Miramar, North Puntarenas

Beautiful River in the Tilarán Mountain Range

Nestled in the Costa Rica North Puntarenas province sits the city of Miramar, the capital of the Montes de Oro canton. This relatively small city is home to just about 6,540 residents, but there are plenty of attractions for visitors to enjoy when they make their way to this popular city just 110 kilometers from San José.

Turtles in Nature

Visitors who head to Miramar enjoy Costa Rica eco tourism, where they explore many of the surrounding forests, rivers and other protected landscapes to see the native wildlife populations in their own habitats. Not far away sits the Ostional Wildlife Refuge, which is home to protected turtle population. Visitors can see leatherback and olive ridley turtles as they go about their daily life, undisturbed by human development.

In the months between July and December, visitors have a chance to see the turtles up close, since it is egg-laying season. The turtles come onto shore to lay and protect their eggs, and then the babies make their way back to the ocean after hatching. Visitors are welcome between 8 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. when the ranger station is open. There are also guided tours available from bilingual tour guides.

Hiking in the Mountains

In addition to the turtle's habitat, visitors to Miramar can head out to the Tilarán Mountains for hikes within the beautiful untouched landscapes for more Costa Rica Wildlife. The mountains and forests are home to numerous wild and exotic flora and fauna. There are amazing vistas of the Gulf of Nicoya and Pacific Coastline. Those who make it to higher elevations can explore beautiful gardens and a cloud forest.

Miramar is at the base of the mountains, at only 300 meters above sea level. Nearby is Zapotal, which is at 1,500 meters above sea level. Walking the distance between the two towns, which is about a six-hour hike, already provides many beautiful views. There are other hiking trails available in the mountains where hikers can see much of the diverse wildlife native to Costa Rica in their natural habitats. Montes de Oro, or the hills of gold, provides scenic hikes where visitors explore the deep, thick forests intermixed with rivers.

Sunning on the Beach

Miramar might be on the edge of the mountains, offering plenty of opportunities to head up high and enjoy spectacular vistas, but visitors also have the option to head to many of the popular beaches to enjoy a day in the sun, sand and ocean. It is a short distance to Puerto Caldera, one of the biggest port cities in the country that provides access to several hot spot beach destinations. It is not too much further to Jacó, which is home to 2.5 miles of gorgeous beaches. Playa Hermosa and Playa Esterillos are also within close proximity to Miramar. There are many beach activities to enjoy, including swimming, kayaking, sailing, snorkeling and scuba diving.

Map of the Area

Click to enlarge map - Map of the Area

What to Do in Miramar

Miramar might provide a jumping off point for mountain exploring and beach fun, but it also has many options for entertainment within the city limits. There are several shops to explore, including some supermarkets filled with fresh food for those who want to try their hand at cooking. Visitors looking for an authentic Costa Rican meal will have options at several of the local restaurants. As with many areas of Costa Rica, there is also a lively nightlife with bars and clubs.

Visitors to Miramar have plenty of options for things to do, including relaxing on the beach and enjoy the beauty of Costa Rica. It is not far from San José and other cities in the Costa Rica North Puntarenas province, making it an easy place to stop on the way to other areas or a destination in itself.