Things to do in Playa Hermosa

Things to do in  Playa Hermosa

Hiya, la playa

Tucked in along Costa Rica’s shimmering Pacific coast, the small town of Playa Hermosa—”Beautiful Beach”—is often billed as the calmer alternative to the bustle of nearby Playas del Coco. Its primary stretch of shoreline, tinted light gray with volcanic sands, is a family-friendly place to paddle, with snorkeling trips, catamaran cruises, and sport-fishing excursions among the top things to do in Playa Hermosa. Part of the town’s charm is also its proximity to many of Guanacaste Province’s inland attractions, including Rincón de la Vieja, Santa Rosa, Guanacaste, and Palo Verde National Parks.

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Top 5 attractions in Playa Hermosa

#1

Llanos de Cortés Waterfall

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Llanos de Cortés is one of Costa Rica’s most scenic waterfalls, just a short drive from Liberia, a city more commonly used as a jumping-off point for the country’s Pacific beaches, rather than jungle swimming holes. The waterfall is about 40 feet (12 meters) tall and 50 feet (15 meters) wide and creates a gorgeous veil of white water streaming over the rocks.More
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#2

Rio Negro Hot Springs

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Nestled in the lush interior of Rincon de la Vieja National Park, these rustic hot springs are fed by a naturally heated river that flows from a nearby volcanic peak. Slather on the mineral-rich mud, and then soak it off in a variety of steam pools, all while surrounded by the untamed Costa Rican rain forest.More
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#3

Diamante Eco Adventure Park

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A one-stop shop for adventurers of all ages looking to get their adrenaline fix, Diamante Eco Adventure Park features one of Costa Rica’s longest zipline courses. If that’s not quite your thing, choose from an abundance of other activities, including all-terrain vehicle excursions, horseback riding, and water sports—or just marvel at the sweeping ocean views.More
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#4

Miravalles Volcano

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Towering above Costa Rica’s northwestern plains, Miravalles Volcano is the highest peak in the Guanacaste province. The dormant peak’s microclimate makes it one of the best birdwatching spots in Costa Rica, while its refreshingly cool air offers respite from the tropical humidity of the nearby beaches.More
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#5

Dino Park Blue River

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Travel back to a time when dinosaurs roamed the earth at Costa Rica’s one-of-a-kind amusement park, where animatronic dinosaurs inhabit the leafy jungle. Moving, life-size replicas of the giant creatures are a hit with kids and the young at heart, while a nearby hot springs resort offers a way to relax after your prehistoric adventure.More
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Top activities in Playa Hermosa

Catamaran Snorkeling & Sunset Sailing Tour

Catamaran Snorkeling & Sunset Sailing Tour

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208
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$110.50
Diamante Eco Adventure Park Day Pass with Lunch

Diamante Eco Adventure Park Day Pass with Lunch

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868
From
$138.00
Guachipelin Adventure Volcano Zipline Horseback River Tubing Combo

Guachipelin Adventure Volcano Zipline Horseback River Tubing Combo

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805
From
$135.00
4 in 1 rain forest, blue river, volcano mud bath and hot springs

4 in 1 rain forest, blue river, volcano mud bath and hot springs

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2
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$300.00
Whitewater Rafting Class III and IV

Whitewater Rafting Class III and IV

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67
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$103.29
Catamaran Sailing & Snorkeling from Playa Hermosa

Catamaran Sailing & Snorkeling from Playa Hermosa

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31
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$110.50
Tropical Rainforest, Hanging Bridges And Jungle Sloths Sanctuary

Tropical Rainforest, Hanging Bridges And Jungle Sloths Sanctuary

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$179.00
Llanos del Cortez Waterfall and Coffee Tour from Guanacaste

Llanos del Cortez Waterfall and Coffee Tour from Guanacaste

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12
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$155.00
Liberia Airpot (LIR) to Riu Palace / Guanacaste (Roundtrip)

Liberia Airpot (LIR) to Riu Palace / Guanacaste (Roundtrip)

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43
From
$147.00
per group
Beginner Diving Lesson (2 Days) with Two Tank Dives in Guanacaste

Beginner Diving Lesson (2 Days) with Two Tank Dives in Guanacaste

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$180.00
Sensoria: Rainforest Land of Senses Walking and Thermals Tour

Sensoria: Rainforest Land of Senses Walking and Thermals Tour

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42
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$145.00
Palo Verde National Park River Safari Boat Tour

Palo Verde National Park River Safari Boat Tour

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54
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$120.00
Full Day to Selvatura Monteverde Cloud Forest from Guanacaste

Full Day to Selvatura Monteverde Cloud Forest from Guanacaste

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13
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$261.79
Tenorio Rain Forest Hanging Bridges & Sloth Encounter

Tenorio Rain Forest Hanging Bridges & Sloth Encounter

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$285.00
ATV Tour from Guanacaste

ATV Tour from Guanacaste

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17
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$65.00
Rainforest sloth observatory hiking & Chocolate- Coffee tour+ lunch
Special Offer

Rainforest sloth observatory hiking & Chocolate- Coffee tour+ lunch

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3
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$256.50
$270.00  $13.50 savings
Full Day Sport Fishing Tour from Flamingo Beach

Full Day Sport Fishing Tour from Flamingo Beach

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$1,589.75
per group
Zip line, Hot Springs, horses and More Aventure.

Zip line, Hot Springs, horses and More Aventure.

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76
From
$158.00
Hanging Bridges and Nature Preserve at Tenorio volcano

Hanging Bridges and Nature Preserve at Tenorio volcano

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4
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$167.00
Volcano-Waterfall and Hot Springs Combo ( Private)

Volcano-Waterfall and Hot Springs Combo ( Private)

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145
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$180.00
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All about Playa Hermosa

When to visit

Playa Hermosa truly lives up to the "beautiful" in its name with a looker of a long, crescent-shaped beach. The weather here is generally agreeable throughout the year, though the high season coincides with the dry season, from December through April. The rainy season is typically less crowded (and also more affordable), with rainfall peaking in September. Playa Hermosa is also a popular surfing destination, and major championships are held here at the end of August.

Getting around

Traveling by public bus from Liberia Guanacaste International Airport to Playa Hermosa generally takes about half an hour, while taxis are even quicker. Playa Hermosa itself is quite walkable, but if you want to explore the wider region—including neighboring beach towns and nearby national parks—it’s wise to use a rental car. Otherwise, catamaran sailing tours, full-day excursions into nature, and guided snorkeling trips offer ways to see the region.

Traveler tips

The water at Playa Hermosa is usually comfortably warm, but take caution: The beach’s strong riptides can be hazardous. For calmer waters, take a quick drive to more sheltered destinations such as Playa Flamingo. However, these currents and breaks make Playa Hermosa an internationally renowned sailing destination, and amateur and professional surfers put on a regular and entertaining spectacle on the beach.

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People Also Ask

What is Playa Hermosa known for?

Playa Hermosa—which translates to “beautiful beach”— is well-named. Its 1.2 miles (1.9 kilometers) of sand stretch before you, and you can shelter from the sun under its many palm trees. The water stays warm and the waves are gentle, making it perfect for a family vacation.

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Is Playa Hermosa good for swimming?

Yes, with its clear, warm water and calm conditions, Playa Hermosa invites you to spend the day splashing in the ocean. The beach is also known for its scuba-diving and snorkeling spots, so you can try out a new activity if you’re feeling adventurous.

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Are there monkeys in Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica?

Howler monkeys are a common sight in Playa Hermosa. These large monkeys can often be seen hanging out in the tropical forest along the coastline. You may be startled by the noise—howler monkeys are aptly named, and their roar is surprisingly loud.

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Is Playa Hermosa near Tamarindo?

Playa Hermosa is about 40 miles (64 kilometers) away from Tamarindo. If you don’t have a car, several buses and shuttle routes run frequently.

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What is Playa Hermosa like in Costa Rica?

Playa Hermosa is an idyllic, waterfront paradise. The endless beach is tinted gray from volcanic sand, and the warm blue waters welcome swimmers and scuba divers. Restaurants have popped up along the coastline, while the laid-back village offers a range of accommodations.

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Are there 2 Playa Hermosa’s in Costa Rica?

Yes, Playa Hermosa in Guanacaste is known for its long beach and calm waters, while Playa Hermosa in Puntarenas is famous for its surfing scene. The latter hosts surfing competitions and welcomes surfers from around the world to challenge themselves on its steep breaks.

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Frequently Asked Questions
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