WELCOME TO AGUAS CLARAS
A boutique hideaway shaped by the art, architecture and Afro-Caribbean culture of Costa Rica’s southern Caribbean.
Just a short walk from Playa Chiquita, near Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Aguas Claras offers a different side of Costa Rica. Restored Caribbean-Victorian houses sit among tropical gardens, their colourful interiors filled with original artwork and handcrafted details that celebrate the region’s rich Afro-Caribbean heritage.
The hotel is perfectly placed for exploring this laid-back stretch of coastline. Cycle between quiet beaches, wildlife reserves and the lively cafés and restaurants of Puerto Viejo, or spend slower days by the pool, enjoying yoga, Caribbean-inspired cuisine and the easy rhythm of life on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast.
What we love about Aguas Claras
- The colourful, art-led design, shaped by Costa Rican artist Elizabeth Steinvorth and her daughter Elena Rohrmoser.
- Its position near Playa Chiquita, with beach access and Puerto Viejo close by.
- Papaya Restaurant, with Afro-Caribbean flavours and ingredients sourced through local producers and the Dock to Dish programme.
- Da Lime Beach Club for drinks, light food and time by the sea.
- Complimentary experiences including tortilla making, mixology classes, yoga, medicinal plant tours and sustainability tours.
- The hotel’s practical sustainability work, from composting and refillable water bottles to local employment, beach clean-ups, and community support.
What to do at Aguas Claras
Start by the sea, then head inland for wildlife, forest, and local life.
Spend mornings between the beach, pool, and open-air yoga shala, or borrow one of the hotel’s banana bikes to explore the nearby villages and beaches. Playa Chiquita is close by, while Punta Uva is known for calmer swimming conditions, depending on the day.
The hotel can arrange surf lessons, snorkelling, rainforest hikes, kayaking, paddleboarding, chocolate experiences and visits to the Jaguar Rescue Centre. Cahuita National Park and the Gandoca-Manzanillo Refuge are both strong options for wildlife and guided walks, with the chance to see monkeys, sloths, birds and coastal forest.
Back at the hotel, join a medicinal plant walk or sustainability tour for a closer look at how Aguas Claras operates, from its greenhouse and composting systems to its work with local fishermen and artisans. Evenings can be kept close to the hotel at Papaya or Da Lime, or spent in Puerto Viejo, where Caribbean restaurants, cafés, surf shops and beach bars give the area its easy-going rhythm.
When to Travel
Costa Rica’s southern Caribbean coast is warm year-round and does not follow the same weather pattern as the Pacific coast. February to March and September to October are often good windows for clearer conditions, while the greener months bring heavier showers and a fuller, wilder feel to the forest. It is a strong year-round option if you are comfortable with some tropical rain.
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