Visitor Information

While there are countless excellent establishments to explore, here’s a curated list of our favorite dining spots, pubs, and cafes we frequent when in the country.

Dining

Directions can easily be found on Google Maps or Waze.

Ojochal

  • Citrus: A moderately priced restaurant offering an eclectic fusion menu with something for everyone, plus fantastic drinks.
  • Heliconia: Enjoy Costa Rican fusion cuisine at moderate prices in a warm and welcoming setting.
  • Los Gatos Locos: Nestled in the jungle, this spot offers outstanding Mexican, Central American, and Costa Rican dishes.
  • Pancito Café: A quaint French bistro perfect for light breakfasts and lunches.
  • Restaurant Exotica: A go-to for special occasions, known for its impressive presentation and delightful flavors.
  • Cafes/Coffee/Bakery:
    • Pancito Café: (See above)
    • Tagua: An excellent outdoor café within walking distance of Vista Cascada, featuring skilled baristas and offering limited vegan small bites and pastries.
    • L’Epicerie: Often dubbed the “Whole Foods of Ojochal,” this small gourmet grocery offers self-made espresso, cappuccino, Americanos, and delectable pastries.

Uvita

  • Mosaic Wine and Sushi Bar: Laid back and busy, reservations recommended
  • El Hornito Pizza and Empanadas: A small, outdoor neighborhood gem known for its delicious pizzas, subs, and empanadas.
  • Restaurante Los Laureles: A family-owned spot serving casual local fare, with a standout burger that’s a must-try.
  • Sibu: A versatile restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner with consistently solid, moderately priced options.
  • Cafes/Coffee/Bakery:
    • The Bakery: Renowned for its excellent coffee, homemade pastries, and satisfying breakfast/lunch sandwiches.
    • Subu: (See above)
    • Le French Café: Owned by the same people behind Ojochal’s Pancito, this café serves light French fare and coffee.
    • Bagel Time Bakery: As the name suggests, this spot specializes in traditional bagel sandwiches and great coffee.

Dominical

  • Del Mar Taco Shop: A casual joint offering cold cervezas and fresh tacos, with service that’s hard to beat.
  • La Junta Dominical: A laid-back, casual spot in Dominical Town, where you can enjoy excellent food and possibly spot some wildlife.
  • Restaurante Scala: A moderately priced destination in the hills north of Uvita, perfect for special occasions, offering exceptional service and cuisine.
  • Cafes/Coffee/Bakery:
    • Fuego Coffee Roasting Co.: Known for roasting Costa Rican beans, this café offers excellent coffee and light fare.
    • Café Olas: A typical café, perfect for a relaxed coffee break.

Private Chef

Ojochal

Ojochal

Pharmacy/Drugstore/Doctor/Hospital

Directions can easily be found on Google Maps or Waze.

Note: Please contact Osa Property Management for Doctor/Dentist Referrals.

Ojochal

  • Farmacia: Next to Citrus Restaurante.
  • Farmacia Ibarra: Next to Jocaloa Soda.
  • Farmacia Plaza Ventanas: Look for the
  • Dinosaurs.
  • Hostpital: Tomas Casas Casajus
    • 10-15 minutes South of Ojochal.

Uvita

  • Farmacia Don Gerardo
  • Farmacia Costa Ballena
  • Farmacia Tico Gringo

Dominical

  • Farmacia Farmar Dominical

ATM/Banking

Directions can easily be found on Google Maps or Waze.

Ojochal

  • Located at Ventanas Gas Station near T-Rex

Uvita

  • There are several banks and ATM’s in Uvita, all located in Uvita Town: Banco Nacional, Banco de Costa Rica Uvita, and Banco Costa Rica (BCR).

Dominical

  • Banco Costa Rica: Located in Centro Commercial Plaza.

Gas Stations

Directions can easily be found on Google Maps or Waze.

In Costa Rica, all gas stations operate as full-service by law, meaning attendants will fill your tank for you. You can easily locate gas stations using Google Maps or Waze. Here are a few key stations in the Costa Ballena region:

Ojochal

  • Ventanas Gas Station – Located just a few hundred yards north of the entrance to Ojochal town. Look for the distinctive T-Rex statue nearby, making it easy to spot!

Uvita

  • GS La Colonia – Situated on Route 34, just south of Marino Ballena National Park. This station is about a 15-minute drive from Ojochal, making it a convenient stop if you're exploring the area.

Dominical

  • Estacion de Servicio el Ceibo – Positioned just north of Dominical, this gas station is well-placed for those heading further up the coast or returning from a day trip to the northern beaches.

Groceries (Supermarkets)

Directions can easily be found on Google Maps or Waze.

All throughout the area there are local independent “Sodas” selling fresh and dry good groceries.

Ojochal

  • L’Epicerie: located in Ojochal Town, best compared as a mini-Whole Foods, well stocked with fresh steaks, seafood, produce, dry goods wine and beer.
  • Tagua Café/Artesanal Organic Market: Organic Market offering produce and dry goods.
  • Fresh Fish Monger: Upon exiting Ojochal Town, turn left on Route 34. About one mile down on the right-hand side in the town of Tarcoles; look for the sign “Pescaderia” for their fresh catch.
  • Note: There are several small “Sodas” on your way up to Vista Cascada offering fresh produce, dry goods, bakery.
  • Liquor/Beer/Wine/Ice:
    • L’Epicerie
    • Sodas: Jucaloa, Mini Super Hnos Vargas

Uvita

  • BM Supermercado: Traditional large grocery store.
  • MAXI Pali: Traditional large grocery store. Costa Rica’s version of Walmart.
  • Seguras Meat Market: A traditional butcher selling local meats, milk, butter etc.
  • Uvita Saturday Market: located at the indoor soccer field located on the west side of Route 34, across from BCR Bank.
  • Uvita Wednesday Market: Located on the road going to Marino Ballena National Park, before the soccer field on left.
  • La Macha: Fish monger located between Uvita and Dominical near the turn off for La Parcela Restaurant.
  • Liquor/Beer/Wine/Ice:
    • Uvita Discount Liquor and Wine
    • Supermarkets listed above.
    • Sodas: Multiple stores in and around Uvita Town.
    • Mosaic Wine

Dominical

  • Friday Market: Located at Pueblo del Rio
  • Yony Umana: Drive into Dominical, turn right at Mono Congo – follow the river. Drive past the hotel with tennis courts and turn right into group of homes. Look for small “Pescaderia” sign.
  • Super Dominical: Traditional Grocery
  • Monkey Foods Market: Smaller market with prepared foods, produce, dry goods, hard and soft beverages.
  • Mama Toucan’s Natural Market: Smaller specialty market.
  • Liquor/Beer/Wine/Ice:
    • La Lico
    • Supermarkets listed above.
    • Sodas: Multiple stores in and around Dominical.

Best Time to Visit

The Costa Ballena region in Costa Rica is a lush and vibrant area known for its stunning natural beauty. The best time to visit depends on the type of activities you're interested in.

  • Dry Season (December through April): This is considered the highest season with the most sunny days and lower chances of precipitation. It’s an ideal time for beach activities, wildlife tours, and outdoor adventures. However, be prepared for occasional short afternoon rains, even during this period.
  • Mini Summer (July): There's a brief dry window in July known as "mini summer." This is another great time to visit if you want to avoid the wetter months but still experience the area's green landscapes.
  • Wet Season (May, June, August through December): These months are characterized by more frequent rainfall. While the wet season can bring heavy downpours, it also means lush landscapes, fewer tourists, and opportunities to see waterfalls and rivers at their most impressive. Activities like bird watching and rainforest hikes can be particularly rewarding during this time.

Throughout the year, temperatures in the region remain relatively stable, with an average daily high of 84°F (29°C) and a low of 72°F (22°C), making it a comfortable destination no matter the season.

If your plans are more flexible, you might choose the dry season for guaranteed sunny days or the wet season for a more tranquil and verdant experience.

https://weather-and-climate.com/average-monthly-min-max-Temperature,ojochal-puntarenas-cr,Costa-Rica