Combing through google for a gorgeous location for a family reunion, I happened upon the Villa Cascada in Ocotal Beach, Guanacaste Costa Rica. After emailing with the wonderful Pam, I couldn’t believe how affordable and amazing this country is. A trip in the middle of rainy season made it even more affordable, and I can tell you up front - rainy season doesn’t quite live up to its name. If all the blue sky, gorgeous sunrises and sunsets in these photos can’t break that myth, I don’t know what could. In fact, I highly recommend it as everything is very lush - waterfalls flowing, forests full of greenery, and the place is empty of tourists.
Ocotal Beach is tucked off the main road to Coco, just a mere 30-minute drive from Liberia. Ocotal Bay hosts many boats waiting for fishing journeys, but provide an amazing site in front of the mountainous terrain that surrounds the Gulf of Papaguyo.
A 2-hour time change from the east coast with two kids had us up before sunrise every morning. I think most would complain, but that meant we witnessed the most gorgeous sunrises every morning. At low tide, the volcanic rock is walkable to what would be an island at high tide. My son and I enjoyed walking the rocks, discovering the see life trapped by the tide. Hermit crabs mostly populated the pools as well as many sea urchins.
I carried with me my beloved Pentax 67, mostly using the 105mmf/2.4. But, I also had in tow my new-to-me Hasselblad 500c/m with the 80mm f/2.8. In a place with such color, nothing would do except color film, and my favorites are Kodak Ektar 100, Kodak Portra 400, and Kodak Portra 800.
In all, this trip lived up to every expectation, and I would highly recommend the area and the accommodations.
Pura Vida!
Ocotal Beach Walk on Film Pentax 67
My daughter and wife enjoying a morning walk on Ocotal Beach in Guanacaste Costa Rica. Shot on Kodak Ektar 100 with a Pentax 67 and 105mm f/2.4.
Lighthouse Ocotal on Film Pentax 67
The Lighthouse Ocotal looks over Ocotal Beach in Guanacaste Costa Rica. Shot on Kodak Ektar 100 with a Pentax 67 with 165mm f/2.8.
Ocotal Beach Overlook Film Pentax 67
Condos overooking Ocotal Beach in Guanacaste Costa Rica. Shot on Kodak Ektar 100 with a Pentax 67 with 105mm f/2.4.
Costa Rica Coastline on Film Hasselblad 500c/m
The end of Ocotal Beach in Guanacaste Costa Rica. Shot on a Hasselblad 500c/m with Kodak Ektar 100.
Playa Ocotal Boat Watching on Film Pentax 67
My wife and daughter on the rocks at Ocotal Beach in Guanacaste Costa Rica watching the boats heading out in the morning sunrise. Shot on Kodak Portra 800 on a Pentax 67 and 105mm f/2.4.
Ocotal Beach Sunset on Film Pentax 67
The sunset behind the point at Ocotal Beach in Guanacaste Costa Rica. Shot on Pentax 67 with Kodak Portra 800.
Trees of Costa Rica on Film Pentax 67
A ranch on the edge of Rincon de la Vieja. Kodak Ektar 100 shot through on a Pentax 67 with the 105mm f/2.4.
Mountainous Costa Rica on Film Pentax 67
Mountain peaks throughout Guanacaste Costa Rica. This on our trip to Rincon de la Vieja. Shot on a Pentax 67 with Kodak Portra 800.
Costa Rica Fishing Pentax 67
First mate cleans the first Mahi Mahi on our morning fishing trip out of Ocotal Beach, Guanacaste Costa Rica. Shot on Kodak Ektar 100 with a Pentax 67 with 105mm f/2.4
Costa Rica Fishing Pentax 67
Relaxing with a beer after catching Mahi Mahi in the Gulf of Papaguyo. Shot on Kodak Portra 800 with a Pentax 67.
Boats on Playa Ocotal Film Pentax 67
The boats on the beach waiting to be dragged to the water in Ocotal Beach, Guanacaste Costa Rica. Shot on Kodak Portra 800 on a Pentax 67.
Playa Ocotal Sunrise Walk Pentax 67
My sweet family taking a stroll on Ocotal Beach, Guanacaste Costa Rica early as the sun begins to rise over the hills. Shot on Kodak Portra 800 on a Pentax 67.
Playa Ocotal Sunrise Pentax 67
My sweet daughter taking in the sites on Ocotal Beach, Guanacaste Costa Rica. Shot on Kodak Portra 800 on a Pentax 67.
Playa Ocotal Sunrise from Villa Cascada Hasselblad
The sunrise view from the Villa Cascada at Ocotal Beach in Guanacaste Costa Rica. Shot on Kodak Portra 400 film with a Hasselblad 500c/m.
Playa Ocotal Villa Cascada Hasselblad
The view from Villa Cascada, a Barefoot Vacation Villa in Ocotal Beach, Guanacaste Costa Rica. Kodak Portra 400 shot on a Hasselblad 500c/m.
Ocotal Beach Sunset Hasselblad
Ocotal Beach sunset towards Gulf of Papaguyo in Guanacaste Costa Rica. Long exposure shot on Kodak Portra 400 with a Hasselblad 500c/m.
Pink Sunset on Ocotal Beach Film Photography
Sun sets and casts gorgeous pink hues throughout the clouds and reflects on the water on Ocotal Beach in Guanacaste Costa Rica. Long Exposure shot on Kodak Portra 400 with a Hasselblad 500c/m.
Rolling Waves Playa Ocotal Sunset on Film
Waves wash ashore Ocotal Beach in Guanacaste Costa Rica in front of a gorgeous sunset. Long exposure shot on Kodak Portra 400 with a Hasselblad 500c/m.
Playing in the waves Playa Ocotal Sunrise on Film
My daughter plays in the waves during the early morning hours. Boats reside just off Ocotal Beach in Guanacaste Costa Rica. Shot on Kodak Portra 400 with a Hasselblad 500c/m.
Playa Ocotal Storm Rolling In Hasselblad
A boat cruises through the Gulf of Papaguyo as an approaching storm threatens the coast. Shot on Kodak Portra 400 with a Hasselblad 500c/m.
Playa Ocotal Boats Hasselblad
Boats in the water, boats on shore. Ocotal Beach, Guanacaste Costa Rica. Shot on Kodak Portra 400 with a Hasselblad 500c/m.
Father Rooster Playa Ocotal Hasselblad
Famous bar at Ocotal Beach in Guanacaste Costa Rica. http://www.fatherrooster.com/en/index.php Shot on Kodak Portra 400 with a Hasselblad 500c/m.
Playa Ocotal Beach Trees Sunset
The trees on Ocotal Beach in Guanacaste Costa Rica. Shot on Kodak Portra 400 with a Hasselblad 500c/m.
