Cocktails and 'Contras' — Someday Sherpa

Dec 20

Dec 20 Cocktails and 'Contras'

If you find yourself exploring Manuel Antonio National Park on Costa Rica’s south-western coast it’s likely you’ll stumble into El Avion. Perched upon the crest of a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean this impressive restaurant/ bar offers good food, drinks and atmosphere. These however pale in comparison to its 2 draw cards!

A view to rival all others. Take in the 180 degree vista of lush jungle, endless waters, and a sinking sun from the wooden, open sided balcony. Quite breathtaking I promise. The establishment's name originated from a C-123 Fairchild cargo plane which makes up not only part of the structure, but also the saloon bar.

Clearly you say there’s a story associated to this section of fuselage and you’d be right. We have Ronald “I’m not a crook” Reagan to thank for it’s appearance in Costa Rica. During the 80’s a CIA and NSC cold war operation to smuggle guns through Central America, known as the Iran-Contra Affair, backfired resulting in this planes sister being shot down leading to massive coverups.

Naturally to avoid further accusations or kidnappings, the second plane was left sitting all alone at San Jose International. Enter El Avion's owners in August 2000. They acquired said plane for $3,000, managed to lug it across the country (via shipping container initially) and up some roller coaster like hills, before plonking it in position A1 and building around it.

No doubt this historic, mechanical beast at has some stories of its own, so why not stop by for a drink inside its belly then marvel at the fully intact cockpit before catching sunset over The Pacific. There can't be many places offering such spectacular yet controversial settings to sip a beer.

Find El Avion 2kms outside Manuel Antonio National Park entrance.