Activities:

1. Buen Camino is a great mountain bike park for cross country and downhill riding 

2. The Machuca river is a great place for bathing - there are several access points along route 3, which are about 15 minute drive away. See the map for access points

3. There is an old mine called minas de aguacate - this is a great day hike with many swimming holes and waterfalls 

4. Choco tour: Amazing chocolate tour, but you need to book in advance 

5. Orotina Waterpark - fun day with the family. They are open year round

Rivers and waterfalls:

• Minas de aguacate - about 25 minutes drive,
• There is a waterfall off one of the streams of the Machuca river - 20 minutes drive, see the map above
• El Encanto waterfall is about 15 mins away (other side of Jesus Maria, near San Mateo).
• Verde Malakita is about 40 mins away towards Bolson
• Bijagual waterfall is 1:15 away towards Rio Tarcoles.
• Cerro el Encanto is a very famous waterfall and is 1.5 hours away.

RESTAURANTS

• Buen Camino has a restaurant with a great view, more western food, and sometimes live performances.

• Cafe Aeromar - 10 minute walk from the house, the view is breathtaking with more local food

• Casa Victoria - Local Chef Fernando creates marvelous local and international dishes made from the highest quality produce. Open Thu - Sat 11 am - 8 pm, Sun 11-4 Phone: +506 8552 1717

• Posa Blanca - in San Mateo, mix of local and western food.

• La casita de cafe - on the way to Atenas - very good local food, good coffee and incredible views (in the morning, it gets foggy in the afternoon).

• Boba tea house in Orotina

GROCERY STORES & MARKETS

• Love Organic - mostly dry organic supply store located in the small commercial center of San Mateo

• Pharmacies: Orotina has about 10 pharmacies 15 mins away

• Macrobiotica: dry goods organic store in Orotina - 15 mins away

• Ecoferia: organic market, local farmers, Live music, artisanal food and crafts, lectures about regenerative living - every Sunday at Panaca (Ecovilla San Mateo), 10 mins away.

• San Mateo Feria: local produce sold every Thursday afternoon, starts at 1 pm - 7 pm