Day Trip to Parrita and Esterillos

On Esterillos Beach

Getting to know the surrounding towns of Jaco Beach can lead to fun filled days of exploring the coastline of the Pacific side of Costa Rica.  It is a wonderful way to enjoy a relaxing day on a beach less traveled then Jaco's main track (and still be back in time for the night life Jaco has to offer).  But wanderer be wear, even though the atmosphere of the more exclusive beaches might draw you to dine, the presentation might not make up for the lack of flavor.

Esterillos, Costa Rica offers a beach less traveled by the fiesta seeking Jaco Weekend Warriors, backpackers brought in droves by Lonely Planet, and surfers in search of stellar waves. In a quest to find fine dining, I came across a resort type hotel called ALMA DEL PACIFICO. Alma del Pacifico is located by the Pacific on Playa Esterillos Este, between Jaco Beach & Quepos, offering beachfront views from its villas and dining area. Alma del Pacifico, also, boast its playful architecture & art, hospitality, and many resort type amenities.  The atmosphere and presentation draws you into dine and expect the cuisine of a five star restaurant.  Expect, however, all the flare and none of the flavor. Your taste buds will be left un-tantalized and your palate unsatisfied. Even the simplest order displayed the underdeveloped talents of the chef.  Pizza on loaf bread textured pan, soggy salad with uninteresting dressing, and nachos saturated in vegetable oil – all plates returned to the kitchen with leftovers aboard. 

You may even find yourself seeking brownies from a local shop outside the RTV SyC in Parrita. If you are looking for an up-close and personal view of Bureaucracy at its finest, this may be the place to stop. Sporting a newer well-maintained vehicle might not help you in passing this absurdly regimented test; however, a slide of the hand may do it for you. It is true what they say, the third time is a charm – after two unsuccessful tests accompanied by dips, bumps, and bruises (all to the undercarriage of my car). I managed to obtain my sticker of approval and drive away with coffee spilt all over my car (the ride mimicked that of a track up a volcano on an ATV).

All and all, I am still searching for a beach and a lunch that can make me more excited than the bumps at RTV SyC.