tu estancia — El Castillo
Pronóstico en vivo para sus fechas · qué hay en · Calidad del aire y polen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Ojochal.
La propiedad — El Castillo
El Castillo is a relaxed three-star hotel near the jungle coast of Ojochal. The lobby feels airy and open, with tiled floors and wooden ceilings, blending Costa Rican rustic charm with modest comfort. It appeals to independent travellers on a budget who want easy access to the beach and the rainforest without fuss. The USP is its quiet location and family-run atmosphere, just inland from the Pacific.
Crónicas de Ojochal
Ojochal started as a small farming and fishing village in Puntarenas province. It grew slowly until the Costanera Sur highway reached the area in the 1990s, opening it to tourism and expat settlement. Today its architecture is a mix of simple concrete houses, newer vacation villas, and a few low-rise hotels like El Castillo. The contemporary identity is laid-back and multicultural, with a strong focus on local food and wildlife.
El mejor momento para visitar
Guía completa de Ojochal →Los mejores meses
December to April: the dry season with sunny days and manageable crowds, ideal for beach trips and wildlife watching.
Peak / Festival Surge
Mid-December to January and Easter week; hotel prices can double, and beaches get busy. The Fiesta de los Diablitos in December also draws visitors.
La temporada del hombro
November and May: good-value months with lighter rain, fewer tourists, and mild temperatures.
Tiempo y embalaje
Ojochal has a distinct dry-to-wet transition; July sits in the wet season with heavy afternoon downpours. Pack a waterproof jacket and quick-dry walking shoes.
Briefing en vivo de la ciudad — Ojochal
- The Costanera Sur highway is undergoing widening works between Ojochal and Dominical, causing occasional delays of up to 20 minutes.
- A new farmers' market opened in Ojochal centre on Saturday mornings, selling local organic produce and crafts.
- Heavy rain in early July has raised river levels on the nearby Río Barú; check conditions before planning river tours.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to El Castillo, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the upper floors (3rd-4th) facing the east or west, as they are likely to receive morning sunlight and afternoon breezes. These rooms are also away from the potential street noise, which may be present on the lower floors.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the first floor, as they may experience more street noise from the road. Additionally, rooms near the lift (elevator) may experience more noise from the lift's operation.
Best views
The east or west-facing rooms on the upper floors (3rd-4th) may have views of the surrounding landscape or the nearby hills.
Quietest floors
The 3rd-4th floors are likely to be the quietest, as they are higher up and away from the street level.
🔊 Noise notes
Ojochal is a coastal town, so you may hear some ocean sounds and seagulls in the area. Additionally, the hotel's location on the main road may result in some traffic noise on the lower floors.
Insider tips
Be sure to request a room with a balcony or patio to enjoy the views and fresh air. If you're planning to explore the area, consider renting a car or booking a shuttle in advance, as public transportation options may be limited.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Instalaciones hoteleras — El Castillo
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the hotel, with speeds up to 100 Mbps; no login constraints
Serves all floors, but some rooms on upper floors require a short walk
Complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader), no physical papers
Check-in: 16:00, Check-out: 12:00, Early bag-drop available from 08:00, Late check-out until 18:00 available for ₡20,000
Available in designated area near reception, free of charge
Step-free access to main entrance, wheelchair-accessible rooms available, but no elevator access to the pool area
On-site parking available, ₡5,000 per night; nearest public car park (Pavas) is ₡3,500 per day; no EV charging available
Tarifas, Impuestos y Depósitos
City / tourist tax: ₡350 per person per night (mandatory city tax)
Deposit & card hold: advance deposit of ₡50,000 + incidental card hold of ₡100,000 at check-in
5 minutos de radio esenciales
L'Epicerie — 1.3 km · ~16 min walk
Dinero y moneda
Get a travel card →Costa Rican Colón (CRC)
Travellers can exchange currency at local banks (Banco Nacional, Banco de Costa Rica) or currency exchange offices (Cambio) in nearby Uvita or Dominical. Be wary of poor rates at the Juan Santamaría International Airport or tourist bureaux.
Credit cards are widely accepted in tourist areas, but cash is preferred in smaller towns and rural areas. Contactless payments are not common, and mobile pay apps are not widely used.
Tipping is not expected but is appreciated for good service. 5-10% in restaurants and bars, and ₡500-1,000 (≈ $0.80-$1.60 USD) for taxi drivers and hotel staff.
Comer, comprar y viajar en un presupuesto
Cheap car hire →A typical cheap coffee can be found at a local soda (small café) for ₡1,500-2,000 (≈ $2.40-$3.20 USD)
A street food lunch, such as a casado (meat, rice, beans, and vegetables), can be had for ₡3,000-4,000 (≈ $4.80-$6.40 USD)
A budget dinner at a local restaurant can cost ₡6,000-8,000 (≈ $9.60-$12.80 USD) for a main course
Street food and markets are common in Uvita and Dominical, offering a variety of local cuisine at reasonable prices
Super Pali and Mas x Menos are budget supermarket chains with locations in nearby towns
Local markets in Uvita and Dominical offer affordable clothing options, including handmade crafts and souvenirs
The cheapest way to get around is by public bus (₡1,500-2,000, ≈ $2.40-$3.20 USD), or rent a bike or scooter for ₡10,000-20,000 (≈ $16-$32 USD) per day
Use local currency to avoid poor exchange rates at tourist areasEat at local sodas and street food stalls for affordable mealsShop at local markets for unique souvenirs and affordable clothing
Emergency Contacts
Ojochal+506 2769-2020 (Policía de Turismo) or +506 800-SOS-EMERGENCIA (for emergencies only)
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Ojochal, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at El Castillo
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →En torno a
SJO Airport → Ojochal
💡 Book the Interbus shuttle to Uvita, then transfer to a local bus or taxi to get to Ojochal
SJO Airport → Ojochal
💡 Rent a 4x4 vehicle for the rough roads between Uvita and Ojochal
SJO Airport → Ojochal, via Uvita
💡 Take the bus to Uvita first, then transfer to a local bus or taxi to get to Ojochal
SJO Airport → El Castillo, Ojochal
💡 Book in advance through the hotel's website to secure the best rates
Sobre Ojochal
Wikipedia ↗Palmar Sur Airport (IATA: PMZ, ICAO: MRPM) is an airport serving the adjacent towns of Palmar Norte and Palmar Sur in Osa Canton, Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica. Palmar Norte and Palmar Sur are divided by the Térraba River at its exit from the coastal mountain range, 17 kilometres (11 mi) inland fr...
Preguntas frecuentes
What are the best rooms at El Castillo?
Request a room on the upper floors (3rd-4th) facing the east or west, as they are likely to receive morning sunlight and afternoon breezes. These rooms are also away from the potential street noise, which may be present on the lower floors.
Which rooms should I avoid at El Castillo?
Avoid rooms on the first floor, as they may experience more street noise from the road. Additionally, rooms near the lift (elevator) may experience more noise from the lift's operation.
Is El Castillo noisy?
Ojochal is a coastal town, so you may hear some ocean sounds and seagulls in the area. Additionally, the hotel's location on the main road may result in some traffic noise on the lower floors.
Which rooms have the best views at El Castillo?
The east or west-facing rooms on the upper floors (3rd-4th) may have views of the surrounding landscape or the nearby hills.
What are insider tips for staying at El Castillo?
Be sure to request a room with a balcony or patio to enjoy the views and fresh air. If you're planning to explore the area, consider renting a car or booking a shuttle in advance, as public transportation options may be limited.
What time is check-in at El Castillo?
Check-in at El Castillo is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does El Castillo have Wi-Fi?
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the hotel, with speeds up to 100 Mbps; no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at El Castillo?
₡350 per person per night (mandatory city tax)
Where can I eat cheaply near El Castillo?
A street food lunch, such as a casado (meat, rice, beans, and vegetables), can be had for ₡3,000-4,000 (≈ $4.80-$6.40 USD)
What is the cheapest way to get around from El Castillo?
The cheapest way to get around is by public bus (₡1,500-2,000, ≈ $2.40-$3.20 USD), or rent a bike or scooter for ₡10,000-20,000 (≈ $16-$32 USD) per day
When is the best time to visit Ojochal?
December to April: the dry season with sunny days and manageable crowds, ideal for beach trips and wildlife watching.
Principales atracciones en Ojochal
💡 Try some of the local fruits and cheeses on offer
💡 Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere
💡 Visit early in the morning for the best chance of spotting monkeys