This specific beach, Playa Junquillal, is a haven for surfing. It is never crowded, a 4 kilometer hidden gem. The intense conditions are consistently perfect year-round for experienced surfers. Playa Avellana is a little north of Playa Junquillal; and it is ideal for both advanced and beginner surfers, with a variety of breaks, swells, and offshore waves. Also low-key, uncrowded. Playa Negra, just north of Playa Junquillal, is also a stunningly beautiful surf spot that is easily accessible. The Costa Rican surf is legendary, yet still remains uncrowded at the beaches near Casa Cielos Azules. The perfect balance!
There is excellent scuba diving conveniently located only a a few kilometers north. Affordable dive boats can take you into the depths of the vast Pacific. Snorkeling is also fantastic, right in your backyard at Junquillal. Lobsters especially abound and are easily scooped up.
Let sight-seeing take on a new life with the under-water splendor of the Pacific Ocean's wildlife!
Within 400 yards from the villa are an estuary, a confluence of 3 small rivers, and a large mangrove area. This spot is perfect for kayaking and canoeing, especially at the sparkle of dawn. A Grumman canoe is available at the villa and kayaks can be rented from Pargos Adventures in Playa Negra. .
For the committed sport fisherman, there is a classy spot readily available in Tamarindo, Go Fish Costa Rica. For a local, more laid back and low-key experience, try Ovedio, who runs the local fishing fleet. He takes people out on the beautiful waters from the beach at Calle Jones, a small fishing village just north of the Iguanazul. He is a hard worker and very affordable for the fun!
If you want to meditate, relax, get in touch with self-love and knowledge, and find your inner peace through yoga, there's no better place to do it than here. Imagine doing downward dog on a copper-colored sand beach, the waves rushing in a cyclical rhythm, the sunset igniting the skies. No wonder it's a popular practice in Costa Rica, both for locals and visitors alike. For a personalized yoga experience at Casa Cielos Azules try checking out to Tierra Pacifica Wellness or Playa Negra Yoga..
For a full day of both relaxation and exercise try one of these resorts.
Within only an hour and a half drive is Rincon de la Vieja - get ready for an exciting volcano and rainforest experience. Ride on a sauntering horse through the rainforest to dazzling mountainside waterfalls. Relax and become one with nature at the volcanic thermal springs, mud baths, and thermals saunas. Mix it up with a zipline canopy tour. At Hacienda Guachelipin at Rincon, all these options are available, as well as rock climbing and tubing on a white water river. The Buena Vista Lodge also includes these activities, plus ecotours which include Tarzan swings, water slides in the rainforest, and more. Let the adrenaline rush and then end your day with relaxing thermal saunas all in the same spot!
For a smart work out that blends yoga, stretching and dancing, try Aqua Zumba at Move and Groove Eco Resort in Junquillal. The aerobic work out takes place in their beautiful, shady pool. They have other activities too including water pilates, and land zumba. Lots of fun is guaranteed.
Need a break after all the year-round thrills and excitement of Guanacaste, Costa Rica? Do it in style: check in with local masseuse Jesenia Espinoza E., a friend of the owner. She is a local gem.
For regular updates of fun things to do in Playa Junquillal, check out the Junquillal Community Page on Facebook. It has regular posts for cool new spots for yoga and other health related activities.
Let the famous caverns of Barra Honda captivate you! The limestone caves full of stalactites and stalagmites are awe-inspiring. And less than two hours away from Casa Cielos Azules. The caverns are in excellent, usnpoiled condition due to the vertical nature of their entrances. The park also contains some of the last tropical dry forest in the world, with well-maintained hiking trails. The sights of a lifetime!
When the moon and tide are right, Leatherback and Olive Ridley turtles make their way onto Playa Junquillal and Playa Venado to lay their eggs. A local group of young men, the Baula Boys, patrol the beach daily to collect eggs and bring them to the local sanctuary for hatching. So sit back under the moon, with the shore gently lapping at the sand, and watch this magnificent experience: the regenerative cycle of life.
Gallop on the beach or trot through the countryside; no better way to experience the glorious natural sights of Costa Rica than on the back of a majestic horse. Costa Rica Equestrian Vacations offers tours on the beach and on trails, and they can accommodate both advanced and beginners, adults and children. Tours can be from two hours to one week. They also offer 30 minute and 1 hour lessons. Truly magical!
For the adventurous in spirit, there is Pura Aventura. Experience tours of the rainforest by zip lining through the canopies. Take an ATV tour of the pastures and mountains. Or even try zorbing for the first time. (If you don't know, zorbing is art of a rolling down a hill in a gigantic, clear, plastic ball!). They also have mountain biking and horseback riding at varied paces.
You'll never run out of things to do.
The Guacamaya has a well-maintained court available for rent, including rackets. Call Alice or Bernie for reservations. It is best to play early because it's a great spot for breakfast. Beware of challenging Alice or Bernie at tennis - they are athletic and competitive, so don't expect them to go easy on you! You'll be sure to have fun, though, whether you step up to a fun challenge, or play a leisurely game with friends.
Their aim is to teach and show the best of the Cosa Rican lifestyle and landscape to their clients. Pargos Adventures is also a surf shop where you can buy or rent all kind of equipment for surf, paddle surf and more. Snorkeling tours, waterfall hikes, paddle boarding tours and lessons, surf lessons and coaching, mountain bike tours, Supyoga, and more!
Hotel and adventure tours in Rincon de la Vieja, Costa Rica. Experience canopy, tubing, Rio Negro hot springs, horseback riding, canyon canopy tours, and more!
During the last week of December, there is a big fiesta in Paraiso with horse exhibitions, bull fights, dancing, and parties, parties, parties. During the second week of January the big fiesta moves to Santa Cruz, continuing seamlessly. Guanacaste Day is another fun carnival in Santa Cruz at the end of July. Other small towns have fiestas a various times throughout the year, meaning the party never stops in Costa Rica!
Guaitil, a prolific central hub for Costa Rican artisans who make traditional pottery, is a few minutes away by car. Pottery production has been a tradition for over 5,000 years! From art pieces to dinnerware, a wide variety of treasure is made by families in this village. You can purchase elegant and beautiful cultural pieces directly from the craftsmen; and you can even watch them work and fire their art in earthen kilns right in front of you!
There are lots of spot for local charm and cultural souvenirs. But an especially hidden treasure is Marvel, on Easy Street in Playa Negra. She makes bikinis, rash guards, skirts, and dresses right in her shop for very affordable prices. She takes your measurements, and the next day you will have your tailored outfits!
For some delicious Costa Rican ("Tico") cuisine, come here and try the Pescado Entero and the Cerdo Ahumado. Affordable prices, and just a few kilometers away.
This was once a great place for community sunset and happy hour. New owners have not opened it to the public. I am not a ware of plans. It used to be great.
Run by a Swiss brother and sister - Alice and Bernie - who speak Spanish, English, German, French, Italian and Portuguese. Get ready for international delights here! Guests come from all over for the excellent food. And if you happen to go fishing, bring in your catch of the day to have it prepared in a variety of ways!
Come here for a varied menu with both local Costa Rican and North American cuisine. This includes nachos, guacamole, fish including a delicious fish casado, and various dishes with vegtables and meat. Run by the The Ambeau & Haasz Families who came Costa Rica for the natural beauty and to start a new refreshing life.
Known for its exceptional pizza, this restaurant has much more to offer, too. Salads, seafood, pasta, and more, cooked to perfection, and always in generous portions.
Part of a small hotel, this restaurant is charming and understated with its seafood and local Costa Rican cuisine. Reservations are necessary.
Affordably priced family restaurant in Playa Negra. Their menu includes pizza, Pescado en Casado, sandwiches, and other delicious dishes. One of my favorites... and Willy Rosales is a wonderful host.
Haute Cuisine in Playa Negra!
Their menu includes fine French cuisine made with local delicacies. There is an excellent wine list and the hosts and staff are wonderful. Dine in elegance in Guanacaste. The best restaurant in Costa Rica.
Come here for a mix of local Costa Rican and Peruvian dishes, called "Pura Vida Fusion Cuisine." Their menu also includes international cuisine, to best accommodate everyone.
This beach side restaurant in Avellanas is a local clasic, named for Lola - a large pig that lives there. Fresh is great--right on the beach. Ask for Javier, a waiter extroadiniare--a friend of the owners of Case Cielos Azules, for great service. Don't forget to tip!
Situated under the rancho with a large circular palm leaf roof, the restaurant offers both local Costa Rican cuisine, seafood, to American style hamburgers and sandwiches. It is right on the beach, so you can feel the seabreeze on your face as you eat.
A wonderful local Costa Rican Restaurant. Outstanding Costa Rican Cuisine. Pargo entero is to die for--hell everything is good.
An amazing seafood restaurant with cold beer, drinks, cocktails, and more. Jesenia Espinosa is a wonderful hostess and friend. Bood her for a massage the next day whil you are there.
Restaurant-Bar Latinos offers fresh, delicious Costa Rican cuisine. Whole red snapper, jumbo shrimp skewers, arroz con pollo (rice and chicken), and much more! Also, be sure to try their patacones with pico and guacamole on top!