A perfect 24 hours in Uvita, Costa Rica...

Beginning our morning with a steaming pot of french-press coffee, my husband Andy and I sip the strong caffeine from our porch at Osa Mountain Village/Toucan Valley, as we enjoy the early morning bird action.


​The earth-shattering, unmistakable shriek of the massive scarlet macaw pierces the sleepy jungle silence. Circling overhead, calling to each other, a pair of the rainbow-colored, eternal lovebirds come to a rest in our tree.

The familiar fluttering sound of a toucan's wings draws our attention from the macaws, and we switch to admiring a brightly-colored black-mandibled toucan, as he slowly scans a panoramic photo of his surroundings. After a pause he decides we are harmless and goes about his breakfast of munching on pods from our guarumo tree.

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Packing up the car with hammocks, rope, and beach chairs, we head to Uvita for a beach day. Our first stop is for lunch at our new favorite restaurant in town,  El Toro Loco. Texas-style BBQ, this is one of those rare gems in which you know every single menu item will be mouth-wateringly delicious. 


The brisket and pulled pork are tender and flavorful, their cubano sandwich is easily one of the best I have ever eaten, the sweet tea tastes like home, the country ambience is refreshing, and their fresh kettle chips are crunchy and well-seasoned.


With a multitude of homemade sauces (my favorite is the mango ginger), and a smoked, pulled carrot sandwich with pineapple slaw for the vegetarians, there is something on the menu for everyone. Affordable prices, large portions, unique menu items, and friendly service are a few of the things that keep us coming back.


Located in downtown Uvita, across from the BM and BCR, you cannot miss this colorful new dining option. If you're in the Uvita area make sure to stop by El Toro Loco for a delicious meal.

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Follow El Toro Loco's Facebook page to view their menu and to stay updated on their latest, delicious specials: https://www.facebook.com/eltorolocobbq/

Our next stop is Playa Chaman to hang our hammocks and walk the beach. As soon as we settle into our spot the booming roar of the howler monkeys rumble through the salty atmosphere. Directly above us the monkeys stretch out and lounge in the trees for a snooze, while a curious baby monkey tests his mom by venturing just beyond her grasp for some leaves to snack on.

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Towering over the shore is a grouping of vibrant rainbow eucalyptus trees. Colorful Costa Rica always surprises me with the masterpieces that naturally occur in every direction. Each of these massive rainbow trees is a unique display of art.


The rainbow eucalyptus is a rapidly growing tropical tree that sheds it's outer layer to keep up with it's speedy growth. When the layer prepares to shed it begins to change colors from green, to blue, to purple, to orange, to maroon. Each section of the outer peeling layer is at a different stage in the exfoliation process, creating the magical rainbow effect.

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The surfers catch our attention next, as they all begin to enter the ocean at the same moment. Patiently awaiting the right moment all day, a silent bell is now ringing, calling all surfers in the area. One surfer dominates, he reads the ocean best, and takes advantage of each swell that comes his way.

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Ending our perfect day we head to Playa Pinuelas and set up our beach chairs to admire the melting sun. The tide is high and the cove is being pounded by the water rushing in. As one wave crashes and recedes back to the ocean, it meets another wave coming in, resulting in a powerful, dramatic splash as the two walls of water collide beneath the setting sun.

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Just another perfect day in pura vida paradise...

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