Ojochal
Ojochal, Playa Tortuga and Playa Ventana, Southern Costa Rica
By Explore Costa Rica Staff
Feb 4, 2008, 15:13

Tours, Attractions, Things to do in Southern Costa Rica
Ojochal, Playa Tortuga and Playa Ventana, Southern Costa Rica
 
Basic amenities and services are provided in the small authentic Costa Rican town of Ojochal. The slow pace hasn’t been affected by tourism yet, making this place a great 'off the beaten track' destination. Playa Tortuga, or Ojochal as it is known by the locals, is a clean strip of beach enjoyed by Ticos and foreigners alike. The town of Ojochal sits off the coast a little ways, protected by mountainous forest, the perfect spot from which to access the stunning Costa Rica coastline.

Playa Ventanas Ojochal Southern Costa Rica

The tropical setting makes for a vacation destination to the southern part of the Central Pacific coast. Apart from swimming or strolling lazily along the sandy coastline, numerous activities and adventure tours are offered. The Nauyaca Waterfalls, described as some of the best in Costa Rica, are only a short drive away. Hiking, kayaking, and Horseback riding are great ways to experience this naturally stunning area.

Sport fishing in the Pacific or a boat tour down the Río Terraba, abundant in mangroves, are excellent ways to view Costa Rica wildlife up close and personal. Scuba Diving is a favorite hobby as divers can encounter dolphins, manta rays, whales, sea turtles and plenty of colorful fish.

This Costa Rica area is highlighted by gorgeous sunsets and blue seas which are better for swimming than Surfing. The area is also great for Bird Watching as hundreds of different species are found in the region.

Playa Ventanas National Park is located just south of Marino Ballenas National Park. The easiest way to explore this Costa Rica national park is by accessing it through the town of Uvita, located to the north of the protected zone. Passing south over the Bahía de Coronado will take visitors to Drake Bay and the Osa Peninsula. From here it is possible to explore the world renowned Corcovado National Park—famous for its immense biodiversity.

There are small landing strips in Quepos, next to Manuel Antonio National Park and Uvita to the north and in Palmar Sur to the south. If you’re not going to fly into the area, two different routes are accessible from San Jose and the Central Valley. You can head south on the Inter American Highway to San Isidro de El General and then take the connection through Dominical to the Pacific coast, or head south along Coastal Highway 34 until you have reached your destination.