Vista Guapa Surf Camp

Looking for a surf experience in Costa Rica, I chose Vista Guapa based on the great reviews on Trip Advisor (TA is always right).

Just about everything I read was correct. The view, the immaculate facilities, the food, and most importantly the incredible people are what make Vista Guapa #1. One thing I'd like to add concerning the instructors...Not only are they excellent at helping you improve your surfing, they are also the best surfers on the beach. I enjoyed watching how each time they took off, all the other surf instructors (and most of the other surfers) turned to watch them do their stuff. It's nice being taught by the best. Muchas gracias por todo. I will be back, and I'm bringing mi gente!!

“It's all true...”

Vista Guapa Surf Camp

Looking for a surf experience in Costa Rica, I chose Vista Guapa based on the great reviews on Trip Advisor (TA is always right).

Just about everything I read was correct. The view, the immaculate facilities, the food, and most importantly the incredible people are what make Vista Guapa #1. One thing I'd like to add concerning the instructors...Not only are they excellent at helping you improve your surfing, they are also the best surfers on the beach. I enjoyed watching how each time they took off, all the other surf instructors (and most of the other surfers) turned to watch them do their stuff. It's nice being taught by the best. Muchas gracias por todo. I will be back, and I'm bringing mi gente!!

“Perfect Getaway”

Vista Guapa Surf Camp

We chose Vista Guapa after looking into various surf camps around the world based on how it included everything -- transportation, hotel, food, and surfing instruction. Our expectations were not disappointed! This was the best vacation I have EVER had! I left from NYC the stereotypical overstressed urbanite and returned with a new perspective on life and the importance of relaxation. Though you can relax anywhere on a beach, the real advantage Vista Guapa offers is its amazing attention to every detail and overwhelmingly wonderful surf instructors. They went above and beyond my expectations of helping me learn to surf and showing and teaching me about the area. We also went on an added bike ride with one of the instructors, which was well worth the effort. It was the best view of the trip and showed up an area we didn't see from the water. I cannot stress how well the folks at Vista Guapa arrange your vacation!

“Fantastic”

Vista Guapa Surf Camp

I decided to stay at Vista Guapa based on the positive reviews here and it was a great choice.

There is much that Vista Guapa gets right but the key is the quality of the instructors and guides. The guides were all top notch surfers but more importantly they were very attentive and gave useful advise.

I've taken a couple lessons at other places without getting much out of it. The instructors are friendly enough but did little beyond tell me to paddle and stand up.

The Vista Guapa instructors actually had useful and insightful tips and observations about my surfing that made a big difference. They're very professional.

The camp is beautiful and well cared for. Although it is near enough to Jaco for easy visits the camp itself is set back from town on a hill over looking the valley. It's quite and peaceful.

The rooms are clean and comfortable and all have a hammock with a view. I spent much of my non surfing time napping or reading there. The food is also quite good.

My only complaint is that I wish we surfed more. While I was there we went out once a day for a two hour or so lesson. I really could have used a second session. Reading in the hammock is great but I went there to surf and I didn't get out quite as much as I wished.

Having said that everything else about the place is great enough that I wouldn't hesitate to return.

“Pure Vida”

Vista Guapa Surf Camp

You know it is a good vacation when adjusting to life back at home takes another week +...

I spent 7 days at Vista Guapa in late May. The lodge is a warm and welcoming place to stay. You feel at home from the minute Edwin comes to pick you up the airport for the trip to the camp. The entire staff (including the dogs!) are warm and kind.

I have never surfed in my life - and the surf instructors made sure I was able to stand up by day three. They do pretty much everything - load the truck, wax the boards, coach you on, carry the boards out, get the sand off your feet, make sure you have a dry towel -- so you can focus on learning to surf.

It was a challanging week - physicaly and mentaly. Once I stood up there was lots of high fives and cheering. Alvaro is a fantastic teacher - very patient, calm and reassuring. He is a quiet man, but very keen - both of which I find positive qualities in a teacher.

The week I was there - I crossed two seperate groups. One was lovely (and several had extended their stay). The latter had one rather obnoxious American. From what I can gather there is "one of them" in every group - so be prepared (or check to make sure it isn't you!).

The breakfasts are huge - make sure to order the banana pancakes at some point. The fresh fruit was, well, fresh off the lands of the camp. Dinner out each night was fun too (minus the loud arrogant fellas) - one of the surf boys will escort the group and make sure everyone is relaxed and happy. The best night is Alvaro's BBQ - YUM!

A few of us campers went into Jaco at night on our own - and the bars gets hopping around 11-ish and can be a fun night of pool, live music, and cheap-ish cold beer. A taxi back to Vista Guapa will run you $2.00 around 1,300 colones.

The trip to the national park included a challanging hike - and a day off for the arms! We stopped at a local beach and swam for an hour or so -- a real treat. Jorge didn't promise any animals - but made sure we saw a diverse selection of what was out that day. Soths, monkeys, bats, lizards, even the various vegitation.

The rest of the week is surfing, eating, naps in hammocks, and all the other activities you can stand (zip line, horse back riding)

I was so sad on my last day. Just when you begin to feel the world disappear and can see staying there forever, it is time to leave.

As a side note: I did see the comperable accomidation (best western and other lodges) down the road. Not nearly as homey as Vista Guapa. Big "no dogs allowed" signs -- in contrast to Alvaros lovely dogs who want nothing but tummy rubs and to walk with you up the hill. I saw another surf school at Jaco Beach one day -- they came later than us and left before we were done. From what I could see it was 1-2 instructors and 8 students. Few were standing - most just hung out in the waves. The boys at VG will make sure you are riding as many as you can handle - and for me - it was one on one instruction for the entire week.

As much as I want Vista Guapa to remain a secret hide away - I can not say enough wonderful things about my week there. It takes a lot of effort to make this place look effortless - so I appriciate all the hard work of the whole staff. So go and enjoy it -- leave the time table, attitude, stress of life behind. I (along with my new surfing friends) am already planning a return trip....

“Feel the Rhythm, Feel the Rhyme, Paddle that board it's SURFING TIME!!”

Vista Guapa Surf Camp

This was actually our 2nd trip to Vista Guapa and this time we had the extreme pleasure of staying on site for 2 full weeks.

Our journey began, as most do, by being picked up at the airport in San Jose. I love this airport - easy to navigate and quick to get thru customs and immigration - just smile and say Pura Vida to everyone. We were met by a new face, Edwin. Edwin is THE BOMB. On our 2 hr drive to Jaco' he made certain we saw all of the interesting sights along the way, the local winery (I believe it may be the only one in the whole Country as they do not grow grapes here???), the fresh fruit - all the while making sure we knew the Spanish words for them, the crocodiles, the beautiful tropical foliage..... He stopped at a local market so that we could stock up on cold Imperial and ice for the drive and kept us entertained the entire trip. Even took a special interest in teaching my husband Spanish during our entire stay. I will never tire of hearing "Se pato MIIIOO!!" He can now claim that a duck, a zebra, a cow and several other farm animals belong to him. I'm so proud.

We arrived at camp while the other 7 guests were at the afternoon surf so we took a swim and a short nap before meeting up with everyone for dinner at 7. The first night we went to the Jungle Surf Cafe' (Have the Sesame seared Ahi with mashed potatoes....Trust Me!) FYI...they don’t serve beer here but you can bring it with you. Be careful though, they have a pet praying mantis that might try to join you for your meal...(Hi Ricky!)

Regarding dinners, 6 out of 7 nights 1 of the instructors (and Edwin) will take you to a local restaurant. My personal favorite is a relatively new addition.....Jaco Taco. It is right downtown and has HUGE portions of yummy food! The margaritas are pretty darn good too. I recommend the crispy tacos de pollo. On the remaining night you are treated to an amazing BBQ of carne asada, pollo, pescado y salchichon at camp served with salads, fruit, guacamole and chips, pico y mucho mas all prepared by Marisol and grilled up by none other than Alvaro Solano. (more about them later) We had the unique opportunity to be able to watch the Super Bowl on this night and share our American football experience with our Vista Guapa family. Such a treat!

During our first week, we met a group of really fun people; Dave & Zack, Tom & Laurie, Joe (if the really IS your name), Rebecca and Carolina. All very diverse and interesting from all over the US. Guys - Thank you all for a great time! Every time I hear reggaeton it makes me think of the disco ipod dock or the Jaco' music festival and I smile. We didn't have a chance to get to know some of you guys as well, but had a wonderful time while we were all there.

The second week was a bit surreal. The group we had during this time; Karen (we ARE starting a doggy day-care/Salon & Spa), Colleen & Kalin (We LOVE our Philly girls!), Pam & Neil (our IE neighbors - let's go to San O!) and last but by no means least Ricky & Mark (I don't even know where to start!)....well.....we became a family. We had our daily mantra "feel the rhythm, feel the rhyme, paddle that board it's SURFING TIME!" (Thanks to Cool Runnings and Terry). Marco I truly believe is my husbands never-aware-he-had hermano de la otra mama. This place really is magical, you can make the most amazing friends....real friends here (I'm getting misty-eyed already)

Terry, Marco and I were honored to be taken to Alvaro's favorite "secret spot” to surf with him not once, but TWICE! It is an hour drive and then a half hour boat ride from camp and you surf off of the boat. It is the most perfect left you could ever imagine with the potential to go on for 900 yards. My first ride was nearly all the way to the beach which was, to say the least, awesome, until I turned around on my board to paddle back and the boat looked like one of those little tiny gnats commonly known as "canhardly seeums". The paddle back was tiring but well worth it and we all did it as many times as the sun would allow. The sunset was so beautiful it looked fake and watching Alvaro surf these waves with us, well, I was both humbled and awestruck. We also found out you many shakas you can have on one small boat with 6 people on board. If you have the opportunity, do a little research on Alvaro Solano before you go. He is amazing!

We were also treated to a couple of bonfires, we didn’t get to do this on our previous trip and it was a real treat! Edwin and Alberto got the wood ready early and staked out our bonfire location in Playa Hermosa. Edwin procured the required marshmallows and sticks and we all brought wine and beer. I was nicknamed "Jungle Jane" at the first bonfire due to my incredible "Survivor" skills and we found out just how many men it does take to start a fire (Thanks Durby!!) During the second one I decided to take a walk down to the water in the dark, by myself, unaware that the crocodiles tend to come out at night and hang out in the standing shallow water. Not advised.

The family at Vista Guapa has a very special place in my heart. Marisol is an outstanding cook and one of the sweetest people I could ever hope to meet. She took special care of my diabetic husband, we never told her, she just knew. The breakfasts she cooks you will never forget....gallo pinto, dos huevos revueltos con tocineta y queso y dos tostadas francesas is the perfect breakfast after a 2-3 hour surf at 0600am. Fresh jugo that is as thick as a smoothie, big platos of fresh fruit and then your choice of pretty much any homemade breakfast item you want. Eggs, however you want them, huge whole wheat pancakes with black berries or bananas, french toast, cereal, sausage, bacon.......I'm getting hungry. Lisette is listed as a babysitter, but every time I saw her she was a cleaning machine. This girl never had anything but a huge smile on her face and who wouldn't love to be around someone like that? Neither Marisol nor Lisette speaks English and my husband and I had an entertaining afternoon trying to find out where the key to our in-room safe might be. I'm still not sure what was said but I think we managed to figure out that it somehow ended up in San Jose'. Either that or the duck took it. The surf instructors; Alberto, Jorge and Durby are so much fun! Everyone’s English has improved dramatically since last year and we were able to learn so much more about them. These guys want you to succeed. Nothing makes them happier than when they see that smile on your face after you catch a wave. The "push" they give you is always at the perfect time and when you hear them say "up!" DO IT! Don't wait for a second chance - you may miss it. I actually began to feel sad that I was surfing "sola" Alberto would take some of us out every morning at 0530 (that's 0600 Alberto time) to Esterillos Oeste or Corners and then come out again with us in the afternoon with the whole group and Durby actually gave up his day off to take us surfing when the others went to the San Manuel Antonio National Park with Jorge. That's dedication! On Wednesdays Jorge takes you on a tour of the national Park. Don't miss this! He is finishing up his Biology degree and will make this a fascinating and enjoyable experience! This brings me to Wendy and Alvaro. We had the distinct pleasure of really getting to know Wendy this trip. She has learned to speak English extremely well (although she will argue that point) and is a charming and beautiful person (inside and out) and goes out of her way to make sure that everything about your stay is perfect! We were honored to have her join us for dinner on a couple of occasions which we were told she never does. She even asked our group to return as a group because we felt like family, not guests. She is a photographer and will make a photo cd of each guest that is available for purchase at the end of your stay for $40 US. It is definitely worth it! Alvaro is the President of Vista Guapa and the 8 time Costa Rican National Surf Champion. When you watch him surf it is like he is part of the wave....elegant, beautiful, graceful, commanding...none of these words even remotely do him justice, you will simply have to witness it for yourself to understand. He was injured during our last stay and not able to surf, and didn't speak a lot of English either. He too has improved by leaps and bounds and is back in the water with us every day (at least once). He takes great pride in everything he does - you can just see it in his smile and goes to any length to make sure that every guest has the experience of a lifetime.

The camp itself is immaculate and as comfortable and homey as you could ever ask for. If you are looking for a hotel with a bar and nightlife, this is not the place for you, but if you are looking for true relaxation and the most caring and dedicated staff and surf instructors on the planet book your trip now and start working on your core and upper body strength. I GUARANTEE you will not regret it.

Thank you to my Vista Guapa Family! I miss you all!! Pura Vida!

Princessa xoxoxoxoxo

“Surfing Paradise”

Vista Guapa Surf Camp

My week at Vista Guapa was incredible. What makes this place so great isn't the fantastic views (which they are) or the manicured grounds, it's the people who run the camp. I was picked up by Jorge at the airport and instantly felt welcomed. Jorge has an amazing knowledge of the local animals and fauna in addition to being a great surf instructed and an excellent mountain biker.

The camp itself was pristine and the food was incredible. We ate at a different local resteraunt every night but breakfast is the real treat. Fresh juice, fruit grown right on the property, and pancakes you'll come back for.

Sometimes being good at a sport does not translate into being good at teaching that sport. That is not the case here. All of their instructers, Alvaro, Jorge, Durby, and DJ "G-Money", are great teachers. I had never surfed before and was up on a long board by my third wave. By the end of the week I was catching almost every wave I went for.

In addition to the surfing, the mountain biking is challanging and a great way to see the mountains of Costa Rica. Durby was a great guide.

I highly recommend Vista Guapa. I'll definitely be back.

“The Most Peaceful Place on Earth”

Vista Guapa Surf Camp

I just had the pleasure of coming down to Vista Guapa with two of my best friends and TODO BIEN (it's all good in Costa Rican). I was not sure what to expect at first when I heard the word "camp" but if you are thinking that you will be roughing it in any way, shape or form, you will not. It should be called the Vista Guapa Surf RESORT! But it is a camp of sorts, and being there made me feel like I was at grown-

up camp. Incredibly nice accommodations, a staff that makes you feel at home the first day, and a tranquility that put me to sleep every time I laid down in the hammock on the porch in front of my room. There are no TVs in the rooms, which was nice, and if it weren't for the clock on the nightstand, I would have never known what time it was. It was amazing how quickly one can relax here, but that is what Vista Guapa does.

I am a more experienced surfer, so I did not go with the group to lessons, but enjoyed hearing them recount each and every wave (and wipeout!) with huge smiles on there sunkissed faces. The breakfasts are to die for - Marisol is an amazing woman and cook - so please take care of her when you go down, she deserves it! You stuff your face with fresh fruit and homemade fruit juice and then she stuffs you some more with whatever you want! Hands down the best breakfast I have EVER HAD!!!

The dinners are cool, and try and make sure you have at least one Saturday night there so you can enjoy Alvaro's BBQ night, where he grills up fresh Marlin (OH MY GOD IT IS TERRIFIC!), steak, sausage, pork chops complimented by Marisol's homemade guacamole, black beans, pasta salad and tons of other side dishes. They don't serve alcohol at the camp, but are happy to chill your beer, pop open your wine, or provide ice and glasses for your cocktails if you bring it. (Hey, its not summer camp)

The beers of Costa Rica are IMPERIAL and PILSEN, both of which I love, and the run is RON CENTENARIO, which is some of the best rum I have tasted. The town is not far and cheap to get to by cab if you can't get someone to drop you. There is a nightlife in Jaco, despite what some of the other reviews have stated, and I liked going over to Hermosa to the BackYard and Rippers. Younger crowd and not as seedy as some of the places in Jaco.

If you do want to go out in Jaco, try the TABACON (good place to play pool with live music and a cool vibe), the bar at TSUNAMI SUSHI (they have a DJ a few nights), and PLANKTON (next door to sushi). There is also a cool little place on the corner of the highway where you turn off for the camp called EL FARO (The LIGHTHOUSE). Ask for Chito or Sendy and tell them you are from Vista Guapa. They have happy hour and bocas (tiny bites to eat) and their ceviche is fantastic! I can say that these bars are all safe to go to and you can relax and have fun.

You will inevitably find out (or ask) about BEATLE BAR. This place is always crowded with sunburned, ruch, fat dudes looking for a hooker. Take one step inside (or jsut take my word for it) and you will find a decent girl to guy ratio, although every girl there is working. Every one. So ladies, this is not the place for you - and guys, well, to each his own, right? Not my thing...

Finally, for those of you who like to gamble, LOS SUENOS (the big Marriott resort) is the only place worth going to ($5 cab ride at the most). There are a few other ones but I didn't like the look of them, and LS has craps.

I hope this helps people learn more about Vista Guapa and Jaco. I feel privileged to have been a part of the Vista Guapa family and to have experienced Costa Rica this way. I highly recommend this place to anyone, young or old, experienced or beginner. I can't imagine anyone not having a great time. If you can't relax here, you need to see someone. And when you're better, go back so you can feel what I (and the others there with me) can't wait to feel again!

“Maquina de Felicidad (The Fun Machine)”

Vista Guapa Surf Camp

If you want to learn how to surf, this is you place. If you want to chalenge yourself to the next level of surfing, this is your place. If you want to relax and forget what day it is, this is it.

All that and great people, food, atmosphere, vibe....this place really has it all. This central location on the Pacific side of Costa Rica has the most consistent and forgiving surf breaks around. Small enough for beginners and you can find bigger waves to chalenge even the most acomplished surfer.

This camp is run by a team that is a family, and you feel like part of the family from the moment you enter the door. Small enough to be personal, but large enough to accomodate everyones interest. This camp has what you want in a Costa Rica adventure.

If you want to experience the Fun Machine, stay at Vista Guapa Surf Camp. You will not be disapointed.

“Can't Imagine a Better Surf Camp Experience”

Vista Guapa Surf Camp

I chose Vista Guapa sight unseen from amongst several choices after reading reviews, looking at websites etc and I feel like I won the surf camp lottery ...

The instruction was top notch - the instructors are very knowledgeable (they all rip!!), patient and ensure that not only will you learn to surf but enjoy yourself while doing so. It is definitely a physical challenge but very rewarding when you see the results.

The camp itself is a very peaceful, chilled out oasis about 1 mile back from the sea. This sounds initially disappointing until you realize that the environment at the camp is very peaceful, the views afforded from your bungalow are spectacular and the town itself is somewhat seedy and not very appealing anyway (Jaco is fine for having drinks or lunch but not somewhere you would really want to stay unless you are on a really tight budget as its busy and grubby). And all of the staff at VG were so friendly and accommodating.

The only shortcomings might be that Jaco is not the nicest destination, nor a great beach to sit and soak up sunshine, at least relative to the beautiful beaches in Oso and Nicoya peninsulas, and there is little in the way of entertainment at the camp other than sitting by the pool or lounging in hammocks. But as for the camp itself, all in all, if you want to really learn to surf and also chill out in a beautiful environment and catch up on reading and sleep, its hard to imagine how you could improve on Vista Guapa.

“Best Vacation Ever”

Vista Guapa Surf Camp

I chose this vacation after reading the reviews on trip advisor and spending hours on the internet looking for surf lessons. For all of you still looking, LOOK NO FURTHER!! Vista Guapa was fabulous! From airport pick-up to drop-off, everyone was hospitable, approachable and dedicated to our care-free holiday. The rooms are basic but spotless, and with views to die for. The breakfast is fit for royalty- especially the fresh fruit smoothies. And I can't say enough good things about the surf instruction. I was at the camp with 4 other beginners and we all stood up on day one and progressed from there.

To update from some of the earlier reviews- we had no problem with bugs in our room. There was always hot water. Alvaro (the owner and surf instructor) has learned how to talk! Not only that, but he has practically become a motivational speaker. The other 4 guys there now (George, Alberto, Ismael, Durby) are also amazing teachers. They give constructive feedback, push you when you need it - figuratively and literally- and celebrate with you when you get it. These guys really want you to learn to surf and to love their sport as much as they do.

As stated in other reviews, there are not activities planned for the day other than surfing and the way we all spent our time was relaxing in the hammock and loving every minute of it. However, if outside activities are desired, they will help you choose the best place and arrange the outing for you. There are also spa treatments, yoga and spanish lessons offered at the camp if you are looking for something extra.

My best advice is Go to Vista Guapa!!! And if I'm lucky, I'll see you there!

“Absolutely Wonderful”

Vista Guapa Surf Camp

We just returned from a week at Vista Guapa surf camp and it was great. The rooms are immaculate and the views are wonderful. Each morning they served you a great bereakfast of fresh fruit and whatever else you wanted to go with it.

The best thing about it though is the staff/instructors. Everyone there makes you feel so welcome and cared for. They're all very fun and very patient. Ismael is probably the best and most charismatic. Jorge, when not giving surf lessons, was an excellent tour guide through the national park.

Alvaro's five, very well behaved dogs at the camp were an added bonus. It was nice to lay on the hammock on our porch and pet them while we read or drank a glass of wine.

“A secret slice of heaven!”

Vista Guapa Surf Camp

I would love to be able to post a negative review of Vista Guapa if only to keep others away and save it all for myself, but I can't even fake it. There simply aren't words to describe our experience at Vista Guapa. Amazing, Incredible, Perfect, Magical, Life Changing, Surreal............all those words pale in comparison to the actual feelings this place brings out. Alvaro and his "family" have created something to be proud of.

We spent 2 weeks in Costa Rica, from Dec 30 2006 to Jan 11 and were at Vista Guapa from the 5th on (I wish we had spent the entire trip there!!) From the moment Jorge picked us up at our other hotel in Herradura, we knew we were in for an experience to remember. Our bungalow (#3) was the first on what would prove to be my cardio workout for the week (a 1/4 mile hike up a 55 degree incline) and had the most stunning views of Playa Jaco and beyond. The rooms are immaculate (always!) and amazingly comfortable. Other than the surf dreams and waking up every hour to look at the clock hoping it was time to get up and go surfing, I slept like a baby which I NEVER do. The morning hike, always accompanied by the puppies, down to the main house was always fun and got the blood flowing to by bruised hip bones. Ismael, Durby, Alberto and Jorge were always ready and excited to get us off to our early morning surf lesson and would greet us with "Paddle out Bro" which always got us smiling. The grounds, too, are immaculate and maintained on what appears to be a constant basis. I have never, in my life, witnessed a harder working group of people than those in the Vista Guapa family. There was rarely a moment I didn't see someone sweeping, mopping, trimmimg, dusting, cooking or some other activity to make the already spectacular accomodations even more beautiful.

The surfing at Playa Jaco was a blast and all of the instructors are talented, patient and 100% devoted to making sure everyone was successful and having the time of their lives. It only took a matter of minutes for both myself and my husband to acquire a terminal case of "surf stoke!!". I don't think I will ever stop hearing..."eyes forward, knees bent, breathe, relax, paddle, paddle, paddle harder.....up!" And my personal favorite, "something's coming" During one of our afternoon lessons, we mentioned to Ismael (Hottie) that our goal for the week was to be able to surf Hermosa. He took it to heart and really pushed us even harder to improve. After our morning surf it was back to the house for the most scrumptious breakfast I have ever had! Fresh blended juice that was so thick it was more like a smoothie and fresh fruit before even thinking about what to order. So many options and all made fresh to order - I highly recommend the Galle Pinto, traditional Costa Rican breakfast with juevos fritos and tocineta. Or maybe the whole wheat banana pancakes.....or the french toast, the omlettes are good too! Oh heck -order it all, you'll need the fuel! After breakfast, it was off to the pool to swim laps to loosen up those sore arms (paddle-paddle) and some reading and relaxation time. This was also the time of day when we could go into Jaco to do some shopping (mmmmm Imperial) Alberto was always wiling to run us into town and a cab ride back was only 2000 colones, including a big tip. Another afternoon treat is Monserrat (Monse) the massage therapist that will come to relieve those aching arm and neck muscles. For a little person, she can give a mean deep tissue massage! Highly recommended! Dinner was also a daily treat! The BBQ on saturday night was delicious and quite possibly my favorite night of the week. However, the seared tuna at the Jungle Surf was the best I have ever had. All of the restaurants were outstanding to be honest. After dinner, we were dropped off at our bungalows (no big hike at night) and were usually passed out by 9pm - the surf dreams usually started around 10.

There are so many other things I want to share with potential visitors to this magical place and so many other memories I have that I am impatiently waiting to add to on my return visit (hopefully June) that, again, I can't put into words. I felt so strongly about this place and was so unhappy when it was time to leave that I was seriously moved to tears. I actually nearly caused my husband and myself to miss our flight out of San Jose (accidentally, of course) being convinced that it left 4 hours later than it actually did. Unfortunately, we were able to get a later flight. Alvaro thought that was very funny.

I can't say enough wonderful things about this amazing place, but if you want to take a step back, get out of the rat race, slow waaaaaay down and finally understand the meaning of "relaxation" take a trip to Playa Jaco and join the Vista Guapa family. It's a trip that you will never forget.

Pura Vida!!

“vista guapa: muy tranquilo ^_^”

Vista Guapa Surf Camp

everything about this vacation was amazing, hands down.

i booked the vacation pretty short notice - only about 2 weeks in advance - but susan was more than accomodating. jorge picked us up at the airport right on time and was so sweet (and helped us spot a sloth climbing on some telephone lines on our drive back to camp!). we felt at home from day 1. it's a truly special place - everyone working there is part of the vista guapa family.

our bungalow was clean and breezy. you could hang out on the porch, take in the amazing view of the ocean and pet the very sweet dogs that reside on the camp, or go in and nap in air conditioning. marisol's cooking was SO GOOD. i miss her raspberry whole wheat pancakes, which i think i ate every day i was there. for dinners, you go to a local jaco restaurant and have huge delicious meals. we went during july, which is technically the start of costa rica's "green season", but lucked out with the weather - not a day of rain all week, and the tides practically seemed to plan themselves for us. the first part of the week had smaller waves, but by the end we were surfing on 5 and 6 foot waves (big for the utter beginners we were/are :)). for more experienced surfers, there were trips to hermosa beach and alvaro's 'secret spot'.

the instructors were all truly amazing. they really take it as a personal mission for you to have fun, and to get up and get surfing! i can only speak from the perspective of an absolute beginner, but i cannot imagine learning faster or more comfortably than i did with the amazing guys there. alvaro was my personal favorite - he was quiet, but had a way of telling you exactly what you needed to adjust or focus on to improve. alberto, gabriel, ismael, and jorge also were all fantastic instructors, always smiling and friendly :)

the trips to three pools and manuel antonio were really great supplements of costa rican natural beauty. also, ainara's spanish lessons were very fun and useful :)

i went with my boyfriend and we had a blast together. we also meshed well with the 'group' we were with that week - two other relative beginners like ourselves. however, i would recommend if you are a beginner to go with a friend with whom you can learn, in case there are only experienced people that week.

i started out the week knowing 'pura vida' was the costa rica motto, but left truly understanding it.

“Amazing experience”

Vista Guapa Surf Camp

Yes, everything great about Vista Guapa that's posted on Trip Advisor is true! Great people, amazing meals, and pleasant accommodations (absolutely spotless). I felt like we got to know Ismael and Jorge very personally, and the staff as a whole is very warm and works hard to keep the camp in tiptop shape. The setting is lovely (nicer than it even looks on the website) and extremely relaxing. Folks at Vista Guapa take their work very seriously, and take great pride in what they do.

I saw another surf camp out on the water one day, and not only did they not help their students nearly as much, but also everyone was back on land after half an hour. But we were always out until we got tired, and some days they drove us out to different beaches appropriate for our varying skill levels.

A few notes - for beginners, don't be shy about asking questions, and practice popping up on land on your own. They couldn't find a yoga instructor for me, but have VHS and DVD and pretty places for practicing on your own. Also, check into your medical coverage, just in case.