Enter custom title (optional)
This topic is locked
Last reply was
2.5k

Sooo..we're planning to catch a bus from Palmar Sur/Norte to Marino Ballena and maybe staying at Finca Bavaria (which i think is 1km uphill from the road...) , then just explore the area by foot for a few days before catching some sort of ride back to Palmar Sur.

Will this..."exploring by foot", going to hang out with some locals in evenings be possible w/o transport? We're in reasonable shape etc...but People have been suggesting it'll be more like 'being stuck' in the area without a car...

?

Report
1

The area is not as friendly as others without a car.... However, that said, there are taxi's available that will take you anywhere you want, and the place we stayed had some bikes for rent (if you are comfortable with this). We did feel more "stranded" here than any other place, though, and cut the 4 days we planned to stay in the area into 2 (i.e. no real "happening" places to eat / meet people at within walking distance).

Report
2

We're planning to stay 3 nights... i don't mind walking A LOT, but i just couldn't get an idea from any of the maps of the distances from the road to places etc... (still waiting for my (hopefully more detailed) map of CR to arrive)

Renting bikes would be GREAT! ..or a car...but contacted the costa rica 4x4 place and they do a 7 day minimum so...:-|..But Bikes would really be excellent!

Would like to check out Ojochal, and I hear there are some recommended places there and around Uvita for food etc...just didn't know how far anything is in relation to the cliff we're staying on ;)... But Bikes! that would be great...

cheers for your help!

Report
3

Forget bikes in Ojochal. All the roads are loose stone, not gravel. large peices of loose stone. You need to have a vehicle or a ride. Getting out of first gear is not an option.Check out dominical biz on the net for a car rental...it's worth it or you will miss out staying only three days.Diquis del sur will rent you one for a couple days as well.
Restaurants...Exotica is my favorite, a bit pricey, but worth it.El jardin has really good pizza...to go if you like.cooked in a wood fired stove. They advertise a bunch of things that are never available such as lobster and shrimp. Stick to the pizza , lasagna, or pork if they have it.
The rancho soluna has awesome burgers and the best poutine outside of Quebec.
There is a new business, just over a year old in the small strip mall as you get into town.A french couple that imports their family's wines from France. They have a good variety that you can buy to go, or sit around and sample with imported cheeses , breads, oysters, etc.
Ron y Adies serve up a great breakfast and are opened at 6am for those venturing out early.
Enjoy

Report
4

tried dominical.biz... was hoping they were from dominical, and wouldn't charge $200 drop off/pickup fee for 2-3 days to rent a car...also tried the 4x4 CR rental place (one week minimum)...unfortunately it looks like we'll be on foot... or with taxi.... it'll work out, don't mind being stranded.

had i properly figured it all out i wouldn't have booked airline tix...and just gotten a car at SJO.

oh wells....

b

Report
5

I thought that dominical biz was out of dominical and not charging the drop off fee. I'll email somebody in Ojochal and get back to you.

Report
6

I just got my first reply from Ojochal. Soild rent a car wont charge the drop off fee. You can have it dropped off at the Rancho Soluna or in dominical.

Report
7

That's solid...not soild

Report
8

Nice!

Thanks for taking the time to check :-]

I'll look for them now...

b

Report
9

Well...they even drop off in Palmar Sur for no additional cost. So hopefully in a day I will have a reservation... then off to CR tomorrow night!

ciao!

:-D

Report
Pro tip
Lonely Planet
trusted partner