celeste.

The gorgeous Rio Celeste WaterfallSan Gerardo de Dota – Southern Mountains

In the high-altitude mountains south of San Jose is the tiny village of San Gerardo de Dota. This rural town is coveted by birders who come in search of the Resplendent Quetzal. This is an elusive green and red bird with extraordinarily long tail feathers.

Although the rustic lodges get busy during certain times of year, the limited number of accommodations keeps the town quiet and serene.

Hikes through the cloud forest at Los Quetzales National Park or to a local waterfall are popular things to do in San Gerardo de Dota.

For more information, read our post, San Gerardo de Dota: A Hideaway in the Cloud Forest.

The peaceful San Gerardo de DotaSanta Maria de Dota – Southern Mountains

Not far from San Gerardo de Dota is Santa Maria de Dota. This quaint mountain town set in a valley offers a glimpse into small-town life in Costa Rica. Few tourists visit this area so it’s a great place to watch the comings and goings of locals. The town has a vibrant town center, with a central park, restaurants, and shops.

Many crops are grown in the Santa Maria de Dota area due to the fertile soil and cooler climate. The most famous is coffee. Small producers in this region have won acclaim worldwide for their shade-grown Tarrazu beans. Tours of Coopedota are available right in town.

Due to its high-altitude location, Santa Maria de Dota is excellent for bird watching.

Coffee farm in Santa Maria de DotaPuerto Viejo de Sarapiqui – Caribbean Lowlands

Our last recommendation for an off-the-beaten-path destination in Costa Rica is Puerto Viejo de Sarapaqui. Not to be confused with the bustling tourist town Puerto Viejo de Talamanca on the Caribbean coast, Sarapiqui is a lesser known agricultural town frequented mostly by locals.

The rainforests of Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui do draw some visitors, especially birders and biologists. The area has a few protected areas with nice hiking trails that cut through the steamy rainforest.

Whitewater rafting along the thrilling Sarapiqui River is another fun activity nearby.

A small number of simple ecolodges can be found in the Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui area. Read our post, Tirimbina: An Eco-treat in Sarapiqui, for one good option.  

Hanging bridge at Tirimbina Reserve in Puerto Viejo de SarapiquiConclusion

Although places like Arenal Volcano, Tamarindo, and Manuel Antonio get most of the hype, Costa Rica has plenty of lesser known areas that are worth a visit. Whether you want a socially distanced vacation or are just looking to get away from it all, we hope this list of off-the-beath-path destinations in Costa Rica gets you excited for your next trip.

Have a question about visiting an off-the-beaten-path destination in Costa Rica? Ask us below.Looking for more information to plan your trip? Check out these posts:

Traveling to Costa Rica During Covid-19: Learn about entry requirements during Covid, safety protocols at hotels and restaurants, and get a feel for what it is like to travel to Costa Rica right now.

Rental Car Discount – For these more remote areas, we highly recommend a rental car to get around. Check out our discount to save 10% or more and get extras like a free second driver, surf racks, and car seats.

Packing for Costa Rica: The Essentials – Since most remote destinations don’t have a lot of amenities, bringing what you need can be critical. Read our packing post for a detailed list.

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Palo Verde National Park: A Wildlife Tour Through Guanacaste’s Wetlands

Two Weeks in Costa Rica |

Costa Rica has an amazing diversity of wildlife, though sometimes it can be hard to find. This is especially true in the Guanacaste region. Many visitors arrive in this part of Costa Rica during the driest months (February to end of April). Lots of the trees have lost their leaves, and freshwater rivers and reservoirs are mostly dried up. At this time of year, when tourists are flocking to sunny beaches, wildlife is flocking to the nearby wetlands of Palo Verde National Park.

In this post, we’ll share a special tour that brings you through the Guanacaste countryside to Palo Verde National Park. Here, a lush river, brimming with wildlife, awaits. We will also provide booking information if you’d like to visit yourself.  

A Cultural Trip Through Guanacaste

Our tour of Palo Verde National Park began one morning in Tamarindo. After breakfast, our family loaded into a shuttle van and headed off. Our driver, Jose, and guide, David, were eager to start the day.

As we left town and got onto the long flat roads of Guanacaste, David began introducing us to the area. He explained about the abundant agricultural fields surrounding us and how they have changed over time. Once used by small family farms to grow fruits and vegetables, then for cattle farming, this land has mostly transitioned into sugar cane crop.

The drive out to the wetlands was about 1.5 hours, but we stayed entertained. In addition to the history we learned, we stopped several times to see birds and wildlife along the rural roads. Some highlights were a Yellow-billed Cuckoo (bird) and a family of coati (a racoon-like animal with a long snout and tail).

To further break it up, we stopped in a small village to use the restroom and got to see some locally made Chorotega-style pottery. The village was very authentic with several wooden homes and even some horses on the streets.

A traditional wooden house in the countryside near where our tour startedArriving at Palo Verde National Park

After a short drive more in the van, we arrived at the wide river.

The Tempisque River stretches for miles, winding and connecting with other streams as it gets bigger. The river is inside one of Costa Rica’s biggest watersheds, getting runoff even as far away as Arenal Volcano.

The river and surrounding wetlands stay green and wet all year-round. This is why many animals call it home and even more visit during the driest months.

Eventually, the mighty Tempisque River pours into the Gulf of Nicoya and Pacific Ocean. This makes it an important fish breeding ground as well.

As we boarded a long skinny boat, David explained that while the docks didn’t look like much today, at one time, this was a booming area. Most of the agricultural products that grew in Guanacaste used to pass through here. Before highways, the goods were loaded onto barges and boats, then floated down the river. Ultimately, they went to Puntarenas, one of Costa Rica’s largest ports, where they could be shipped to other areas of the country or exported.

The Tempisque RiverA Boat Tour of Palo Verde National Park

The highlight of our day was the boat tour. From the moment we pushed off the dock, we began to see wildlife. First, it was a giant iguana sunning itself in a tree, then a troop of white-faced monkeys eating fruit off the branches. There were at least 30 in the family!

A white-faced capuchin monkey along the riverbank 

The boat glided through the murky water over to the opposite shore then down a narrower branch of the river. Everywhere we went, David pointed out different creatures. There were giant grasshoppers the size of your hand, a Jesus Christ Lizard (can run across the water), a family of bats sleeping on a tree trunk, and birds all around.

Some of the birds we identified were the White Ibis and her two babies, a Little Blue Heron, a Great Blue Heron, and a Ringed Kingfisher. We knew one bird was an extra special sighting, since David got excited about it. It was a Gray-headed Kite and her fledgling, apparently uncommon to see.  

Along the banks of the river and lurking in the shallows, we also saw several crocodiles. David pulled the boat up close to a baby hiding in the sticks so that we could get a picture. We saw some larger crocs swimming in the deeper water too, poking their eye just above the waterline.  

A baby crocodile

Overall, the boat portion of our tour lasted about two hours. We felt like we saw so much during the ride. On the way back to the docks, David even let our oldest son steer the boat. He was thrilled.

An Authentic Costa Rican Meal and Farm VisitInteresting Sites at the Farm

After the boat tour, Jose, our driver was waiting. The air-conditioned van felt amazing after visiting the steamy wetlands. But we weren’t just heading back to the hotel. Our next stop was a farm where we would sit down for an authentic Costa Rican meal.

When we arrived at the farm, we could tell it would be a cultural experience. The family was stoking the wood stove and beginning to cook rice in a shiny pot on top. David introduced us and said he would show us around the property while the food was being prepared.

There was a lot to see. First, we walked through a sort of museum. It was an old farmhouse built from faded wooden planks. Inside was a bed, rocking chair, and some dusty oil lanterns. This, explained David, was a traditional house in the area back when most of the trade went through the river.

Antiques inside the old farmhouse

Along the walls of the house were some old photos. One was of some barges floating down the river we had been on. Another was of a crocodile parade held each year in town. David explained that before crocodiles were protected, there was a prize for the person who caught the biggest one. Then that croc was paraded through town like a trophy. Sometimes they were more than 20 feet (6 meters) long. 

After, we toured more of the farm and let our kids meet some of the animals like chickens and a giant pig. Our oldest son was excited to be able to ride one of the horses.

A Traditional Lunch

With lunch ready, we sat down at the simple wooden table. The meal consisted of homemade corn tortillas and stewed chicken, rice, and black beans. There was also a salad and some freshly squeezed fruit juice. Everything was served in the traditional clay bowls that we had learned about earlier in the day. And everything was delicious.

After the meal, they brewed us some Costa Rican coffee using a traditional chorreador.

Our delicious lunchMilling Sugar Cane

Filled up, David took us to see one last thing on the farm, a traditional sugar cane mill.

An old man explained how it worked while David translated. Then it was time to try it out.

He handed us some sugar cane stalks and told us to put them into the grinder in the center. When we pushed the large wooden handles in a circle around the machine, it began crushing the reeds and pouring the juice into a pitcher. We all got a taste of the sweet juice and talked about how hard it was to push. The old man told us that usually they have a horse do it, but that tourists work well too!

Raw sugar cane stalks beside the old-fashioned grinderEnding the Day

Our tour ended with a nice goodbye to David and Jose. Though it had been a long day, it was filled with some interesting history and a lot of great wildlife. We highly recommend experiencing it for yourself.

Palo Verde National Park Tour InformationCost

$105 per person adults. $84 children ages 5-10. Children under 5 are free. (Plus 4% tax starting July 2021)

Minimum Age

None. Suitable for anyone. 

Offered

Pick up points available in northern Guanacaste Province (Tamarindo/JW Marriott, Flamingo, Conchal, Potrero, Ocotal, Playas del Coco, Playa Hermosa, Playa Panama, Papagayo, RIU).

Pick up Time

7:30 a.m. (may vary depending on exact location)

Duration

7 hours door-to-door from your hotel (approximate)

Tour Includes

Bilingual naturalist guide, traditional lunch, water, park entrance fee, and round-trip transportation from your hotel or vacation rental in Guanacaste.

Covid-19 Protocols

Temperature check, masks mandatory inside van, seating spaced apart, etc.

Booking a Tour of Palo Verde National Park

Click below to go to our booking system where you can reserve your tour. We will email you once the reservation is confirmed with the operator. Booking through us costs the same and helps our website. Thank you for your support!

Palo Verde National Park: Boat, Wildlife, and Culture Tour
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Have a question about visiting Palo Verde National Park? Ask us in the comments below.Looking for more information to plan your trip to Costa Rica? Check out these posts:

Traveling to Costa Rica During Covid-19: Entry Requirements, Protocols & What to Expect – Learn Costa Rica’s entry requirements and what businesses like tour companies are doing to keep you safe.   

Rincon de la Vieja National Park: Volcanic Vents and Tropical Forest – This is another popular day trip from Guanacaste’s beaches. Hike to see volcanic steam vents, bubbling mud pots, and more.

Santa Rosa National Park: Hiking and History in Guanacaste – Explore the dry forest ecosystem and learn about the history of the Guanacaste region at Santa Rosa National Park.

 

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The Playa Avellanas Area: Going Off-the-Beaten Path in Guanacaste

Two Weeks in Costa Rica |

The Guanacaste region, on Costa Rica’s northern Pacific coast, is a tourism hotspot known for its miles of beautiful beach. But those seeking a more remote feel won’t have to look far. Just south of the bustling destination of Tamarindo is the Playa Avellanas area. Here, the road turns to dirt and the jungle becomes undeveloped and pristine. In this destination guide, we’ll give you a feel for the Playa Avellanas area, its surrounding beaches, restaurants, hotels, and things to do.

Promo Code: To save 10% on a great eco-lodge in the Playa Avellanas area, see the Hotels’ section below.

Orientation

The Playa Avellanas area is in northern Guanacaste Province, about 30 minutes south of Tamarindo. Playa Avellanas is the largest beach town in the area, though it is still quite modest in size. It doesn’t have a town center. Rather, a handful of casual restaurants and some surf camps and cabinas are spread out along the road to the beach.

About 1.5 km (1 mile) south of Avellanas is the quiet town of Playa Lagartillo. Small-town life abounds here. In between resident Ticos going about their daily business is the occasional small hotel or vacation rental.

Two kilometers (1.25 miles) past Lagartillo is the town of Los Pargos, best known for Playa Negra. This is another popular surf spot with more options for restaurants and accommodations.

The closest airport to Playa Avellanas, Playa Lagartillo, and Playa Negra is Liberia International (LIR), at about 1.5 hours. San Jose International Airport (SJO) is about 4 hours away.

The dirt road to Playa Avellanas, coming from TamarindoActivities in the Playa Avellanas Area

Most people visiting the Playa Avellanas area come for its quiet, uncrowded beaches. Below is some more information about the beaches, as well as some other things to do.

For additional activities nearby, check out our Tamarindo destination guide.

Beaches and SurfingPlaya Avellanas

Playa Avellanas is one of our favorite beaches in this part of the country. It’s well-known for surfing and has varied conditions for almost every level. The beautiful light tan sand is nice for walking, and you can explore the rocks at low tide.

But what makes this beach special is the fun seaside restaurant called Lola’s. Lola’s is the perfect spot to grab a frosty beer or fruity drink after a full morning of surfing, boogie boarding, or beach combing.

Read our post Playa Avellanas: Surf, Sun, and Fun in Guanacaste for more information.

Playa Lagartillo

The next beach past Playa Avellanas is Playa Lagartillo. This small beach isn’t well-known and you’ll often find no one else there.

A nice way to spend an hour or so is to walk the sand going south. Playa Lagartillo has a very wild feel, with interesting driftwood, rocky outcroppings, and untamed vegetation. Along the way, you’ll cross a small river and get a glimpse of the lush, green scenery inland.

The beach has some rocky spots as we mentioned, but you can swim if the waves aren’t too big.

The secluded Playa Lagartillo

Access to Playa Lagartillo is along a rustic 4×4 road/trail. This is directly across the street from the road to the Drift Away Eco Lodge. Here is a map with the location. The trail is narrow and can be muddy, so it’s easiest to just walk the five or so minutes. There is a small stream to cross in the rainy months, but conditions are fine and the water generally isn’t too deep. We did it with our two young children.

Playa Negra

Another 10 minutes south of Playa Lagartillo is Playa Negra. This surfing beach is popular with locals and expats alike, who have made Playa Negra home because of its fantastic waves. The reef break is one of Guanacaste’s most famous.

Playa Negra has gorgeous light tan sand. Even if you’re not a surfer, it’s a fun spot because of all the surfers coming and going.

Shredding the waves at Playa Negra

To get to this beach, look for the turnoff right as you’re coming into town (shortly after Corazon Coffee Roasters). Follow the dirt road to the end. You’ll come to a nice big parking lot with an attendant who will watch your car for around 2,000 colones ($3 or so). From there, just follow the brick path past the Playa Negra Surf Shop to reach the main area of the beach.

Yoga

Those looking to recharge with some yoga will find several options in the area. Yoga studios and retreat centers are located in both Playa Avellanas and Playa Negra.

Horseback Riding

A great way to take in the area’s raw natural beauty is on horseback. Small local operators will take you along the beach or through the jungle to show you hidden spots that you wouldn’t find on your own.

Tours are available out of Playa Avellanas.

Amenities in the Playa Avellanas Area

Because the Playa Avellanas area is rural, we recommend coming stocked with the essentials. Larger grocery stores are farther away in Tamarindo, but there are some small markets that carry the basics.

There are no banks or ATMs nearby so be sure to carry some cash. Most restaurants do accept credit cards.

Restaurants in the Playa Avellanas Area

Since tourism is one of the main industries, one thing you will find plenty of is restaurants. Here are a few we have tried and enjoyed.

Lola’s (Playa Avellanas)

We mentioned this above, but Lola’s is a must-visit when in the Avellanas area. Over the years, it has become one of Costa Rica’s most famous beachside restaurants. With lofty wooden tables spread out along the sand among shady palm and almond trees, Lola’s always draws a crowd.

It’s a good place to grab a drink and an appetizer while watching the waves, or they have a full menu with a range of international offerings. Find the menu on their website.

Fresh tuna poke at Lola’sIl Rustico (Playa Avellanas)

For authentic Italian food, head to Il Rustico on the main road in Playa Avellanas. This casual restaurant is owned by a young couple from central Italy. They have homemade pasta, pizza, and salads. Everything is delicious here, and they use high-quality ingredients. Our prosciutto pizza came complete with freshly shaved parmesan. Check out their menu on their Facebook page.

Jalapeño Eatery & Market (Playa Negra)

A staple in Playa Negra, Jalapeño Eatery & Market has been serving up breakfast and lunch to hungry surfers since 2008. They use high-quality, local ingredients (organic whenever possible) in their burritos, tacos, and salads. The eggs come right from their backyard, and the friendly owner will give you a tour of the cute chicken coop upon request. Be sure to try their homemade hot sauces!

Hotels in the Playa Avellanas Area

Accommodations in the Playa Avellanas area are smaller; you won’t find any of the elaborate resorts and hotels like in Tamarindo here. But there are plenty of nice places with all the amenities you would need. Most lodges and vacation rentals are set in the jungle or just a short distance from the beach.

Here is one great accommodation option in the area.

Drift Away Eco Lodge

Centrally located in Playa Lagartillo is the charming Drift Away Eco Lodge. This small lodge has a mix of accommodations set among flowering gardens and interesting tropical plants. One building houses the contemporary rooms, while four freestanding villas with kitchenettes are spread out in another part of the property.

This lodge is truly eco-friendly and sustainable, from their locally made soaps and cleaning products to the pool, which was made using reclaimed materials. A large yoga studio is located on-site. Guests get free use of bicycles, surfboards, boogie boards, and beach umbrellas.

One of the best things about the lodge is the staff, which is so friendly and welcoming. We really enjoyed our stay here. $75-300/night.

Promo Code: To save 10% at Drift Away Eco Lodge, make your reservation directly through the lodge’s website and enter the promo code TWOWEEKS. A 10% discount will be automatically applied.

One of the villas at Drift Away Eco LodgeConclusion

If you’re looking to explore Guanacaste’s lesser known beaches, the Playa Avellanas area has a lot to offer. Surfers will find no end to the area’s many amazing surf beaches. The wild, natural setting is also a great place to just relax and quiet the mind. After a few nights here, you’re sure to feel recharged and ready to start your next adventure.

Have a question about visiting the Playa Avellanas area? Or have you been before? Leave us a comment below. Looking for more information to plan your trip? Check out these posts:

Tamarindo: Where Paradise Meets Convenience – Tamarindo has a totally different feel but can be a nice contrast from Playa Avellanas and convenient since it is close by. Learn more about this popular destination with this post.

Playa Pavones: Surfing and Seclusion on the Southern Pacific – Pavones is an even more off-the-beaten path surf destination in the rainforest-rich Southern Zone.

Rental Car Discount: When visiting somewhere remote like Playa Avellanas, we highly recommend a rental car so that you can explore. Check out our discount to save at least 10% and get free extras like a surfboard rack and cooler.

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Where to Get a Covid-19 Test in Costa Rica

Two Weeks in Costa Rica |

Many people have been asking where you can get a Covid-19 test in Costa Rica, for purposes of onward travel. In this short post, we will let you know of some reputable private hospitals and labs that can perform the test. Most of these are in and around San Jose, but there are some options outside the city.

Covid Testing Options in Costa RicaPrivate Hospitals

Some private hospitals and labs can do the test. They all perform the RT-PCR test (nasal swab) and most can guarantee results in 24-48 hours.

Two private hospitals near San Jose that offer the test are Hospital CIMA in Escazu and Clinica Biblica in downtown San Jose and Santa Ana. For information on the costs and process, follow the links we just provided (for Clinica Biblica, look for “Prueba Diagnostica COVID-19”). Some of the websites allow you to change the language to English. For those that don’t, you can use Google translate.

We have had consultations and procedures at CIMA and Clinical Biblica, and found both hospitals to be very professional and modern. It is also fairly easy to find English-speaking people in these larger medical facilities, though not all staff speaks English.

Hospital Metropolitano is another good option. They have a few locations around the country. Their main offices are in the San Jose area, but they have satellite locations in Quepos near Manuel Antonio and Liberia and Huacas (close to Tamarindo) in Guanacaste. We have used the Quepos location for important lab work in the past, and they were very professional and helpful. 

Labs

A reputable lab offering the test is Labin. They have many locations all around San Jose, including near the airport in Alajuela (Vindi Alajuela location). This may be an easier option because you would not have to navigate at a larger hospital and figure out where you need to go. 

Our doctors in San Jose recommend Labin for our lab work.

Airports

Currently, Covid testing is not available at either the San Jose International Airport (SJO) or Liberia International Airport (LIR). 

Covid Testing Prerequisites

Medical facilities that administer Covid-19 tests do so under the authority of Costa Rica’s Ministry of Heath.

Per Ministry of Health requirements, to get a test in Costa Rica, you are supposed to be showing symptoms or be a suspicious case due to contact with someone who tested positive, etc. You will also need a doctor’s referral, but the hospitals/labs can take care of this as part of their service for an additional charge. 

Test Cost

Prices for the test (the RT-PCR) are around 59,000 colones or $100. There is an additional charge if you need the doctor referral.

We are not aware of any facilities in Costa Rica doing the rapid or any Covid-19 test other than the RT-PCR. If we hear of any, we will update this post.

Have a question about getting a Covid-19 test in Costa Rica? Ask us below. More information:

Wondering about Costa Rica’s entry requirements, or international insurance options? Check out our detailed post Traveling to Costa Rica During Covid-19: Entry Requirements, Protocols & What to Expect.

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Playa Avellanas: Sun, Surf, and Fun in Guanacaste

Two Weeks in Costa Rica |

Costa Rica’s Guanacaste region is well known for its beaches. Although places like Tamarindo and Playa Flamingo get most of the hype, there are some amazing lesser known beaches as well. One of our favorites is Playa Avellanas. Not only is Playa Avellanas a beautiful beach, but there’s also a fun restaurant right on the sand that is the perfect place to relax the day away.

Getting ThereOverview

Although Playa Avellanas is close to Tamarindo, it still takes about 20-30 minutes to get there because of road conditions. The drive itself, though, is all part of the experience. On the way, you pass through small Tico towns and can get a sense of what life is like outside the big tourist destinations.

Driving Directions to Playa Avellanas

Coming from the Tamarindo area, you will head inland to connect to Route 152 in the busy town of Villareal. From Villareal, go south on Route 152 for about 3.5 km (2.2 miles). Before the road turns sharply to the left, you will take a right towards the resort, Hacienda Pinilla. After the turn, the road is partially paved (with many potholes). At the turnoff for Hacienda Pinilla, keep left, the road turns from pavement to dirt (bumpy at times but nicely graded and smooth in some areas). Overall, the road is very flat, so you don’t need a 4×4 vehicle.

After passing through the small town of Pinilla (there will be a church and soccer field), you will follow the road to the right, following signs for Avellanas. The beach is about 10 minutes from there.

There’s a parking area right next to Lola’s restaurant that is guarded. Just give the attendants a small tip to help watch your car.

The Beach

At Playa Avellanas, you’ll enjoy light sand and rolling turquoise waves. This long beach stretches from Hacienda Pinilla, north of the river mouth, all the way south to Playa Lagartillo. The beach doesn’t see the same crowds as Tamarindo, so there’s always a place to put down a towel.

The beach at low tide

Surfing is one of the most popular activities at Playa Avellanas. With seven different points, it offers a lot of variety for experts as well as those just starting out.

The biggest wave is known by locals as Little Hawaii. This spot is near the river mouth and has a left and right-hand break that can top 12 feet on really good days. Before that, you’ll find a few different beach breaks during mid or high tide.

Beginners are usually near the parking lot and Lola’s restaurant. This is a popular spot for surf companies to take people for lessons. You can also catch some of the smaller waves for boogie boarding here.

To learn more about surf conditions at Playa Avellanas, check out this link.

Aside from surfing, the beach is backed by shrubby trees, which provide some nice shade for lounging. Just beware that some of the trees have fruit that is poisonous if touched.

Another fun activity, especially with kids, is exploring the rocks. Low tide uncovers huge rock formations with lots of little pools. We’ve seen some gorgeous, huge shells hidden in the rock crevices. Here is a link to the tide chart. 

Hidden treasures during low tideLola’s Beach Bar and Restaurant

The beach itself is spectacular, but what makes the trip worth it is Lola’s. This popular beach bar and restaurant is just steps from the shore. The grounds of Lola’s are stunning, with grand shady palm trees and handcrafted wooden tables and lounge chairs.

Lola’s mixes up delicious cocktails and has excellent, no-nonsense food with an emphasis on natural ingredients. They have an array of choices, including things like burgers, a Mediterranean pita, and pizza. Some nice small plates for snacking like hand-cut fries with garlic aioli and tuna poke are available too.

But the best part, aside from the ocean view, of course, is how Lola’s got its name. More than 20 years ago when the restaurant opened, a special pig was the mascot. Lola, weighing almost 800 pounds (363 kg), was her name. She was always very friendly with the customers and even splashed in the waves.

Though Lola herself has passed, the restaurant has kept pigs on the premises as a tradition. You can find them wandering around in the fenced in area next to the restaurant if your timing is right. On our last visit, we missed them. They were out of sight out back. The staff says the morning is an easier time to see them. Here’s a picture of one we met on a past visit.

One of Lola’s past pigs lounging in the shade

If you’re visiting Tamarindo or are just looking for a small beach town to explore, grab your beach hat and head to Playa Avellanas. Chill out on the sand, jump in the warm Pacific, and don’t forget to grab a cerveza and some ceviche with the pigs at Lola’s!

Have a question about Playa Avellanas? Ask us in the comments below.Looking for more information to plan your trip to Costa Rica? Check out these posts:

Tamarindo: Where Paradise Meets Convenience – Read our updated guide to learn the best places to stay and eat in the busy beach town of Tamarindo.

Potrero: A Home Base for Beaches in Guanacaste – If you’re looking to explore more off-the-beaten path beaches, Potrero is another good option. This small community has easy access to more than eight amazing beaches.

Rental Car Discount: To get to more remote beaches like Playa Avellanas, you need a rental car. Check out our discount to save at least 10%. Get a free second driver and other freebies like surf racks, a cooler, and delivery to your hotel.

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