Playa Hermosa

Air:

You can fly directly into the Daniel Oduber International Airport in Liberia, just 17 miles from Playa Hermosa. Local flights from San Jose are also available - Nature Air and Sansa Air offer 40-minute daily flights from San Jose into Liberia.

Bus:

Costa Rica’s public buses will drop you off directly in Playa Hermosa. Buses depart San Jose once daily (3:30 p.m.; departs from the intersection of Calle 20 and Avenidas 1/3), and the six-hour ride costs $9.50. Buses from Liberia depart almost every hour during daylight, and the short one-hour trip costs less than $2. Bus schedules and prices change frequently, so please call ahead for more detailed information: 2221-7202 or 2680-0392.

Private transportation services are also available to Playa Hermosa. Air-conditioned, comfortable vans will pick you up for the trip in many popular Costa Rican towns, including San Jose, Monteverde, Jaco, Manuel Antonio and Arenal. 

Car:

From San Jose or the Juan Santamaria International Airport, take the Interamerican Highway (Route 1) to Liberia. After you pass the entrance to the Daniel Oduber International Airport, continue one mile past the double bridges in Guardia. You will see a sign for Playas del Coco, Playa Panama and Playa Hermosa. Follow the sign, turning right, and continue about three miles. Follow the sign marked Playa Panama and Playa Hermosa, and drive another 1.5-2 miles into Playa Hermosa. This trip will take about 4-5 hours.

From the Daniel Oduber International Airport, exit to the main road and head south. After you pass the entrance to the Daniel Oduber International Airport, continue one mile past the double bridges in Guardia. You will see a sign for Playas del Coco, Playa Panama and Playa Hermosa. Follow the sign, turning right, and continue about three miles. Follow the sign marked Playa Panama and Playa Hermosa, and drive another 1.5-2 miles into Playa Hermosa. Driving time is roughly 25 minutes.

ATV Tours

Race through sugar cane fields, maneuver along the coast’s rocky terrain, and discover Northern Guanacaste’s back roads aboard a quad. Often you will be accompanied not only by your guide, but by birds, butterflies and inquisitive howler monkeys. Tours last from two and a half to four hours.

Banana Boats

Hop aboard a banana boat tour and prepare for a wet afternoon of splashing, falling and frolicking. Banana boat tours typically leave from Playa Hermosa’s biggest hotels, and are suited for groups of four to ten people.

Bird and Wildlife Watching

Nearby Palo Verde National Park boasts 15 separate habitats that provide for more than 300 bird species and 145 mammal species. Just north of Palo Verde, the Lomas de Barbudal Biological Reserve is home to 250 bee species (25 percent of the world’s total), several endangered tree species, 60 species of nocturnal butterflies and many other protected plants and shy animals.

Just outside of Liberia, a 35-minute journey from Playa Hermosa, Africa Mia Safari Park brings fourteen animals species from the savannah to Costa Rica, including zebra, giraffe, and antelope. Closer to home, the beaches of Northern Guanacaste are lined with howler monkeys lazing in the trees, coatimundis romping through the forest and many bird species calling to each other from high above.

Canoeing and Sea Kayaking

Rent a canoe or sea kayak at your hotel, and paddle out onto the open Pacific. If you drive just two miles north to the Papagayo Gulf, sea kayaking is especially wonderful, as tiny, secluded beaches dot the coast, many only accessible by boat.

Canopy Tours

There are two major canopy tours in northern Guanacaste, and both offer high-flying action and an up-close look at the forest’s canopy. Tours may include a combination of heart-stopping cables, suspension bridges, and family-friendly courses. To the north near Santa Rosa National Park, the area’s most thrilling canopy tour offers two and a half hours of treetop diversion on 24 platforms that cover almost two miles of cable. The more southern tour, located just outside Playa Ocotal, is family-friendly and lasts approximately one hour. Reaching a thrilling height of 82-feet, its longest cable sends you hurling through 1,150 feet of forest canopy.

Day Spas

Relax with a natural mud mask or unwind during a deep tissue massage at one of the area’s day spas. Order a la carte or pamper yourself with a spa package that caters to your every relaxation need. Spas are located at several of Playa Hermosa's upscale hotels.

Golfing

The northern Pacific’s golf courses offer sweeping ocean views, beautiful greens and championship holes. Ranging from fancy to decidedly informal, the area’s golf and country clubs allow every golfer to be comfortable on the course. 

Hiking

Northern Guanacaste is an ideal base for hiking enthusiasts. Santa Rosa National Park, Guanacaste National Park, Rincon de la Vieja National Park and Barra Honda National Park all lie within easy day trip distance, and are threaded with some of the country’s most well-groomed and beautiful hiking trails. Closer to your Playa Hermosa hotel, you will find many beach walkways, forgotten roads and hiking paths to explore. Take your camera with you, as the resident animal population might appear for an amazing photo op.

Horseback Riding

Several local outfits rent horses for trips to exhilarating waterfalls, hidden beaches, and favorite local spots. Half or full-day excursions are available, and some companies will also rent horses by the hour. Though their rates are tempting, be forewarned that rock bottom-priced outfitters may use overworked, unhealthy horses.

Jet Skis

Jet skis are available for rent along the Northern Guanacaste coast, and tours generally last two to three hours.

Live Music

Unwind at the end of an adventure-filled day with a glass of wine at one of the area’s myriad live music venues. Many are housed in local restaurants, though outdoor concerts are an evening staple during Playa Hermosa's dry season (December-April).

Mountain Biking

Rent a bike and enjoy the quieter side of Playa Hermosa, where birds, monkeys and other wildlife live far from the roar of engines and other man made noise.  Foot paths and dirt roads provide excellent biking opportunities.  Bikes can be rented in Playa Hermosa for under $10 daily.

Parasailing

Feel the adrenaline boost of flying through the air with only a parachute behind you and a speedboat below. Experience the grand Pacific Ocean as never before. Parasailing tours will pick you up from Playa Hermosa.

River Tours

Float down the peaceful Tempisque River or through Palo Verde’s canals. On both trips, you’ll meet American crocodiles, flamboyant birds, swinging monkeys and many other wildlife species. Palo Verde Boat Tours will pick you up from your Playa Hermosa hotel.

Sailboat Tours

Sailing tours depart daily from Playa Hermosa, and will take you to some of the coast’s most tranquil islands and quiet beaches. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, turtles and the occasional whale. Many sailboat tours will drop anchor for snorkeling, later serving lunch and drinks from the comfort of the sun-drenched deck.

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving

Half and full-day snorkeling tours are available, and may take you to islands, hard-to-reach beaches or secluded coral reefs. Note that several sailboat tours stop for snorkeling, as well. The area is full of dive shops that offer everything from tank rental to full PADI certification. Volcanic remains scar the ocean floor, providing ideal hiding places for schools of tropical fish, and eels among the coral. Bull sharks, white-tipped reef sharks, giant Manta rays, eagle rays, diamond stingrays and octopus are also Playa Hermosa mainstays, promising colorful and exciting ocean explorations. Playa del Coco is particularly well known for its dive shops, and is considered one of the best scuba diving locations in Costa Rica.

Sunset Tours

Several of the area’s sailboat companies offer spectacular sunset and dinner tours. Head out onto the sparkling Pacific, dine on gourmet fare and watch as the sun sets in a furious display of brilliant reds, impossible oranges and relaxed pinks. 

Surfing

Though Playa Hermosa's gentle waves are not ideal to hang ten, Playa del Coco, just ten minutes south, is the starting point for tours to some of the country's best surf spots. Take your first surf lesson or test old skills at one of northern Guanacaste’s many surf spots.  No matter your skill level, this slice of paradise has waves to match. For advanced surfers, don’t miss a surf tour to Ollie’s Point or Witch’s Rock. Ollie’s Point at Portrero Grande offers a right point break, with very fast and hollow waves. 

There is no road access, so surfers must depart by rented boat or surf tour from Playa del Coco or Playa Ocotal. The right point break in Santa Rosa National Park is only accessible by boat from Playas del Coco.  Witch’s Rock at Playa Naranjo, the surf spot forever immortalized by the film Endless Summer 2, is home to some of the best breaks in Costa Rica. You must depart from Playa del Coco by rented boat or with a surf tour.

Sportfishing

Spend just an afternoon or an entire week aboard a sport fishing boat, reeling in some of the strongest fighters in Costa Rica. Sailfish, marlin and rooster fish are the most common catches. If you prefer to do your fishing from gentler waters (or terra firma), local companies can outfit you completely for fly fishing. 

Nearby Beaches (from north to south):

Gulf of Papagayo

The Gulf of Papagayo is dotted by 12 golden-sand beaches separated by gray cliffs that jut out into the Pacific Ocean. The calm coves’ protected waters are ideal for beginner swimmers, young children and visitors just wishing to relax. Many of Papagayo’s secluded beaches are best accessed by canoe or sea kayak. Their sparkling sands dance with scuttling hermit crabs, and the gulf’s resident howler monkeys will boldly call out to you during a relaxing sunbath. Make a date to watch the sunset from one of these gentle strips of sand – the Northern Pacific coast is known for some of the best sunsets in Costa Rica.

Playa Panama

Just a few miles north of Playa Hermosa, Playa Panama is a bay within a bay. The resulting waters are nearly wave-free, and perfect for floating the afternoon away. Playa Panama is very popular with vacationing Costa Ricans, who often set up camp on the beach.

Playa Hermosa

Not to be confused with Jaco’s neighbor of the same name, Northern Guanacaste’s Playa Hermosa is an elegant, mile-long strip of gray-sand beach. Tide pools mark its northern and southern points, and its bay is always filled with fishing boats, sailboats and even the occasional cruise ship.

Playa del Coco

Shaped like a horseshoe, Playa del Coco is one of Guanacaste’s most popular and accessible beaches. Hard-packed gray sand is ideal for walks down its mile-long beach, and the waves are often strong enough for boogie boarding fun. Playa del Coco is the best departure point for trips to Ollie’s Point and Witch’s Rock, both located in Santa Rosa National Park. These surf breaks are world famous and some of the best in Costa Rica, though not for the faint of heart. Witch’s Rock is particularly well-known for its appearance in the classic surf movie Endless Summer 2. Playa del Coco is also one of the best scuba diving and snorkeling locations in the country. Diving tours depart daily for the rich waters of Bat Island and Santa Catalina Island, and sailboat tours regularly take snorkelers to reefs and underwater volcanic formations.

Playa Ocotal

Just two miles south of Playa del Coco, Playa Ocotal is quieter and more relaxed than its busy neighbor. A small gray-sand beach lines the waterfront.

National Parks, Private Parks and Wildlife Refuges: 

Africa Mia

One of Guanacaste’s newest and most unique attractions, Africa Mia safari park is a treat for all. Giraffes, antelope and zebra roam the open savannah, the lovely El Salto waterfall rumbles in the distance and visitors happily feed the park’s ostriches, dromedaries (one-humped camels) and deer. About an hour's drive from Playa Hermosa, Africa Mia is an ideal day trip for the entire family.

Guanacaste National Park

Adjacent to Santa Rosa National Park, 86,000-acre Guanacaste National Park boasts several habitats from lowland dry forest to mountainous cloud forest. Two volcanoes – Orosi and Cacao – frame the park, and researchers can often be found perusing its lands for new discoveries. The park is located less than 90 minutes by car from Playa Hermosa.

Lomas de Barbudal Wildlife Refuge

Backing up to Palo Verde National Park, this tranquil wildlife refuge helps to protect endangered rosewood and mahogany trees. The 6,500-acre park is also home to 250 bee species – about 25 percent of the world’s total – as well as 200 bird species. There is a small network of hiking trails throughout Lomas de Barbudal, and most visitors are accompanied only by wildlife and the occasional researcher. The refuge is a one and a half hour drive from Playa Hermosa.

Palo Verde National Park

This 45,500-acre wetland sanctuary is the largest component of the larger Tempisque Megapark, which also includes the Caballero Wildlife Refuge, Lomas de Barbudal Biological Reserve, Barra Honda National Park and the newly-added Cipanci Wildlife Refuge.

More than 300 bird species make their homes here, including herons, storks, spoonbills, egrets, ducks, scarlet macaws and toucans. Monkeys, bats, American crocodiles, coatimundis, armadillos and jaguarundi join their avian neighbors, and make a trip to Palo Verde National Park one that is not soon forgotten. A few miles south of Lomas de Barbudal, budget about two hours to reach Palo Verde from Hermosa Beach.

Santa Rosa National Park

One of the oldest national parks in Costa Rica, Santa Rosa sprawls out over almost 96,000 acres. The park serves as one of the most important nesting sites for several turtle species, and is also a symbol of national pride: Costa Rica has only been invaded three times by foreign armies, and each time, the would-be conquerors were defeated in Santa Rosa.

Reaching Santa Rosa National Park is a challenge, but it’s worth the 1.5-hour trip. More than 250 bird species, 50-60 bat species, 115 mammal species, 4000 moth and butterfly species and thousands of insect species make their homes here. Visitors may hike many miles of trails, explore the historic La Casona building and Monument to the Heroes, or simply relax at one of the park’s beautiful ocean overlooks. Santa Rosa National Park is also home to famous surf breaks Ollie’s Point and Witch’s Rock.

Rivers:

Tempisque River

Beginning at the Guanacaste Mountain Range, the Tempisque River travels 90 miles south to empty into the Gulf of Nicoya. The river cuts right through Palo Verde National Park, and many river tours float along its waters in search of white-faced monkeys, American crocodiles, and hundreds of bird species.

Day Trips: 

Rincon de la Vieja National Park

A mere 90-minute drive from Playa Hermosa, Rincon de la Vieja National Park offers well-groomed trails, towering volcanoes, boiling mud pots, steaming fumaroles, and amazing natural beauty. Full-day tours depart daily and include transportation, a guided tour, lunch and unforgettable memories.

Monteverde Cloud Forest

One and two-day tours depart Hermosa almost daily, climbing from Costa Rica’s dry savannah into the country’s most celebrated cloud forest. Walk through the canopy along hanging bridges, swing among the trees on the country’s first canopy tour and experience one of the most bio-diverse regions in Costa Rica. Views from Monteverde seem to stretch out forever, and on a clear day you can see straight out to the Pacific Ocean.

Arenal Volcano

One and two-day tours depart Hermosa daily, traveling to one of Costa Rica’s most popular tourist destinations. The majestic Arenal Volcano sets off lava light shows nearly every night, and the area’s hot springs are famous for their restorative properties.

Barra Honda National Park

Go on a caving expedition at Costa Rica’s most famous and labyrinthine caves. Known for its spectacular rock formations and incredible views, visitors will witness geological formations created more than 50 million years ago. Hike through the ancient caves and discover the park’s weaving waterways on a full-day trip from your Playa Hermosa hotel.

Nicaragua

Discover the beauty of one of Nicaragua’s most colorful cities, Granada. Gaze at its canary yellow church, walk through its colonial streets and swim in nearby Laguna de Apoyo. Purchase souvenirs at the eclectic Masaya market and drink in the views of the town’s active Masaya Volcano.