BEACHES
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 16 hours ago
Our guests are keen to know all about the beaches in our town. After all, if you travel to a beach town, you wanna know where the beaches are! Driving every beach is 10 minutes or less away. There is one tiny cove beach you can walk to - we'll get to that further in the post.
Main Beach
The main beach, Playa Espadilla, is one of the most beautiful beaches in the country. 2.5 km long with a gorgeous south-west facing view starting near the entrance of the Park at the east (furthest) end to the more remote west end, favored by surfers.
The east end is easily accessed by the local bus that passes by every 15-20 minutes. There you’ll find all kinds of water diversions like jet skis, surf and boogie board rentals, parasailing, as well as beach chairs and umbrellas. It is also perfect for magnificent sunset views. You'll know you are there once you see a small village with restaurants and a small minimart.
West End of Playa Espadilla
The street at the 'T 'intersection at Cafe Milagro goes all the way down to two excellent beaches. 1/2 a kilometer down take a left turn at the dirt road, follow it at the west end of Playa Espadilla. Best to drive in a 4x4 vehicle. It’s a good nature walk although it’s a steep hill. Once at the beach, you can walk it further west, over the rocks at the end and find a hidden beach called Playitas.
Or, continue on the paved road veering to the right for another 1/2 kilometer and just past Shana Hotel look for a small path taking you to Playa Biesanz. A hidden beach in a quiet cove. Also another spectacular nature walk. 4 other beautiful beaches are contained within.
Manuel Antonio National Park Beaches
Inside our National Park is where you'll find Playas Manuel Antonio, Espadilla Sur, Teloro, and Escondito. It is roughly an hour-long hike from Espadilla to the top of Punta Catedral (100m). Both Manuel Antonio and Espadilla Sur contain tidal pools for snorkeling. There is an entrance fee to the park. To get there, take the local bus south to the park entrance. I recommend using the bus, even though you might have a car. Parking is pretting chaotic.
Playa La Vaca
For the closest little beach drive past Ronny’s restaurant down to the gate at the end where you’ll have to park. Continue on foot through the gate and walk for another 10 minutes to the small, special cove beach called Playa La Vaca.Go out to the main road, turn right and then almost immediately left. Go past Ronny’s restaurant down to the gate at the end where you’ll park. Continue on foot through the gate and walk for another 10 minutes to the small special cove beach called Playa La Vaca. This hike is approximately 25-30 minutes and while it's mostly dowhill going to the beach, be prepared for the uphill hike to get home. Along the way you'll see some lovely homes.
Playa La Macha
Playa La Macha is tucked in a little cove between Quepos and Manuel Antonio. There is no direct road access to the beach, which is what makes it so secluded. The entrance to the trailhead is near the Bongo Hotel on the old road. You can find the spot on Google Maps.
This might not sound like a long hike to an experienced hiker, but trust me, it's not for the faint of heart. This is about a 40 minute hike and more difficult in the rain.
Playa Cocal
Access this finger of land via a 5 minute ferry ride from Boca La Vieja - a neighborhood adjacent to downtown Quepos. Rarely visited except for those volunteering in the effort of turtle conservation. The beach is long and lovely.
HANDY MAP TO ALL THE BEACHES
We want to thank https://costa-rica-guide.com/ for this wonderful map. It is from 2012, so some of the places identified here have changed hands and have new names.
We know you're an adventurer since that's what brought you here in the first. This map is just a beginning to your journey.
Comments