Get to know

Playa Chiquita

Playa Chiquita is a small village 5 km south of Puerto Viejo de Limon. We are famous for having beautiful and serene beaches. You can stroll down the coast in either direction all the way to Puerto Viejo, Manzanillo, and beyond along unpopulated stretches of sand.

Rated the best (and prettiest) beach on this coast, Playa Chiquita’s public access path is a 3-minute walk from Casa Bella and a 4-minute walk from Casa Zorro. Playa Chiquita Beach is sheltered by an offshore reef making sections of it a kid-friendly. With a series of sandy coves, you can splash and swim, or wade and wallow in the coral fringed pools that decorate the points.

 

Water Activities

A person surfing on a wave with the word 'SURF' superimposed on the image.

We recommend Hershell Lewis, and our guests agree he is knowledgeable and a lot of fun. You will be taken to a beach chosen for the appropriateness level of difficulty and will likely have others taking the class with you, unless you are a larger group or specify you want a private lesson. Please inform the instructor of you level of experience. If you are quite tall and/or solidly built, please let him know so he can be sure to have a board big enough to carry you!

A scuba diver underwater near a large school of yellow fish with the word 'SNORKEL' overlayed.

There are a number of great spots to get in the water and snorkel, from Puerto Viejo to Punta Mona, depending on conditions. Check with a local before jumping in, as some sections of beach have a strong current. Scuba gear and Snorkels can be rented at Punta Uva Dive Center.

A person paddleboarding on calm, clear ocean water near a sandy beach with greenery and cliffs in the background.

Ask Hershel about Stand up paddle boarding and Kayaking, either on your own or with a guide--Great activities for the whole family. A chance to explore the rivers, see wildlife, and if you are keen, take the board or kayak out on the ocean and catch a few waves.

Person on a boat casting a fishing net at sunset on a body of water with mountains in the background and the word 'FISH' overlaid.

We recommend Wahoo Fishing Tours with Captain Pino, or going fishing with Delly. You can catch your dinner, spot dolphins, and do some snorkeling all in one tour.

Animal Lovers

A sloth hanging upside down with its face visible, holding a branch with one paw.

Jaguar Rescue Center

One of the most popular attractions in the area is the Jaguar Rescue Center. They rescue, treat, and rehabilitate animals for release into the wild. You will see an amazing variety of the incredible creatures that call the Caribe Sur home. Interested is donating? Contact the Jaguar Center before your trip and ask if they need any supplies brought down!

Mon-Sat tours at 9:30 and 11:30
(be at least 15 minutes early)

Two green parrots with red and pink facial markings, one grooming the other on a tree branch.

ARA Macaw preserve

Many parrot species are on the brink of extinction and it is a pivotal time to band together. ARA has successfully reintroduced the Green Macaw to the Caribe Sur. Visit their preserve to learn about their efforts, take a short hike in the stunning jungle refuge, and witness a feeding. It’s an opportunity to support an amazing organization and snap the best bird photos you’ve ever taken.

Visits to the Manzanillo site are daily
from 3 – 5:30 with prior reservation

Attention Adventure-seekers!

Experience the jungles of Costa Rica while hiking at Cahuita National Park (difficulty level: Easy) and Gandoca Manzanillo (difficulty level: easy to moderate), swimming at the local waterfall, trotting down the beach on horseback. For a heart-pounding thrill, zipline in the jungle canopy or raft some of the best-rated rivers in the world. You can hike on your own or hire a guide (ask for guide recommendations). If you plan on doing lots of hiking or ziplining tours, we strongly recommend bringing running shoes or some other close-toed shoes. For ziplining and rafting we recommend Terraventuras, Exploradores Outdoors, or Gecko. If you’d like to try horseback riding on the beach, contact Annie with Ride the Rainforest.

People rafting on a river surrounded by rocky banks and green trees.
Silhouettes of three people riding horses on a beach at sunset with clouds and ocean in the background.
A person ziplining through a lush green forest.
Bribri Waterfall cascading down rocks into a pool surrounded by dark, moss-covered rocks and greenery.
A tropical beach scene at Cahuita National Park with white sandy beach, green palm trees, and ocean waves under a blue sky.
A scenic view of the Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge featuring a rocky coastline with turquoise waves, palm trees, and an observation deck with two people overlooking the ocean.

For the Foodies

Six small cans lined up on a wooden surface, outdoors with blurred trees in the background. The cans have colorful labels with various designs.

Keepin’ It Crafty

Some of the local bars/restaurants are starting to carry craft beer on tap. In bottles try one called Sanroc. Super good. Domingo 7 makes some great brews, too. Their IPA is excellent. I love IPA, so I’m thrilled it’s here! Best is the brewery at Hone Creek just 20 minutes from Casa Bella. The XPA (called The Sky is Falling) is particularly delicious.

Open-air restaurant with wooden roof, hanging lights, and dining tables, sign reading 'pure gold Restaurante' overhead.

A Bite to Eat

Whether you’re in the mood for a Caribbean meal at a local soda, family-style at an Italian hole-in-the wall, or mouthwatering Mexican small plates, we’ve got you covered. The best eats in/near Playa Chiquita: Pura Gula, MIXTA, GypSea Cafe, La Leyenda de L'Antico Forno en El Establo de Bruce, The Pizzaria at El Nido, Spicy Coconut, and Selvin’s. You don’t have to go far to have an amazing meal.

Row of ten chocolate bars with owl illustration on packaging, each with different colorful labels and flavors such as Heat Wave, Orange Forest, Oh Snap!, Tequila Shot, Mint Tea, Tarra Gone, Chai Choco Latte, Three Kings, Black Beach Espresso, and Macho Pichu.

Caribeans Chocolate

Great tour with stunning views of Cocles Beach and the Caribbean Sea, amazing chocolate, the best coffee beans, and a 10% discount on all products for customers who have done a tour! At Cocles beach. Try the chili chocolate, and the tequila shot!

Relax, You’re on Tico Time

Flood your senses with the magic of the rainforest at Pure Jungle Spa. They offer a range of massages (mmm, Chocolate massage), body treatments, tropical facials, manicures and pedicures to make you feel well-pampered. After your spa treatment, attend a relaxing yoga class at Tierra Del Suenos here in Playa Chiquita.

Live music at Home
Want some live music while you enjoy a Caribbean feast prepared for you by local chef Jason? Seth can play jazz guitar and some of your favorite songs while you dine or sip cocktails by the pool.

Classes in Chiquita

Two women sitting at a table inside a room, with shelves filled with books and decorative items in the background, seen through an open blue sliding door.

Pottery-making

Local clay provided, bring home a piece of Costa Rica!

Three women smiling and walking outdoors in a forested area, wearing summer dresses.

Dance Class

Instructor Isa teaches all levels of salsa and bachata.

Group of six people sitting around a table outdoors, engaged in discussion with notebooks and water bottles, with one person standing nearby.

Spanish Class

Learn Spanish, enjoy the sea & ​live the Caribbean culture.

Plate of grilled chicken, sliced avocado, diced mango, mixed greens salad with ranch dressing, and black beans on a white plate, placed on a terracotta tiled surface with a palm frond nearby.

Cooking Class

Learn how to prepare Costa Rican dishes with chef Jason.

Group of diverse people dancing and exercising together indoors during a workout session.

Fitness Classes

boxing, pilates, twerking and Zumba.

Something for everyone.

Make your own Chocolate Body treatments with Ansel, Tea Ceremony with Kait, Thai Massage / Watsu Water Massage / Ice Bath Therapy with Julie, Sensual Dining Experience with Josianne, Sound Therapy with Adrianna.

Are you a runner? This is an amazing place to get yourself race ready, or take a nice, easy jog on the road or beach. Ask Erinn about short and long-distance route options.

A reader? There’s a big book exchange in Puerto Viejo at Café Rico.

Love Volunteering? Locals often form beach clean-up days to keep our beaches clean and safe.

If you’re looking for a customized retreat experience, just ask! Erinn is happy to curate your experiences.