Featured – Beachcomber Pete Costa Rica

Playa Panama

A secluded and natural beach and resort area, Playa Panama is situated on the northwestern coast of Guanacasteregion of Costa Rica in the Gulf of Papagayo. In the region, the Gulf of Papagayo shows the most significant signs of development with hotels, shops and restaurants along the coast and small villages. Still, the beach is often quiet and free of people, and the entire area offers eco-friendly adventures exploring natural Costa Rica with its lush vegetation and abundant wildlife.Playa Panama faces the Pacific Ocean on the northern end of the Nicoya Peninsula of the Guanacaste Province of the country. The province became part of independent Costa Rica in the 1820s. Still, the history of the region goes back to ancient times. The Nicoya Peninsula was home to the Chorotega who lived on the peninsula for many centuries. Then, Spain started settling Costa Rica in the 1600s and built a church in the town of Nicoya. Today, the independent country is proud of its natural beauty and resources. Much of the peninsula is preserved in its natural state with wildlife and jungle forests.

The beach is a lovely retreat where people can relax and watch the coastal water birds and other wildlife. In the evening, the sand near the water’s edge is the place to be to watch the sunset over the bay. The pathway down to the water is well-kept and sheltered by attractive low-growing trees.

Playa Panama and the surrounding area provide plenty to see and do in its outdoor space. Many visitors come to go diving and exploring the amazing worlds and sea creature habitats along the coast. The Guanacaste region has several national parks within easy reach of Playa Panama, Santa Rosa and Guanacaste National Park are just 2 that are close by. The parks have ranger stations in its heart to which people hike on jungle trails, and they can sleep there overnight. While those that explore the park should carry their own supplies like water to drink and mosquito netting for overnight stays, the park is a wonderful place to see animals such as anteaters, sloths and tree frogs as well as birds like tanagers, parrots and quetzals.

Other area attractions are volcanos, waterfalls and Witch’s Rock that is a large bolder standing in the waters off the coast. With direct access to the Pacific Ocean through the Gulf of Papagayo and the natural wilds of Costa Rica all around the beach, Playa Panama is a beautiful place to appreciate the best of this Central American country.

Filed Under: Costa Rica, Featured, Guanacaste, Playa Panama

Playa Grande

Playa Grande is located in Costa Rica, on the North Pacific Coast of Guanacaste Province. It is situated between the towns of Tamarindo and Playa Flamingo and approximately one hour from the International Airport in Liberia. The actual town of Playa Grande is called Salinas.Playa Grande has a beautiful beach with a sandy bottom and good consistent waves for surfing. It is also an excellent swimming beach. It is less developed than other beach towns that surround it, and it is actually part of the Parque Nacional Marino Las Baulas. The beach is famous as a nesting ground of the endangered Leatherback sea turtle, the world’s biggest marine reptile. There are several access points through foliage to get to this long beach.

Playa Grande has a number of small hotels and two surf school/camps. A gated community known as the Palm Beach Estates is on the south side of the beach. Tamarindo can be reached quickly by boat along the estuary from the panga dock of Palm Beach. Palm Beach also has several restaurants and a few hotels. Some of the more popular hotels in the area are Hotel Cantarana, Los Altos de Eros ( includes spa and yoga center ), and Playa Grande Inn. Surfers frequent La Marejada Hotel and the restaurant at Hotel Bula Bula is good for dinner and has a boat service to Tamarindo. A popular hotel a few feet from the beach is the RipJack Inn. The surf runs right towards Hotel Las Tortugas. Other popular restaurants include Ristorante Peperoncino, The Garden Grill, Cafe Del Pueblo for great Italian food, and the Hotel Restaurant Cantarana.

The main attractions on Playa Grande are the great surfing, swimming and shelling on this large beach. Surfing lessons and equipment can be arranged through places like the Mini Mop Surf Shop and the Frijoles Locos Surf & Spa. Various other sailing and charter tours for marine activities are also easily arranged in this area.

Turtle tours during the nesting season of October through February are also popular, and groups are led to the beach at midnight to await the giant turtles. The park beaches support the largest nesting colony of these turtles in Costa Rica. Tours are all under the supervision of park officials on the 54,000 acre Nature Reserve.

Filed Under: Costa Rica, Featured, Guanacaste

Nicoya Peninsula

On the North Western shore of Costa Rica lies the largest peninsula in the shape of a crab claw, Nicoya Peninsula, sun drenched and beach lined, this piece of Costa Rica is boarded by the Pacific Ocean to the west, Golfo de Nicoya to the east and the wetlands of the Rio Tempisque to the north. From the dry regions to the north and the white sandy beaches as one travels to the southern portion of the peninsula one will find the vegetation thick as it flows to waters edge. The peninsula is home to a large variety of wildlife and vegetation. The area is also home to the Sabanero, Costa Rica’s version of the American cowboy.

The southern coastline of the Nicoya Peninsula is dotted with small villages and some of the best beaches and most isolated in all of Costa Rica. Palm tree lined beaches running for miles and miles on end, and other areas are interrupted with many hamlets and rock covered coves. The interior of the Nicoya Peninsula is covered with ranches and farms. With a dry season lasting from November to April drenching the area, much of the vegetation will lose its foliage and roads will become swirling masses of dust and temperatures reaching the high 90’s. Making a 180 degree turn, the rainy season provides the area with lush forest, vegetation and temperatures in the low 70’s. The rains also make many areas and roads inaccessible, unless traveled by 4 wheel drive vehicle has given this a much laid back atmosphere. If one is looking for relaxation of just lying in a hammock and watching unbelievable sunsets, or just listening to howler monkeys and other wild animals, then the Nicoya Peninsula is the place.

With most of the Nicoya Peninsula being accessible only by ferry boats out of Puntarenas for the longest time, a whole day’s trip from San Jose has kept this area off the beaten path of most tourist. With the opening of the International airport in Liberia the northern part of the Nicoya peninsula has become more accessible. Resulting in large scale all inclusive resorts with some of the best 18 hole Golf courses in Costa Rica and Central America.

Surfers have flocked to the beaches of the Nicoya Peninsula for years, from Playa Grande and Tamarindo in the north to MalPais in the south. Nature lovers will find the area teaming with wildlife, with the Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula an abundance of monkeys and birds along the coast to giant egg laying turtles on Plays Grande and Ostional. The months of September to December will find whales playing off the shores of Playa Manznillo. Scuba divers and snorkelers find the waters filled with spectacular marine life.

The provinces of Puntarenas in the south and Guanacaste make up the majority of the peninsula in the north, Nicoya is about 50 to 60 miles wide and round 85 miles in length from north to south, one will find roads connecting the two provinces far and in between, with many roads in bad condition, traveling in the region is very slow, thus the laid back and relaxed atmosphere. A relaxed exploration of the Nicoya Peninsula might require one to spend 2 weeks in an intoxicating relaxed atmosphere making it ever harder to return to ones normal life.

Filed Under: Costa Rica, Featured, Nicoya

Playa Hermosa Guanacaste

With its sparkling blue waters and pristine sand, Playa Hermosa has earned its reputation as one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful beaches. Located on Costa Rica’s stunning Guanacaste Pacific coast, Playa Hermosa is a rapidly growing resort beach that combines careful development with environmental preservation and natural wonders.

Playa Hermosa and its neighbor beaches are currently the focus of a government project to develop better tourist infrastructure while still maintaining the natural beauty that Costa Rica is famous for.

Daniel Oduber International Airport is only half an hour away from Playa Hermosa by paved highway, making it easily accessible year-round. Several hotels and restaurants cater to tourists at all price points, although you will find less nightlife and a more relaxed atmosphere than in the neighboring resort towns of Playa Ocotal and Playa del Coco.

Despite the ongoing tourist development Playa Hermosa has maintained its natural beauty and pristine environment. Playa Hermosa recently received the Costa Rican government’s Blue Ecological Flag award in honor of its clean waters and pollution free environments.

Playa Hermosa’s attraction lies in the beauty of the coast and its proximity to several other Costa Rican national wonders, such as the Rincon de la Vieja and Santa Rosa National Parks. Santa Rosa National Park is home to world-class surfing and hiking as well as several historical sites and hundreds of rare animals. A small museum commemorates the Battle of Santa Rosa Hacienda, where Costa Rican militia defeated a mercenary band led by the infamous freebooter William Walker.

At Rincon de la Vieja visitors can hike to the crater of a 6200 ft volcano and view geothermal wonders such as mud pots and fumaroles. Visitors can bathe in several natural hot springs throughout the park. On a clear day hikers at the summit of Ricon de la Vieja can see nearly all of Costa Rica. Both national parks offer camping for thrifty visitors looking for a rustic experience.

Playa Hermosa’s mix of natural beauty and tourist amenities make it an exciting destination for any traveler. Careful development and land management has made the area one of the most accessible and exciting tourist areas in Costa Rica while conserving the environment.

Filed Under: Costa Rica, Featured, Guanacaste, Playa Hermosa

Playa Brasilito

Playa Brasilito in Costa Rica is the perfect holiday destination for travelers looking for a peaceful, secluded beach holiday. It does not have the large hotels and resorts that other beaches have, but it is a charming town with welcoming locals and mid-range accommodations.

Playa Brasilito is on the north western shore of Guanacaste province and is very near Playa Flamingo and Playa Conchal which are two more developed beaches for tourists. Visitors fly to the Liberia International Airport and take a taxi or bus to Brasilito.

Brasilito is a small beach town that is one of the few genuine villages in the area. It has a local lifestyle that is very relaxed and welcomes visitors who want to share in the peace and tranquillity. It has the atmosphere of a traditional village, unchanged by tourism or development. This may not last because there are large resorts looking to take advantage of the beach and water activities.

The town is built around a square that serves as a football field and has several general stores, bars and restaurants. It also has an internet café for those who want to stay connected. Most people enjoy the seclusion. There are several rental shops for motorbikes, horse riding, diving equipment and more.

While staying in Brasilito, visitors can walk south for ten minutes to Playa Conchal a pink and white sand beach of crushed shells. Considered to have some of the clearest water on the Pacific coast, Playa Conchal is a great place for snorkelling. Equipment can be rented on the spot. This beach gets crowded because it is a holiday destination for locals too, but it is fun for some hours then a short walk will take you back to the serenity of your cabin in Brasilito.

Another interesting sight near Brasilito is Rincon de la Vieja which is an active volcano. There is hot springs nearby as well as lodges and hotels that offer forest canopy tours, hiking, river-rafting, horseback riding and wall climbing. Visits to the rim of the crater have been discontinued since the eruption of volcanic mud and ash on September 16, 2011.

If a break from all the relaxing quietness is required, Tamarindo is close by with a vibrant night life including excellent restaurants, nightclubs, live music and bars.

Even though travellers are discovering Brasilito, they come to enjoy the natural beauty and local lifestyle which is why it still has the undiscovered atmosphere.

Filed Under: Costa Rica, Featured, Guanacaste, Playa Brasilito

Playa Conchal

People have been enjoying the Playa Conchal beach in Costa Rica’s province of Guanacaste for hundreds of years. Indians lived in the area before Spanish settlers came to the region in the 15th century. Playa Conchal is now regarded as one of the most enticing beaches in Costa Rica. The beautiful weather and warm water make this a great vacation destination. Families with children appreciate the calmness of the water, and snorkelers enjoy the clarity of the water. The province of Guanacaste is known for its pristine beaches, surfing, fishing and golf. Accommodations vary from inexpensive motels to luxury resorts.

There are many things for visitors to do at the beach and in the water. Swimmers, scuba divers and snorkelers will have a chance to view the area’s marine life while they are in the crystal clear water. The beach is four kilometers long, and there is plenty of room for walking, jogging and sunbathing. Surfers of all skill levels will be able to surf here. Surfing lesson are available at the Point Break Surf School. Boats will take travelers out on the ocean for deep sea fishing adventures or leisurely sunset cruises.

Playa Conchal visitors who are having a hard time choosing between the beach and the golf course will not have a problem. The Garra de Leon Golf Course is close to the beach. Golfers can see the ocean while they are on the course. The course is between the ocean and a forest.

Adventurous travelers who want to get a close look at the scenery in the Playa Conchal region can take ATVs on a guided tour through the forests and mountains of the area. Another exciting way to see the scenery is to take a whitewater rafting trip down the Colorado River.

Travelers who only want to sleep in their choice of accommodation will find inexpensive motels in the town of Brasilito less than a mile from Playa Conchal. Those who want all the amenities offered at luxury resorts on the beach can stay at the Westin Resort & Spa or the Reserva Conchal.

Playa Conchal is a 10-minute drive from the Tamarindo Airport in the city of Tamarindo and a 45-minute drive from the Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport in the city of Liberia. The airport in Tamarindo is only served by domestic flights. Taxis will take passengers to Playa Conchal from both airports.

Filed Under: Costa Rica, Featured, Guanacaste, Playa Conchal

Papagayo

Costa Rica has long been famous for its excellent coffee and bananas, but equally splendid is its ecotourism. Travelers are drawn to the distinctive beauty of its tropical coastline. No more beautiful spot exists in the country than the region called Papagayo which runs along the Golfo de Papagayo on the northwest Pacific Coast of the Guanacaste Region.

Formed by volcanic activity and shaped by the sea weather, Papagayo features some of the world’s most pristine white sand beaches that eventually give way to lush tropical forests. Lauded as one of the first countries to develop and maintain ecotourism, the Costa Rican government has mandated that 70% of Penisula Papagayo must be kept natural. This means that lucky tourists can spy howler monkeys, squirrel monkeys, and an amazing array of tropical birds such as the Great Macaw, to name just a few of the marvelous flora and fauna in the area.

Costa Rica boasts a tourism industry that garners the country over $2 billion per year. Undoubtedly, many of the tourists flock to the natural hideway feel that areas like Papagoya feature. There are about 15 miles of coastline sporting 31 separate beaches in the Papagoya area. Though somewhat underdeveloped due to the country’s pro-ecology laws, the magnificent Arnold Palmer golf course has been constructed and is a mecca for golfers around the world. The Four Seasons Resort has pioneered plans for more resorts and golf courses in the area. For example, a private 18-hole course designed by Jack Nicklaus is scheduled to open in 2014.

A large marina called Marina Papagayo opened to boaters in January of 2009. Though still in the early stages of its development, Marina Papagayo will eventually hold up to 450 boats at one time for sport fishing and businesses as well as pleasure yachting.

Since so much of Papagayo has been kept natural, it is a haven for outdoor pursuits. A list of these pursuits would be very long, but deep sea fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, windsurfing, sea kayaking, white-water rafting, forest canopy tours, and horseback riding are world famous and common to the area. Tourists come to the area to hike the dense national forests. The historic communities and local cuisine are also one-of-a-kind and worth a trip to experience.

In all, it is very difficult to match the kind of natural beauty one can experience in the Papagayo region of Costa Rica.

Filed Under: Costa Rica, Featured, Guanacaste, Papagayo

Playa Flamingo

While Tamarindo may possibly be the greatest technologically advanced seaside resort beside the Guanacaste shoreline, Playa Flamingo is no doubt one of the most gorgeous sands in Costa Rica. It is to be found on the Country’s Gold Coast and is set in Punta Salinas, northwest of Bahia Brasilito which is seventy-five kilometers southwest of Liberia. Playa Flamingo, also identified as Flamingo Beach, is sited in the middle of the seashores of Playa Potrero and Playa Brasilito. It is the one and only full-service quay amongst Acapulco and Panama on the Pacific shore of Central America.

With its spectacular bleached sand, untouched coastlines, and immaculate vibrant sapphire waters, Playa Flamingo is the superlative retreat for those who delight in deep sea angling. Home to marlin fish, tuna fish, swordfish, and snapper fish, Playa Flamingo presents visitors the top deep sea fishing experience all year. Every single July, this attractive seashore correspondingly is a presenter to a whimsical intercontinental sailfish competition funded by the Costa Rican Amateur Fishermen’s Club.

In addition to deep sea fishing, Playa Flamingo likewise arranges for a large quantity of aquatic sports events. It is too within the vicinity of the remarkable Santa Rosa National Park, in addition to the Palo Verde natural protected area. For those who take satisfaction in golfing, an eighteen-hole title fight golf course created by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. is sited close at hand.

Scuba diving is presented at Playa Flamingo all year around which permits sightseers to live through the pleasure of swimming with white fin sharks, in addition to an extensive assortment of additional magnificent tropical fish and oceanic life. Nautical and diving voyages and excursions can similarly be set up in the vicinity of the island of Plata.

The Playa Flamingo is an excellent holiday site; it is the native land to a number of the most striking lodging houses, condos, and private dwellings on the coastline. The finest period to stop over at Playa Flamingo is amongst the months of December and April. At this time, the beautiful seashores are immersed in sunlight and the typical yearly temperature drifts around 82 degrees Fahrenheit. If you choose taking advantage of the topnotch fishing, or if you choose a guileless day’s end voyage, Playa Flamingo is certain to make your retreat charming and unforgettable.

Filed Under: Costa Rica, Featured, Guanacaste, Playa Flamingo

Playa Ocotal

Playa Ocotal is a slight township that is positioned three kilometers south of Playas del Coco on the northerly Pacific Coast of Guanacaste region in stunning Costa Rica. The seashore on Playa Ocotal is one of the superlative places to snorkel in the expanse.
About a third of a mile long, Playa Ocotal is a tranquil, sandy beach. It is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and any other out-of-doors goings-on to be enjoyed on a sunny day with a striking backdrop. It is also an ideal abode to loosen up and relish in the tranquility.

Playas del Coco, a tiny casting and sightseer town, is only a five minute drive away. This minute receptacle bay brings forward a little seashore that is encircled by elevated headlands and is rather lovely. When it is unruffled on the beach there are remarkable locations to snorkel around some rock strewn islets that are close at hand to the ocean front.

The sea air is mingled with an ashen fog. In fact, a lot of homeopaths have confidence that this vapor is abundant with negative ions which are tiny elements charged with electrical energy that contains advantageous influences on plant life, wild life, and humans.
Hours upon hours of vivid sunlight, a warm average temperature, and the tepid, alluring streams of the sparkling cerulean sea cause Playa Ocotal to be a serene coast. In the months between December and April there are nine hours of dazzling sun a day and there can possibly be four to five hours of sun for the duration of the drizzly, but lush time of year.

Scuba diving is accessible at the attractive Playa Ocotal. Catalina Island is situated nearby and is a suggested diving site. It is the paramount habitation to catch sight of large schools of rays, including the giant manta ray. If you enjoy snorkeling, the south end of the beach is suggested.

Lodgings are pleasant, but not low-cost. If you delight in camping outside, it is likely but not generally noticed on Playa Ocotal. Something to keep in mind when visiting this handsome seaside is that the more distinct you are, the lovelier time you will have.

The shoreline is shielded by hummocks and crags of eighty-million-year-old deposited metamorphic rocks. The vibrant shore of Playa Ocotal blends with uncommon rock creations and the arid forestry of the knolls. Playa Ocotal is renowned for its unblemished seawaters, rendering scuba diving and snorkeling a remarkable event.

Filed Under: Costa Rica, Featured, Guanacaste, Playa Ocotal

Nosara

Nosara is a city in Costa Rica which is located right on the coast of the Pacific ocean. It is part of the Guanacaste region, which was once part of Nicaragua and has a unique spirit of independence and a rich cultural history. The city of Nosara is a beautiful reflection of this area with spectacular scenery and many activities to enjoy.

Although in the past, large areas of land in Guanacaste were deforested for cattle pastures, today Nosara’s surroundings have returned to a lush tropical forest and the city of Nosara is the picture of responsible development. Although it has many homes, it gives off a feeling of isolation at the same time. As a result of the Nosara Civic Organization’s vigilant protection of the environment, Nosara boasts some of the cleanest water in Costa Rica and there are beautiful untouched beaches which provide many activities to be enjoyed by all.

Two very quiet beaches are Ostional and Garza. Nosara-Ostional Wildlife Refuge is located on Playa Ostional and is one of the largest havens for the Olive Ridley sea turtle. Visitors can expect to see turtles year-round but especially in the months from May to November. Playa Garza is a perfect harbor protected from winds, making it ideal for fishing. Snapper, tuna and mahi-mahi can all be captured only 1/2 mile off the coast.

Playa Guiones is undoubtedly the best beach for swimming, surfing, and snorkeling. It is one of the world’s rare beaches with pink sand. Beautiful shells can be found along the beach. Just north of Playa Guiones, Playa Pelada is a family-friendly beach known for its tremendous powerful waves and a blow hole which is especially magnificent during the changing of the tide.

Playa Nosara is a river beach. Although the beach can be accessed by vehicle, walking is a better choice for those who enjoy a little adventure. Upon arrival there are opportunities to see ancient fishing techniques in action used by the fishermen of that area. Playa Nosara is also perfect for river canoeing.

In addition to activities for nature lovers there are modern conveniences in Nosara as well, which include banks, pharmacies, grocery stores, coffee shops, DVD rentals and internet access. Surf shops, boutiques and souvenir shops provide added enjoyment.

For those who would like to experience a pure and tranquil corner of Costa Rica with great opportunities for outdoor adventures as well as unmatched sightseeing, Nosara is a destination that will be remembered for years to come.

Filed Under: Costa Rica, Featured, Nicoya, Nosara, Playa Guiones

Curu Wildlife Refuge

The Curu Wildlife Refuge in Costa Rica is a dry tropical forest on the tip of the Nicoya Peninsula. The first private National Wildlife Refuge established in 1983, it has sandy beaches and an estuary as well as beautiful views from the surrounding hills. Wildlife is the main attraction in Curu and there is plenty of it.

There are well maintained trails for walking tours around the area and visitors get constant sightings of the plentiful birds in the habitat. Brown Pelicans and majestic Frigate birds swoop and dive in the shallows for sardines. There are also scarlet macaws, and hundreds of migratory and tropical birds. Costa Rica is also a place with a tremendous biodiversity of reptiles and there are many varieties seen in Curu. Considered one of the best kept secrets of Costa Rica, it is perfect for a rustic beach holiday without the crowds of tourists.

A tropical paradise, visitors say it is from another era, untouched and ancient. Spider monkeys and Capuchin monkeys enjoy the good life in the tree canopy and watch visitors strolling through the shaded forest.

The Tortuga Islands are nearby and can be visited in kayaks. They are surrounded by giant Manta Rays, stingrays, dolphins, flying fish, nurse sharks and Moray eels. These can be seen while kayaking or snorkeling in the Bay of Curu. White-tailed Deer, coyotes, howler monkeys, boa constrictors, hermit crabs, raccoons, black and green iguanas, collared peccary, coati and armadillos are just a few of the many land animals to be seen in Curu.

The Curu Wildlife Refuge has been the home for reintroduction of endangered species. The Spider Monkey and Scarlet Macaw are making a comeback in the area after having been declared extinct in the 1990s. There is also a parrot conservation plan to protect suitable nesting sites for the many species of parrots in the area.

From San Jose, visitors drive or otherwise get to Puntarenas. There is a ferry to Paquera which takes between 60 and 90 minutes. From Paquera the entrance to the Curu Wildlife Refuge is 30 minutes. It is also possible to fly to the Tambor airport, the only airport on the Nicoya Peninsula, and drive to the entrance of the refuge in 20 minutes.

There are cabins with very basic amenities on the Curu beach. In Paquera and Tambor, about 10 to 15 km from Curu, there are less basic accommodations.

Filed Under: Costa Rica, Curu Wildlife Refuge, Featured, National Parks, Nicoya