Playa Hermosa Costa Rica

An elegant beach in Guanacaste!

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Visiting Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica

Playa Hermosa is one fo the most beautiful beaches in the Gulf of Papagayo as part of the the Guanacaste province. With its gray sands and clear blue waters, the name “beautiful beach” fits perfectly. Despite its popularity, the beach is rarely crowded and is a good destination for those looking for a peaceful day in the sun. Additionally, Playa Hermosa is wonderful for swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving. Hermosa earned the Blue Flag award for its efforts in maintaining its natural treasures as well as providing safety. This makes Playa Hermosa the ideal location for those wanting an elegant beach holiday while maintaining a close connection to nature.

Highlights

Swimming and water sports

Playa Hermosa GuanacasteDon’t confuse Playa Hermosa Costa Rica of Guanacaste with Playa Hermosa (Hermosa Beach) of the Central Pacific Coast in Puntarenas. This is one of the best surfing beaches in Costa Rica. Playa Hermosa in Guanacaste, on the other hand, has gentle waves and is great for swimming and snorkeling. The nearby Catalinas islands are the best spot for scuba diving and spotting sharks, turtles and rays. The calm waters are great for kayaking, jet skiing, wind surfing and water biking.

Explore the beach and surrounding wilderness

ATV Tour GuanacasteThe gray sands are set off by the pearly blue waters and lush, green hills. Spend a day exploring both the beach and the forests with one of the tours offered at Playa Hermosa. You can rent an ATV, a motorcycle or bicycle. Or if you prefer, you can spend a day horseback riding and visiting the various viewpoints. Make sure you take the afternoon tour so you can ride on the beach and watch the sunset!

Explore the Gulp of Papagayo

Gulf of PapagayoPlaya Hermosa is surrounded by other wonderful beaches. North you will find Playa Panama and South Playas del Coco and Playa Ocotal. The Gulf of Papagayo is known for its high development respectfully integrated into the natural surroundings. Playas del Coco is a great place for a drink and a party. On the other hand, Playa Ocotal and Playa Panama are both perfect beaches for the quiet traveler.

Playa Penca

Snorkeling in Costa RicaThe Gulf is mainly known for Playa Hermosa, Playas del Coco, Playa Panama and Playa Ocotal. But there are a couple of gems hidden here and there that are definitely worth your time. About 5 km from Playa Hermosa is a small hidden beach. Playa Penca is still sparsely visited so it’s a great place to spend a quiet afternoon. The sands are a familiar gray but the waters are a bright turquoise. Make sure to bring your snorkeling gear!

Visit nearby national parks

Palo Verde National Park TucanGuanacaste is home to some amazing biodiversity you can explore in different ways. For example, in Rincon de la Vieja you can go water tubing, ziplining and hiking. Don’t forget to take a plunge in the waterfalls and take an indulgent mud bath. Furthermore, in Palo Verde, you can take a boat trip on the Tempisque river and spot some wildlife. Santa Rosa is a great place for a hike through the tropical dry forest.

Tips

Visit between January and March: Explore Playa Hermosa Costa Rica during the dry season! This way you won’t be surprised by an unexpected rain storm.

Rent a car: Renting a car is the best option to explore the Gulf of Papagayo and everything that Guanacaste has to offer.

Bring factor 50 sunblock: The sun in Guanacaste is no laughing matter and can get quite intense. Protect your skin with factor 50 sunblock or more!

Visit more than just the beaches: Guanacaste’s beaches are only one part of the province’s magic. Also there are some amazing national parks to explore and also the capital itself, Liberia.

Getting there

Closest International Airport: Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR)

Costa Rica ShuttlesPlaya Hermosa Costa Rica is very easy to reach. Located about 30 minutes from Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport in Liberia (LIR), your best option is to fly in from your country of origin or from San Jose if you start your trip there. Once there, you can take a shuttle or rent a car to head to Hermosa. Liberia is at the intersection of Highway 1 and Highway 21. You can easily rent a car from San Jose as well. If you prefer to take a private shuttle from the capital you can do so, but keep in mind that these cost around $200 and shared shuttles cost between $50 and $100.

Dining

Casita Marisco Guanacaste FoodPlaya Hermosa is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the intoxicating beach life. It has a laid-back atmosphere and easy-going pace, yet has grown quite a bit over this last decade. This comes with a varied choice of restaurants, bars and sodas. For a great selection of local cuisine, visit La Casita del Marisco. One of Playa Hermosa Costa Rica’s most highly rated restaurants, is actually Asian-inspired. Visit Ginger restaurant for a range of tapas infused with Asian flavors.

Where to stay

bosque del mar groundPlaya Hermosa Costa Rica is home to some of the finest beach Hotels of Costa Rica. Hotel Villa del Sueno is an intimate small distinctive hotel that offers many activities. Its small size sets it apart from other giants in the area. But its charm and elegance is bound to win you over. Additionally, for an exclusive beachfront boutique, Hotel Bosque del Mar is a great choice. The lush greenery surrounding the hotel strikes the perfect balance between beach luxury and natural beauty.

Playa Hermosa Costa Rica - Get Info

Playa Hermosa Costa Rica Map

Playa Hermosa is very conveniently located only 30 minutes from Liberia Airport.

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Playa Hermosa Costa Rica Hotels

Enjoy ultimate relaxation and comfort at elegant beachfront boutiques and charming, intimate hotels.

Hotel Bosque del Mar

Hotel Bosque del Mar

3
From: $200 - $300
Terraza del Pacifico

Terraza del Pacifico

3
3
From: Under $125
Hotel Villa del Sueno

Hotel Villa del Sueno

3
From: Under $125
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