Guide to Visiting Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Playa Hermosa is one of the most beautiful beaches on the Guanacaste coastline. In fact, it’s written in its very name – hermosa literally translates to beautiful in Spanish.

Located on the Gulf of Papagayo and not far from some of the more popular spots, such as Playas del Coco, Playa Flamingo, and Tamarindo, Playa Hermosa still flies a bit under the radar. 

Note: There are a couple of beaches named Playa Hermosa in Costa Rica, but this article is about the one in Guanacaste on the northern Pacific coast.

Visually, Playa Hermosa is one of the nicest places in Guanacaste Province, earning itself a Blue Flag for its clean beach and stunning clear water. It also offers plenty of opportunities for water activities, including scuba diving, swimming, surfing, sea kayaking, and catamaran tours. 

The small town, named after the beach, has enough facilities and amenities to make a stay comfortable, with boutique hotels, vacation rentals, and beachfront restaurants, but it’s yet to feel too overdeveloped. Playa Hermosa offers something for everyone, striking the perfect balance between natural beauty and a relaxing holiday destination in Costa Rica.

How to Get to Playa Hermosa 

By Car

Playa Hermosa is located between Playas del Coco and Playa Panama. The closest airport is Liberia International Airport, which is only about a 30-minute drive away. Otherwise, from San Jose, the drive is about 250 km or 3.5 hours. The main road into town is accessible all year round, including in the rainy season.

By Bus/Shuttle

Being close to many popular places in Guanacaste, Playa Hermosa can be reached by jumping on a public bus. You can also arrange a shuttle.

Transportes La Pampa operates a bus from Liberia to Playa Hermosa a few times per day. Tickets cost $1 – $2, and the journey takes around 45 minutes. Alternatively, you can also get the Tralapa express bus which departs from San José daily, stopping at Playa Hermosa and Playa Panamá. This journey takes about 6 hours and costs $10.

You can also organise a private shuttle for around $75-85 USD each way for 1-8 people.

Parking at Playa Hermosa 

There are a couple of entrances to Hermosa Beach from town. You’ll find ample parking areas at these main entrances under some shady trees. There’s almost always someone collecting money for parking, starting at 2000 colones or $4. Ensure you don’t leave any valuables in your car, though, as petty theft is common. 

Facilities at Playa Hermosa 

Just back from the dark sand beach, you’ll find plenty of facilities available near Playa Hermosa. There is everything from beachfront restaurants to water sports rental agencies. There are also basic bathroom facilities that you can pay to use.

Things to Do at Playa Hermosa 

Whether you stay in Playa Hermosa or just visit for the day from a nearby town, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy.

Go Snorkelling

You can easily snorkel from the beach in Playa Hermosa. The far ends of the bay are best, including the north end and south headland, where you’ll find some rocks and interesting reefs hiding a range of marine life, including blowfish, urchins, parrot fish, butterfly fish, and rays. You can rent snorkelling gear from any of the stalls on the sand.

Go Surfing

While the waves are generally not overly big, it makes for a nice spot for beginner surfers to practice their technique. You can also try body surfing and boogie boarding on the whitewater if the waves aren’t quite big enough.

Enjoy Kayaking at Sea

For a fun way of exploring this beautiful beach, rent a kayak from one of the shops lining the beach and head out to explore the sea at your own pace. The bay is usually calm enough for kayaking, particularly around sunset when you’ll have a front-row seat to the best show.

Explore Nearby Beaches and Lookouts by 4WD

If you have your own 4×4, then a fun little excursion to get away from the crowded beaches is to take a short drive to the headland south of Playa Hermosa. You’ll be able to take in the stunning view from Mirador Playa Hermosa and then continue to little beaches like Playa Penca, which are incredible for snorkelling off the shore.

Day Trips to Nearby Attractions

If you visit Playa Hermosa and want to use it as a base for exploring further afield, there are several day trips you can take through any of the hotels or agencies. 

Some of Costa Rica’s best national parks are within easy reach for a day, including Parque Nacional Rincón de la Vieja and Parque Nacional Santa Rosa, where you can enjoy horseback riding, soak in hot springs, go hiking, zip lining, and wildlife spotting.

READ NEXT: Best Things to do in Guanacaste, Costa Rica

FAQs: 

Can you Swim at Playa Hermosa?

Yes, Playa Hermosa is a great place to enjoy a dip in the water. However, be careful of kids going too deep, as the bay sees some good-sized waves and strong rips. However, for strong swimmers, snorkelling is a popular activity, especially at the far ends of the beach near the rocks and reefs.

Can you Fish at Playa Hermosa?

There are plenty of fishing opportunities at Playa Hermosa, with tour agencies offering sport fishing and fishing charters. You can opt for ½ day to full-day fishing trips from shore to nearby fishing spots.

Can you Surf at Playa Hermosa? 

While not overly consistent, the round bay of Playa Hermosa does see some great surf. The waves are suitable for all levels, with breaks not getting overly big for most of the year, allowing beginners to head in and build their skills.

Is Playa Hermosa Safe for Families? 

Playa Hermosa is one of the best family-friendly beaches on the Guanacaste coast, with the right amount of comfortable facilities nearby, beautiful sand, clear water, and plenty of activities. 

Where to Stay near Playa Hermosa 

From condos to luxury resorts, there are plenty of accommodations to choose from at Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste.

Mid Range/Budget Hotel: Hotel & Villas Huetares

An ideal mid-range that is certified by Costa Rica Sustainable Tourism, this villa complex offers suites and two-bedroom villas within walking distance from the beach. It boasts a hot tub, outdoor swimming pool, surrounding gardens for privacy, and an onsite restaurant serving local food. The self-contained villas are perfect for groups or families looking for a place to relax on their trip.

Luxury Hotel: Hotel Bosque del Mar Playa Hermosa

For complete luxury, splurge on this incredible resort situated right on the beach in Playa Hermosa, towards the quieter south end. The ultimate escape into nature, it’s surrounded by lush tropical trees filled with howler monkeys, with the suites designed to bring you closer to the natural environment. It also offers an outdoor pool and hot tub, an elegant restaurant, as well a lounge bar serving happy hour cocktails.

Best Restaurants near Playa Hermosa

La Casita del Marisco

This popular spot to eat in Playa Hermosa is right on the northern end of the beach. It’s a casual affair with a huge, airy dining area offering views of the sea. They specialise in fresh seafood, including lobster, coconut shrimp, ceviche, and a must-try seafood platter.

Aquasport Restaurant

Located at the centre of the nightlife of Playa Hermosa, Aqua Sport Restaurant is where many people begin their evening. This restaurant and bar spills out onto the sand with happy hour drinks, live music, and a sunset swing for those Instagram posts.

Ginger Restaurant and Bar

Back on the main road away from the beach, this treehouse-inspired restaurant is an underrated spot for a meal. Combining Asian fusion with some local fare, small plates offer plenty of sharing options, such as spring rolls, Asian tacos, Mongolian ribs, and fried fish. They also offer vegan options for plant-based eaters.

The Bottom Line 

With everything you could possibly want and need from a beach paradise in Costa Rica, Playa Hermosa Guanacaste is easily one of the underrated destinations on the Pacific Coast. 

With a style and vibe to suit families, romantic getaways, and budget travellers, it’s worth a visit in Guanacaste.