Playa Hermosa Guanacaste – Guanacaste Region of Costa Rica

Hermosa, which means "beautiful" in Spanish, is an aptly named gray-sand beach that perches between two mountains. In fact there are two Playa Hermosas, the other being in the Central Pacific Coast near Jaco. Guanacaste's Playa Hermosa is situated between Playa del Coco

and Playa Panama, Hermosa is seldom as crowded as its neighbors. It is a fabulous getaway for those seeking quality relaxation. Most visitors bring a blanket and sunscreen to soak up Guanacaste's burning sun, and due to its calm surf, Hermosa is a favorite for swimmers

Hotels in Playa Hermosa Guanacaste

Things to Do

Getting to Playa Hermosa Guanacaste

Driving Distances

Arenal

181km

Monteverde

146km

Manuel Antonio

291km

Liberia

36km

Alajuela - SJO Int'l

230km

Tamarindo

72km

Nearby Attractions

Santa Rosa National Park

73km

Palo Verde National Park

96km

Rincon de la Vieja National Park

57km

367 Visitor Ratings

Culture

Experience

Nature

Representation

Safety

Touristy

While Hermosa Beach maintains an overall laidback atmosphere, it has grown as an epicenter of ongoing development. The town of Hermosa runs from north to south along its beachfront, becoming more sparsely populated toward the south. Large hotel complexes on the northern end head most construction in the area, while the south retains a more relaxed atmosphere.

Services in town are abundant, offering excellent shopping, food, bars, and tourist activities. The coast of Hermosa Beach is renowned for its outstanding marine fauna, and visitors can enjoy this ocean life through activities such as snorkeling, sport fishing, and Scuba Diving. Horseback riding along the beach is another great way for people to take in the beautiful surroundings.

Accommodations in Hermosa mostly cater to those seeking mid-range or luxury rooms. However, sparse budget rooms are also available. Hermosa Beach is a short 20-minute drive, along a paved road, from Liberia's Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport. A car trip or bus ride from San Jose takes approximately five hours along the Inter-American Highway.

A number of national parks lie within a short traveling distance from Hermosa Beach: Rincon de la Vieja National Park (Parque Nacional Rincon de la Vieja), Palo Verde National Park (Parque Nacional Palo Verde), and Santa Rosa National Park (Parque Nacional Santa Rosa). These parks provide a great opportunity to view wildlife and experience a few of Costa Rica's diverse ecosystems.

Rest and Relaxation Beach

Comments

"The beach is so clean! I walked around a little bit but there's not much going on in Playa Hermosa Guanacaste and I hope it stays that way! Very calm, very relaxing."

Jan 2013

"hadn't been to this area before, everyone was very friendly, awesome experiences with nature. great hotel."

Feb 2013

"We loved Playa Hermosa and we didn't want to ever leave. The resort was awesome. I hope one day we can come back to visit. All the staff were very friendly. Our hardest decision was what to eat for dinner."

Feb 2012

"Ginger's was closed, so we ended up at Bosque Del Mar for every meal. Got a ride to Playas Del Coco for the day from the hotel. Coco is overly commercial, but the Coconuts bar and the lovely owner at Ciao Bella were very friendly and helpful."

Oct 2012

"We were very happy to stay in Playa Hermosa. It is still pristine and quiet and one can enjoy walks in the beach. The restaurants were very good and we drove all over. We saw Coco Beach and enjoyed it but were glad that we can go back to quiet and beautiful Playa Hermosa!"

Jun 2012

"Mario's cuisine (we did write a review on Trip Advisor for Mario's), Ginger's, restaurant at Villa Sueno and as well a local eatery on the first beach road, that unfortunately I don't remember the name of. Liked the mixture of locals and tourists in this area - always felt safe. Lots of beaches within a short drive. Enjoyed quietness of Playa Hermosa, but convenience of being just a short drive/bus ride to larger Playa Coco with more conveniences. Enjoyed being treated to the antics of the howler monkeys and being greeted each morning by a very noisy rooster."

Feb 2012

"I cannot describe how beautiful Playa Hermosa is at night. "

Mar 2012

"Very very nice area. The beach is wonderful."

May 2012

"We enjoyed this area and took a sunset snorkel cruise which was a wonderful way to see the beach and the coastline. We loved the restaurant Ginger and the Hotel Playa Hermosa for lunch and arranging excursions."

Dec 2011

"Lovely little quiet community on the beach."

Feb 2012

"We felt very safe in this area. It is not particularly touristy but there are other tourists around. Almost no commercial businesses within a mile or so. I would definitely reccommend this area for perfect sunsets. The locals were very friendly and helpful. Our first experience in Costa Rica will be a cherished memory for the rest of our lives."

Sep 2011

"This area seems great for families or people who really just want to relax and stay in. There didn't seem to be too many restaurant choices here, or we didn't find them. It was a beautiful area though, so it just depends on what you are looking for in a vacation."

Nov 2010

"I recommend for all class of persons. And in playa hermosa does not have any places for fun only the beach.  You have to travel to Coco beach for nightlife."

Oct 2010

"I felt safe in this area for sure and no it was not touristy at all. The beach was great, never crowded and not many vendors on the beach. The locals were very friendly and always had a smile for us. We had a very positive experience in Costa Rica and this area Playa Hermosa. I feel the area was represented well and we did not go with any pre-conceived notions of the area. All in all a good time!!! Loved the weather....and the sunsets. "

Mar 2011