Ojochal

Ojochal is a bustling village on Costa Rica's southern Pacific coast, renowned for its exceptional culinary scene and lush rainforest surroundings. Visitors are drawn to this low-key spot for its pristine, uncrowded beaches like Playa Tortuga and Playa Ventanas, where the animated green jungle meets the deep blue ocean in a spectacular display of pure nature. The area is a paradise for nature lovers, offering abundant wildlife, majestic cascading waterfalls, and tranquil mangroves. The culinary offerings are diverse and impressive, featuring an array of international restaurants run by a thriving expatriate community. These establishments expertly blend fresh local ingredients with global flavors, making it a top destination for food enthusiasts. Accessible via the scenic Costanera Sur highway, it is about a three to four-hour drive from San José. The dry season, spanning from December to April, is the most popular time to visit, providing sunny days convenient for exploring. However, the wet 'green season' brings lush landscapes and spirited wildlife.

Nearby cities

Chacarita

Located on the Pacific coast, this town serves as a residential and secondary service center for the port city of Puntarenas.

Esparza

One of the oldest towns in Costa Rica, strategically located on the way to the Pacific coast.

Quepos

Quepos is a bustling harbor town famous for world-class sport fishing and acting as the dynamic gateway to nearby Manuel Antonio.

Ciudad Neily

The main commercial hub in the southern border region of Corredores, serving as a primary link for trade with Panama.

Jacó

A major beach destination on the central Pacific coast, world-famous for its surfing, nightlife, and proximity to San Jose.

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Boquete area / San Vito

A tranquil highland region near the Panama border, renowned for its Italian heritage, cool climate, and biodiversity.

Parrita

A town located between Jaco and Manuel Antonio, primarily serving as an agricultural center known for oil palm plantations.

Uvita

Known for the 'Whale Tail' rock formation and the Marino Ballena National Park, it is a key destination for whale watching and nature lov…

Drake Bay

Drake Bay is a spectacularly remote village on the northern Osa Peninsula, offering exclusive eco-lodges, pristine beaches, and world-cla…

Dominical

Dominical is a laid-back South Pacific beach village known for consistent year-round waves, yoga culture, and its proximity to lush rainf…

Puerto Jiménez

Puerto Jiménez is the main town on the Osa Peninsula, offering rustic charm and serving as the primary launching point for expeditions in…

Zancudo

Zancudo is a tranquil beach town offering one of the safest swimming beaches in Costa Rica, featuring miles of dark sand and stunning sun…

Pavones

Pavones is a remote surfer's paradise in the southern Pacific region of Costa Rica, famous for having one of the longest left-hand surf b…

Bejuco

A highly pristine, entirely Blue Flag-certified beach perfectly located on the Central Pacific coast.

Esterillos

A massively vast, highly pristine stretch of quiet beach on the Central Pacific coast, favored for entirely uncrowded surf.

History & landmarks

Yoga and Wellness Retreat

Costa Rica's yoga and wellness retreats combine tropical scenery with rest and mindfulness.

Boruca Mask Art

Exquisite hand-carved masks created by the Boruca people, traditionally used in the annual 'Dance of the Devils' festival.

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Puntarenas House of Culture

A cultural center in the former barracks of Puntarenas.

Puntarenas Pier

The long pier is a landmark of the port city of Puntarenas.

More places

Puerto Balboa (Golfito)

A small maritime terminal in the southern Pacific area.

Finca 6 Stone Spheres

An archaeological park showcasing the mysterious pre-Columbian stone spheres of Costa Rica.

Boruca Ancestral Lands

The homeland of the Boruca indigenous people, known for their vibrant masks and the traditional 'Dance of the Little Devils'.

Puerto Golfito

Historic port in the south of the country.

Puerto Quepos

Port for tourism and fishing on the Pacific.

Puerto Cocos (Cocos Island)

A protected anchorage on the remote Cocos Island.

Puerto Villas

A maritime terminal facility focused on handling specialized shipments and supporting regional port operations.

Puerto Caldera

The largest port on the country's Pacific coast.