The Gulf of Papagayo in Guanacaste Province is known for its pristine beaches, clear blue waters, and lush landscapes. Over the last few decades, the region has experienced significant growth in terms of tourism development and has become a popular destination for luxury travellers seeking sun, sand, and outdoor activities.
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Combining rugged surf breaks with mysterious dive spots, 5-star resorts and fine dining restaurants, the Papagayo Peninsula offers plenty of attractions and is well worth visiting on your next trip to Costa Rica.
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About Papagayo Region
The Papagayo region is known for its beautiful bay on the far northwest coast of the Guanacaste Province of Costa Rica.
The Gulf’s coastline is characterized by its untamed, wild beauty of several picturesque beaches and coves backed by a tropical dry forest that has formed over time from volcanic activity. Meanwhile, the rich emerald-green waters of the Pacific Ocean hide an abundance of marine life.
The northern side of the Gulf of Papagayo is dominated by Parque Nacional Santa Rosa or Santa Rosa National Park, a wilderness area filled with wildlife, dense forest, beaches and views of volcanoes. On the southern end, you’ll find the Papagayo Peninsula, an exclusive resort area. This skinny stretch of land jutting out into the gulf is the hub of activity, with several beautiful beaches, resorts and outdoor activities on offer.
The Gulf of Papagayo has recently become a focus of Costa Rica tourism, with the establishment of luxury hotels and resorts, particularly on the Papagayo Peninsula. This is drawing more and more people to the North Pacific coast of Costa Rica for its stunning views, calm waters, and incredible nature.
How to Get to Papagayo, Costa Rica
Papagayo Peninsula is conveniently located about a 45-minute drive from Liberia Airport, Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR).
If you land at San Jose International Airport, it is about a 4.5-hour drive or 250 kilometres (155 miles) to the Gulf of Papagayo.
By Car
While the Papagayo Peninsula is making a name for itself in the sustainable luxury world, the public transport network does not regularly service the beaches and towns around the Gulf of Papagayo.
So, if you’re looking for greater freedom, you’ll need to rent a car from the airport in Liberia. From Liberia International Airport, you can reach the Papagayo Peninsula in less than an hour by taking Route 253.
If you plan on exploring more of the coast north of the Papagayo Peninsula, including Naranjo Beach and the national parks, we suggest hiring a 4×4. Some of the roads for secluded beaches are rough and require an off-road vehicle.
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By Bus/Shuttle
Costa Rica’s public bus system goes as far as Playa Panama, which is about 30 minutes south of the Papagayo Peninsula. You can travel from other towns in Guanacaste to Playa Panama or Playa Hermosa by bus, but then you’ll have to get a taxi or arrange a private shuttle with your accommodation provider to the Papagayo Peninsula.
Best Time to Visit Papagayo, Costa Rica
One of the most appealing aspects of the coast in Guanacaste Province is that it has plenty of sunshine all year round and is one of the driest climates in all of Costa Rica. In saying that, the Papagayo region still sees a dry season and a rainy season.
The dry season runs from December until April, which is when most tourists venture to the resorts of the Papagayo Peninsula. This is peak beach weather, with most days starting at about 71°F (22°C) and by midday, temperatures reach 95°F (35°C).
From May until November, the rainy or green season in Papagayo consists of some showers in the late afternoon and evening, but otherwise, far less than in other parts of Costa Rica. This is also considered the best time for diving as larger marine life comes closer to shore, and visibility can be quite good. Plus, these are also the best months for surfing, with the SW Pacific groundswell turning up the reliable breaks to glassy 4-ft+ waves.
Things to Do in Papagayo Peninsula
Whether you have a couple of days or a week of relaxation ahead, here are the best things to do in and around Peninsula Papagayo.
Beach Hop Along the Coast
It’s estimated that the Papagayo Peninsula has around 31 beaches along 15 miles of coast, and that’s not including the beaches found further north along the gulf of Papagayo and in Santa Rosa National Park.
This means you’ll have endless beaches to choose from depending on where you’re staying and what activities you plan on doing. If you’re staying within the peninsula, Playa Nacascolo is the main beach of Culebra Bay and is perfect for walking, snorkelling and relaxing in the sun. Plus, there’s a convenient shuttle bus from the car park at the end of Route 253 to the beach.
For more seclusion, you can head north to Playa Cabuyal, a beautiful stretch of white sand perfect for swimming and relaxing.
Most resorts on the peninsula of Papagayo offer access to kayaks and paddle-boards, with organized snorkeling and diving trips also available.
Play Golf at the Four Seasons Hotel
Ranked amongst some of the best courses outside of the US, the Ocean Course at Peninsula Papagayo at the Four Seasons is an 18-hole, par 72 Arnold Palmer-designed course. With incredible views of Culebra Bay along with howler monkeys hanging in the nearby trees, this golf course offers an unforgettable golfing experience.
Join a Fishing Charter
Marina Papagayo on Culebra Bay has been a more recent addition to the exclusive gated community of Papagayo Peninsula. Built to hold up to 450 boats at a time, it’s filled with a combination of private yachts and commercial charter boats.
Join a fishing charter tour, which can be booked at any of the hotels in the Papagayo Peninsula, and you’ll embark from the marina. You’ll have the chance to catch mahi mahi, tuna, snapper, wahoo and grouper or even marlins, rooster or sailfish if you go deeper in the gulf.
Go Surfing at Witch’s Rock
While the surfing is, arguably, better around Tamarindo further south, experienced surfers can’t look past the local spot at Naranjo Beach, known as Witch’s Rock. It’s an exposed beach break located inside Santa Rosa National Park that offers consistent surf throughout the year.
Witch Rock is not easy to reach. If you want to get there by land, you’ll need a 4×4 and some serious skill. Reaching Playa Naranjo and its campground takes about 2 hours on a bad road from the National Park entrance. You then need to walk at least 30 minutes up to the northern end of the beach, where the best surf break hits.
Alternatively, hotels in Papagayo Peninsula offer boat trips which can take you directly to Witch’s Rock with your surfboard in less than an hour.
Visit Santa Rosa National Park
Located north of the peninsula, Santa Rosa National Park is one of the best things to do in Guanacaste. As one of the largest parks in the country and an important hub of biodiversity, Santa Rosa is home to 115 species of mammals, 250 species of birds, and 100 amphibian and reptile species.
If you visit between July and November, you can witness hundreds of olive ridley turtles nesting on Playa Nancite. Go bird watching and take in the views on a short 1.5 km walk on Los Patos Trail to Tigre Canyon Viewpoint or another 1.5 km walk to Mirador Playa Naranjo.
Note that Santa Rosa doesn’t have well-developed infrastructure like many other National Parks in Costa Rica, so exploring this area is a bit of an adventure in the wild.
READ NEXT: Best things to do in Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Where to Stay in Gulf of Papagayo Costa Rica
Known for its luxury hotels and large-scale resorts, the Gulf of Papagayo is for those who are looking for a relaxing holiday amidst beautiful coastal landscapes and beaches.
Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo
As the home of the only Four Seasons resort in Central America, Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo has become one of the country’s best hotels. Sitting at the tip of the peninsula overlooking beaches on either side, it boasts the best ocean views from their villas.
It’s a family-friendly resort with a variety of amenities, including multiple swimming pools, Virador Beach Club, an Arnold Palmer Golf Course, a wellness center and an eco-adventures company.
Andaz Resort Costa Rica
A newer establishment and a hotel by Hyatt, Andaz Resort is a luxury 5-star hotel located on the Culebra Bay, just a 2-minute walk from the beach. Rooms are large with modern wooden decor and views of either the coast or the jungle. The resort boasts a swimming pool, spa and gym, tennis court, and three on-site restaurants that focus on farm-to-table ingredients and locally inspired dishes.
Planet Hollywood Costa Rica
Located on Manzanillo Beach, Planet Hollywood Costa Rica is An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort. Some suites offer sea views, while others offer a terrace with garden views. The property boasts seven restaurants, a tour desk offering a range of activities, a buffet breakfast every morning, a spa and wellness center, and two swimming pools.
Where to Eat: Best Restaurants in Papagayo Peninsula, Costa Rica
Prieta Beach Club
Located inside Playa Prieta Beach Club, Olas Restaurant serves more laidback Latin American cuisine during the day, with a more sophisticated dining experience at night. The restaurant focuses on the freshest ingredients and sustainable seafood and offers top-notch cocktails for sunset time.
Poro Poro Restaurant
An upscale restaurant on the peninsula inside Exclusive Resorts Club House, Poro Poro overlooks Playa Blanca below. The restaurant specializes in fresh seafood, with the ceviche being a real highlight. While a little pricey, this spot offers one hell of a view, plus great seafood and the experience of eating on the deck.
Dive Bar, Marina Papagayo
To escape the lavish resort restaurants, head down to the Dive Bar near the marina on Playa Manzanillo. It’s a great place to watch the sunset and order some fish tacos and a happy-hour cocktail.
The Bottom Line
Peninsula Papagayo is a dream destination for nature lovers, luxury travellers, and adventure seekers. It offers a bit of everything, from white sand beaches to world-class golf courses; it’s easy to stay longer than planned around the Gulf of Papagayo in Guanacaste.
