A Day Tour in Atenas, Costa Rica

[Erick Hidalgo]

Atenas is a town is endowed with great vacation ideas for every traveler whether you are looking for historical and rural exploration, a starting holidays point, a living or a romantic retreat. Nestled cozily in the slopes of Costa Rica´s Central mountain range, Atenas boasts a theatrical display of exquisite nature, proud cultural heritage and one of the world's best climates. Also, this is the main connecting town between San Jose and Jaco Beach and Manuel Antonio National Park.

From stunning villas, majestic mountains views, lush, unspoiled forests, mouth-watering cuisine, exquisite culture and character, Atenas offers everything needed for an unforgettable vacation and it is not surprising that it has become one of Costa Rica's newest retreat destinations.

Walking the small town, there are some Gourmet Cafes as Balcon del Café (Coffee Terrace) that belongs to a German girl who decided to stay here looking for a quiet and peaceful living. The Café is placed up stairs of a shopping center. Café Antaño (Old Days Café) is other nice place: It was a hotel for over 20 years and now the
house had been transformed to a Stylish Décor Café Corner.

The Central Market is full of fruits and vegetables sales but what I really enjoyed was the typical lunch: in a corner of the market, there is a very small food place named Soda Anita with only 6 tall chairs, a bar and 3 ladies preparing and serving delicious home-made food.

My walking tour, guided by Jonathan a very good friend and Vista Atenas B&B´s Manager, was very pleasant. He showed me the main church; an old structure constructed in the earliest of 20^th century has a huge well maintained garden. Just next to it the central park offers a quiet and fresh air ambiance.

One of the corners from the park, is the Cantina “La Esquina Caliente” (Hot Corner Bar) hosting all the guys around Atenas; Typical place for a beer and talking.

Before finish my tour, we drove all the way up to Vista Atenas getting to one of the most spectacular landscape views I ever visited. I had the opportunity to see the Ocean Pacific in one side, and the opposite side is the Atenas Valley. This stunning view point is hidden up in the hills with a natural platform where the

breeze refreshed my spirit. Just 5 minutes away is located Vista Atenas Bed & Breakfast, a nice and comfortable accommodation offering beautiful landscape views. I did not resist staying the overnight here.

Sitting in the open-air terrace, a cup of great coffee and my book was all need to end a perfect day in Atenas town.

Staying at Vista Atenas bed and breakfast is the ultimate way to connect with the region's people and culture. It's the perfect way to enjoy a home-like environment. All visitors staying in this region should expect a comfortable bedroom, ensuite private bathroom, quiet and safe location, and the best views.

Breakfast and dining areas are mostly shared, which makes it easy for you to get to know other travelers. Whether you choose to sit down and have an idle chat with others is entirely your decision. It's this flexibility that makes staying at Vista Atenas bed and breakfast in Atenas so appealing.

Lush green gardens are dotted with quaint little towns and enveloped by some of the Costa Rica's most beautiful mountain ranges. The Atenas town vast array of rural- recreational activities and Costarican hospitality make this destination a must-see for locals and tourists alike.

Thanks to:

Vista Atenas Bed & Breakfast and especially to Jonathan who is a destination specialist and great host.