Costa Ballena Living - Edition #5B - January to June 2016

El Castillo • p.B4

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Costa Ballena has a little something for everyone, no matter your tastes. If it’s green space and hippie vibes, Dominical is your place.

And if you are looking to fine dine and get pampered, Ojochal has just what you need. Uvita, at the centre, is where the Whale’s Tail can be found. What everyone agrees about Costa Ballena is that

Natural Attractions Nauyaca Waterfall Nauyaca waterfalls are one of the biggest and most impressive waterfalls in Costa Rica. The falls total 65 meters in height and are comprised of two sets of waterfalls, the taller falls that form the base are 45 meters high and the smaller, tiered falls above, are 20 meters in height. There are natural pools for swimming and for the more adventurous travellers there is a tarzan rope on the smaller tiered falls that one can climb.

The walking trail to Nauyaca Waterfalls is located 8 min (8.1 km) from Dominical via the Dominical - San Isidro PZ/Route 243

The Whale’s Tail Want to walk the Whale’s Tail? This is where the tombolo, the famous natural barrier reef, is located. Widely known as a great spot for beginner surfers and kayakers, Playa Chamán will delight the adventurer in you. One can venture into the mangroves of Bahía or kayak-surf the tombolo at high tide. Ample shade lines the beach, which is rarely over crowded. This playa is the perfect place to spend a day.

Bring a hammock for a mid day siesta, you will be glad you did!

Parque Nacional Marino Ballena Entrance located in Bahía

the surf and the beaches, are superb and pristine. From kayaking, diving and snorkelling, to day trips on the ocean, and riding horseback to a waterfall, these are just a few of the activities that allow you to play. Come check out what we’ve got going on, there’s plenty to see.

Playa Ventanas Cut by the sea, large, natural, tunnel caves are ready to be explored.The water bursting through the cave openings are an amazing sight to witness. There are two main caves to explore at low tide that offer an amazing experience for those who are brave enough to enter. With the water coming in and out with the tides reminding, us always of the ebb and flow of life, and the tiny creatures that line the walls of the dark caves, it can’t help but make your childhood wonder come alive. At high tide, the waves crash into the rocks and create a thundering roar, the powerful sounds that echo from the opening of the caves can be heard from miles away.

Entrance fee goes toward beach maintenance Located at KM 173

Isla Del Caño Spend a day on the open waters of the Pacific. Head out to where the waters are clear and the fish ample. Isla Del Caño is a small island in the Bahia de Corcovado (Corcovado Bay) in Osa Costa Rica. It is a popular tourist destination for ecotourism, mainly whale watching and snorkeling/diving, which attracts visitors not only for its beaches, but also the coral beds and sea life that surrounds the island.

By boat, full day tour

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Become a part of El Castillo’s transformation from treasured local landmark to luxury landing place.

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Locals cherish it, and visitors love it—forever recalling their experiences at El Castillo, a boutique luxury hotel in the heart of South Pacific Costa Rica, some of the most unforgettable travel memories of their lives. The area’s clean mountain air, world-class ocean waves, and hundreds of square miles of diverse jungle give you ample opportunities to explore—with El Castillo as the perfect home base.

The hotel has a storied history, beginning 10 years ago as the most expensive property in South Pacific Costa Rica—the last frontier of untouched land. The original owner achieved his dream of creating an expansive estate with jaw-dropping views of the Pacific Ocean.

Due to its natural beauty, the property quickly became an iconic landmark to the local village of Ojochal. However, it took a decade to become the elegant retreat that it is today.

Extensive renovations recently elevated El Castillo to five-star standards. Now, “the castle” is a home base for hotel guests and a luxe social gathering place within the community. With zealous hospitality and a doting staff, the pristine accommodations include six rooms with four-poster beds, vast wood-beamed ceilings, tranquil sitting areas, spacious bathrooms, secluded verandas, and French doors encouraging heavenly breezes and beautiful views of the mountains and ocean. Each room includes

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a private cabana on the brand-new guests-only deck with its own bar, spa services, and Jacuzzi pool overlooking the ocean.

El Castillo’s on-site Mediterranean restaurant, Azul Restaurant & Bar, hosts guests and the public for cocktails, fine wine, and elegant meals. Diners come for the sunsets but stay for the extensive wine list and sophisticated fare—popular dishes include fresh-catch fish tacos, souvlaki with tzatziki sauce, and seafood platters of mussels, clams, calamari, and shrimp. Part of Azul’s charm and vibrancy comes from locals and visitors enjoying the same setting.

As a hotel guest, you can be a part of the action—or you can retreat to your exclusive deck for a more intimate dining experience.

El Castillo’s neighbor, Corcovado National Park, is the largest national park in the country, deemed by National Geographic as the most “biologically intense place on earth in terms of biodiversity.” There are endless opportunities to explore the area—and El Castillo will coordinate everything for you. Vacationers can snorkel beneath the Pacific’s crystal clear water, zip line through the jungle canopy, surf renowned waves, horseback ride to waterfalls, go dolphin and whale watching, kayak through lush mangroves, ATV tour the jungle floors, rappel down cascading falls, and catch sailfish in one of the best sport-fishing regions in the world. Regardless of your chosen adventure, you will find a home-away-from-home at El Castillo.

Email: info@elcastillocr.com Tel: 506.2786.5543 • US: 214.329.9866

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Exquisite Dining Experiences & Live Music Events Fresh food combined with diverse options, the area is proud to be filled with scrumptious choices. The live entertainment found on the Southern Pacific coast is incredible, nearly every night of the week, in one or more of the town’s there is sure to be a performance for a crowd. Take advantage of the rhythms and vibes that each place offers up, you will be able to mix it up with locals and friends, all the while enjoying the amazing spaces that have been created.

Farmer’s Markets Local vendors pour their artistry and skill into their craft. Come see what the areas expert farmers and artisans have in stock. Fresh, made with care, and from the heart, the community comes out, and excitement fills the air every Feria!.

DOMINICAL Every Friday morning Pueblo Del Río

UVITA Every Saturday morning Rincón de Uvita

OJOCHAL Every Wednesday morning Coco Lindo / Ojochal Vital Every Friday morning Entrance / in front of Nani’s

Boruca Hidden within Costa Rica are different cultures and ethnic groups.

There are eight indigenous groups in the country, and Costa Ballena’s closest indigenous are the Borucans. Daily life in Boruca focuses on cultural preservation. Today, eighty percent of the Borucans are artisans, either carvers or weavers. With advance notice, you can see demonstrations of weaving, dyeing, and carving. There are also opportunities to enjoy lunch and a guided tour of the village (limited English spoken).

For reservations call Marina +(506) 8780 8648, or Susie at the Boruca Gallery Gift Shop +(506) 2200 5428.

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Once a sleepy little town off the beaten path, “Domi” - as known by the locals, has gone through a resurgence. With the arrival of new investors and talent who demonstrate a willingness to make the town the best there can be, a newfound sense of pride has come into play. With resources and energy being put forth, the town has been revamped not only its infrastructure but also it’s attitude.

‘Pueblo del Río’, found at the entrance of Dominical, is a bustling grass roots hub, and each new business that now calls it home, has something special to offer, with a keen eye on quality service and a focus on health and wellbeing, the small boardwalk is set up with a comfy and relaxed atmosphere. The town is now a destination that offers so much more than just surf. With Patrón’s at the center of it all, the concert’s they host bring big names to town, Saturday night’s are not to be missed if you are around. And beachfront is where you will see the biggest change, as you can walk from the North end to the South at a leisurely pace.

Just 44 km South of Quepos, Dominical awaits. It is the gateway that opens up Costa Ballena, a community and area with so much to experience and explore.

Beaches Playa Dominical Great for intermediate and advanced surf, if you are an aficionado you will be delighted to find consistent wave action year round. And for those watching form shore, get ready to be impressed by the surfers who are cutting up the waves.

Appreciation for the difficulty of this sport is inevitable after visiting this beach! It is also an ideal spot to catch a sunset and at low tide you can enjoy a long walk on the beach.

Located in Dominical

Local Highlights Playa Dominicalito / Las Rocas de Amancio The most Northern entrance is where you will find a location so beautiful it will whisk you away, the waves that crash onto the rocks at high tide are amazing to see. From the middle of the bay, you can spot boats coming in, or while you are there try your hand at kayak or SUP on the waves. There are rocks in the shallows waters, so high tide is the best time to get out to paddle.

Access to the beach located near: Porque No road/entrance Public beach access KM 146 La Parcela road/entrance

Catching a Sunset Living close to the ocean we cannot escape the ebb and flow of the tides, and passing of each day. With the setting of the sun into the ocean, it can sometimes be a bittersweet moment, when you realize the day you just had, is one of the best of your life. Take time to enjoy each sunset, relish every day, and relax your tired feet as tomorrow is brand new day.

River Barú Pueblo del Río

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Adventure Awaits in Dominical Try your hand at Stand Up Paddle Board or Kayak! The Pacific Ocean can be explored in many different ways: either on a surfboard, kayak or on a standup-board. Pineapple Tours, exploring the waters around Dominical since 2006, offers various different options of tours via kayak or SUP that visit the mangroves, Rio Barú, the Whale's Tail at Marino Ballena National Park, and to Playa Ventanas regularly. Tours & lessons are available for all levels and abilities. Choose the activity you like best!.

Kayak & Stand Up Paddle Board Tours to the Mangroves, River & Ocean Fully Insured and Certified Local Guides Playa Dominical, Costa Rica + (506) 8873-3283 or 8362-7655 Rachelw23@hotmail.com www.pineapplekayaktours.com

Get ready for a ‘‘reel’’ good time!

Another action packed activity offered in the Southern Zone is sport fishing with Las Rocas Marea Alta, either in – or off shore sport fishing. They create custom boat tours to suit your crew’s needs. They offer whale watching trips, snorkelling tours, all the while trolling the waters for your next catch. They also offer water-sports for the adrenaline junkie. Captain George, from Australia, and Allan, from Costa Rica, make the perfect team, with local knowledge and international experience.

Rocas de Amancio + (506) 8606-5118 or 2787-0480 Email: lasrocasmareaalta@yahoo.com

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Fresh sushi made on the spot! Rocío and Jota invite you to try their Costa Rican inspired rolls, such as the Tiquicia or the Tico Roll, with sweet fried plantain, a great dessert roll. Sit comfortably in their riverside restaurant to enjoy hand crafted rolls, and if you are with a few friends, we recommend the “Perla Negra”, which is a great option with a little bit of everything. Traditional sushi options are available, as are take-out orders.

Open daily for lunch and dinner Playa Dominical, Centro Commercial Pueblo Del Rio + (506) 8826 7946 /Dominical-SUSHI

While enjoying local and international favorites let your eyes feast on a view that is unparalleled. The powerful beauty of the rugged coastline, sparkling ocean blues, and vibrant jungle greens all at your disposal. Seafood specials will have you returning regularly, their menu includes our all time favourite Tuna Tartar, or try their typical Whole Fried Fish, and enjoy alongside new menu items like the Fish Tacos, that are a great afternoon snack.

Open for lunch & dinner from 11 am until 9 pm, everyday of the week Dominicalito Bay, Oceanside +(506) 2787 0016 / 2787 0241 www.LaParcelaCR.com

Amazing beach front, open-air restaurant and hotel serving up fresh seafood, tantalizing burgers and hot home-made pizzas, all with local flavour. Be sure to stop in on a Friday, when there is live music, good old rock’n’roll classics on the lineup — it will definitely get you swaying and dancing the night away. Reserve your table in advance, as it is the weekly social gathering venue for locals.

Open breakfast, lunch & dinner Closed Mondays +(506) 2787 0036 www.rocaverde.net

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Hotels & Restaurants

Travel & Leisure

Lifestyle & Homes

1

Café Mono Congo 8384-2915

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Airbone Arts 8302-4241

17

24

2

Dominical Sushi Restaurant 8826-7946

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Alegria Soul Spa 2787-0210

18

25

3

Feliz Foods felizfoods.com

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Boruca Art Gallery 2200-5428

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La Parcela 2787-0016 / 2787-0241

5 Patrón's

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Costa Rica Dive & Surf 2787-0362

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Eden Mobil 8409-9706

2787-8010 6

PorQueNo? / Costa Paraiso 2787-0025

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Roca Verde 2787-0036

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Las Rocas Marea Alta 8521-0459

Bamboo Solutions 8308-9851 / 8305-0855 Coldwell Banker – Dominical Realty 2787-0223

19 Comprica

support@comprica.com

Living Space 8918-2450 Pacific Coast Law 2787-0446

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Valle de Vida Properties 8308-9851 / 8358-7856

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CR Trópico 2787-0500 / 2787-0300

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Dra. Laura Valverde (San Isidro) 2772-0101/ 2770-5252

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Marino Pez Vela (Quepos) 2774-9000

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Pineapple Tours 8873-3283 / 8362-7655

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Tico Roots Souvenir shop 8349-9392

E&T Solutions 2771-6789 / 2771-7856 La Guapil Nursery 8395-1381

Essential Services 27

Dominical Police 2787-0406

28 ICE

2787-0123 29

Hospital Escalante Pradilla 2771-3122

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With a mountain backdrop and the ‘Río Morete’ that runs through the town center, the small city is surrounded by nature, and offers easy access to beaches, rivers and the mountains nearby. Essential services can be found in Uvita like banks and hardware stores, truly everything you need to take care of business. It is an urban center that has been preparing for expansion. New services and families are beginning to settle their roots. And the town is perfect as a home base for professionals looking to get away, and for travellers alike. Enjoy Uvita and Bahía, typical ‘ Tico’ towns close to the beach and to Mother Nature.

Beaches Playa Hermosa Great for both surf and play. A beautiful name for a beautiful beach, this beach fills up on weekends; get there early to get a spot under the shade or bring a parasol for those hot sunny days. Fresh fruit and ‘ceviche’ stands are located at the entrance and are a must try! It’s also a hot spot for intermediate to advanced surfers alike, with Punta Achiote at the North end of the beach.

Located at KM 157

Local Highlights Playa Ballena At low tide, long walks on the beach, softer waves for swimmers and tempting rock formations at the Southern end of the beach, are yours to discover. A great spot for sports enthusiasts, the beach is perfect for a Sunday soccer match, boogie boarding, kayak, Stand Up Paddleboard or surfing at high tide.

Located at KM 169

Amazing Views Unique above all the rest on the Pacific Coast, is that from the mountain ranges, peppered along the entire coast, is where you can truly witness the beauty of the rugged landscapes. Some views are expansive, and heart opening. Find your perfect spot to watch the clouds roll by and go ahead, take it all in, breathe deep, gulp up the fresh mountain and ocean air, let it revitalize your body and mind.

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SUP, Surf & Kayak with a Real Costa Rican Company Since 2004!

Uvita 360 guides will take you, providing the highest quality Stand up paddling, Kayaking tours and surf lessons in Uvita, Dominical & Ojochal. We use proven techniques that are designed for quick learning as well as fun and safety.

• SUP & kayak tours are provided at the Marino Ballena National Park, at Punta Uvita, and the Whales Tail combined with Snorkeling. Terraba-Sierpe Mangroves are the other amazing scenery where we go if you want to find the flora & fauna treasures of the biggest mangroves in Central America!

• Surf lessons are held at beautiful Hermosa & Chaman Beach near Uvita & Dominical surf town.

• Surf by yourself and rent a Surfboard or bodyboard, or get a kayak or SUP and immerse yourself in the ocean! www.uvita360.com info@uvita360.com +(506) 8586 8745

Discover the Ocean or Take a Trip to Corcovado National Park The area bursts of fascinating wildlife, whether it’s watching whales as they frolic in the nearby waters or whether you make a day trip to Corcovado National Park, where a variety of exotic animals can be spotted with the help of an experienced guide, you are sure to spot some monkeys, birds or reptiles on any one of your day trips.

Boat & Nature Tour Operator + (506) 2743-8362 bahia.aventuras@gmail.com www.bahiaaventuras.com

19b Stop in the Beer Garden for a cold one on tap! Costa Rican Craft Beers are chilled and waiting. Fresh homemade deli sandwiches, incredible quality meats, wraps, salads, and smoothies served in a relaxed, kick up your feet in your backyard, and soon to become favourite, hang out spot!

Live music on occasion. Pre-order your take-out or group order for it to be ready when you are.

Mon-Fri: 11:00 am - 7:00 pm • Sat: 8:30 am - 7:00 pm 50 meters west of BCR + (506) 4702 3782 • /Roadshackdeli

Serving fresh brewed coffee with a smile. And now offering an extended menu, with pizzas and burgers! Who doesn’t love a personal sized pizza, where everyone gets to choose their favourite toppings? Or a juicy burger miam! From healthy breakfast options in the morning, to empanadas and salads all day, Sibu offers a cozy and cheerful atmosphere, where you can sit back and relax to enjoy a meal with friends. The artisanal breads are made with care, and the desserts are homemade as well, so be sure to save room and treat yourself to a piece of sweetness.

Open 7 am to 7 pm Monday to Saturdays + (506) 2743 8674 • /Sibu-Cafeteria-y-chocolate

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Hotels & Restaurants

Travel & Leisure

1

Marino Ballena 2743-8104

6

2

Roadshack Deli 4702-3782

7 Bienestar

Sibu Café 2743-8674

8

3

8505-1369

9

Essential Services 4 ICE

10

11

2743-8522 5

Uvita Police 2743-8538

Bahia Aventuras 2743-8362

12

Lifestyle & Homes 13 Axiom

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4001-2343 14

Centro Llantero del Sur / Bridgestone 2743-8383

Hardware Iguana Verde 2743-8929 / 2743-8241

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Outlier Legal Services (San Jose) 2506-3870

Costa Rica Dive & Surf 8319-5392

15

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Feeling Good Spa 2743-8489

Centro Veterinario del Sur 2743-8652

Rancho Alegre Properties 8822-9205

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23

Rancho La Merced 2743-8032 / 8861-5147

Costa Ballena Living 8768-7540

Rancho La Merced Services 8822-9205

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Uvita 360º 8586-8745

Coto Company 2743-8550 / 8872-9766

Royal Palm 2743-8323

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Uvita Information Center 2743-8889

Escuela Verde 8703-5396

Tuff Trux 8320-8274

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Gabriela Meléndez Naranjo 2772-4088

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One would not believe that just 15 years ago the land was barren, completely cut down and used as cattle pasture, it was not the lush mountain forest we know it as today. These days, Ojochal is home to various works of living art, as many homeowners take pride in their manicured and fruitful gardens. Ojochal, named after the “Ojoche” tree, also known by natives of the area as the tree of life (as one can consume the tree from root to leaf). You can find the Ojoche trees that were replanted are now growing strong along the sides of the roads in Ojochal.

It is a quiet village that is home to many expatriates and snow birds alike. Winters are becoming more harsh and many travellers are wanting to escape the cold. Rental villas are being filled and retirees are flocking to the quaint village to relax and resource. Also well-known for its large French Canadian

expatriate community, Ojochal boasts a strong community with a wide diversity of people, whether it is culturally speaking or professionally. It has a cosmopolitan community and you never know who you may meet at one of the various social events held throughout the year, fascinating people and fascinating stories light up conversations.

As for services, new to Ojochal is an ATM at the grocery store.

On the corner of the entrance to Ojochal, you will see a building being erected, which will be a national hardware store, the town is developing, seemingly at a slow yet assured pace. Ciudad Cortés and Palmar Sur, both within a 30 minute drive from Ojochal; offer all the services you will need, like the nearest hospital in the area. There is an airport in Palmar Sur with national flights that depart daily.

Beaches Playa Pinuelas With a direct view of the island formations ‘Las Trés Hermanas’ (The Three Sisters) and ‘Isla Ballena’ (Whale Island), accompanied with the sound of the waves crashing on the rocky rimmed beachfront, Playa Piñuelas makes for a great swim at mid tide and delivers perfect sunset moments. Swaying palm trees provide shade cover and fishermen cast out lines from the shore. Playa Piñuelas is the last stop on the ‘Parque Nacional Marino Ballena’ circuit.

Parque Nacional Marino Ballena Located at KM 162

Natural Attraction Cascada de Ojochal Natural beauty put on display, it is a location easy to get to, and the relaxing pools of water are wonderfully refreshing midday. The flowers and landscaping are unique and complete the authentic experience. Small entrance fee for maintenance.

Go straight on Calle Bosque and turn right at the Church Go 700 mtrs, turn left down dirt road (before bridge) Go 50 mtrs, entrance to Doña Elida’s is on your right

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Stephen offers International and Costa Rican Cuisine with a river view, where the scarlet macaws are regular visitors starting at about 4pm. Friendly staff greet you and at the bar you’ll often find locals watching the football match on the screen. Boca Coronado offers local produce, purchased from his parents organic farm found in the mountainside nearby, and the flavours that he stirs up are unique with a Costa Rican flavor. The ceviche is a classic, and the jumbo shrimp are a must try. A full bar is available, so any cocktail you can think up, Luis, the bar-tender, can stir it up. Open Wednesday through Monday from 10 am to 10 pm.

150m south of Ojochal Entrance, off of Costanera, next to RĂ­o Terraba +(506) 2786 5082 or 8994 8998

Have fun monkeying around on a zipline Another highlight in the area is the Canopy Tour.

Nine cables, 11 platforms, two repelling stations, two suspension bridges and a Tarzan inspired free swing await you in the mountains near Ojochal. Enjoy the adrenaline rush of zipping above the rainforest canopy, whilst having the most magnificent views on the jungle and the mountains. You will not only be tree top, you will feel on top of the world! +(506) 8768 7540

Restaurante Terraba Serving typical Costa Rican food with flare and fresh ingredients. Specializing in seafood and fresh meat cuts, with a variety of flavoured sauces. Family owned and operated, with over twenty years of combined experience. Great value, diverse menu, and friendly staff. A full bar is at your service.

Open 11am to 10pm 200m south of Ojochal Entrance, off of Costanera +(506) 4702 9868

25b Lucy and Robert welcome you to their intimate fine dining establishment serving Thai, Viet, French and Polynesian dishes that are to be savoured. Be sure to save room for one of their delectable homemade desserts.

Located 1 km on the main road off the Costanera By reservation only + (506) 2786 5050 exotica@racsa.co.cr

Looking for a trendy, tropical terrace atmosphere and a great bite to eat? Meet up for cocktails and dinner at Citrus or make a date with a friend to enjoy their eclectic menu offering. Their french inspired decorated garden terrace, combined with an outstanding menu, will have you and your taste buds travelling around the world. All menu items have been specially created by chef and owner, Marcella. Be sure to try one of her classic dishes! Vegan options are available.

Open every night of the week Plaza Filibustero, on main road, to the left after the first bridge in Ojochal For reservations call + (506) 2786 5175

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Hotels & Restaurants 1

Alma de Ojochal 2786-5295

8

2

9

Bella Rosa 8412-4478 Boca Coronado 2786-5082 /8994-8998 2786-5175

5

El Castillo / Azul 2786-5543

6

Esquinas Rainforest Lodge (Piedras Blancas) 2741-8001

7 Exotica

2786-5050 (Reservation only)

Restaurante Terraba 4702-9868

14

Hopital CortĂŠs 2786-8148 / 2786-8198

Villas de Oro 2786-5170

3

4 Citrus

Essential Services

Travel & Leisure

Kokopelli Sierpe 2788-1259

15

Ojochal Police 2786-5661

Lifestyle & Homes 16

Ballena Legal Team 4701-9776 / 8721-2291

19 Palmex

2786-5126

10

4

20

11

17

21 Redizon

La Perla Del Sur (Sierpe) 2788-1082

12

Ojochal Tourist & Business Center 2786-5823

13

Osa Canopy Tour 8768-7540

Cava Mundial 8717-0076 Century 21 Ballena Properties Ballena Views Ballena Homes 2786-5801

18

Grupo Materiales 2786-5041

Pet Lodge 8430-7401

8718-3542 /2786-5813 22

Villas Sangha 8744-1169

23

Vivero La Bonita #6 2786-5073

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To find out where you can spot these wonderful creatures, visit us online at www.CostaBallenaLiving.com

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Pura Vida. These two simple words, literally meaning “pure life”, are the perfect description of the lifestyle and attitudes of Costa Rica and its happy inhabitants: appreciating the little things, enjoying the simple life, and always having time for a cold beer or visit to the beach with family and friends.

It’s easy to see that this beloved country slogan far surpasses its casual stateside counterparts like “The Show Me State” for Missouri, or “Georgia is for Lovers”. Beyond its most basic translation (pure life), Pura Vida can be used in a wide array of expressions, similar to Hawaii’s “Mahalo”, making it simple for tourists to embrace the Pura Vida spirit while on their travels. For some, it has even infiltrated our everyday vocabulary, and so if your Spanish is a little rusty, and you want to fit in like a local, when in doubt just say “Pura Vida”!

Más Tico que el gallo pinto More Costa Rican than spotted rooster This expression combines two essential Costa Rican terms: Tico, which is what Costa Ricans call themselves in slang, and gallo pinto, literally translated this means “spotted rooster,” but is also the name of the traditional rice-and-bean breakfast dish of Costa Rica.

Upe Hello, anyone home?

This is a friendly way to announce yourself when you arrive at someone’s home. You will hear this on the regular in a Tico neighbourhood.

Por dicha / qué dicha

Something so iconic and integrated in Costa Rica culture surely must have rich, historic roots going back to the era of Juan Santamaria or maybe even to the mysterious Pre-Columbian spheres, right? Lo siento, amigo. As it turns out, Pura Vida was born out of pop entertainment less than 60 years ago. Believe it or not, Costa Rican historians attribute the phrase’s origins to the 1956 Mexican comedy, aptly named Pura Vida. In the film, the lovable but luckless lead character Melquiades Ledezma is played by the infamous comedian Antonio “Clavillazo” Espino, who stumbles through a series of unfortunate events.

Throughout his adventures, Melquiades repeatedly uses the expression “Pura Vida” to refer to people, things, and general sentiments about life despite his unlucky circumstances. In fact, he says it 13 times, which could be considered ironic given his problematic journey if you’re the superstitious type.The film does end on a positive note though, with the misunderstood protagonist winning the lottery for a million pesos.

After the release of the movie, the expression started to take root in everyday Latin American lingo, and especially resonated with Costa Ricans. Whether it was just a catchy phrase that people liked to say or a subconscious verbalization of the resilient, life is good attitude of Ticos in general, this last is not known, nor is it necessarily important, what is undeniable is that the phrase Pura Vida stuck and was a perfect fit for the reflected values and attitudes of the people who live here.

Fortunately or how fortunate Costa Ricans readily express appreciation for their good fortune and that of others with this term.

“How are you?”

“Fine, por dicha.”

“I’m taking a nice, long vacation.”

“Qué dicha! Have a great time.”

The phrase later became even more appropriate and commonly used during the 80's in Costa Rica, as the majority of Central America was dealing with political unrest and generalized angst, the tiny Army-less country continued on peacefully. Not surprisingly, when Costa Rica’s tourism grew in the 90's, the phrase took on the rockstar status that it has today, being integrated into everything from bikinis to tour operator names.

Regardless the origins of the phrase, it’s impossible go unnoticed that Costa Rica has truly cultivated and embodied the soul of the happy-go-lucky phrase, making it one of the most beautiful, happy, and relaxed places on Earth.

Lindsey is a travel writer and entrepreneur known for her humorous twist on life.

Additionally, she is the Founder of Pura Events Costa Rica (www.PuraEventsCostaRica.com), the best online events calendar in Costa Rica.