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Few times in my life have I been so amazed with the natural relief of a giant stone as in the Rock of Guacalillo.

We had to wait until the afternoon. It just rained and the the end of the day foreshadowed a sunset of those that are kept in your mind. A lookout awaited us. Or so I thought. The Rock of Guacalillo is more than a viewpoint.

That place became a ‘ritual’ of coexistence for the visitor. Dozens of “Land Rover” trucks pull over on the edge of the rock, along with other “pick up” trucks who have already turned on the radio and enjoy a beer in an improvised “tailgate party”.

The Rock of Guacalillo, Puntarenas. GOPlaya.cr

The common denominator of most of the visitors is that before arriving and reserving their space, they had to overcome a small but uncomfortable hill, very difficult to climb during rainy season for some cars.

And then the 4×4 overcame that obstacle, reflected in mud and stones, to reach the top and get a privileged place on the rock. Probably, all the effort would be worthwhile later…

Although I would say that for those who visit it for the first time (as it was in my case) the ride is enjoyed from the moment you walk to the shore of the rock, you show your head and appreciate the gigantic millenary rocks.

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The Rock of Guacalillo, Puntarenas. GOPlaya.cr

Few times in my life have I been so amazed with the natural relief of a giant stone as in the Rock of Guacalillo. It is not that I have seen so many places of this type, but it is that the rock intimidates.

My friend Carlos flew the drone to appreciate the greatness of that place that from the heights is magical and amazing, as you will notice in the photos.

Apart from the emptiness in my stomach that caused me to approach the cliff (you have to be careful), it generates that sensation of fullness that is only reached when you have the sea in front, endless and inexhaustible.

The Rock of Guacalillo, Puntarenas. GOPlaya.cr

In the middle of my preliminary exploration, I noticed that some travelers stole the “best seats”. They were ready to capture with their cell phones the intense pink that began to look at itself in the sky at around 5:40 p.m.

The sunset was the icing on cake. A dessert worthy of kings. But for free.

Transportation? Preferably by 4×4 car.

Location: In Garabito, one hour away from Jacó in Puntarenas.

Recommendations: It is better to wear comfortable shoes like sneakers, there may be mud.

Attractions: A viewpoint overlooking the sea, a giant and imposing rock and a beach with strong waves.

Other destinations: 

The caves of Bajamar

Avellanas and its three hidden neighbours: a ride to fall in love with the beach

Three unspoiled beaches to get astonished

José Pablo Alfaro

José Pablo Alfaro

Journalist and nature lover. He likes boat trips, walking through trails and living natural experiences.