Set on the banks of the Barú river, located 800 mtrs from the beach and surrounded by impressive tropical forests, the jungle resort Villas Rio Mar awaits you with traditional friendly hospitality.
Villas Río Mar is situated 21 miles (35 km) from the town of San Isidro del General on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica and approximately 25 miles (40 km) from Quepos, a short walk from Dominical Village and the unspoiled beach. It's a three hour drive on a good paved road from San José, through an incredible landscape, containing several microclimates and varied flora.
The area has an average temperature of 83F (28C) and is green year round. There is a dry season from November through April. During the rest of the year, the mornings are usually sunny but it may rain in the afternoon. This is the best time of the year for nature lovers.
Tourism to Costa Rica is focussed on nature and eco-adventure. Well, everything in this field can be done from Dominical. Within an hour you can visit Manuel Antonio National park, the Chirripo Mountains, beautiful bays along the coast to the South, lonely beaches fully decorated with palm trees, the National Park ''Marina Ballena'' in Uvita, the Nauyaca waterfalls near Dominical, and many other tropical spots. For surfing, fishing, and diving you will be at an excellent place.
So, take it easy, don't waste your time by traveling around and plan your vacation from Dominical. We have special rates for a monthly stay. Please ask our reservation desk.
By private transfer
We offer our guests the service to be picked up at the airport or your hotel in San José and be brought to Hotel Villas Rio Mar in Dominical.
The hotel van has room for max. 8 people with luggage. We charge $ 150 for the private transfer service for 1 - 4 persons from or to San José.
Extra persons are $ 10 p/p.
Transfer rates:
| San José | $ 180 | Monteverde | $ 275 |
| San Isidro | $ 35 | Puerto Jimenez | $ 180 |
| Quepos | $ 90 | Palmar Norte / Sur | $ 90 |
| Manuel Antonio | $ 95 | Sierpe | $ 90 |
| Jaco | $ 120 | Punta Uvita | $ 30 |
| Parrita | $100 | Golfito | $150 |
| Puntarenas | $150 | Playa Pavones | $180 |
| San Vito | $150 | Buenos aires | $110 |
| Paso Canoas | $160 | Playa Zancudo | $165 |
If you are coming with a larger group we can also arrange transfer for up to 20 people with luggage.
Let us know if you need a transfer for more than 8 people with luggage.
By bus
Take a taxi to the MUSOC bus station (Terminal de autobuses MUSOC) and take the bus to San Isidro de General. The bus ride will take approximately 2.5 hours. Once in San Isidro, you can take a bus, which leaves three times a day ($ 1.25) from San Isidro to Dominical (1.5 hour). A better option is to take a taxi from the bus station to Dominical/Hotel Villas Rio Mar (40 min.) which costs about
$ 35 Check out Costa Rica's bus schedule here.
By car
By car, it is a pleasant 4 hour trip through scenic mountains. From San José, take the Pan-American Highway south towards Cartago and then to San Isidro and on to Dominical. If you are not coming from San José, there are alternative routes you can take to Dominical. Click on the map image for a detailed view.
When entering Dominical, follow the Villas Rio Mar signs to the hotel.
By plane
You can take a local flight from San José to Quepos airport (app. $ 65 one way). If you want we can arrange a pick-up for you at the Quepos airport and bring you to our hotel ($ 70). You can book your flight upon arrival at the San José airport.
For more info check out Sansa and Nature's Air websites.