3 Stunning Hidden Beaches in Costa Rica’s Papagayo Peninsula
Exploring lesser-known beaches along the Pacific Coast in Guanacaste, Costa Rica
The Papagayo Peninsula, located in the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica, is the home to some incredible beaches on the Pacific Coast such as Playa Manzanillo, Playa Nacascolo, Playa Blanca, Playa Virador, and Playa Cabuyal.
Let’s take a look at 3 of these stunning, lesser-known beaches in Guanacaste — Playa Nacascolo, Playa Manzanillo, and Playa Cabuyal.
Playa Nacascolo
If you can only choose one beach to visit at Papagayo, it should be Playa Nacascolo. Everything about this beach is stunning. The water is crystal clear with no waves, and it is an ideal beach for snorkeling. Not to mention the sand is simply incredible! The beach accessible via free bus from 8AM to 5PM.
Playa Manzanillo
Playa Manzanillo is a quiet beach with very warm water, black sand, beautiful seashells, and great views of Playa Iguanitas, Panama, Hermosa, and Penca, which are on the other side of the Papagayo Gulf. You can camp on this beach and do not need a 4x4 vehicle to access it. There are no signs for this beach. Once you’re on the peninsula, you’ll see a large tank of water on the left hand side. Continue straight until you see a smaller water tank, and take a left at the blue water tank. The road dead ends into the beach.
Playa Cabuyal
Playa Cabuyal is a surfing beach with fine white sand and views of Roca Bruja (Witch’s Rock). You can camp at the beach and a 4x4 vehicle is highly recommended, but not required. If you camp, remember to bring everything you need for your trip. There are no mini-supers or sodas on the peninsula, and no power sources anywhere near this beach.
READ THE FINE PRINT — What You Need to Know Before Visiting the Papagayo Peninsula
If you decide to visit Papagayo for the day, bring plenty of food and water! There are no cafes or stores nearby that are accessible to the public.
Playa Nacascolo, Playa Blanca, and Playa Virador are tucked inside the gates of ritzy, private resorts. To access these beaches, you’ll drive to the end of the Papagayo Peninsula, no 4x4 necessary, and park where it says ‘Visitantes Playa’. A free bus runs from 8AM to 5PM and will take you to whichever beach you desire. These beaches can also be reached by boat. If you’re visiting Playas del Coco or Playa Hermosa, you can likely find a boat that can take you to the beautiful beaches on the Papagayo Peninsula.
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