The Resort & Local Activities
Gardens and Wildlife
La Ponderosa has well-established gardens with a large collection of palms, tropical plants and fruit trees. The gardens are great place to catch a glimpse of wild life. Squirrel monkeys, howler monkeys, toucans, parrots, macaws, iguanas, and sloths are just a few of the creatures you may encounter.
Pool
La Ponderosa’s custom tropical swimming pool with ocean view terrace and plenty of lounge chairs. The pool has a shallow beach style entry perfect for children.
Indoor Recreation
Guests are not confined to their rooms they can enjoy a big screened in game room with ceiling fans.
Ping-pong table
Foosball table
Pool table
Board games
Book trade library
Sitting area with lounge chairs
This is a great place to escape the sun or hang out on a rainy afternoon.
Surfing
You won’t be disappointed when you wake up to the sounds of the waves breaking. La Ponderosa is a perfect place for surfers because it is owned by, operated by and designed for surfers.
Pavones is one of the longest waves in the world. You also have the options of taking a boat across to Matapalo to surf one of the many right point breaks or surfing the beach breaks of Punta Banco.
We can connect you with a surfing instructor or surf guide for all levels and we offer surfboard rentals. If you find that you are in need of any equipment there are 2 well-stocked shops in Pavones. Locally, there are several people doing fast quality ding repair.
Pavones has everything a surfer might need!
Massage at the hotel
Enjoy a therapeutic or relaxing massage in a beautiful garden setting.
River Walks
This can be done on your own or with a guide, a great thing for a hot day. Also a terrific opportunity to see wildlife.
Trail Running, Hiking & Beach Training
Pavones with it’s spectacular views and lush landscape is great for running and hiking on the beach, up hills and along the gravel road.
Bird Watching
In Pavones watching birds is enjoyable for the avid or novice birder. The gardens at La Ponderosa are a great place to spot birds. Over 270 different species of birds have been observed in the area. Including tanagers, trogons, honeycreepers, toucans, hummingbirds, manakins and scarlet macaws.
Tide Pool Exploring and Beach Combing
When the tides recede, sea life gets concentrated in pools of water on the coastal rocks. Many fascinating little creatures can be spotted. Some of these pools are large enough to snorkel in.
Beach combing or searching for shells, stones and other treasures in this constantly changing environment can be endless. There is miles of coast to explore.
Beach
We have boogie boards for rent and directly in front of the hotel is a great sandy beach for playing in the surf.
Relaxation
Relaxation is easy here. You are just footsteps from a great beach for swimming or beach combing. Spend some time on the beach watching the surf. Pass some time poolside with a book. Of course to deepen your relaxation you can book a massage.
Sports
We have a Basketball court onsite.
Stand Up Paddling
A tour on a SUP board can be arranged.
Nature Tours
We can connect you with nature guides to explore the natural wonders of Pavones.
Horseback riding
We can connect you with a local horseman for a guided horseback ride in the rainforest or on the beach.
Yoga
Pavones has THREE yoga studios offering both scheduled walk-in classes and private instruction.
Fishing
Bring your own gear to fish off the beach and in the river mouth or go fishing with a local in thier “panga”. Fishing photo courtesy of captain.
Boat Trip
You can go for a boat trip in a local fisherman’s “panga”. Enjoy a sight seeing voyage in the Gulfo Dulce and maybe even catch a glimpse of sea turtles, manta rays, dolphins or whales.
Biking
We have beach cruiser style bicycles for rent. There are miles of ocean view roads to explore.
ATVs
All terrain vehicles (ATV) are available for rent locally.
Dining
Meals served to guests at La Ponderosa’s onsite dining room, can be purchased individually or as a package.
Pavones has a variety of restaurants (Costa Rican, Italian, N. American, Vegetarian). These owner run, open-air restaurants have fresh ingredients and care goes into each and every plate. Also, the casual atmosphere and the fact that you almost always run into someone you know make it a uniquely special experience.
