Ojochal, South Puntarenas

Ojochal, located in the Costa Rican province of Puntarenas, is perfectly situated on the coast, which means plenty of beach activities, sites and other fun adventures await in the near vicinity.

Travelers will find all the amenities they expect in Central America, all with easy access to Costa Rica beaches.

Enjoying the Beaches

Although there are all kinds of attractions one will want to seek out during a visit to Costa Rica South Puntarenas, the beach is a great first stop.

Tourists should keep an eye out for areas with “Playa” in the name, such as Playa Uvita, Playa Ventanas and Playa Pinuela. “Playa” is Spanish for “beach,” and each of those mentioned have unique features that draw visitors.

Playa Tortuga is another top destination, as it can be reached only by waiting for low tide. Others offer surfing opportunities for beginners or coastal reefs that are ideal for snorkeling.

Looking to explore sea caves? Head to Playa Ventantas, whose name means “windows.” This beach has a hole through the rock in a point that the ocean has carved and it makes a perfect 'window' to look through when the tide allows it. Beyond this window this beach is a very pretty beach with parking and a lot of space to explore.

Ojochal

Where to Stay

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Extreme Adventures

After visitors are ready to expand their pursuits beyond the beach, there are several exciting outings that will get the adrenaline flowing.

For those who like to fly among the treetops – and experience the vast array of wildlife in the canopy -- an exhilarating zipline ride is the perfect solution.

Prefer to keep feet on the ground? How about a guided all-terrain vehicle tour through the extreme landscapes the country features in abundance.

Animal Exploration

Costa Rica, with its tropical climate, is home to hundreds of bird species, enough to keep bird watchers pointing at the trees and snapping photos for days.

The area surrounding Ojochal is no exception. Within a short drive, tourists can enjoy plentiful bird watching as well as explore the mini ecosystems that exist in the mangrove forests that grow on the ocean’s edge.

The ropy trees thrive in salty water and attract a wide range of animal, marine and avian life.

Map of the Area

Click to enlarge map - Map of the Area

Waterfall Oasis

Just a few minutes from Ojochal is Cascada El Pavon, a small-but-beautiful waterfall with a pool that is great for swimming at the bottom of the waterfall.

Visitors can enjoy a dip in the shadow of a giant boulder, suspended in the break above the waterfall.

The area is not crowded and doesn’t require a strenuous hike to reach. The hidden gem is a great stop for a laidback Costa Rican afternoon.

Adventure Awaits

Of course, Ojochal is perfectly located to serve as a base camp for daily trips in the area.

Tourists may want to check out the national parks and reserves in the area to experience more of the local wildlife.

Marino Ballena National Park, for example, is on the coast and is a prime location to spot dolphins and whales off shore or to swim among the coral reefs. Corcovado National Park, meanwhile, offers a wide array of native plants and animals known to be among the most diverse in the world.

Expect to see monkeys, tapirs, jaguars and macaws during the plentiful hiking opportunities in the park.

Getting to Ojochal

It is not difficult to reach Ojochal, as it can be accessed by car or bus in addition to a flight or two.

The closest airport is in Palmar Sur, which requires a stop first at the main airport in the capital of San José.

From Palmar Sur, visitors can drive to Ojochal in an easy, picturesque trip. For people who would rather rent a car to drive or take a bus from San José, that’s an option, as well and can include a beautiful drive down the coast of the country.

No matter what type of adventure visitors to Costa Rica are looking for, they are sure to find it in Ojochal and the surround area.