Back

Aguas Claras

Customer Ratings
This is a Satisfaction Rating based on our own customer feedback

  • Hotel Aguas Claras
  • Hotel Aguas Claras
  • Hotel Aguas Claras
  • Hotel Aguas Claras
  • Hotel Aguas Claras
  • Hotel Aguas Claras
  • Hotel Aguas Claras
  • Hotel Aguas Claras
  • Hotel Aguas Claras
  • Hotel Aguas Claras
  • Hotel Aguas Claras
  • Hotel Aguas Claras
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Aguas Claras is a first class beach retreat on an unspoilt stretch of Costa Rica's Caribbean jungle-fringed coast.

Set on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica near Playa Chiquita, Puerto Viejo, eco-friendly Aguas Claras is a gleaming white-wood, traditional Victorian-style plantation house. It’s the only really luxurious, boutique-style property on this stretch of the palm-fringed coastline, which features a unique combination of exuberant wildlife and undisturbed tropical beaches.

This dreamily romantic hotel, sheltered by verdant foliage, has a delightful open-air free-form pool and probably the best restaurant in the region although, to add variety to your stay, there are a number of small, locally run restaurants just a short bike ride away.

The building’s nostalgic design - conceived by a renowned Costa Rican artist - recalls bygone times when British colonial dominance of the Caribbean dictated architectural style, and inside you’ll find traditional artifacts and original works by local artists alongside state-of-the-art contemporary features. Guest rooms - each uniquely decorated and furnished - are situated in both the main building and individual thatched cottages which are similar in style but offer additional space and added privacy.

It’s easy just to lie back and relax there, but you may be tempted by a range of activities such as jungle hikes, cycle rides, surf lessons, canopy zips and cocoa tours.  Cahuita National Park, half an hour away by car, encompasses a magnificent area of biodiversity which stretches beyond the shore line and out to sea. Sea turtles nest in the area and manta rays glide between weird and wonderfully shaped live coral. On land, sloths are common place and not just in the park - road vehicles have to stop to let them cross…

Bartolome, Galápagos

What our clients say

  • We always ask each other what the highlight was, but always fail.  It was really the variety.  There is really so much to remember.

    JS, Bath
  • Great mix of high adrenaline and chilled activities to suit all the family.

    JS, London
  • Most Memorable Moment?: There are a few but being so close to wildlife during the journey was amazing!!!

    JW, London
  • Costa Rica as a whole was very impressive in its attitude towards eco-tourism. Actively reforesting areas that have previously been de-forested and setting up new areas of rain forest/park.

    BC, N19
  • Highlights:- The wildlife in Costa Rica is incredible and it is everywhere you go and very immediate.  Add to that beautiful scenery and very friendly people and it is a…

    MJ, E14
  • The treks throughout the trip were superb. Excellent guides and the range of wildlife was stunning.

    WRDT, Bakewell
0 1 2 3 4 5

Our Expert's Opinion

Sallly
Sally Dodge Travel Expert A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.

Papagaio

Your edit for Latin American inspiration

Our exciting range of articles on Latin America explore everything from iconic destinations and lesser-known cultural gems to delicious traditional recipes. You’ll also find exclusive travel tips, first-hand client reviews and the chance to get your personal questions answered by our travel experts.

View Extraordinary Inspiration
Bartolome, Galápagos

Meet our team

Real Latin american experts

  • Juliet
    Juliet Ellwood - Travel Expert

    After graduating with a degree in Anthropology and History and having been fascinated by Latin America since childhood by the book featuring photos of Nazca, Juliet first visited the region in 2003. Since then, Juliet has visited the majority of countries in Latin America but has particularly extensive experience with Peru, a country she loves for many reasons but not least, its incredible archaeological richness and delicious food!

  • Ben
    Ben Line - Travel Expert

    Ben fell in love with Latin America on a six month backpacking trip from Colombia to Mexico in 1995. Since then he has explored most of South America, including living in Peru for a year. He is now Head of Sales.

  • Carrie
    Carrie Gallagher - Travel Expert

    A former JLA tour leader, Carrie brings a wealth of on-the-ground experience to our London-based Tailor-made and Group Tours department.

  • Hannah
    Hannah Donaldson - Travel Expert

    Having spent part of her childhood in Colombia and worked in Brazil and Costa Rica, Hannah's ties to Latin America run deep. Hannah is a much valued Travel Expert in our Tailor-made Holidays and Group Tours sales team.

  • Millie
    Millie Davies - Travel Expert

    Having caught the travel bug as a child, Millie has travelled all over Latin America before making her home in Buenos Aires for 3 years.

  • Sophie
    Sophie Barber - Travel Expert

    Sophie lived in Chile before joining us and has travelled extensively across Latin America, from Mexico to the furthest tip of Patagonia and beyond to Antarctica.

0 1 2 3 4 5