Las Avellanas Villas (Tamarindo, Costa Rica)

ABOUT THE SURF CAMP

LOCATION AND SURF CONDITIONS

In Playa Avellanas, there are 6 different peaks close to each other  with sand or lava reef seabed. They work with S, SW, W or N swells. Both the beachbreaks and the reefbreaks are pretty good. The waves are playful most of the time and you will have great fun riding them. Ideal for manouvers or getting barreled in relatively mellow tubes. The sensacion of being inside the tube with warm and crystal clear water and seeing the beautiful beach makes Avellanas the place you will never forget and the one you will always want to come back.

There are good waves in the area all year round. You have 6 very consistent surfbreaks in Playa Avellanas plus the nearby spots Playa Negra, Tamarindo and Playa Grande. Other options include a boattrip to Witches Rock and Ollies Point or explore the beaches 1 hour to the south.

CAMP CHARACTER

Avellanas is a quiet pueblo with very good waves at the beach and has around 50 inhabitants. If you arrive at night you might get scared of the howl of a howler monkey and you'd think is a 1 ton Gorilla, yes it can happen but the next morning you'd wake up at the sound of countless birds (and monkeys) not to be found in New York, Roma, Munich, Mexico City or Rio de Janeiro.
Las Avellanas complex has only five equipped villas and is personally run by its owners. Our vision combines the simple beach life with the comforts of everyday life. Each villa is a 50-square meter dwelling of balanced construction - inner gardens and outdoor hammocks.

Designed by one of Costa Rica's most recognized architects, Victor Cañas, Las Avellanas Villas again displays Cañas unmistakable integration of inner spaces with outdoor spaces, making nature a part of every villa's spirit.

Built with materials such as reforested wood, cement, and glass, each villa is a small oasis where every detail was planned to provide tranquility for the guests... from the family-sized bedroom with a queen size bed and a bunk bed (that sleeps four), an open-sky bathroom, and teak terrace with hammocks, a equipped kitchen (fridge, coffeemaker, toast oven, hot plate, the basic stuff to cook with) with floor & ceiling fans and interior surfboard racks, private bathrooms with hot water.

CAMP OPERATOR

Run by owners

ACCOMMODATION AND CATERING

ACCOMMODATION TYPES

Villa (small house) 1 – 4 persons
Equipped villa with:
- kitchen with the necessary utensils to cook, toaster/ small oven, coffemaker etc.
- Queensize bed and 1 bunkbed
- outside deck with hammoks and dining table
- Free WIFI in the house
- AC available

CATERING

Self catering - Equiped kitchen in the villas

SURF COURSE AND ACTIVITIES

SURF COURSE DETAILS

Avellanas is a surfer´s paradise and our school is right at the beach. Surf- and SUP-boards can be rented too.

Packages:
Individual Surf Lessons (one instructor for one student at an incredible fair price)
          • Individual Children $ 50
          • Individual Adults $ 45

 Group Lessons
          • Children over 10 years in groups of no more than three per instructor $ 35
          • Adults in groups of no more than three per instructor $ 35

Specials Surf Camp
The following packages include lessons for 1 person & acommodation up to 2 persons. The prices range from low- to high season.

2-day package     Lesson 1 person, 1 Surfboard for rent & acommodation Villa 2 persons     $200 - $250
4-day package     Lesson 1 person, 1 Surfboard for rent & acommodation Villa 2 persons     $380 - $450
7-day package     Lesson 1 person, 1 Surfboard for rent & acommodation Villa 2 persons     $600 - $700
 
We recomend to book the lessons together with your stay in advance but you are also able to book them when you arrive.

Surfing Trips to Ollies Point and Witches Rock
Las Avellanas Villas will organize your boattrip to these very famous waves of Costa Rica.
The boat waits for you just a 1 hour drive by car up north.
With us you get the best rates & the best captains.

Surf-Photography
Professional surf-photography is available through Gustavo Jimenez - Selva Azul.
He knows how to document your surfing! And you do not have to be a pofessional to book him.
A private foto surfsession already starts at $50.
Let us know during your stay or book in advance.

SURF MATERIALS

OTHER ACTIVITIES

Pinilla Canopy Tour: A trip through the Dry Tropical Forrest with 8 zips lines & 10 platforms. Ask us for reservations.
Horseback riding: Enjoy a horseback riding through one of Costa Rica's most beautiful beaches.
Catamaran Sailing Tour in the Sunset. Our favourite!
Turtle nesting tour
Boat Trip to Ollies Point and Witches Rock - a must!

MORE INFO, HOW TO GET THERE & FAQ

Playa Avellanas - La Purruja (Distance: 472m)
From Tamarindo drive via Vila Real, follow the road signs to Hacienda Pinilla, then to Playa Avellans .
The wave breaks on the reef right in front of the Lola’s parking lot.
This is the wave of the locals of Avellanas so give them respect and don’t drop in!.
The wave breaks hollow over uneven Reef.
Always fun but crowded when it’s on.

Playa Avellanas - Lola’s (Distance: 489m)
From Tamarindo drive via Vila Real, follow the road signs to Hacienda Pinilla, then to Playa Avellans
Short walk from Las Avellanas Villas.
Right in front of the famous Restaurant Lola’s.
Beachbreak with fun left and right peaks. The main-peak is busy with local rippers so show respect.
Always fun.
Higher tides are best.

Playa Avellanas - Palo seco (Distance: 715m)
From Tamarindo drive via Vila Real, follow the road signs to Hacienda Pinilla, then to Playa Avellanas
Short walk (15min) from Las Avellanas Villas or Lola’s Parking Lot
Consistent beachbreak that can provide fun lefts and rights.
Works best from mid- to hightide.

Playa Avellanas - El Estero (Distance: 853m)
From Tamarindo drive via Vila Real, follow the road signs to Hacienda Pinilla, then to Playa Avellans
Short walk (15min) from Las Avellanas Villasor Lola’s Parking Lot.
Rivermouth lefts and rights.
Breaks best on a dead low incoming tide.  Has a rocky bottom.  Big swells can hold up to a 10' A frame with long rights and left barrels.

Playa Avellanas - Little Hawaii (Distance: 1508m)
From Tamarindo drive via Vila Real, follow the road signs to Hacienda Pinilla, then to Playa Avellans
Walk from Las Avellanas Villas or Lola’s Parking Lot to the northern end of Playa Avellanas, well past the rivermouth.
Reef that breaks at the very north end of the beach. Always holds bigger swells and low tide it the best time to surf here.
At the northern end of Playa Avellanas, well past the rivermouth, are a series of rock outcroppings that at the right tide produce a great righthander. It's best when many other spots are closing out because it is too big. Very remote so do not get injured, and don't leave your stuff unattended.

Seasonal conditions

We have very consistent waves all year round,
3-6ft waves between April and November.
From December to March you get still plenty of 2-4ft waves with offshore winds almost all day long.

The best months to enjoy Playa Avellanas is all year round.
Dry Season:
Dec - April (offshore winds all day long)

Small rainy season:
May - June (it rains 1 hour a day and calm o. offshore winds in the morning)
Veranillo (dry season):
July - August (a lot of days with offshore winds)
Rainy season:
Sept - November (still plenty of sunshine days, rain at night or in the afternoons)
Even in September and October when it rains a bit harder, it is nice because everything is green and you can enjoy the beach and good waves almost by yourself.

Crowd factor and local people

Uncrowded and friendly atmosphere.

JOURNEY

Ways to get to the camp

From the Juan Santamaria International Airport San Jose (4h)
Follow the signs west to Santa Ana and Escazu. On the main highway to Santa Ana and Escazu (Prospero Fernandez) you will have to continue driving on the highway # 27 with direction to Caldera. From Caldera/Barranca you will have to continue going on the North direction and follow the signs to Liberia, but you have to take a left at the Shell Gas Station because you have to get to Santa Cruz thru the Puente de la Amistad. After the bridge, when the road ends, turn right towards Santa Cruz. In Santa Cruz look for the gas station on the right hand side of the road (it is a good idea to fill your tank up here), after this Gas station you will cross over a small bridge. Take the NEXT LEFT to PLAYA TAMARINDO, keep driving straight and before the end of the paved road take a left to Junquillal or Paraiso, (you will see the sign on your right hand) and keep driving to Parai­so Town and from there take a right to Playa Negra, once you have reached this place, you have to continue driving for 5 kilometers and then we are located on the right hand. You will find our signs Las Avellanas Villas.


From Liberia, Guanacaste, International Airport Daniel Oduber Quiros (1h)
When you leave the Airport, turn RIGHT and follow the signs to TAMARINDO. Approximately 40 minutes after you leave the airport, you will come to an intersection in Belen. Turn right and head towards Tamarindo or PLAYA AVELLANAS. When you reach the town called Huacas, turn left. Pass through the next town, Villa Real. Then follow the signs to Hacienda Pinilla which is towards Avellanas way. After the main entrance of Hacienda Pinilla You will arrive to a SMALL VILLAGE with a soccer field in the middle called Pinilla, keep going straight. About five minutes down the road, after you cross the second bridge, look for signs for LAS AVELLANAS VILLAS on the left hand side. You will find our signs Las Avellanas Villas.


From Tamarindo, Guanacaste local airport (20 min)
Take the road to Santa Cruz, and continue to Hacienda Pinilla. When you arrive to Pinilla which is a SMALL VILLAGE with a soccer field in the middle, keep following the sings to Avellanas. After the second bridge crossing, you will see the sign for LAS AVELLANAS VILLAS on the left hand side of the road. You will find our signs Las Avellanas Villas

PACKAGES & PRICES

PACKAGE A - Surfcamp - from 600 $ per Week / Person

The following packages include lessons for 1 person & acommodation up to 2 persons. The prices range from low- to high season.

2-day package     Lesson 1 person, 1 Surfboard for rent & acommodation Villa 2 persons     $200 - $250

4-day package     Lesson 1 person, 1 Surfboard for rent & acommodation Villa 2 persons     $380 - $450

7-day package     Lesson 1 person, 1 Surfboard for rent & acommodation Villa 2 persons     $600 - $700

PACKAGE B - Villa Accommodation - from 70 $ per Day

Villa Standard - 2 Pax

Equipped villa with:
- kitchen with the necessary utensils to cook, toaster/ small oven, coffemaker etc.
- Queensize bed and 1 bunkbed
- outside deck with hammoks and dining table
- Free WIFI in the house

LOW $70,00
HIGH $90,00
JANUARY $110,00
EASTER $110,00
X-MAS & New Year $140,00
Rates are per night and villa.

The following seasons and longterm discounts apply to all villas and options.

!!!Longterm discounts starting with 4 days already!!!
4 Days: 11%
7 Days: 28%
14 Days: 50%
30 Days: 70%

PACKAGE C - Villa Accommodation Plus - from 80 $ per Day

Villa Standard - 2 Pax – Air Condition

Equipped villa with:
- kitchen with the necessary utensils to cook, toaster/ small oven, coffemaker etc.
- Queensize bed and 1 bunkbed
- outside deck with hammoks and dining table
- Free WIFI in the house

LOW $80,00
HIGH $100,00
JANUARY $120,00
EASTER $120,00
X-MAS & New Year $150,00
Rates are per night and villa.

The following seasons and longterm discounts apply to all villas and options.
!!!Longterm discounts starting with 4 days already!!!
4 Days: 11%
7 Days: 28%
14 Days: 50%
30 Days: 70%

The Specials for the Longterm Rentals don`t apply for Easter and Christmas.