Guide to Visiting Playa Minas (Playa Zapotillal), Costa Rica

Located near the more well-known Playa Conchal, Playa Minas is a secluded beach tucked away from the busy towns of Costa Rica’s Guanacaste Province. 

If you are confused about the difference between Playa Zapotillal and Playa Minas, let us clarify. Playa Minas and Playa Zapotillal are actually the same beach, known by two different names among locals and visitors. 

The gorgeous beach is a bit of an off-road adventure to reach compared to nearby beaches, but you’ll likely have the place all to yourself, so it’s definitely worth the trip. 

With soft sand, clear water, and plenty of trees, you can lay your towel under the shade and spend the day in and out of the water. It’s also a popular nesting site for sea turtles, so you might spot a sea turtle or two in the water and baby turtles on the sand.

How to Get to Playa Minas

It’s a bit of an adventure to reach Mina Beach, but it’s totally worth it.

By Car

Playa Minas is located half an hour from Playa Flamingo or 40 minutes from Tamarindo.

Once you turn off from the main road in Matapalo, the road is unpaved and can be riddled with potholes and deep puddles. Even in dry season, the road would not be appropriate for a low-clearance vehicle. 

We recommend having a 4×4 or high-clearance vehicle to get to this beach, especially in the rainy season. 

By Bus/Shuttle

If you’re travelling by public transport, you won’t be able to reach the beach directly by bus. The closest point on the bus network in Guanacaste is either Playa Conchal or Matapalo. 

You can take a shuttle bus from Liberia International Airport to Playa Conchal for $90. However, you’ll need to hire a 4×4 from there or join one of the ATV tours that go to Playa Mina, such as this 3-hour ATV tour to secluded beaches.

Parking at Playa Minas 

There isn’t a proper parking lot at the beach, but you can park anywhere at the end of the dirt road near some abandoned buildings. 

There are plenty of trees nearby, so you can park your vehicle away from the sun. The beach is then just a short walk in front. Playa Minas is one of the few untouched beaches in the area, so there is no security or infrastructure on site. As such, petty theft can be an issue, so be cautious and keep your valuables in the car out of site to avoid break-in attempts. 

Facilities at Playa Minas (<50 words)

Playa Minas has a remote paradise feel, away from the crowded beaches along the coast. This means you won’t find any services or amenities at the beach. The closest basic amenities and food can be found in Matapalo, a 20-minute drive away. 

So be sure to come prepared with sufficient water, snacks, and sunscreen. And remember, to leave no trace – be sure to carry your trash out when you leave. 

Things to Do at Playa Minas 

If you’re looking for a beautiful beach to spend a day in Guanacaste, here’s what to do at Playa Minas.

Relax on the Sand

The empty stretch of white sand along Playa Minas is perfect for relaxing in the sun. With a more secluded location compared to other beaches, it can often be completely devoid of tourists, making it a quiet place to escape to on the weekends. 

Swimming and Snorkeling in Playa Minas

The sparkling turquoise waters of the bay look very appealing for a swim. It’s usually a very calm bay, making it ideal for a quick dip when the sand gets too hot or even a snorkel if you bring your own gear.

There’s some coral around with tropical fish, plus the chance of seeing sea turtles or stingrays if you’re lucky. 

Be cautious to not swim out too far, and always keep an eye out for signs of rip currents. Even without a rip current, the ocean can be strong further out, so stick close to shore unless you are a very confident swimmer. 

Look out for Turtles

Playa Mina is not Guanacaste’s most popular turtle beach (for that, you’ll want to head to Playa Ostional or Playa Grande) but turtles do sometimes nest at Playa Mina around December to March. If you are lucky, you might spot them at sunset or sunrise, particularly around full moon and at high tide. 

Otherwise, throughout the day, you might come across turtle eggs or tracks in the sand when exploring the beach. Be sure you leave them alone and only observe from afar to avoid destroying their nests.

Watch the Wildlife

Aside from turtles, you might also find other wildlife around the beach. The trees behind the sand are often filled with howler monkeys, while it’s not uncommon to see iguanas, crabs and other creatures sunbathing on the sand. 

Go for a Hike

If staying on the beach seems boring, consider a lesser-known activity at Playa Minas and explore the area on foot. There are unmarked trails leading to the point on the south end of the beach, where you can take in absolutely breathtaking views of the bay. 

If you have time, you can even continue over to the next beach, Playa Nombre De Jesus, which is also known for nesting turtles.

FAQs 

Can you Swim at Playa Minas?

Yes, you can swim at Playa Minas. The ocean is generally calm in the protected cove, but it can become choppy with waves when the wind picks up. Strong currents can make it a little precarious for inexperienced swimmers or young kids, so always be aware of the conditions and your abilities. 

Can you Fish at Playa Minas? 

Locals sometimes head to Playa Minas to try fishing from the sand, but it’s not necessarily known as a good fishing spot. You can try to throw a line in, but it’s likely too shallow to catch any big fish. 

Can you Surf at Playa Minas?

The cove is too protected for waves to get big, so surfing is not really possible at Playa Mina. You’ll have more luck finding waves further south in areas like Tamarindo, Playa Avellanas, or Playa Negra. 

Is Playa Minas Safe for Families? 

Playa Minas is a great spot for families, as it offers plenty of shade for a picnic and beautiful sand to play and walk. The shallow water is fine for children to splash around, but the currents can be strong further out. 

READ NEXT: Guide to Visiting Playa Conchal

Where to Stay near Playa Minas 

Mid Range/Budget Hotel: Villas la Paz

The closest accommodation to Playa Minas, Villas La Paz, is located 2 km from the beach amongst the beautiful forest. This mid-range option is perfect for escaping the crowds at Playa Conchal. The hotel has a pool and fully self-contained villas that can sleep even in large groups.

Luxury Hotel: W Costa Rica Resort, Playa Conchal

If you prefer a bit more luxury, W Costa Rica Resort on Playa Conchal is just a 4.5 km drive from Playa Minas. It’s a stunning resort located on a beautiful beach that swells with day visitors from all over Guanacaste. The 4-star hotel has a range of rooms, some with sea views and balconies overlooking the outdoor pool area.

Where to Eat: Best Restaurants near Playa Minas 

There are very limited restaurants near Playa Minas, but plenty of options closer to Playa Conchal.

Zona Azul

Located inside the W Hotel, this poolside cafe overlooks the beach at Playa Conchal. You can enjoy sunset cocktails and a range of Mexican-inspired meals, including shrimp tacos, burritos, and ceviche. They offer vegan and vegetarian alternatives for many dishes as well.

Faisanela

This upscale Italian restaurant is located amidst the resorts of Playa Conchal. They serve a wide variety of seafood and meat dishes, with grilled mahi mahi, octopus and ribs being standouts. You can pop in for breakfast here, which is equally as delicious.

Bohemia Bar & Grill

An atmospheric restaurant in Huacas, Bohemia, serves up generous portions in a more relaxed environment. They’re well known for their seafood dishes, including Thai curry shrimp, grilled fish filet, and ceviche. Open for lunch and dinner only from 12pm until 9pm.

The Bottom Line 

An underrated beach on the other side of Playa Conchal, Playa Minas is a wonderful destination for a day trip in Guanacaste. You’ll likely find the beach completely deserted, with plenty of shade, clear water for swimming, and the chance of spotting a sea turtle.