Playa Conchal

A picture perfect beach made of dazzling white crushed seashells

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Visiting Playa Conchal

We tend to choose our beaches based on what activities they offer or what culinary treats they are known for. But what about a beach that is simply too beautiful to resist? Playa Conchal receives visitors drawn to its stunning beaches adorned with crushed shells and coral framing sparkling, turquoise waters.

Playa Conchal is one of the gems making up the Gold Coast in the Guanacaste province. It is located at just 2 km from Playa Brasilito and also very close to the iconic beaches of Flamingo and Tamarindo. Liberia’s international airport is only a little over an hour away which makes this seemingly remote wonder very easily accessible indeed.

Highlights

Pristine natural beauty

Conchal Aerial ViewThe main reason to visit Conchal is simply to marvel at its rare beauty. The crushed shell shores aren’t only magnificent to look at, but they also act as a natural water purifier. Without sand to create murky water, you will encounter some of the clearest waters you can find in the whole of Guanacaste. This sounds like a great time to try some snorkeling!

Beach massages

Costa Rica MassageMany places in Costa Rica offer massage services but at Conchal you can get one right at the beach itself. You will find the occasional massage table all ready and installed under the palm trees. If you feel tempted to take advantage of this service, it will only cost around $20 per hour.

Garra de Leon Golf Course

Conchal GolfIf you are a keen golfer, the Garra de Leon’ Golf Course is just around the corner. Combine the peace and tranquility of your traditional golf course with some Costa Rican touches. Enjoy your game but also look out for wildlife and give some special attention to the beautiful vegetation.

Jet skiing

Costa Rica Jet SkiConchal’s waters are generally calm which means it is a great place to try your hand at something new. There is nothing quite like the feeling of jet skiing for those who like the speed and long for the challenge. If you want to explore some of the nearby beaches only accessibly by water, you can hire a tour guide for a couple of hours as well as the whole day.

Sailing tours

Costa Rica SailingThere are several sailing tours available in the Conchal area and they are very easily adapted to your own desires. Perhaps you prefer an early morning trip so you can have fun snorkeling or scuba diving. Or maybe you wish for a late afternoon one so you can sip some cocktails and enjoy the sunset. The adventurous mind and well as the traveler looking to be relaxed and carefree will thoroughly enjoy their time on the ocean.

Horseback riding and ATV tours

Horsebackriding in River GuanacasteRiding a horse in Guanacaste will always carry some deep, cultural significance. But it is even more enjoyable when combined with a stunning beach! If you rather have some off the road fun with friends and family, check out the ATV tours. Both the horse and ATV tours will take you by some of the most beautiful views of Playa Conchal.

Day trips

Conchal is a great place to set up camp, as it were, and explore some nearby treasures There are many day trips available but here are some of our top picks!

Rincon de la Vieja adventure tours

Rincon de la Vieja - Aerial ViewThe Rincon de la Vieja volcano and national park is highly renowned for its incredible diversity in flora and fauna. But it is equally diverse in activities. Rincon de la Vieja is a great place to go river tubing, waterfall rappelling and mountain biking. But don’t be fooled. It is an even better place to enjoy some bud baths and thermal pools!

Diamante Eco Adventure Park

Diamante Waterfall Costa RicaThis wonderful park is located close to Coco beach and boasts a wide variety of wildlife as well as the longest Superman Zip Line in the country!

 

Surfing at Tamarindo

Tamarindo SurfingConchal’s waters are rather tranquil but if you want to take some surfing lessons, there is no better place than Tamarindo.

 

 

Playa Ostional

Olive RidleyVisit the nesting grounds of the Olive Ridley Sea Turtle and learn all about the research and protection projects launched by this refuge.

 

 

Arenal day tour

Arenal ViewThis conical beauty is one of Costa Rica’s most famous stratovolcanoes. Well worth a day of exploring!

 

 

Monteverde

MonteverdeWe have beaches, volcanoes, culture and adventure.. Now all we need is a cloud forest to top it all off! Visit Monteverde for some great tours through the magical hills in the clouds.

Tips

Visit between January and March: This does count for the whole of Costa Rica, but the dry season is a great place to visit Guanacaste and its beaches.

Use Conchal as a base-camp: The Guanacaste region is extremely diverse and it would be a mistake to stick to one place. The unparalleled beauty of the beach and the incredible luxury available at the local resorts, make Playa Conchal a great place to settle while you take short trips to other place in the country.

Avoid the weekends: Conchal doesn’t only attract tourists, but locals as well. Every weekend, especially during high season, many families swarm to Conchal beach. If at all possible, avoid this weekend rush and have a much quieter time during the week.

Getting there

Closest International Airport: Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR)

sansa airline airportWith the Daniel Oduber International Airport located in Liberia, getting to this beautiful beach is easier than ever before. You can fly to Liberia straight from your country to departure and travel to Playa Conchal from there. Should you travel from San Jose, you can take a domestic flight for around $40, depending on the season. With Liberia laying at the intersection of Highway 1 and Highway 21, you can also rent a car from San Jose and further your trip 63 km from Liberia to Conchal. If you prefer to take a private shuttles, it could cost around $200 where shared shuttles will cost you between $50 and $100.

Dining

Costa Rica FoodPlaya Concal is rather remote but a short walk will take you to the charming Brasilito with dining options to spare. For some amazing local dishes as well as incredible seafood, pay a visit to Ander’s restaurant. Keep in mind, though, that Conchal is home to some amazing resorts offering all-inclusive packages.

Where to stay

Westin Playa Conchal Triton Pool BarThe Westin Playa Conchal Resort is the most exclusive and luxurious resort in Costa Rica. Included are huge rooms, a beautiful swimming pool, and eight restaurants. Also a spa, casino, Jacuzzi, and golf course. It is like a tiny island on itself and if it wasn’t for the mesmerizing beauty of Conchal, you might never want to step out the door! If you are looking for the comforts of an all-inclusive beach resort but with the warm hacienda style, JW Marriot will guarantee you a pleasant stay.

Help Conserve Conchal’s Beauty 

Keep in mind is that Conchal’s beautiful and rare crushed-shell beach is maintained by conservation. Enjoy your time at Conchal but don’t bring any of the shells with you as a souvenir. Allow the beach to remain rich in these treasures and make your best souvenir your memories!

Playa Conchal - Get Info

Playa Conchal Map

Conveniently located only 1 hour from the Liberia airport and close to many amazing beaches.

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Playa Conchal Vacation Packages

Allow us to help you select some of the best package options in the area!

Perfect Playa Conchal

Perfect Playa Conchal

LIR
Less than $1000 p.p.
Golf In Paradise – Costa Rica Golf Vacation

Golf In Paradise – Costa Rica Golf Vacation

7
LIR
$1000-$1500 p.p.
Fishing Adventure Package

Fishing Adventure Package

5
LIR
More than $2000 p.p.

Playa Conchal Hotels

Enjoy the luxury and comfort of the all-inclusive beach resorts.

Westin Golf Resort & Spa

Westin Golf Resort & Spa

5
5
From: Over $300
W Costa Rica

W Costa Rica

5
From: Over $300
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