Bellavista

Finca Bellavista is in an amazing and relatively untouched portion of Costa Rica. The property itself is spectacular—very similar to being in a National Park, complete with waterfalls, hiking trails, and incredible wildlife viewing opportunities. Perched overlooking the Golfo Dulce and nurtured by two whitewater rivers, the location of this neighborhood is unmatched in its magnificence and pulses with life. This remote and lush corner of Costa Rica boasts a plentiful selection of outdoor adventures and eco-tourism opportunities. Finca Bellavista is within easy striking distance of the country’s most stunning natural assets and protected areas, including the Golfo Dulce Forest Reserve, Piedras Blancas and Corcovado National Parks, and the Cano Island Biological Reserve. Those with a spirit of adventure will feel right at home amongst the multitude of outdoor activities nearby the finca. Hiking, birdwatching, diving, surfing, kayaking, and deep-sea fishing are a few that come to mind.

The finca is also located in a migration corridor between the towering Talamanca mountain range and the Osa Peninsula, providing exhilarating exposure to the area’s broad array of flora and fauna.

Nearby activities and places to explore include (but are certainly not limited to):

Piedras Blancas National Park

The Piedras Blancas National Park, formerly called Esquinas National Park or Corcovado Section II, is approximately three miles as the crow flies from Finca Bellavista. In fact, Rio Piedras Blancas, the river for which the park is named, also forms the northern boundary of Finca Bellavista. The park was established in 1992 as an extension of Corcovado National Park. In the east the park borders the Golfito Forest Reserve and connects in the west with Corcovado National Park by the forest corridor of Rincon. Piedras Blancas National Park covers 30,000 acres of undisturbed humid tropical lowland primary rainforest and 5,000 acres of secondary forests, pasture land and rivers consisting primarily of hills of varied steepness, over one hundred stream valleys, a river plateau and coastal cliffs and beaches.

The flora, among the richest on the planet, encompasses several thousand different species of plants and hundreds of trees. The fauna is composed of approximately 140 species of mammals, 350 species of birds, over 100 amphibians and reptiles and several thousand insects. Those that make the effort to explore this park will be rewarded!

Golfo Dulce

There is a reason why this tranquil body of water translates into 'Sweet Gulf'. The Golfo Dulce's edge is only six miles from Finca Bellavista, as the crow flies, and is visible from many of the upper parcels in the community. The rainforest meets the Golfo Dulce with an elaborate network of small coves, rocky isles and pretty, calm beaches. This area is great to explore by kayak or small vessel and is one of only a few places on Earth boasting rainforest fjords. The Golfo Dulce is one of Costa Rica’s rarely visited scenic wonders.

Corcovado National Park

Located a 45-minute boat ride from Sierpe (or a longer, more adventurous 4-wheel drive across the Osa Peninsula) from Finca Bellavista, Corcovado National Park is an undeniably beautiful place and considered to be one of the most important natural preserves in the Americas. This virgin rainforest park invites superlatives from all who visit. At least thirteen distinct vegetation types exist in close proximity, including mangroves, palm swamps and blood weed forest, and make Corcovado a botanist's dream. Jaguars, giant anteaters, hundreds of white-lipped peccaries, tapirs, and a host of rare rainforest animals inhabit the vast reaches surrounding the crocodile-filled lagoon at the park's center. The captivating visual beauty of its forest and of its coastline, with miles of uninhabited beaches and roaring cascades, draws visitors from all over the world. Discover Corcovado and the surrounding area with our friends at StepOUT Experience.They'll introduce you to the many different colors of the Osa!

Surfing

Costa Rica is sometimes called "the Hawaii of Latin-American surfing" because there are thousands of beach breaks and hundreds of miles of oceanfront. Rivers galore offer dozens of river mouth breaks, especially on the Pacific. Although we could write a book about surfing in Costa Rica and why it has become one of the world's top surf destinations, we will assume that if you are looking into traveling and/or moving here, you have already read that chapter... you know...

• warm water

• consistent year-round surf

• reasonable prices

• easy access to breaks

• over 700 miles of coastline, both Pacific and Caribbean oceans (and thousands of breaks)

• friendly people

• international surfing tournaments

• great surf camps

Pavones:

Pavones is one of Costa Rica's most famous surf breaks offering one of the world's longest lefts which, on a good day, can connect for 2 - 3 minute rides. There are a few things to consider before traveling to Pavones. Due to its location on the interior of the Golfo Dulce, it is blocked from many swells and can go for weeks with no surf. Access options to Pavones are improving, but the drive is currently 1.5 hours by car.

Matapalo:

Situated on the tip of the Osa Peninsula, Matapalo offers the extreme adventurer with an opportunity to witness one of the few untouched, pristine regions in Costa Rica. Matapalo combines dense jungles, breathtaking beaches, and world class surfing in a peaceful, remote setting. Matapalo offers three excellent point breaks that, with the right swell, will make any traveler unpack and stay a while. However, the surf is not very consistent, and it is important to mention that this area is extremely remote and all power here is provided by solar energy. There are no restaurants, bars, shops, etc. Local rustic lodging usually includes meals. Access routes to Matapalo are improving, but vary based on the season. Current driving time from Finca Bellavista is approximately 2 hours.

Dominical:

About a 1.5 hour drive north (on all paved roads) from Finca Bellavista, Dominical is a small laid back town surrounded by pristine rainforest and beautiful coastlines. This surfer’s paradise offers great surf, numerous local restaurants, bars and a wild nightlife. Dominical is a good option for those looking for similar conditions to Playa Hermosa/Jaco in a more relaxed atmosphere. Playa Dominical is known as the most consistent surf spot in Costa Rica. There is almost always a wave worth riding. The surf here is mostly beach break, however, it tends to close out on bigger swells as it is not as steep as Hermosa. There is a point break just to the south which offers some good surf on a bigger swell.

At the north end is the Baru River, where the current is stronger and waves a foot bigger. North of the river is the Hacienda Baru Wildlife Refuge with MILES of undiscovered surf. South is Dominicalito Bay, where the waves are smaller and better for first timers (watch out for rocks at lower tides).

Beachcombing/Beaches

For many, the words Costa Rica are synonymous with beach. The Southern Zone's beaches are amazing, and many of them are a short drive or day trip away from Finca Bellavista. Here are a few of our neighboring favorites:

Playa de Arco

Playa de Arco is a beautiful stretch of beach boasting tidal pools, dramatic rainforest, and...an arch! Humans are a rare sighting, but monkeys aren't... (approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes drive north).

Punta Uvita

Punta Uvita is a great beach to explore within the Marino Ballena National Park. Walk all the way out on the 'Whale's Tail' and experience the ocean crashing into you from both sides! Coastal views to the North and South are amazing (approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes drive north).

Playa Pinuelas

Playa Pinuelas is a rocky, calm cove-shaped beach that is a great place to watch the sunset, barbecue, fish, or simply float in the water (approximately 45 minutes to an hour’s drive north).

Playa Ventanas

Playa Ventanas is a hidden, palm-lined cove with cliffs on either side. At low tide, you can walk through a series of caves, providing a truly exhilarating ocean experience. For those more adventurous, bring kayaks (approximately 45 minutes to an hour’s drive north).

Playa Tortuga

Playa Tortuga is a great spot to hit at low tide for beachcombing or a long sunset walk (approximately 45 minutes drive north).

Playa Blanca

Playa Blanca is located on the Golfo Dulce and provides an entirely unique beach-going experience for those tired of battling the surf. The serene, clear, calm waters lap on the crushed coral shoreline, where stunning views of the Piedras Blancas National Park lay across the bay (approximately 30-45 minutes drive west of Finca Bellavista).

Playa Cacao

Playa Cacao is a 10-minute drive from the Zona Libre/Deposito in Golfito. Cacao is a local’s beach, and isn’t the most beautiful or scenic in all of Costa Rica, but it has a charm all its own with a backdrop of the colorful port town of Golfito in the distance (approximately 45 minutes drive from Finca Bellavista).

Playa Zancudo

Playa Zancudo is a beautiful beach that is great for family time, mellow swimming, beachcombing, and just hanging out. It's a little far to be a day trip, but it can be done. By car, you'll battle the same logistics as getting to Pavones. A ferry from Golfito might be an easier option. (approximately 1.5 hours rough driving time, or 40 minute drive to Golfito and 20-minute boat ride).

Fishing

Whether you’re interested in fly fishing the Piedras Blancas river right in your front yard or if you are looking to battle that record Giant Marlin, fishermen will be greatly rewarded in the waters of the Southern Zone. Giant marlin, sailfish beyond number, high-jumping tarpon, record-class snook, and a dozen or more hard-hitting fresh water species....Costa Rica has them all!! On the Pacific near the Osa Peninsula, it's common to release a dozen or more sails and even a marlin or two in a single day, and not unusual to release more than 20 sailfish a day. There are also dolphin fish (including the long-standing International Game Fish Association's all-tackle record 87-pounder), giant yellowfin tuna, wahoo, cubera, roosterfish, a variety of snapper, grouper, blue runners, rainbow runners, snook and much more. Several local fishing charter companies can accommodate anglers of all ages and interests. For the fisherman on a budget, head 45 minutes north of Finca Bellavista to Sierpe. It’s a small, peaceful river town where fishing charters are a fraction of the cost than elsewhere in the country. Golfito is another spot to grab a fishing charter.

Diving and snorkeling

World-class scuba diving and snorkeling is located nearby Finca Bellavista. Cano Island Biological Reserve is 10 miles via boat from Drake Bay and a world apart from the mainland. Indians once used the island as a burial ground; however little is known about the pre-Columbian artifacts found there. Take advantage of the reserve’s clear blue waters and dive or snorkel the coral reefs. To get there from Finca Bellavista, head north to Sierpe (about 45 minutes drive) and catch a charter to Isla del Cano.

Another nearby option is Marino Ballena National Park. There are rocky islands within the park where you can boat dive. For those not wanting to head offshore, head to the ‘whale’s tail’ within the park during low tide to snorkel on your own.

Birdwatching

Costa Rica is an area where you can find more than 850 different bird species in an area no larger than West Virginia. From scarlet macaws to quetzals to brown pelicans and hummingbirds, there are more bird species here than in all of North America combined. Though Finca Bellavista offers a unique canopy-view and birdwatching opportunity, those that feel like taking a day trip can find mangroves and rugged coastline nearby to observe other species and types of birds than those that frequent the finca.

Kayaking

Kayaking the mangroves and various rivers of the Osa Peninsula will reward you with amazingly pristine wildlife-filled adventures. Bring your own boat, or take a tour with any of a number of local tour companies. The closest and best option for kayaking from Finca Bellavista is to drive to Rincon (about 30 minutes to the west) and head out from there to discover pristine beaches, rocky islands, and rainforest fjords.

Soccer

Every small town has a soccer field in Costa Rica… and La Florida is no different! Pick-up games (usually barefoot) can normally be found down the road or in a town nearby. Spectating can be equally as fun as playing, and makes for a fun weekend morning activity with family and friends.

Camping

Because many of Costa Rica’s undiscovered areas are nearby Finca Bellavista, there are plenty of places to pitch a tent and really explore the undeveloped coastlines and mountains of the region.