Over the past few weeks, the Athletics and Activities team has continued introducing new initiatives and experiences for guests and residents to enjoy. This time, however, they have been working on something everyone can not only enjoy, but taste.
La Estancia has started making its own apretados, a traditional frozen treat that is familiar to many Costa Ricans and now available for just ₡500. In English, apretado translates roughly to “tight,” which makes sense once you know how it is made. After the fruit mixture is prepared, it is poured into a small plastic bag, tied with a tight knot, and frozen until it becomes firm and compact. To enjoy it, you bite or sip slowly from the bag as the frozen mixture begins to melt.
For many locals, apretados bring back memories of school, neighborhood pulperías, and hot afternoons when this simple treat felt like the best possible refreshment. They are somewhat similar to a smoothie, but thicker, frozen, and served in a way that feels very specific to Costa Rican childhood and everyday life.
That is part of what makes this new offering at La Estancia so special. Apretados are not usually part of the typical visitor experience, and they are not something most tourists would easily come across unless someone local introduced them. By making them available here, the team is sharing a small but meaningful part of Costa Rican culture in a way that feels natural, refreshing, and easy to enjoy.
The team is preparing apretados in flavors that feel especially local, including cas, mora, maracuyá, guanábana, mixed fruit, and chocolate with coconut. Those who have already tried them say they are delicious.
Apretados are available at La Estancia upon availability, so if you are heading over to play pickleball, spend time by the courts, or simply want something cold during these especially warm days, it may be worth stopping by and trying one. A small frozen treat, a big dose of local nostalgia.