Discover & enjoy waterfalls, a coffee tour, farmer’s market, book browsing & a wildlife rescue center – all fun things to do in Atenas, Costa Rica during rainy season.
One of the things I love about living in Atenas, Costa Rica is that within a short 20 minutes, I can be in the middle of spectacular nature with seemingly no civilization anywhere around.
Like the other day. My husband and I took a quick 20-minute drive from Atenas down Highway 3, otherwise known as the “old road to the beach” or “Aguacate”, to the tiny village of Desmonte. There, we turned off past a scattering of houses on a winding road for 5 minutes to a river in the forest with nothing around but beautiful waterfalls, fantastic natural swimming pools, and peace and quiet. I’m told that going on a Sunday is a completely different story, since the pools and falls are a popular spot with local families and young people who come to picnic and swim.
Called “Las Minas del Desmonte” – or “The Mines of Desmonte” – on the Union River (Rio la Union), there is actually an old gold mine in an upper area of the river. Once active between 1821 and 1843, the mine is now closed and the entrance gated. To get to these fabulous pools and waterfalls, take Highway 3 to Desmonte. Turn north at the restaurant Chicharronera El Minero; stay left at two other divergences and follow the river to the large bridge where there is parking. Walk up the branch of the river on the right to get to the big pools and waterfalls. I would not go here if it is raining, due to flash flood danger. And, as always in Costa Rica, don’t leave anything valuable in your vehicle.
The Las Minas waterfalls and pools are just one of many fun things to do in Atenas, Costa Rica during rainy season. Also called “green season”, from the end of May to November regular afternoon and evening rains transform the dry, brown landscape after a long, hot dry season into green lushness. Costa Rica once again looks like the tourist posters with emerald green rainforest and flowing rivers and waterfalls.
Rainy season is my favorite time of year in Costa Rica. Butterflies and birds are everywhere enjoying the bountiful blossoms, fruits and seeds that the rain brings. It is a time to enjoy the outdoors in the mornings, and a cup of rich Costa Rican coffee and indoor activities in the afternoons if cooling rains come.
What fun things can you do in Atenas, Costa Rica in rainy season?
El Toledo Coffee Tour: One of the best coffee tours in Costa Rica, right in Atenas on this family owned and operated organic coffee farm. Tours cost $20 per person; children under 9 go for free. Be sure to arrange to have lunch with the family after your tour!
Finca Huetares: This little hotel and recreation area in Atenas is a great place for family time. You can go for the day and enjoy their tennis courts, miniature golf course, hiking trails, horseback riding, and the enormous swimming pool with a fun water slide. Day rates vary based on activities.
Farmer’s Market: The Atenas Farmers’ Market is so famous, it has been written about in most travel guides to Costa Rica. Called a “feria” in Spanish, the farmer’s market is held every Friday from 5:30 a.m. through the late afternoon. Here you can buy fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, plants, herbs, baked goods, dairy products and meats, organic El Toledo coffee, and Costa Rican souvenirs. You can even get a freshly cooked gallo pinto breakfast or a casado for lunch.
Prados Cross-fit training camp: Get fit and healthy with the latest craze of cross-fit training at Prados, right in the center of Atenas. Group classes and personal training sessions available.
Community libraries: Atenas is lucky enough to have two community libraries, besides the city library, with big selections of used books for adults and children in English, Spanish, German and French. The libraries lend books on an honor basis, and welcome book donations. Additionally, since both are located at local restaurants, you can enjoy a bite to eat while you peruse the reading selections!
Zoo Ave: The Zoo Ave wild animal park is also the nation’s principal rescue, rehabilitation and release center for wildlife. Although it is not located in Atenas, Zoo Ave is only 20 minutes away in La Garita and is a very fun and educational day trip. There is a canopy zip line tour. And your admission fee goes to further their care for Costa Rica’s animals.
Want to move to Costa Rica? See our 9 easy steps how to buy a house in Costa Rica. Visiting Atenas? Contact Pure Life Development of Atenas for vacation rental listings.
Article by Shannon Farley
