Description:
In only a few days in Costa Rica, one can experience a vast range of landscapes and hundreds of species of wildlife while coming into intimate contact with nature. Here's some inspiration for a shorter trip, and where to eat along the way.
View Iternary mapDay Note:
Get to know your wild neighbors in the jungle with a morning visit to the Jaguar Rescue Center in Cocles. Make sure not to miss a dinner at Puerto Viejo's best Italian restaurant, La Pecora Nera.
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La Pecora Nera
Contact:
- 2750-0490
Location:
- 50m (164 ft.) inland from a well-marked turnoff on the main road south just beyond the soccer field in Cocles
Description:
This open-air joint on the jungle's edge has a deserved reputation as the finest Italian restaurant in the region, if not the country. Owner Ilario Giannoni is a whirlwind of enthusiasm and activity, switching hats all night long from maitre d' to chef to waiter to busboy in an entertaining blur. Sure, he's got some help, including his grandmother, who makes gnocchi, but it seems like he's doing it single-handedly. The menu has a broad selection of pizzas and pastas, but your best bet is to just ask Ilario what's fresh and special for that day, and to trust his instincts and inventions. I've had fabulous fresh pasta dishes and top-notch appetizers every time I've visited. The gnocchi here is light and mouthwatering. The main dishes come with a variety of side dishes.
Day Note:
Head just a bit south of Puerto Viejo and stop at Miss Holly's Kitchen in Play Chiquita for breakfast, then continue down the road til it ends in Manzanillo. Hire a guide to tour the immense park, or explore the marked path and beautiful beaches.
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Miss Holly's Kitchen
Contact:
- 2750-0131
Location:
- At Aguas Clara, Playa Chiquita
Description:
Although they only serve breakfast and lunch, this little cafe is a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike. Breakfasts feature fresh baked goods, omelets, and local favorites such as rice and beans with eggs. For lunch the menu shifts to a range of green and hearty salads, and various sandwiches. I like grabbing one of the tables on the small wooden cottage's wraparound veranda. But you can also just order at the deli counter inside and have a picnic on the beach. If you're traveling with a laptop, this is a great place to take advantage of some free Wi-Fi.
Day Note:
Have coffee with locals and people watch at Pan Pay before heading just north of town to Finca La Isla's bptanical garden tour, al ovely way to spend the day. Hang out on Pay Negra after.
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Pan Pay Cafe
Contact:
- 2750 0081
Location:
- Beachfront
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Map
Description:
Pan Pay is the local favorite hang-out, and the most bustling spot in town each morning. The outside tables have a view of both the ocean and the police station, fine vantage points for drinking coffee, fresh juice and breakfast. Most of the plates are generous and cost less than $5, and come with delicious bread spread lightly with tomato and olive oil. Pan Pay's baguettes are fresh baked daily, and for 500 colones ($1), they are the best deal in town.
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Finca La Isla Botanical Gardens
Contact:
- (506)2750-0046
- visit website
Location:
- Playa Negra
Description:
Finca La Isla's botanical garden tour is a liesurely, nature-walk in the rainforest just north of Puerto Viejo. Ten minutes by bicycle or a quick drive to Playa Negra,the garden's wonders change with the weather, so rain or shine there it is always humming with exotic tropical growth. Finca La Isla is real a permaculture farm spread over four hectares, including an old chocolate farm, with more than 100 identified fruit trees and and an impressive collection of palms and decorative plants, all labeled with their common and scientific names. Highlights of the tour are the exotic flower nursery,brimming with bromeliads, poisonous dart frogs that are guaranteed to appear, fruit trees, and a garden full of medicinal herbs and spices. Bird watching is another bonus. Learn about the history of the Caribbean spice trade, taste real cacao and fresh coffee beans. All tours end with a sampling of natural goodies and fresh fruit juice. Self-guided tour: $5 Guided tour: $10 per person, minimum 3 people. 2.5 hours Open Friday to Monday 10-4
Day Note:
Mnay tour operators, like Exploradores, will pick you up at your hotel in Puerto Viejo, take you rafting for the day, with an included lunch break, and bring you to your next hotel in San Jose. AN excellent way to make your way back to the city.
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Whitewater Rafting on the Pacuare River in Costa Rica
Contact:
- visit website
Location:
- San Jose,Central Valley
book itfrom $99Description:
Experience the adrenaline-charged thrill of whitewater rafting on the Pacuare River! The scenery while rafting is simply unique. The tropical vegetation and power of the waters will transport you to a Central American fantasy world. This one-day adventure battling class III and IV rapids is an unforgettable Costa Rican experience not to be missed!
While in Costa Rica, head out rafting (approximately 3-4 hours) on this perfect tropical river, which due to its scenery and rapids has been declared one of the five best rafting rivers in the world. This is a trip of pure magic, unsurpassed beauty, wildlife and exhilarating fun.
The Pacuare River borders the Talamanca mountain range, home to native Cabecar Indians, jaguars, monkeys, sloth and an incredible variety of birds, butterflies and reptiles. You can look for these species, and enjoy the raw power of the pounding river, during your relaxing lunch break.After the rafting has finished, relax on an enjoyable ride back to San Jose through the impressive Braulio Carrillo National Park after an adventure of a lifetime.
We recommend you bring the following:
- Camera
- Sandals
- Sunscreen
- Towel
- Extra Clothing
- Destination(s): Costa Rica, Puerto Viejo, San Jose
- Type: Active/Adventure,Off the Beaten Path
- 4 DAYS
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