The Best Guide to Ojochal
As travel enthusiasts, we all know the excitement of exploring a new destination, discovering hidden gems, and immersing ourselves in different cultures. Today, I want to share with you a place that stole my heart and has become one of my favorite destinations in Central America: Ojochal Costa Rica.
I discovered Ojochal during my 5-day trip to Costa Rica and decided to go back a second time because I wanted to see more of what southern Costa Rica had to offer. Located on the Pacific Coast, Ojochal Costa Rica offers a unique combination of breathtaking natural beauty, stunning beaches, and a laid-back lifestyle that will leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.
As a solo female traveler, I found Ojochal to be a safe and welcoming place to explore, with friendly locals, delicious food, and a variety of outdoor activities to keep me entertained. Whether you’re an adventure-seeker, a nature lover, or simply looking for a peaceful getaway, Ojochal has something to offer for everyone.
In this article, I’ll share some of my favorite things to do and see in Ojochal, as well as tips on where to stay, what to eat, and how to make the most of your time in this hidden gem of Costa Rica. So, grab your hiking backpack and join me on this journey to Ojochal!
Traveling to Ojochal
Traveling to Ojochal Costa Rica is usually pretty easy when it comes to international flights and relatively inexpensive depending on where you are flying from. What I did was fly into SJO, rented a car, and drove 4 hours south to Ojochal Costa Rica. Yes, 4 hours isn’t a short drive but it was worth it to me especially because we made so many great stops along the way. I will list all the options for you to choose which way traveling to Ojochal is best for you:
What airport do you fly into for Ojochal Costa Rica?
The nearest airport to Ojochal, Costa Rica is the Palmar Sur Airport (PMZ), which is about a 30-minute drive away. Although PMZ is a small regional airport that you would not fly into directly when coming internationally.
Alternatively, you can fly into the Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San Jose, which is about a 3-4 hour drive away from Ojochal. You can rent a car (which is what I did) or take a shuttle bus to Ojochal from SJO.
Another option is to fly into the Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport (LIR) in Liberia, which is about a 4-5 hour drive away from Ojochal, which I don’t recommend if you are visiting Ojochal since it is further than SJO.
How far is Ojochal Costa Rica from a airport?
What is the closest airport to Ojochal? Well, the nearest airport to Ojochal is Palmar Sur Airport, which is about a 30-minute drive away. Unfortunately this airport is only domestic so you have two options:
- You can connect through San Jose International Airport to Palmar Sur, which is an additional 45-minute flight.
- You can land at San Jose International Airport and drive from San Jose to Ojochal which takes about 3.5-4 hours.
Getting from SJO to Ojochal
The most common way to get from San Jose International Airport (SJO) to Ojochal is by road, which is what I did. But here are all of the options:
Private Transfer: You can book a private transfer online or at the airport, and a driver will meet you at the airport and take you directly to your hotel in Ojochal. This option is more expensive but offers a hassle-free and comfortable ride.
Public Bus: There are public buses that leave from the Tracopa Bus Terminal in San Jose and go to Ojochal. You can take a taxi or an Uber from the airport to the bus terminal, which is about a 30-minute drive away. Buses run several times a day, and the journey takes about 6-7 hours.
Rental Car: If you prefer to drive, you can rent a car at the airport and drive to Ojochal. The journey takes about 4 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. Be aware that some of the roads leading to Ojochal can be narrow and winding, so it’s important to be a confident driver. This is a stunning drive, which has many great stopping points to get out of the car and explore!
Domestic Flight: You can take a domestic flight from San Jose to Palmar Sur Airport, which is the closest airport to Ojochal. From there, you can take a taxi or a bus to Ojochal. The flight takes about 45 minutes, and the taxi or bus journey takes about 30 minutes.
Is Ojochal Costa Rica Safe?
Ojochal, Costa Rica is generally considered a safe place for tourists to visit. Like any destination, taking basic safety precautions such as being aware of your surroundings, not leaving your valuables unattended, and avoiding walking alone in unfamiliar areas at night is important. Petty crimes, such as theft of personal belongings, can occur in tourist areas, so it is important to be vigilant and take steps to protect yourself.
Costa Rica is also known for its natural hazards, such as strong currents at the beach and the risk of natural disasters like earthquakes and hurricanes. It is important to stay informed about local conditions and follow the advice of local authorities in case of an emergency. If you are traveling alone to Ojochal Costa Rica read this article about the top safety tips when traveling solo.
Ojochal Costa Rica is a safe destination for visitors as long as basic safety precautions are taken, and common sense is used while traveling.
Click on a picture for the top safety items while traveling
map of ojochal costa rica
Let’s take a look at the Ojochal Costa Rica map for some context as to where exactly it is. First, you’ll notice the winding road that leads you through the jungle to the town center. Don’t worry about the potholes – they just add a little excitement to the journey!
What to do in ojochal Costa Rica
Ojochal is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica, with pristine white sand and crystal-clear waters. Playa Tortuga is a must-visit for its gorgeous scenery and opportunity to spot sea turtles, while Playa Ventanas is known for its unique sea caves that you can explore during low tide.
Ojochal is located on the Pacific Coast and is a prime spot for whale watching. Head out on a boat tour and witness the magnificent humpback whales as they migrate through the waters.
Ojochal Costa Rica is surrounded by lush rainforest and is home to many incredible hiking trails. The Cascada Verde trail leads to a stunning waterfall and is a moderate hike suitable for all skill levels.
The Osa Wildlife Sanctuary is a rescue and rehabilitation center for animals such as monkeys, sloths, and parrots. If you’re an animal lover, this is a great spot to learn about the conservation efforts in Costa Rica.
Check out the local food scene, with a range of restaurants offering fresh seafood, traditional Costa Rican dishes, and international cuisine. Don’t miss the chance to try local mouth-watering favorites such as ceviche, plantains, and gallo pinto. Every Saturday you can also check out the Ojochal Farmers Market!
- Corcovado National Park is a stunning rainforest reserve in Costa Rica that’s so full of wildlife, it’s like a real-life version of the Lion King – minus the lions (they don’t live there). Imagine a place where you can hike through lush jungle, spot monkeys swinging from trees, and see sloths taking their sweet time – sounds like a typical Monday morning commute, right? But wait, there’s more! Corcovado is also home to tapirs, jaguars, and scarlet macaws, so you can feel like you’re in a Disney movie, minus the singing and dancing (unless that’s your thing, of course). Just remember to bring some insect repellent – the mosquitoes there are so big, they could probably carry you away!
Beaches in Ojochal Costa Rica
Are you ready to dig your toes into some sand, soak up the sun, and sip on a cold beverage? Then let’s take a look at the stunning beaches of Ojochal, Costa Rica – where the only thing hotter than the sun is the salsa!
- Playa Tortuga is a popular beach located just a few minutes from Ojochal. It is known for its pristine waters and beautiful sandy beach. It is also a great place to spot sea turtles, which come to the beach to lay their eggs.
- Playa Ventanas is another nearby beach, famous for its unique sea caves that you can explore during low tide. It’s a beautiful and quiet beach with clear blue water and soft sand.
- Playa Ballena is located in the Ballena Marine National Park, which is a protected area known for its biodiversity. The beach is known for its whale-shaped rock formation, and you can also see whales and dolphins in the water during certain times of the year.
- Playa Piñuela is a secluded beach with calm waters, making it a great spot for swimming and snorkeling. It’s also a great place to see a variety of marine life, including sea turtles and colorful fish.
Is there surf in Ojochal?
Well, I hate to be the one to break it to you, but you’re not going to catch any gnarly waves in Ojochal…unless you count the waves in your margarita glass, of course. In all seriousness though, Ojochal is not known for its surf, but it does have some beautiful beaches where you can still soak up the sun and enjoy the stunning scenery.
Playa Dominical is a nearby beach known as one of the best surf spots in the area and is located about a 30-40 minute drive from Ojochal. Dominical has a long, sandy beach with consistent waves that are good for surfers of all levels, from beginners to experts.
Other surf spots in the area include Playa Hermosa and Playa Uvita, which are also located within a short drive from Ojochal. Both of these beaches have good waves for surfing, but they are generally recommended for more experienced surfers.
Where to stay in Ojochal Costa Rica
When we visited Ojochal Costa Rica, we stayed at El Castillo and I can write a book on how amazing our experience was (and this is not sponsored) I truly think they deserve all the hype.
If you are looking for a secluded hotel that is not too big, with personal high-quality service with absolutely stunning views, El Castillo is the hotel for you. Every staff member knew us by name and they planned all of our excursions for us. They also have a great restaurant Azul, and the chef took us with him to a local market one day to get all of his fresh produce! Not to mention the infinity pool is to die for.
Some other great hotel options in Ojochal Costa Rica to check out Mamma e Papa, and Hotel Diquis Del Sur. You can also look into rentals such as Airbnb and VRBO, where you can sometimes score a deal and have more privacy.
For those looking for a more environmentally-friendly option, several eco-lodges in the area offer a unique and sustainable lodging experience. Some popular options include El Remanso Lodge, Finca Exotica, and Oxygen Jungle Villas.
Ojochal also has several bed and breakfasts that offer a cozy and personalized experience. Some popular options include La Palapa Eco Lodge Resort, La Casita del Mar, and Casa Bambu.
Ojochal Costa Rica Restaurants
Once you arrive in Ojochal, you’ll be greeted by the friendly locals and the irresistible aroma of delicious food. Follow your nose to the numerous restaurants and indulge in the mouth-watering cuisine. Just be sure to bring your stretchy pants, because the portions are generous!
Heres a list of some of the best restaurants in the area!
- Citrus: If you’re looking for a fancy meal, this restaurant offers a fusion of local and international cuisine with an emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
- Exotica: This restaurant is known for its creative and unique dishes that showcase local flavors and ingredients. They also have a great selection of vegetarian and vegan options.
- Ylang Ylang: This restaurant serves a mix of Mediterranean and Costa Rican cuisine in a beautiful open-air setting. They are known for their wood-fired pizzas and fresh seafood.
- Azul at El Castillo: Since we stayed at this hotel, we had the luxury of eating here, and not only is the food to die for but the view of the infinity pool above the beach is the perfect dinner atmosphere.
- Pancito Cafe: This cozy cafe serves delicious breakfast and lunch dishes, including freshly baked bread, sandwiches, and salads. They also have great coffee and pastries.
- Mama e Papa: Get some Italian food in Costa Rica with fresh local ingredients.
Ojochal Tours
- Nativos Corcovado Night Hike in Drake Bay
From colorful birds to majestic jaguars, the rainforest around Nativos Corcovado is teeming with life. Grab your binoculars and go on a nature walk with one of the knowledgeable guides, or simply sit back and enjoy the symphony of sounds around you. So if you’re ready for a jungle adventure like no other, make your way to Nativos Corcovado in Drake Bay. Just be sure to bring your sense of humor and a healthy dose of monkey repellent!
2. Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour in Drake Bay as seen on National Geographic
Get ready to set sail on a high-seas adventure, as you search for the majestic humpback whales that migrate to these waters every year. And let’s not forget about the dolphins, who are always happy to show off their acrobatic skills as they leap through the waves. Of course, the real stars of the show are the tour guides, who are experts at spotting these magnificent creatures and making sure you have the experience of a lifetime. They’ll regale you with stories of their own encounters with these sea creatures, and teach you about the importance of conservation efforts to protect these beautiful animals.
3. Uvita Chasing Waterfalls and Sunset Viewpoint
Uvita is a town close to Ojochal where this tour beings by traveling to the untouched area in Costa Ballerna. This tour takes you to one secluded beach, and two waterfalls, and ending the tour at a secret hilltop viewpoint in Costa Rica. This is the water lovers dream afternoon tour.
homes for sale ojochal costa rica
Well, let me tell you, the housing market in Ojochal is hotter than a plate of freshly-made empanadas! But don’t worry, you don’t have to mortgage your soul to find a place to live here. With a little luck and some negotiating skills, you might just find your dream home nestled among the lush jungle and sparkling beaches. Just make sure to bring your sunscreen and a sturdy machete for clearing the overgrowth – you never know what you might find lurking in the bushes!
Ojochal is the perfect destination for those looking to indulge in mouth-watering cuisine, relax without the crowd of tourists, and explore the wild jungles of Costa Rica. A magical place where all you need is your bathing suit, your sense of adventure, and your mosquito repellent – trust me, those little buggers are as persistent as a toucan on a mission! So what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Ojochal but try not to get lost in the jungle, like me. Pura Vida!
Hi I’m Becca
It is my passion to see as much of the world as I can. I created this blog to give my tips and tricks to traveling that I learn along my journey in hopes that it helps and inspires you to go out and see the world. Life is like a scrapbook that you fill with memories and life experiences, so what’s next in your travel scrapbook?
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