Day Trips
When you’re ready to explore beyond the pool and casita there are gems a short walk or drive away.
Local Beaches for Solitude
We have two pristine beaches a short walk from the Villa.
Playa Callejones to the right (North)
Playa Blanca to the left (South)
Playa Callejones
There are 2 main roads to access the beach and 3 parking areas.
At low tide take the 2nd entrance to the beach, park at the end of the road under the palm trees.
NO attendants at these sites – don’t leave any valuables in the car.
Tide Pools at the Northern half of the beach below Parking #3. At low tide this area is very calm and fun to explore.
Warning: Sea Urchins in the area, so I recommend wearing footwear at all times. Sea Urchin spines cause awful, painful splinters and are very difficult to remove.
Playa Blanca
Take a left on the road, cross the creek (if on foot you can cross the rickety foot bridge on the left).
The main road continues toward Playa Blanca, and a sharp right turn up the hill will take you to Sunset Point at the top of a tall cliff for ocean viewing.
Turn right before the concrete wall of the old Hotel Iguana Azul.
NO attendants at these sites – don’t leave any valuables in the car.
Walk down the steps to the beach.
Playa Avellanas and Lola’s Restaurant
14min drive (4 miles) part paved and part dirt road
Parking in a community patrolled lot is $2-3 depending on how long you plan to stay.
Highlights
Lola’s – amazing restaurant with unforgettable ocean views
$$
$12-17 entrees
Belgian style fresh cut fries
Burgers, Pizza, Tacos
Stake out a shady spot underneath the almendra (almond) trees to nosh on great food and watch the surfers.
Surfers
Surf School (better for teens and adults than little kids. Waves can be well over a kids head which is not the best for learning unless they are excellent ocean swimmers. I would recommend Tamarindo for little kids)
A short beach stroll to:
Hidden Bridge across the mangroves and estuary.
A 1 minute walk north from Lola’s on the beach you will reach Puente Avellanas a very instagrammable and rickety bridge that crosses the mangroves of the estuary.
La Esquina Culture Center (the corner of the roads to Playa Negra and Avellanas) has boutique shops and food for Yoga types and Surf bums – like Vegan wine. They sometimes have events which you can enquire about as you pass on your way to Lola’s and the beach.
https://www.laesquinadeavellanas.com/