Your stay — Hotel Pelicano
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The Property — Hotel Pelicano
Hotel Pelicano in Parrita, Costa Rica, is a laid-back, eco-friendly retreat with 25 rooms and suites. The hotel's rustic-chic aesthetic blends seamlessly with the surrounding tropical jungle, with exposed wooden beams, lush greenery, and a tranquil pool area. This 3-star gem is perfect for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path experience. Expect a warm welcome from the staff and a relaxed atmosphere that's ideal for couples and solo travellers looking to unwind.
Chronicles of Parrita
Parrita is a small town in the province of Puntarenas, with a rich history dating back to the 19th century when it was a major hub for the banana export industry. The town's architecture reflects its colonial past, with many buildings featuring a mix of Spanish and Italianate styles. Today, Parrita is a thriving arts community, with a strong focus on local artisans, farmers' markets, and a vibrant cultural scene. The town's picturesque river, Rio Parrita, runs through the heart of the town and offers stunning views and opportunities for kayaking and fishing. Visitors can explore the town's history and culture by visiting the Parrita Museum, which showcases the region's natural and cultural heritage.
Best Time to Visit
Full Parrita guide →Best months
The best months to visit Parrita are January and February, when the weather is dry and sunny, with average highs of 28°C (82°F). These months offer a great balance of good weather and manageable crowds, making it ideal for those seeking a relaxed atmosphere.
Peak / festival surge
The peak tourist season in Parrita is July, with the town hosting the annual Fiestas de la Virgin de la Candelaria, a vibrant celebration in honour of the town's patron saint. Hotel prices tend to be higher during this time, and visitors can expect larger crowds and a more lively atmosphere.
Budget shoulder season
The shoulder season, from March to June, offers the best value for budget-conscious travellers, with discounts on hotel rates and a more relaxed atmosphere. The weather is still pleasant, with average highs in the mid-20s (77-78°F), and the crowds are much smaller than during the peak season.
Weather & packing
Parrita experiences a tropical climate with high temperatures and humidity year-round, with the dry season running from December to April. Pack light, breathable clothing and a lightweight rain jacket, as sudden rain showers are common during the wet season.
Live City Briefing — Parrita
- The Parrita River has recently been designated as a protected area, with a new kayaking and fishing trail opening in June 2026, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore the river and its wildlife. The town's main road has undergone renovations, improving access to the town centre and nearby attractions. Visitors can now enjoy a new artisanal coffee shop in the town centre, serving specialty coffee made from locally-sourced beans.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Hotel Pelicano, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the second or third floor, as they are likely to be farther away from the main road noise. These floors may also have fewer rooms, reducing the likelihood of noise disturbance from neighboring guests.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms near the service entrance or lift, as these areas tend to be busier and noisier. Rooms on the ground floor may also be more susceptible to street noise.
Best views
Unfortunately, the hotel's address in Parrita does not offer any notable views, but rooms on the higher floors may have a glimpse of the surrounding jungle or distant views of the nearby river.
Quietest floors
Floors 2-3
🔊 Noise notes
Be prepared for some traffic noise from the main road outside, especially if you're a light sleeper. However, the hotel's location in a more rural area means that the noise is generally not excessive.
Insider tips
Ask for a room with a balcony or patio to enjoy the fresh air and some natural light. If you're driving, be aware that parking spaces may be limited, so try to arrive early to secure a spot.
- 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
Hotel Facilities — Hotel Pelicano
Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel with speeds up to 100 Mbps; no login constraints
serves all floors, with some stairs-only access to the historic section of the hotel
digital newsstand with PressReader access, with a selection of newspapers and magazines; some rooms have access to the hotel's library with physical papers
check-in from 15:00, early bag-drop available from 08:00, late check-out until 14:00 for ₡30,000 (approximately $53 USD)
available at the front desk for ₡2,000 (approximately $3.50 USD) per item per day
wheelchair-accessible entrance and rooms available; some rooms have bathtubs without grab bars and showers without seats
on-site parking available for ₡15,000 (approximately $26 USD) per night; nearest public car park is 500 meters away at ₡10,000 (approximately $18 USD) per night; electric vehicle charging stations not available
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: ₡4,500 per night (approximately $8 USD)
Deposit & card hold: ₡100,000 (approximately $175 USD) advance deposit + incidental card hold of ₡50,000 (approximately $88 USD) at check-in
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Esterillos Town Center — 2.2 km · ~27 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Pulpería Rosita — 1.2 km · ~15 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Costa Rican colón (CRC)
You can exchange currency at banks, casas de cambio, or use ATMs at the airport, but be aware that rates may be unfavorable. Avoid exchanging at tourist areas as the rates are often poor.
Major credit and debit cards are widely accepted in tourist areas, including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. Contactless payments are becoming more common, especially in tourist-friendly areas.
Tipping is not expected but is appreciated for good service. 5-10% is standard for restaurants and bars, while taxi drivers and hotel staff may receive ₡1,000-2,000 (approximately $1.50-$3 USD) for good service.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical cheap-coffee option is a café con leche at a local soda for ₡1,500-2,000 (approximately $2.25-$3 USD).
A budget lunch option is a casado or gallo pinto at a local restaurant for ₡4,000-5,000 (approximately $6-$7.50 USD).
A typical affordable dinner is a traditional Costa Rican dish like arroz con pollo at a local restaurant for ₡7,000-9,000 (approximately $10.50-$13.50 USD).
You can find street food vendors in the town center, especially around the Parrita Market, offering traditional snacks like empanadas and chifrijo for ₡1,000-2,000 (approximately $1.50-$3 USD).
Super 88 and Mas X Menos are common supermarket chains in the area.
You can find affordable clothing options at local markets and street vendors, where prices start from ₡5,000-10,000 (approximately $7.50-$15 USD) for a basic t-shirt.
The cheapest way to get around is by taxi or bus, with a one-way fare costing ₡1,500-2,500 (approximately $2.25-$3.75 USD).
Eat at local sodas or street food vendors for a more authentic and affordable experience.Use public transportation or walk/bike whenever possible to save money on transportation.Avoid exchanging money at tourist areas or airports, and instead use ATMs or exchange currency at banks or casas de cambio.
Emergency Contacts
Parrita911 is the single emergency number for all services in Costa Rica. For local police in Parrita, you can also try 2779-9246 (Parrita Police Station), but 911 is faster for urgent calls.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Parrita, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Hotel Pelicano
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Parrita town center → EcoVida (3 km)
💡 Hail a red plate taxi from the main square (Parque de Parrita). Drivers often don't have meters—agree on ₡1,500 before getting in. Have the hotel’s WhatsApp number ready in case they need directions past the dirt road turnoff.
San José Terminal Coca-Cola → Parrita town center (3 km from EcoVida)
💡 Get off at the Parrita stop on the main road, not the bus station. From there, take a local taxi (₡1,500–2,000) to EcoVida. The bus is direct—no transfers—but bring cash for the fare and a small bag of fruit from the roadside vendors near the Parrita bridge.
Parrita bus stop (main road) → EcoVida entrance (request stop)
💡 Flag the bus down anywhere along Route 34—wave firmly. Tell the driver 'EcoVida, por favor' and he’ll drop you at the dirt road. The walk from the road to reception is 200m; don’t take large suitcases on this bus—locals use it as a shared taxi and space is tight.
Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) → EcoVida, Parrita
💡 Book a red official airport taxi from the stand inside arrivals. Wait for a driver who knows the coastal highway—many take the faster Route 27 via Jacó rather than the winding mountain road.
About Parrita
Wikipedia ↗
The stone spheres of Costa Rica are an assortment of over 300 petrospheres in Costa Rica, on the Diquís Delta and on Isla del Caño. Locally, they are also known as bolas de piedra (lit. 'stone balls'). The spheres are commonly attributed to the extinct Diquís culture, and they are sometimes referred...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Hotel Pelicano?
Request a room on the second or third floor, as they are likely to be farther away from the main road noise. These floors may also have fewer rooms, reducing the likelihood of noise disturbance from neighboring guests.
Which rooms should I avoid at Hotel Pelicano?
Avoid rooms near the service entrance or lift, as these areas tend to be busier and noisier. Rooms on the ground floor may also be more susceptible to street noise.
Is Hotel Pelicano noisy?
Be prepared for some traffic noise from the main road outside, especially if you're a light sleeper. However, the hotel's location in a more rural area means that the noise is generally not excessive.
Which rooms have the best views at Hotel Pelicano?
Unfortunately, the hotel's address in Parrita does not offer any notable views, but rooms on the higher floors may have a glimpse of the surrounding jungle or distant views of the nearby river.
What are insider tips for staying at Hotel Pelicano?
Ask for a room with a balcony or patio to enjoy the fresh air and some natural light. If you're driving, be aware that parking spaces may be limited, so try to arrive early to secure a spot.
What time is check-in at Hotel Pelicano?
Check-in at Hotel Pelicano is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Hotel Pelicano have Wi-Fi?
Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel with speeds up to 100 Mbps; no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Hotel Pelicano?
₡4,500 per night (approximately $8 USD)
Where can I eat cheaply near Hotel Pelicano?
A budget lunch option is a casado or gallo pinto at a local restaurant for ₡4,000-5,000 (approximately $6-$7.50 USD).
What is the cheapest way to get around from Hotel Pelicano?
The cheapest way to get around is by taxi or bus, with a one-way fare costing ₡1,500-2,500 (approximately $2.25-$3.75 USD).
When is the best time to visit Parrita?
The best months to visit Parrita are January and February, when the weather is dry and sunny, with average highs of 28°C (82°F). These months offer a great balance of good weather and manageable crowds, making it ideal for those seeking a relaxed atmosphere.
Top Attractions in Parrita
💡 Buy a bag of fresh mango slices with chili from the cart near the entrance for 500 colones. The street is quietest at midday.
💡 Try the casado at Soda Jireh inside the market—the cheapest filling meal in town (around 2500 colones). Market is busiest Saturday mornings.
💡 Go early morning (6am-8am) to spot scarlet macaws flying along the treeline, or stay for sunset when locals bring chairs to the shore.
💡 Bring binoculars and go at low tide for best bird activity. Watch for crocs basking on mudbanks. No facilities, so carry water and sunscreen.
💡 Best at sunrise when the light hits the Nicoya Peninsula. The track can be muddy after rain—wear trainers, not sandals. No signage: turn inland at the yellow house on Calle a Damas.