Welcome to Our Slice of Paradise!


Julie and I are thrilled to have you here. We’ve put together this guide to ensure your visit is truly special. Costa Rica holds a dear spot in our hearts. Despite our extensive travels, we find ourselves repeatedly drawn back to this nation, primarily because of its wonderful people, tranquil pace, pristine beaches, diverse wildlife, and so much more.

BEACHES

Costa Rica boasts a myriad of stunning beaches. Each has its unique charm. The two nearest beaches to Gringo Paradise Villa are Playa Potrero and Playa Penca. Playa Penca, with its beautiful sands and serene waters, is perfect for beach volleyball, listening to the waves, and unwinding. Our community features a cozy beachfront park with palapas, tables, and a restroom – it’s available exclusively for the use of Villaggio residents and their guests. Depending on the time of year, there might be a vendor selling drinks and snacks, though occasionally it’s closed.

Inside our villa’s screened porch, you’ll find lightweight beach chairs and a beach umbrella. In the bedroom, there’s a chest containing beach towels and a compact foldable ice chest. Additionally, a sturdier ice chest is located on the porch by the hammock. Blue ice blocks in the freezer will help keep your refreshments cool. To get to Playa Penca, exit our neighborhood to the left, head towards the Potrero soccer field, turn right at its end, make a swift left, and continue down a rough dirt path. The presence of Playa Penca Restaurant and Bar signifies you’re on the right track. Although driving on the beach is prohibited, parking is available at the road’s end. Occasionally, locals may guide you to a spot and offer to watch your car for a tip. However, parking is free.

Playa Potrero is situated to the left of the soccer field. There, you’ll find Las Brisas, a beachfront restaurant renowned for its delectable ‘Casada’ dishes and divine coconut shrimp. It’s our top choice for a beachfront dinner. If you’re a nocturnal reveler, their bar remains open till 4 AM or as long as patrons are present. Also, don’t miss their quaint souvenir shop at the back.

After Playa Potrero and Playa Penca, Playa Prieta is the closest to the villa. This secluded beach, located towards Las Catalinas, offers captivating rock formations ideal for photography and abundant shade.

Further ahead, you’ll find Playa Pan Azugar (Sugar Beach) and Playa Danta. Both can be accessed via well-maintained roads. At Sugar Beach, a resort allows free parking and access to its bar and restaurant with a splendid view. Playa Danta, past the under-construction Greek beachfront city of Las Catalinas, has its parking. A sign on the walking trail leads you to the serene Playa Dantita.

Playa Flamingo, Costa Rica’s version of the Hollywood Hills, boasts lavish homes with ocean views. Its pristine white sands are adorned by the Margaritaville Resort. The nearby Coco Loco restaurant offers a delightful dining experience with a view.

One of only four in the world, Playa Conchal (Sea Shell) has a unique shell-covered shoreline. To get there, drive through Brasilito, and closely follow the directions that lead to this stunning beach. For the adventurous, ATV rentals are available in Brasilito, allowing you to explore remote beaches without the trek.

For surfing enthusiasts or beginners, Playa Tamarindo is the place to be. This lively beach town is a hub for young beachgoers. With an array of surf shops, eateries, bars, and even a casino, it’s the perfect place to spend a day. Surfing lessons, inclusive of gear, are easily accessible.

Other remarkable beaches include Playa Longusta (strong currents – caution advised), Playa Junquilla (with its unique black sand), Playa Negro (for advanced surfing), and Playa Avellanas. Venturing further from Tamarindo will take you to these exquisite, often deserted shores. A day dedicated to exploring these beaches is time well spent!

Costa Rica Shopping and Activities Guide

Shopping in Costa Rica

If you’ve opted for a villa with a kitchen, grocery shopping will become a pivotal experience during your stay. Quick insights:

  • Groceries: They tend to be pricier in Costa Rica. Many American and Canadian brands might either be unavailable or exorbitantly priced. A pro tip? Bring essentials from home. If you’re flying Southwest Airlines, you’re allowed two free baggage items weighing up to 50 pounds each, plus a carry-on and a personal item.
  • Local Markets: Fruits and vegetables are reasonably priced at local markets, such as the one in Potrero or farmers’ markets in Potrero and Tamarindo. If you’re lucky, you might even find fresh mangos in the villa’s backyard.
  • Meat: Meat can be relatively expensive. For reasonably priced bacon, fresh shrimp, and fish, try the farmers’ markets or the small meat market near the Super Wendy grocery store.
  • Farmers’ Market in Tamarindo: This larger market happens on Saturdays. Alongside food, you can find jewelry, wine, and homemade baked goods.
  • Basic Groceries: Items like milk, bread, and eggs are quite affordable in local stores. Beef in Costa Rica is from a distinct cattle breed, which might not taste familiar to many. However, chicken, pork, and fish are excellent.
  • Nearby Grocery Stores: Potrero boasts two handy grocery stores, Ceymi Grocery and Super Potrero. Both stores accept USD, credit cards, and the local currency, Colones. Remember, if you’re buying local beer in glass bottles, there’s a refundable deposit.
  • Supermarkets: Tamarindo’s Auto Mercado is a comprehensive supermarket with a variety of brands. Another option is Maxi Pali, owned by Walmart. However, prepare to either bring your shopping bags or purchase them in-store.
  • Alcohol: You can purchase water, beer, wine, and spirits at grocery stores. Consider stopping at the airport’s duty-free for spirits, as prices are competitive.

Souvenirs: Woodwork, coffee, T-shirts, and handmade jewelry are among the popular picks. Both Tamarindo and Playas de Coco house several upscale, air-conditioned souvenir shops.

Ziplining: This is a quintessential Costa Rican experience. While there are many ziplining spots, Buena Vista resort, located north of Liberia, stands out. Aside from ziplining, they offer hiking, horseback riding, mud baths, and more. The road leading to it is a bit rugged, but the destination is well worth the journey. The resort even offers a bridges tour for those not keen on ziplining.

When planning this excursion, consider packing a lunch or grabbing fast food from Liberia, as the resort’s buffet offers primarily local dishes.

Whatever you choose, enjoy every moment in the beautiful landscapes of Costa Rica!