GUIDEBOOK CASA MONTE PINO
Surf Spots
This section contains all recommendations for beaches where you can surf.
This place has really good waves for surfing and many breaks that you can choose from since it's a very long beach. The surf breaks are consistent and moderate, and this beach is much less crowded than neighboring Tamarindo.
Playa Grande is located 5min away by car from Casa Monte Pino.
61 locals recommend
Playa Grande
This place has really good waves for surfing and many breaks that you can choose from since it's a very long beach. The surf breaks are consistent and moderate, and this beach is much less crowded than neighboring Tamarindo.
Playa Grande is located 5min away by car from Casa Monte Pino.
Intermediate surf break, good for swimming, has little pools at low tide and a few good restaurants that you can check out.
Playa Avellanas is located 35min away by car from Casa Monte Pino.
142 locals recommend
Playa Avellanas
Intermediate surf break, good for swimming, has little pools at low tide and a few good restaurants that you can check out.
Playa Avellanas is located 35min away by car from Casa Monte Pino.
If you're looking for more advanced level surf this is your beach. We normally don't recommend to go here if you're a beginner as there are plenty of other beaches that you could check out for surf and have fun. This beach is located about 1hr away from the house by car.
19 locals recommend
Marbella
If you're looking for more advanced level surf this is your beach. We normally don't recommend to go here if you're a beginner as there are plenty of other beaches that you could check out for surf and have fun. This beach is located about 1hr away from the house by car.
Vecindarios
Matapalo is a typical costarican town located 10mins away walking from Casa Monte Pino. It has 2 small grocery stores, a bar, a church and the soccer field that works as the point of reference for the places already mentioned.
8 locals recommend
Matapalo
Matapalo is a typical costarican town located 10mins away walking from Casa Monte Pino. It has 2 small grocery stores, a bar, a church and the soccer field that works as the point of reference for the places already mentioned.
Información sobre la ciudad
Tamarindo is a lively surf town with many restaurants, bars, banks with ATMS and shopping amenities.
Playa Tamarindo is located 25min away by car from Casa Monte Pino.
336 locals recommend
Tamarindo
Tamarindo is a lively surf town with many restaurants, bars, banks with ATMS and shopping amenities.
Playa Tamarindo is located 25min away by car from Casa Monte Pino.
Lugares de interés
Playa Conchal, which gets its name from the sand found here that is composed of millions of tiny crushed shells.
This beach is known for it's pristine water and great snorkeling,
197 locals recommend
Playa Conchal
Playa Conchal, which gets its name from the sand found here that is composed of millions of tiny crushed shells.
This beach is known for it's pristine water and great snorkeling,
This park has long hikes, several amazing waterfalls, fumaroles and a greener scenery for being closer to the mountains.
There is a parking lot where you can leave your car, always make sure to not leave valuables in the car anywhere visible.
Rincon de la Vieja is located 1:40 hr away by car from Casa Monte Pino.
175 locals recommend
Rincon de la Vieja National Park
This park has long hikes, several amazing waterfalls, fumaroles and a greener scenery for being closer to the mountains.
There is a parking lot where you can leave your car, always make sure to not leave valuables in the car anywhere visible.
Rincon de la Vieja is located 1:40 hr away by car from Casa Monte Pino.
This waterfall is located about 1,5hrs away from the house. You have to pay a small fee to get in. We suggest you explore the upper pools.
Llanos del Cortes is located 1:30 hr away by car from Casa Monte Pino.
48 locals recommend
Catarata Llanos del Cortés
This waterfall is located about 1,5hrs away from the house. You have to pay a small fee to get in. We suggest you explore the upper pools.
Llanos del Cortes is located 1:30 hr away by car from Casa Monte Pino.
Gastronomía
Good for seafood, located in front of the beach, open for lunch and dinner. This restaurant is located 20min away by car from Casa Monte Pino.
122 locals recommend
Pangas Beach Club
Good for seafood, located in front of the beach, open for lunch and dinner. This restaurant is located 20min away by car from Casa Monte Pino.
El'Huerto Playa Grande
Great pizza, located on 5min away from the house.
Great seafood restaurant with ocean view, located only 12mins away from the house. Open for lunch and dinner.
42 locals recommend
Patagonia del Mar
120 Av CentralGreat seafood restaurant with ocean view, located only 12mins away from the house. Open for lunch and dinner.
Good restaurant for sunset drinks and dinner. Right on the beach. Open for lunch and dinner. Located 18mins away by car from the house
171 locals recommend
Restaurante Coco Loco
Flamingo Beach RoadGood restaurant for sunset drinks and dinner. Right on the beach. Open for lunch and dinner. Located 18mins away by car from the house
Great food, open for lunch and diner. CASH ONLY.
Located in Tamarindo Beach.
35 locals recommend
Green Papaya Taco Bar
40 50309 C. CoronaGreat food, open for lunch and diner. CASH ONLY.
Located in Tamarindo Beach.
Breakfast Grinds
Calle CentralReally good breakfast in Tamarindo with an ocean view.
Good food, right in front of Tamarindo beach. Open for lunch and Dinner.
52 locals recommend
Langosta Beach Club
Good food, right in front of Tamarindo beach. Open for lunch and Dinner.
Traveler advice
What to pack
Light/ Casual Clothing
Guanacaste's weather is mostly hot, except for the months between august-november where it might rain occasionally in the mornings so pack accordingly.
In regards to clothing: keep it casual. With the exception of the San Jose area, Costa Rica is an extremely casual country unless you have an important event to go to while you're here.
If you're coming during the rainy season please pack a raincoat or a light waterproof jacket.
Rash guard t shirts can come in really handy. They’re great for keeping you from getting a sunburn when you’re swimming, snorkeling, or even boogie boarding.
What to pack
Shoes
If you're into water sports/adventures, bringing water shoes would be really nice to have if you plan on visiting a waterfall where the rocks are often slippery. They also come in handy if you plan to go whitewater rafting, kayaking or snorkeling.
In case you plan to go hiking or walking, you’ll definitely want some sturdy shoes.
If you’re visiting during the rainy season and plan to do some more rugged hiking, opt for hiking boots or old sneakers as trails can get muddy.
What to pack
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is 3-4 times more expensive in Costa Rica so be sure to bring as much as you’ll need. Otherwise, there are plenty of shops in towns like Playa Grande and Tamarindo where you can be able to find it.
What to pack
Sunglasses and Sun Hat
If you’re planning on beaching it and are prone to burns, a sun hat is a great, chic option. You can usually find them at souvenir shops in popular tourist destinations too if you want to wait to buy until you get here. Sunglasses are highly recommended!
Getting around
Car/ATV rental or Private Taxi
It's highly recommended to rent a 4x4 car to be able to access to the roads that are not paved yet.
Near the house you can rent ATV/ quads. Please inquire with your hosts.
Private taxis are common in the area and usually charge you in cash. We can share the contact of a few drivers that speak English and can get you around.
What to pack
Beach Towels/Sarong
In places like Tamarindo, you can rent chairs on the beach. But in most places, it’s just you and miles of open sand. Having a towel or sarong to lie on definitely makes a day at the beach a lot more comfortable.
What to pack
Dry Bag
Dry bags are essential if you’re planning on water sports and also helpful for keeping the humidity off your valuable electronics.