At Coastal Realty & Property Management, we’ve been managing Hacienda Pinilla vacation rentals since 2006, so we thought we’d share some advice for friends looking to visit for the first time.
Second and third-time visitors might enjoy these thoughts as well, because there’s so much going on that it’s easy to miss.
Getting to Our Hacienda Pinilla Vacation Rentals
We have Costa Rican families that use our Hacienda Pinilla Property Management services and have been visiting us from the San Jose area for more than a decade, but if you’re reading this, you’re more than likely an international tourist.
With tons of direct flights from both North America and Europe, you have two choices to fly into the country:
Daniel Oduber International Airport – Liberia
Although the closest airport to Tamarindo is the Tamarindo airport most people will likley fly into the Daniel Oduber Airport. This airport is located a 1-hour drive from Hacienda Pinilla. In fact, Mr. Pattillo, who started Hacienda Pinilla is the reason the airport exists and rumors are that he even subsidized Delta flights until they were popular.
The drive is picturesque, with many Guanacaste sugar cane plantations visible as well as local town squares and soccer fields along the way.
Juan Santamaria International Airport – San Jose
This airport is about a 4-hour drive from Hacienda Pinilla. The drive will take you through the mountain range that runs the length of Central America and then you’ll make your way up the coast, and cross over the Rio Tempisque. It’s also quite scenic and there are plenty of restaurants and pitstops along the way.
If you’re flying to San Jose and don’t intend to rent a car, you can also catch up a commuter flight (propeller plane) from San Jose to the local Tamarindo airport on Sansa, and then you can either catch a shuttle or pick up a rental car in Tamarindo.
Do I Need a Visa if I’m Choosing Hacienda Pinilla Vacation Rentals?
For quick stays, you don’t need a visa prior to arrival. You’ll be issued a tourist visa by the immigration desk at either airport. You’ll need:
- Your passport (and be sure it isn’t about to expire)
- A return ticket (print a copy of your e-ticket that clearly shows your return flight date)
- The name of your accommodations. For us, either the name of the house or the name of the Tamarindo condo complex will suffice.
Do I Need to Rent a Car to Get to My Hacienda Pinilla Vacation Rental?
We do recommend a rental car if staying in our Hacienda Pinilla vacation rentals. The community measures over 5,000 acres and while the whole property is walkable to the beach, golf course, tennis courts, and more, it’s a long walk and getting the grocery store requires a drive.
We’re happy to help you reserve an airport shuttle from either airport that will take you directly to your property and return you as well if some of your party is arriving separately.
You’ll also be able to head in Tamarindo for entertainment or do some offroad driving down to Avellanas, Playa Negra, or even Marbella and Junquillal.
There are also lots of national parks and other fun day trips where you might want a car.
If you are renting a car and cannot drive a manual transmission, be sure to consult with your rental car company. Many vehicles in Costa Rica have manual transmissions.
What Are Some Top Activities While at a Hacienda Pinilla Vacation Rental?
You’ve probably heard amazing things about Costa Rica and Hacienda Pinilla is one of the top destinations in the country. Why do so many people choose to vacation in Hacienda Pinilla?
Playa Avellanas, Playa Langosta, Playa Mansita
Going to the beach is fantastic. You’ll find plenty of sand and a sandy bottom at Playa Avellanas or Playa Langosta. Where you see volcanic rock outcroppings, you’ll spot all kinds of critters in the tide pools.
You can bring your own towel and sunbathe anywhere. All Costa Rica beaches are public. You can also get a day pass for the Hacienda Pinilla beach club and use their pool, lounge chairs, cocktail bar, etc.
The beach club is also in front of the famous surfing wave, Little Hawaii, on Playa Avellanas.
You can walk down the beach to Lola’s Beach Bar if you like as well.
If you choose to head north from the beach club, Playa Mansita is a rockier beach, with far fewer people. You can put a towel down in a shady spot and enjoy an amazing sunset. Playa Mansita is also within walking distance from all the Hacienda Pinilla Condominiums.
On the northern border, Playa Langosta is mostly sandy bottom. There’s a pretty estuary as well and good surfing, but beware of the rocks.
Surfing
Yep. Haciend Pinilla is surfing paradise. Nearby Tamarindo Beach itself is sheltered by Isla Capitan and the point is perfect for beginners, with a sandy bottom. You’ll find surf lessons available every day of the year.
There are tons of surf shops if you need to rent or buy boards, rashguards, wax, etc. in Tamarindo.
For more advanced surfers, you can surf Little Hawaii and the Avellanas river mouth directly in front of the Hacienda Pinilla Beach Club or walk up to Langosta.
If you want to go a little further south by car or longer walk, you’ll find the famous barreling wave at Playa Negra.
Nature
Amazing animals are all over the place in Hacienda Pinilla and may even be on the property at your vacation rental.
- Iguanas – Gorgeous iguanas of many colors can be found on the ground and in the trees throughout the area.
- Howler Monkeys – They migrate in packs throughout the area. It’s easy to know when they’re near due to their distinctive howl.
- Leatherback Turtles – During the season, the endangered Leatherback nests at nearby Playa Grande. You must be on a guided tour to be on Playa Grande at night during the season.
- Tropical Birds – You’ll find all kinds of birds in the area including Hummingbirds, Mot Mots, which have distinctive tails, and various parrot species. The local equivalent of a Blue Jay is also ever-present and may beg for crackers if you’re eating outside.
- Whales & Dolphins – You’ll see Dolphins in the surf and larger whale species may spout further out in Tamarindo Bay when they’re around.
- Crocodiles – Further up the Tamarindo Estuary, you’ll find Crocodiles. You’ll find them at a number of the nearby national parks as well.
- Guanacaste cattle and horses – Parts of Hacienda Pinilla are still run as an active ranch so you’ll see real cowboys on the property. We’re happy to arrange a horseback tour from the stables on the property as well.
Dining
Hacienda Pinilla has a number of restaurants at the Beach Club, J.W. Marriott, La Posada del Sol, and the golf club. You’ll also find an amazing array of restaurants in Tamarindo and a number of great choices in Avellanas and Playa Negra. Why? Abundant local produce and seafood and an unbelievably diverse local population.
If you love seafood, Hacienda Pinilla has the freshest you’ll find and many restaurants offer Ceviche You can also purchase directly from the local seafood trucks if you want to make a seafood meal in your Hacienda Pinilla vacation rental’s kitchen.
Fresh seafood options include:
- Red Snapper (Pargo)
- Shrimp (Gambas)
- Corvina (Seabass)
- Mahi Mahi
- Tuna (Atun)
- Marlin
- Clams (Almejas)
- Calamari
- Octopus (Pulpo)
- Mussels (Mejillones)
You’ll also find amazing fresh fruits and vegetables at the local restaurants and supermarkets:
- Cantaloupe (Melon)
- Watermelon (Sandia)
- Beats (Remolacha)
- Blackberries (Mora)
- Strawberries (Fresa)
- Avocados (Aguacate)
When chefs from France, Brazil, Argentina, Israel, Spain, USA, Canada, and many other locations use those ingredients, you get amazing results!
In addition to seafood, you’ll find pizza, bar food, juice bars, falafel, sushi, fine dining and many other cuisines!
Shopping
Within Hacienda Pinilla, you won’t really find shopping but Tamarindo is home to artists and clothing designers from around the world.
You’ll find interesting swimsuits and dresses.
Multiple art galleries offer both local and international paintings and sculptures.
You’ll also find street vendors selling clay pottery from nearby Guatil.
What’s Included in Our Hacienda Pinilla Vacation Rentals?
Vacation rentals are a great option for visitors looking for more space, privacy, relaxation, and the ability to cook and eat.
Full Kitchens & Dining Areas
Our Hacienda Pinilla vacation rentals all have full kitchens. Ovens, microwaves, and refrigerators are found in all rentals. Dishwashers are present in all units. We’re happy to talk you through what each property offers.
We keep kitchens stocked with cookware, utensils, and serving ware, and keep all appliances working.
Pools
Our Hacienda Pinilla single-family homes have private swimming pools.
Condominiums have access to shared swimming pools.
Guests of both can also swim at the huge pool at the beach club.
Grills & BBQs
Most of our single-family home vacation rentals have outdoor grills and outdoor dining areas. Larger homes have full outdoor kitchens.
Condominiums generally have access to a shared outdoor grill.
Linens & Towels
All properties come with ample linens and towels. Sheets and towels will be swapped and beds made during maid service.
We ask that you bring your beach towels.
Washers & Dryers
All homes and most condos have private washers and dryers. Where an in-unit washer/dryer is not available, the condo complex has shared units or there is a walkable laundromat. Check the individual property description or just ask. We’re happy to talk you through what each property offers.
Toilet Paper, Cleaning Supplies, etc.
Our properties are stocked with ample paper towels, toilet paper, dish soap, dishwasher soap, and laundry detergent if applicable.
TV, Cable & Internet
Hacienda Pinilla internet is generally plenty fast for routine work and streaming Netflix, etc. Keep in mind that the entire area has one central line bringing both internet and power into the area, so outages occur more frequently than at your home.
Our properties have cable, TV, and private wifi. You’ll be given the password as part of check-in.
Concierge Service
Our management includes our concierge desk. We’re happy to help you with reservations, delivered groceries, arranging tours, arranging massages, in-unit cooking, Spanish lessons, and many other amenities and activities. Just ask.
We also offer: