Here are some of the things you can do and Places to Eat.
Kayaking
Within 400 yards of the house are an estuary, a confluence of three small rivers and a large mangrove area. This is an ideal spot for kayaking and canoeing. The best time of day for this is when the sun is coming up. Kayaks can be rented from Hotel Iguanazul and my trusty Grumman canoe is available at the house.
Deep Sea Fishing
There is a charter, deep sea, fishing readily available. Capt.Adam whose boat is anchored in Tamarindo can be located at 8371-4418. (www.crgamefish.com) He is from the states and is great. For a local experience try Ovedio who run the local fishing fleet and takes sport fisherman out of Calle Jones a small fishing village just north of the Iguanazul. They are both reasonable and good folks to boot.
Scuba Diving
Exdellent Scuba diving is only a few kilometers north. There are reasonably priced dive boats to take you into the Pacific. Snorkeling is great off the rocks at Junquillal. Lobsters abound and are easily taken.
Surfing
The surf at Playa Junquillal is outstanding. Just north of Bernardo’s is a spot the locals call El Rancho. There are breaks both right and left off an offshore rock. It equals other local spots without crowds even on holidays. Other great surf is only a few kilometers to the north or south. Playa Avellanes is a popular surfing beach with both left and right breaks. For the more venturesome, Playa Negra is only six kilometers north. A major portion of “Endless Summer 2” was filmed at Playa Negra. The movie perfectly portrayed the beauty of Playa Negra. Marbella is just to the south and the secret spot, favorite of the locals will be disclosed on request. Bogie Boards and body surfing are great at all spots, but the secluded surf at Junquillal tops them all in my book.
Horseback Riding
Erika runs Paradise Riding in Junquillal. She will provide a half day guided tour and beach ride for $25. Galloping in the beach or riding through the countryside is a great experience. www.paradiseriding.com/
Fiestas
During the last week of December, there is a big Feria in Paraiso with horse exhibitions, bullfights, dancing and lots of parties. During the second week of January the big Feria moves to Santa Cruz where the excitement never stops. Guanacaste Day provides another fun carnival in Santa Cruz at the end of July. Other small towns have ferias at various times throughout the year. Check around—one can usually be found.
Sea Turtles
Leatherback and Olive Ridley turtles make their way on to Playa Junquillal and Playa Venado, when the moon and tide are right, from the Fall through the Spring to lay their eggs. Playa Grande to the north and Playa Ostional to the south are their main nesting sites but it is very common to see turtle on the beach at Junquillal. A local group of young men patrol the beach daily to collect eggs and take them to the local sanctuary for hatching.
Volcano’s and Canopy Tours
Within an hour and a half drive one can find exciting volcano and rainforest experience. Rincon de la Vieja . Horseback rides through the rain forest to mountainside waterfalls. Thermal Springs, Mud baths, thermal sauna, canopy tour all at a magnificent mountain site. If you go to Hacienda Guachelipin at Rincon, and adventure day includes all the above, plus rock climbing and tubing on a white water river. Not to be missed. Make reservations .2256 8195 The Buena Vista Lodge also has great activities and a much better thermal spring experience. 2665-6314
Guatil Traditional Costa Rican Pottery
Guatil a center for Costrican Artisans who make traditional Costa Rican pottery is but a short drive away. Families who have created pottery from art pieces to dinner ware make a wide variety of treasures in this village that is a center for this trade. Not only are beautiful pieces available for purchase direct from the craftsmen, but you can watch them work and fire their artwork in earthen kilns in their back yards. A great adventure.
Caving/Dry Forest
Less that two hours easy drive is the Barra Honda National Park where there is a Tropical Dry Forrest and Limestone Caves. Unlike the volcanic stone found throughout northern Costa Rica, the Barra Honda area of the Tempisque Basin where the Nicoya Peninsula joins the mainland has a foundation of limestone. Water has cut extensive caves through the small mountains of the park, and this is its best known feature. However, the park also has well maintained hiking trails. The protected tropical dry forest (though mostly secondary) within its borders is some of the last in the world, and very different from the rain and cloud forests that attract many ecological tourists to Costa Rica. Tico guides available--a truly unique adventure.
Tennis
The Guacamaya has a nice court that is for rent, rackets are available. Call Alice or Bernie and make a reservation. If you can play early--its a great place for breakfast.
Shopping
Go see Marvel next to Pablo Picaso's in Playa Negra--she makes Bikinis, rash guards, skirts, dresses right in her little shop for very reasonable prices.
Resturants
Las Tucas
3 kms from Paraiso on the road towards Santa Cruz—great Tico fare— make sure to try the Piscado Entero and the Cerdo Ahumado—both are great—and the prices are really good also.
Reef
On the far side of Playa Negra—Jota—the owner and chef sells the best seafood around—inexpensive and not to be missed. The fish is served with garlic mashed potatos and salad. (Recently Closed--but check it has a way of reappearing)
Hotel Iguanazul
Excellent happy hour and a good selection tico and american food— best view around.
Bar y Resturante Junquillal
(Bernardo’s) (Adriana's) the community beach bar—good food to boot and beautiful sunsets right on the beach. It and the Iguanazul are the local hangouts…Adriana is a great hostess and the fish tacos will sent you free.
Guacamaya
Swiss owned and run—a beautiful hotel with a good resturant and bar— Alice and Bernie—brother and sister serve great food and are some of the friendliest people around.
www.guacamayalodge.com
Villa Serena
A beautiful small hotel, with a sophisticated menu a bit pricier than others—but always a good choice. Run by the Murphy’s who also run the Land Ho!! In Orleans, Mass. If it is open you should stop in.
Pizzeria Buena Vida
In the heart of Playa Negra—used to be a surfer pizzeria, but new owners have really upped the antie—some of the best food in the area—and very reasonably priced for the quality. Great new resturants have opened in Playa Negra--outstanding.
Mary's (Iguana Sports Bar)
Replaced the Oaisis. It is a cross between a french resturant and a sports bar. The resturant is outstanding. Mary and her husband are delightful hosts.
Deveena
Also in Playa Negra is another new addition that is totally the top. It like Marie's provides cuisine that is a true delight and suprise for this area. Both are truly fantastic additions. Haute Cuisine in Playa Negra--damn!!! These are the best resturants in Costa Rica-and they are very reasonable too.
www.villadeevena.com
Resturante Latinos
Its just before you get to Playa Negra on the road from Paraiso. Its at the turn of the cut off to Junquillal. This resturant is a traditional Costa Rican resturant, but the quality is the best of its kind, and it is very reasonable
Café Playa Negra
Peruvian—good food and good people.
The foregoing is a list of places we like most. There are several resturants in Play Negra that are good. The ones in Paraiso, except Cayote are nothing to right home about. The Hotel Tatanka serves food as does the Hibiscus Hotel. Reiner of the Hibiscus served lovely meals, but they were by reservation—wine candle light etc in a rustic atmosphere are quite nice. Reiner was a treat also. He passed away January 2010 and will be missed. Hope his hospitality continues. Haven't eaten in the Tatanka often. Last visit had excellent pizza. .
