Did you know that Playa Hermosa Costa Rica is one of the best beaches in Guanacaste, a region of Costa Rica? If you are looking for a beach that is beautiful, rarely crowded, and a destination with calm ocean waters, you’ll find plenty of vacation rentals and condos a short distance from Playa Hermosa. If you are using Playa Hermosa for your jumping off point for incredible Costa Rica adventures, prepare for a trip of a lifetime!
There are so many places to explore in Costa Rica, from national parks to hot springs, volcanoes, rain forests, animal sanctuaries, and over 300 beaches. It is simply impossible to cram all of your adventures into one trip. Rest assured, there is always something new and exciting to do each time you return to Costa Rica.
You’ll find that Playa Hermosa is the perfect getaway for couples but it is also great for families, adventure-seeking friend groups, solo travelers, and those looking to relax in a tranquil setting.
19 Epic Adventures In Playa Hermosa Costa Rica
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From Playa Hermosa, one of the beautiful beach towns in Costa Rica, you can arrange all of the usual tours, epic adventures, and day trips—all the things you do when planning an international trip. Or… you can dig your toes in the sand, sit back and relax as you enjoy a day at the beach in the pleasant, tropical climate of Costa Rica.
1. Discover the Rainforest
Chris and I booked a tour with Sensoria: Land of Senses and Magical Rainforest. We spent the morning with our tour guide, Joaquin, learning about the rainforest, spotting wildlife, enjoying hot springs, and hiking over 4.5 miles.
When we returned to the main house, we were treated to a delicious lunch (included in our tour package).
One of the Costa Rica travel tips includes renting a 4×4 for getting to this location. The roads for the last section were unpaved and often rocky.
2. Get a Massage
Chris is always great to look for relaxing things to do to enhance our vacation experience. We enjoyed an early morning swim at our vacation rental and then 90-minute massages for the both of us. Two massage therapists came to our vacation rental and set up their massage tables on the deck in the shade. It was the perfect start to a day in paradise.
We booked through Healing Hands: “Healing Hands therapists are certified to practice different wellness techniques. They will provide you with spa-quality services and full-body massages in the comfort of your house, hotel, or villa.”
3. Go Horseback Riding
Looking for memorable Costa Rica adventures? How about a horseback riding tour? Costa Rican cowboys, or sabaneros, are found in the Guanacaste region.
Discover the countryside from a unique vantage point as you enjoy a spectacular ride. Guides also share their knowledge on a variety of local species of iguanas, birds, butterflies, monkeys, and more.
4. Hike to a Waterfall
Costa Rica boasts some pretty amazing waterfalls. Chris and I hiked to waterfalls through the rain forest with Joaquin our guide from our Sensoria: Land of Senses and Magical Rainforest tour.
Some other notable waterfalls include:
- Oropendola Waterfall
- Las Chorreras Waterfall
- La Cangreja Waterfall
- Rio Celeste Waterfall
- Llanos de Cortes Waterfall
- La Leona Waterfall
- Belen Waterfall
- Viento Fresco Waterfall
Chris and I spent time in the Guanacaste Region for our first round of Costa Rica adventures. There is so much more to do and see in all of the regions of Costa Rica! Discover some of the best things to do in Costa Rica.
5. Kayak in Costa Rica
Fancy a little kayaking along the coast or through mazes of mangroves? With over 20 rivers and both the Pacific and Caribbean coastlines to choose from, there are plenty of options for adventures.
6. Learn to Surf
Playa Hermosa is a great beach and ocean for learning how to surf. As a beginner, you can also try Playa Samara and Playa Carmen.
If your skills as a surfer are already stellar, you may wish to take a day trip to Tamarindo, Playa Grande, Playa Avellanas, Playa Carrillo, or Playa Santa Teresa.
Lessons and equipment are available at many of these beaches.
7. Photograph a Costa Rica Sunset
Chris and I set off on a sunset cruise from Playas del Coco. We stopped for lunch at a small cafe across the street from the beach—Soda Teresita. A soda is what the small cafes are called.
Due to the shallowness of the bay, we took a tender (boat transport) to the New Marlin catamaran we would be sailing on for the afternoon. The tour featured an open bar, lunch later in the afternoon, a stop to snorkel in Costa Rica waters, and a gorgeous view of the Costa Rica sunset on our return to the bay.
As we were motoring to our snorkel spot, the captain spotted dolphins and circled around them for about a half an hour.
8. Play & Sunbathe at the Beach
Sometimes the most relaxing part of a vacation is simply a day at the beach. When your travel is often go go go, picking one of the best beaches in Guanacaste for a family day can be perfect.
9. Relax at the Pool of Your Vacation Rental
The vacation rentals in Costa Rica are often found in gated communities built into the hillside. The views of the ocean are stellar, especially the Costa Rica sunset.
Our rental was secluded, as were many others in our community. If you are enjoying a getaway as a couple, you’ll love private dips in the pool and sunbathing on the pool deck.
10. Scuba Dive
Is this the year you learn to Scuba Dive? There are a variety of excursions and tour options for certified and non-certified divers.
11. Snorkel in Costa Rica
I had read that the water on the Pacific side of Costa Rica was a lot colder than the water on the Caribbean side. I was pleasantly surprised that it was still relatively warm and didn’t take my breath away to step into the water when Chris and I snorkeled.
The water was nowhere near as clear as the water in Tahiti, but we saw lots of puffer fish, sea urchins, and volcanic coral.
12. Soak in a Hot Spring
Our hike with Joaquin from Sensoria, ended with dips in a variety of hot pools, each one a little warmer than the last. Since we were in the. mountains, the warmer temperatures of the hot pools were a welcome treat after our hike.
13. Visit an Animal Sanctuary
Chris and I visited Diamanté Adventure Park where we enjoyed a zipline tour as well as seeing a variety of animals in the animal sanctuary. You’ll love the spunky monkeys, jaguars, butterflies (they really loved Chris), toucans, and sloths.
14. Watch for Turtles
Sea turtles love Costa Rica too. Year after year, the turtles return to the same Costa Rica beaches to lay their eggs.
Grande Beach, just north of Tamarindo Beach, is a nesting site for the endangered leatherback turtle. As one of the largest nesting locations in the world, access to the beach is carefully monitored. Guided night tours are available from October to mid-February.
Santa Rosa National Park, also in the Guanacaste region, claims two sea turtle nesting beaches: Nancite and Naranjo. Permission is required to access these beaches.
15. Zoom Above the Canopy on a Zipline
Zipline or Canopy Tours are popular Costa Rica adventures. Imagine soaring through the air like Superman! Playa Hermosa Costa Rica is close to a number of Canopy Tours which you can combine with a variety of the adventures listed in this post.
16. Enjoy a Chocolate Tour
Chris and I stopped at Reina’s Chocolate Tasting Room. If you are ever in Costa Rica, I would recommend a chocolate tour. We tasted a variety of chocolate, hot cocoa, and bought a few chocolate bars.
17. Try Taco Tuesday in Playa Hermosa
Chris and I arrived in Costa Rica on a Tuesday. Fernando, the property manager of our vacation rental, recommended that we go for Taco Tuesday at El Velero Hotel. We found it easily enough with Google Maps and enjoyed dinner on the beach as well as a beautiful Costa Rica sunset.
18. Book a Catamaran Tour
I recommend a sunset cruise along the coast. Start in the afternoon from Playas del Coco. Due to the shallowness of the bay, you will take a tender (boat transport) to the catamaran. Enjoy an open bar, dinner, snorkeling, and an amazing Costa Rica sunset to end your adventure.
19. Join the Nightlife in the Nearby Playas del Coco
If you are looking for a hopping nightlife or a party scene, you’ll want to drive or take a 15-minute taxi ride to Playas del Coco. While Playa Hermosa has a good selection of restaurants, it does not offer much of a nightlife.
About Playa Hermosa Costa Rica
Overlooking the Gulf of Papagayo, Playa Hermosa is located in the northern Guanacaste Province of Costa Rica. It is important to note that there are several beaches named Playa Hermosa in Costa Rica, (near Jaco, Santa Teresa, and Uvita).
Did you know that Playa Hermosa translated means “beautiful beach”? This “beautiful” beach is one of the best beaches in Guanacaste along the northern Pacific Coast.
The closest airport is the Liberia International Airport about 30 minutes away. Be sure to get your Costa Rica 4×4 rental before leaving the area. Most rental agencies are within 10 minutes of the airport.
If you’re planning Costa Rica adventures, you may agree with Travel & Leisure that December to April is the best time to visit for ideal temperatures. But, really, is there a bad time to visit Costa Rica?
More Epic Costa Rica Adventures
We didn’t get a chance to try these adventures during our visit, but they just might spark your interest:
- Try a Coffee Tour
- Hike to a Volcano
- Discover a Black Sand Beach
- Walk on Hanging Bridges
- Soak in a Mud Bath
- Take a Cooking Class
- Plan a Photoshoot at the Beach
- Explore with an ATV Tour
- Go Whale Watching
Things to Pack for your Costa Rica Adventures
If this is your first time packing for a beach vacation to Playa Hermosa Costa Rica, you’ll want to remember a few beach and travel essentials. Essentials such as bug spray, your underwater camera, towel clips, and sunscreen.
Beach Essentials
Packing the right gear matters. Here are some essentials that make a difference at the beach.
- Waterproof phone pouch & Smartphone.
- A snorkel mask — better fit, clear visibility, and no guessing what condition rental gear will be in.
- GoPro or waterproof action camera — perfect for capturing underwater moments.
- Lightweight dry bag — something that can handle boat spray and keep your essentials organized.
- Sunglasses
- Reef‑safe sunscreen
- Face sunscreen
- After-sun Gel
- Bug Spray
- Snacks
- Insulated water bottle
- Hat or Visor
- Flip flips for men and women
- Long sleeve rash guard
- Swimsuit for men and women
- Beach cover up
- Beach microfiber towels
- Portable beach mat
- Beach Chair Clips
- Beach tote bag
- Beach Clothing & Gear — You’ll want tank tops, breezy tops and skirts, shorts, rash guards, swimsuits and trunks.
These are just a few of the ideas I recommend. If you want to see the complete Costa Rica packing list, add your email below to receive your FREE copy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many provinces are there in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica has seven provinces: Alajuela, Cartago, Guanacaste, Heredia, Limón, Puntarenas, and San José. Puntarenas is the largest.
What are the top things to do in Costa Rica?
Top things to do in Costa Rica include hiking, exploring waterfalls, surfing, ziplining and relaxing at the beach.
How many days in Costa Rica is enough?
While you could spend 10 days to 2 weeks enjoying the beauty of Playa Hermosa, you’ll want to plan for a minimum 7 day Costa Rica itinerary.
Does Costa Rica observe Daylight Saving Time?
No. And since Costa Rica is so close to the equator, the sun goes down each and every night at 6:00 pm. The sky starts to get light at 5:00 am. In the summer months, there is no time change from Mountain Daylight Time in Colorado.
What is the best place to see sloths in Costa Rica?
Located in the Central Pacific area of Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio Beach is an excellent spot to see sloths.
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Adventures In Playa Hermosa Costa Rica
Whether you are marveling at a Costa Rica sunset, looking for the best beach towns in Costa Rica, or snorkeling in the Pacific Ocean, you’ll love the laid-back vibe of a Central American vacation.
Pura Vida or the “pure life” is a way of life that embodies relaxation, enjoying nature and thriving on the simple joys of life. You’ll find that people of Costa Rica are all about living a happy life. No doubt Costa Rica will win your heart too! It is time to pack your bags and plan your trip using my free Costa Rica packing list.
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I really need to make it over to Costa Rica and your post definitely confirms that! I bet scuba diving in Costa Rica is amazing. I haven’t done it yet but went snorkeling in Hawaii and loved it.
I didn’t know there were Sloths in Costa Rica! I’ve been dreaming of learning how to surf there one day and now see the sloths!
Oooh, looks like a great trip. Always so curious about Costa Rica. Thanks for this one!
I didn’t make it to Playa Hermosa when I visited Costa Rica but it looks so stunning I will definitely add it to my list for next year! I have never considered scuba diving in Costa Rica, but I bet it’s incredible!
I’ve been on a couple of kayaking trips in Costa Rica so I would agree that it’s a wonderful way to explore the water. I would like to get to the Guanacaste area next time.
I just spent 3 months there, wonderful place!! Really recommend. It’s a small place, but definitely get yourself transportation.
The waterfall hikes and snorkelling look so fun!
Playa Hermosa lives up to its translation of beautiful beach! Adding to my itinerary when I visit Costa Rica.
Sounds like a great location with lots of choices that would easily warrant a minimum of ten days away. Mud bath, local cooking class, early morning private massage, seeing local wildlife and many other inviting options would certainly make for an enjoyable stay. Great post. Thank you
Cannot wait to be about to head to Costa Rica, thanks for all the tips!
This was jam-packed with useful information. I am going to save this for my next big vacation. Thank you!
Wow this place looks fantastic! You just made me travel with your article. Thank you very much!
I’ve always wanted to go to the rainforest and zip line in Costa Rica ! Had no idea there was so much more to do. Do you recommend renting a car and driving there ?
I can definitely see myself hiking to some of the waterfalls you listed and then relaxing in the hot springs! And definitely surfing, too 🙂
We spent 3 weeks in Costa Rica and loved it. Unfortunately we didn’t have time to visit all the places we had on our list initially, but would love to go back and visit them. I’ll be adding Playa Hermosa to that itinerary for sure.
Lots of great ideas here. Costa Rica is high on my bucket list so I hope to be able to do some of the activities you recommended soon.
Costa Rica sunsets look incredible! I would love to travel here.
Playa Hermosa beach and sunset looks so dreamy and would love to just relax and enjoy the views. I love that we can hike to a waterfall which is something I’d want to do also.
Costa Rica has been on our list of places to visit forever–we need to make that happen sooner rather than later. Playa Hermosa looks like an AMAZING place for a beach vacation!