Far from a tourist trap, Ojochal, Costa Rica is the local secret you’ve been looking for. Featuring one of the most stunning landscapes imaginable, you’ll find lush green hills nestled next to unbelievably white beaches.

The crystal clear waters of the Pacific are prime for swimming and diving, spotting dolphins is an everyday occurrence, and the rich wildlife provides endless reminders of the magical life “en paraíso.”

Whether you’re looking for the ultimate vacation getaway or seeking an investment property in the tropics, checking out one of the charming rural towns peppering Ojochal is a savvy move.

Ojochal, Costa Rica itself is all small town appeal and is tucked away only thirty kilometers below Dominical. Somehow, it’s escaped the tourism of other Costa Rica locations, even though it boasts some of the most beautiful waters and beaches in the country.

From Playa Ventanas to Playa Arco and every beach in between, the appeal of the sandy getaways are rivaled only by the “permanent residents” who you’ll quickly become acquainted with.

Ojochal

Neighborly Love

In Ojochal, Costa Rica, you’ll find the famous howler monkeys, sloths, toucans, and a variety of butterflies including the famous blue morph. This is also the famed location where the sea turtles arrive each year to lay eggs. From July through January, the beaches are spotted with these massive sea creatures, providing an incredible peek into the real Costa Rica.

However, if you need a break from the beach, there are countless acres of protected rainforests nearby including the Marina Ballena National Park. Known for the “whale tail sandbar,” you can get to the Isla Ballena on foot via the sandbar during low tide—this means a front row seat for spotting humpback whales during migration season in the winter.

When it comes to the human residents of Ojochal, Costa Rica, there are a number of Ticos as well as expats from Italy, Germany, Canada, France and the U.S. The hospitable yet small community is welcoming of newcomers and thrives on a positive community vibe. There are plenty of group activities to partake in, from annual fiestas to retreats into other parts of the country.

Taking Care of Basics

Escaping to paradise is a dream come true—until you have a major toothache, a mysterious illness, or have a craving to get your hair highlighted. Luckily, Ojochal, Costa Rica has everything an expat needs for comfortable living including a doctor, dentist, salons, major supermarket, Wi-Fi café, taxis, hardware stores, and even a little thumping nightlife.

You can get the basics here, and at a high quality and fair price, but for a little more diversity and options the town of Uvita isn’t far away and offers a grander selection. It’s where many Ojochal residents go for banking and even domestic flights.

A relatively new hospital opened in 2010 and is located just 15 minutes from the major highway, Costanera Highway. Utilities are easy to manage with electricity, water, and internet services dependable and at a competitive price. The schools are also competitive, including an international school in Uvita for expats who prefer a more western approach for their children’s education—however, it does boast a bilingual program.

Tim Harding

From Expat to Entrepreneur

It’s no surprise that most businesses in the area are aimed at tourists, whether it’s cafes or a tourism company. Many expats move to Ojochal, Costa Rica but then pursue their dream of small business ownership.

Whether you’re taken by the idea of your own zipline company or plan to open a Paleo bakery, it’s fairly easy to open a business in Costa Rica and there are local attorneys to help you with the process.

What’s Ojochal Known For?

Just like almost everywhere else in the country, the outdoor opportunities in Ojochal, Costa Rica are endless. Think birding, scuba diving, kayaking, whale watching, ziplining, hiking, and swimming. However, there’s one draw where Ojochal really shines.

Dining. There’s an abundance of top quality restaurants here serving everything from local to international fare. In fact, many tourists come here just for the culinary wonders and the abundance of wines from around the globe.

A Typical Weekend in Ojochal Costa Rica

Life on the Southern Pacific Coast provides endless possibilities for adventure. If you have just one weekend in this part of Costa Rica, plan to make the most of it. One of the most popular activities is an ATV tour, which provides a truly unique perspective on the region.

Driving along the terrain equipped with binoculars lets you into a part of the rainforest and jungle inaccessible by foot or zipline. Of course, if you prefer to explore the country by land and air, that’s always possible in Ojochal, Costa Rica.

Follow up your ATV tour with a canopy tour, zooming between the trees. If you’ve never ziplined before, rest assured that it’s safe, comfortable, and suitable for nearly everyone from kids to older adults.

There’s no weight limit, but fair warning: It can quickly become addictive. Considering that the region has over 450 species of birds, there’s no better way than to immerse yourself in their element than by taking flight.

Slow things down a bit with a mangrove tour, which is a peek into a one-of-a-kind ecosystem that’s halfway between forest and sea. Here, a plethora of species thrive and it can even be a romantic tour for two (or a family friendly event for those who aren’t in a thrill seeking mood).

Learning the lay of the land, whether by land, air, or sea, is the best way to introduce yourself to Ojochal, Costa Rica.

Water World

For many, there’s only one place to go during an escape in Ojochal: The beach. However, take it beyond working on your tan and romantic strolls. Explore the sea caves of Playa Centanas, or head to Playa Tortuga which you can only access during low tide. At Playa Pinuela, you’ll find a tiny reef that’s ideal for photos and discovering unique ocean life, or slip away to Playa Uvita—arguably the most beautiful beach in the country.

However, if you want to really get to know the surf, there’s nothing like Playa Ballena where surf lessons are offered in abundance. In Ojochal, Costa Rica, surf lessons are very affordable and it’s also a great way to get to know the locals as well as travelers. Just don’t expect to master the sport of surfing in a few lessons. However, for the expat who calls Ojochal home, regular surf lessons are a fantastic way to really get to know your new home.

Miguel Vieira

Hoofing It

Many nature lovers prefer the solitude of a hike, strapping on their boots and winding their way through the jungles surrounding the towns. The village of Ojochal, Costa Rica might have everything you need for daily living, but getting away from it all (even when “it all” is perfection) is sometimes irresistible. When this mood strikes, there are countless trails and forests for exploration.

Ojochal is “home base” for exploration teams, solo travelers and expats alike. There are countless reserves and parks in the region, but Corcovado National Park is perhaps one of the most famous. It boasts an incredible amount of animals and plants, perfect for discovering something magical.

Marino Ballena is renowned for its proximity to coral reefs and the dolphins and whales that are so often spotted. For those who prefer a little guidance, there are numerous tours that offer private or group outings, all led by locals who have a penchant for spotting (and pointing out) some of the shyer residents in the trees.

S. Linder

Road Trip Time

As an expat or long-term traveler, the good news is that Costa Rica is a geographically small country, which means road trips and/or domestic flights are easy, cost-effective and not very time consuming. Drive north along the Pacific Coast and you’ll find an array of other incredible sights. Head to Nosara Beach, a favorite for yogis and one of the few “Blue Zones” in the world where people regularly live over 100 years.

You can also head “cross country” to the Caribbean side where Limon and Puerto Viejo can be found. A culture that’s half Tico, half Caribbean and 100 percent rich in diversity, color, and flavors is waiting. Of course, for a touch of home you can always visit the most tourist-rich areas such as the city of San Jose or Liberia.

Everything is at your casita’s doorstep, from the mountains to the jungles, the city to the sea, and the beaches to the canopies.

Final Tips for Future Expats

There’s a big difference between vacationing abroad and living there. If you haven’t spent a lot of time in Costa Rica, visit for awhile first before buying. Explore your options, spend a few weeks in Ojochal, Costa Rica if you can swing it, and get a real taste for what the region has to offer. Everyone’s idea of the ideal isn’t the same, but there’s the right slice of paradise out there for you.

Maybe it’s in Central America—perhaps in the beach towns of Ojochal. There’s only one way to find out.

Map of Ojochal, Costa Rica

Fast Facts

• Population: No hard concrete numbers, but a few thousand is a good estimate
• Typical temperature: Average temperature is 85 degrees
• Nearest airport with U.S. flights: Aeropuerto Internacional Juan Santamaría, Alajuela, Costa Rica
• Nearest U.S. consulate: San Jose, Costa Rica