Ojochal is a large park with a unique gastronomic experience!

Ojochal is a charming coastal town that offers travelers a delightful mix of natural wonders, culinary delights, and cultural richness. It's a hidden gem surrounded by lush rainforests and secluded beaches.

Getting there is easy. If you're coming from Uvita, it's just a short, scenic drive of approximately 15 kilometers to reach Ojochal. Local buses and shuttles also offer accessible routes from Dominical and Uvita to Ojochal.

History and Cultural Heritage:

Ojochal is a town with a fascinating history shaped by diverse cultures. Originally, indigenous communities inhabited it, and the name "Ojochal" is believed to have indigenous origins that reflect the town's historical connections to the land. Another root of the name is said to be linked to the Ojoche tree.

The town's historical tapestry is deeply intertwined with indigenous and global legacies, serving as a testament to its dedication to preserving its cultural heritage. Ojochal provides a more nuanced exploration of the past, showcasing the diverse cultural influences of Costa Rica and the world. This is mainly due to the immigration of French Canadians to the community.

Culinary Treasures:

Located on Costa Rica's Pacific coast, the unassuming town of Ojochal has earned the title of "Culinary Capital of Costa Rica." It is distinct from its counterparts, Uvita and Dominical, and beckons travelers on a gastronomic odyssey that transcends the ordinary.

Ojochal's culinary scene is a vibrant mosaic where local and international flavors converge to create a symphony for the senses. Gourmet establishments line its streets, each being a culinary maestro crafting dishes that tell a story of the town's cultural richness and commitment to unparalleled dining experiences.

Ojochal invites discerning palates to explore its diverse menu offerings, from cozy bistros to al fresco dining. Fresh, locally sourced ingredients are the stars, elevating each dish to a masterpiece. Seafood, a coastal staple, takes center stage, transforming the day's catch into delectable creations that echo the rhythm of the nearby ocean waves.

What sets Ojochal apart is not just the quality of its cuisine but the intimate setting in which it is savored. Visitors become culinary voyagers, embarking on a journey through flavors that mirror the town's cultural diversity. Engaging with local chefs reveals a passion for their craft, and every meal becomes an opportunity to savor the town's unique identity.

In Ojochal, dining is not merely a necessity but an art form. This immersive experience mirrors the town's commitment to offering a distinctive and refined taste of Costa Rica's culinary excellence. Whether indulging in a seaside feast or relishing the creations of renowned chefs, Ojochal's culinary tapestry paints a portrait of a town that invites travelers to savor life's finer moments one bite at a time.

Exploring Nature and Adventure:

Ojochal is a remote town located near the ocean and the rainforest. It attracts those who seek a calm and intimate coastal haven. The city is surrounded by lush rainforests that welcome visitors to explore their verdant embrace. Hiking trails lead adventurers into the heart of nature, revealing the region's rich biodiversity. As sunlight filters through the dense canopy, the air fills with the scents of tropical flora, creating an enchanting atmosphere.

Ojochal is a paradise for nature enthusiasts, as it is home to a diverse range of bird species. Scarlet macaws, toucans, and many other birds can be spotted against the backdrop of the tropical landscape, making it a haven for birdwatchers.

The town's coastline is adorned with secluded beaches, where visitors can relax and unwind while enjoying the rhythmic waves of the Pacific Ocean. These pristine shores offer breathtaking ocean views and a sense of seclusion that allows one to connect with nature in its purest form.

For those seeking adventure, Ojochal offers opportunities for zip-lining, canopy tours, and wildlife encounters. It is an oasis blending adventure, nature, and cultural richness. Whether you're indulging in gourmet delights, exploring the rainforest, or spending relaxed days at stunning beaches, Ojochal is waiting to be discovered.

LODGING

DINING

ADVENTURE

SERVICES

Ballena Tales is an essential free digital magazine in Costa Rica, valid for travelers, residents, and investors covering Costa Ballena in the Canton of Osa in the South Pacific of Costa Rica. It is a fully bilingual, bi-monthly, and full-color digital magazine.

The magazine introduces the reader to the life of the local community, with interviews of pioneers, writers, and artists, as well as extensive information on restaurants, hotels, experiences, natural attractions, and wildlife of the South Pacific of Costa Rica.

YOU’VE GOT TO BE TOUGH TO BE AN AGOUTI

When you’re walking through the rainforest and surprise an animal that goes bouncing through the undergrowth emitting panicked, bark-like grunts with every bounce, you’ve certainly startled a Central American Agouti (Dasysyprocta punctata). After 20 years of living here, I finally saw one standing still. Once the hunting was under control on Hacienda Barú National Wildlife Refuge, their fear of humans diminished considerably.

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“Entangled in Costa Rica” A Documentary about whales rescue 2021

It is not unusual for residents on the South Pacific side of Costa Rica to witness humpback whales swimming along the coast with their newborn calves during migratory whale seasons. For anyone, being able to rescue a female whale and her calf’s life is a once in a lifetime encounter. Innoceana, in association with filmmakers The Vegan Pirates, produced a short documentary “Entangled in Costa Rica.”

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Veganism is on the rise – and it is far more than a food trend!

It leads to a lifestyle based on sustainability and compassion.
The three pillars of veganism are:

1. Compassion for all animals (i.e. an understanding that there is no difference between a chicken or a dog, a calf, or a cat).
2. The concern and care for environmental issues (i.e. massive land use and pollution caused by life stock farming, pesticides, antibiotics, etc.); and
3. The positive effects on health (i.e., low cholesterol, no lactose intolerance, a pure conscience, etc.).

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Being on the first page of Google

Before the Internet’s availability, people consulted countless non-digital sources such as phone books and shared friends’ opinions about hotel and restaurant services.
Today consumers have an Internet connection 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to search for information from their computer or cell phone.

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Le French Café – Plaza Bahía Moana

Le French Café at the brand new Moana Plaza Bahía stands out for its innovative decoration. The large terraces welcome the sea breezes, and there are comfortable seats, a well-equipped bar, and display cases with delicacies in bread, desserts, and sweets.

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Alma de Ojochal Hotel

The Alma De Ojochal Hotel is, as the name says, “the soul of Ojochal” and is in tune with the spirit of Pura Vida on the South Western coast of Costa Rica. Here you will have the feeling of enjoying life to the fullest, embracing experience and adventure in a very relaxed atmosphere.

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Ventanas Beach

What a beautiful spot. You will now understand why people love this secluded beach, surrounded by lush rainforest and lined with palm trees. It mostly has calm waves. The shallow waters are safe for children (always under their parents’ observation and paying attention to the lifeguards’ alerts.)

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local economy - economía local

How YOU can help the local economy

Indeed, most of the Costa Ballena region is dependent on tourism. Given that as the background, we hear from our homeowners, clients, and the social media channels: What can we do to help with the local economy?

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Where does your native timber come from?

Where does your native timber come from?

Most of the construction on the Costa Ballena and Osa Peninsula is done by hotels and second-home builders drawn by the lush rainforest. Native timber feels like an obvious choice: who doesn’t love a handcrafted Cristobal door’s luxury?

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travels by bicycle

In Osa the history travels by bicycle

It is an exhibition with identity, designed by and for the inhabitants of the Osa Canton. It is a temporary exhibition “In Osa history travels by bicycle,” which you can admire at the Finca 6 Museum site, in Palmar Sur.

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Dare to Discover and Enjoy…

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Need help planning your next trip? Let us help you with your Costa Rica vacations!

Email: carlos@ballenatales.com
Phone: +(506) 8946 7134