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Tucked between the jungle and the sea, Ojochal isn’t your typical beach town. There’s no surf circus, no backpacker bar crawl, and definitely no mega-resorts blasting reggaeton at 9 a.m. Instead, you get something better: lush nature, waterfalls nobody talks about, beaches you might have to yourself, and—surprise twist—some of the best food in the entire country.
It’s the kind of place where you wake up to toucans, eat lunch with ocean views, and end the day drinking wine under the stars next to a French-Belgian fusion restaurant in the middle of the jungle. Let me show you around.
Things to Do in Ojochal? Hit the Beach – Playa Ventanas
Let’s start with the beach—Playa Ventanas. It’s just a short drive from the center of Ojochal, but it feels like a hidden world. The bay is small, perfect, and bookended by two sea caves you can walk into at low tide. Waves echo through the tunnels in a way that’s both eerie and mesmerizing.
There’s no development here—no bars, no Wi-Fi, just sand, shade, and a guy selling coconuts out of a cooler. If you’re looking for that “Costa Rica before it got discovered” feeling, this is it.
Cool Off Jungle-Style – Cascada El Pavón in Ojochal
Forget the hotel pool. Just ten minutes from town, Cascada El Pavón offers a jungle swimming hole complete with a picture-perfect waterfall. The boulder wedged in the middle of the cascade looks like nature’s version of modern art.
It’s not a strenuous hike—more like a gentle stroll—and totally worth packing a towel and heading out for an afternoon dip. Locals love it, and you’ll probably spot a few families there on weekends cooling off the natural way.
Eat Like You’ve Got a Michelin Guide in Your Pocket
Ojochal is a food town, full stop. For a tiny village surrounded by jungle, the restaurant scene is wildly good. Exotica serves dishes that make you feel underdressed. Citrus is where you go for fresh seafood and fancy cocktails. And even the little roadside sodas serve casados that make you question your life choices back home.
This isn’t the place for party bars. It’s for long, unhurried dinners with jungle sounds in the background and a second glass of wine you didn’t know you needed.
Explore the Wild – Sierpe River & Mangrove Tours
Want to swap gourmet meals for wild jungle vibes? Drive to nearby Sierpe and hop on a mangrove kayak tour. It’s like slipping into a live-action nature documentary—crocodiles sunning themselves, monkeys doing acrobatics, and more bird species than you can pronounce.
The river system here is massive, and local guides know exactly where to go. It’s peaceful, a little mysterious, and you’ll come back feeling like you actually experienced Costa Rica, not just visited it.
Horseback, ATV, and Other Dusty Joys
If you like your nature with a bit more horsepower, Ojochal’s got you covered. Horseback rides take you into the hills, to waterfalls, or along jungle paths where the only thing watching you is a curious toucan. Prefer more noise? ATV tours deliver mud, adrenaline, and some killer viewpoints.
It’s not about speed here—it’s about getting into places you can’t reach by flip-flop.
Things to Do in Ojochal – Sunset Views & Slow Evenings
This isn’t a nightlife town, but you won’t miss it. Grab a cocktail and head up into the hills for sunset. Some of the best views are from hillside vacation rentals or small boutique hotels that come with terraces made for this exact moment.
The sun sets behind layers of green and gold while cicadas start their evening chorus. No DJ required.
Day Trip to Marino Ballena – Beach + Whales
Marino Ballena National Park in Uvita is only about 20 minutes away, and it’s perfect for a half-day trip. The beach is stunning and stretches forever, but the real draw is the natural “whale tail” sandbar you can walk on at low tide.
During whale season (August to October, and again from January to March), you can hop on a boat tour and actually spot humpbacks breaching offshore. Even if you’re not there for the whales, it’s still a killer spot for a beach walk and a cold pipa.
Add a Little Culture – Cooking Classes & Chocolate Tours
Want to learn how to make Costa Rican tortillas the proper way? Or see how chocolate goes from tree to truffle? Local workshops and slow travel experiences are a growing part of Ojochal’s scene—and a perfect rainy day plan.
They’re relaxed, hands-on, and you usually leave with full bellies and new friends.
Ready to Discover Ojochal for Yourself?
At GoExploreWith.me, we help travelers like you get past the brochure and into the real Costa Rica. We work with local guides, family-run tour operators, and know all the quiet places that make Ojochal special.
Whether you want to book a mangrove tour, find the best table for sunset dinner, or explore trails most visitors miss—we’ve got your back.
Start planning your Ojochal escape with us
Bonus: Free eBook – 10 Hidden Gems in Costa Rica
If this sounds like your kind of travel, you’ll love our free eBook: “10 Hidden Gems in Costa Rica You’ve Never Heard Of.”
We’ve packed it with beaches, waterfalls, trails, and tiny towns that don’t make the guidebooks.
Let’s keep it wild, weird, and wonderful—just like Ojochal.
