With dark sand and stunning sunsets, Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste has been given the prize of “Bandera Azul” for upholding high environmental standards as one of the cleanest beaches in the country. It has gorgeous scenery, surrounded by mountains and lush vegetation so if you’re looking for a quiet beach in Guanacaste, Playa Hermosa is a top choice. Below is our guide to visiting Playa Hermosa in Guanacaste.
*Post updated May 27, 2020.
Click the section to skip to it.
- Location and Directions
- Playa Hermosa Beach
- Restaurants in Playa Hermosa
- Playa Hermosa Hotels
- Things to do + day rips
- Shopping
- Nightlife
- Video
- Itineraries
Location
Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste Map
Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste is 25 kilometers (15 miles) from Liberia International Airport and 231 kilometers (143 miles) from San Jose International Airport. It is about a 30 minute drive from Liberia Airport and a 4 hour drive from San Jose Airport.
Directions
Driving: There are 2 ways to get from Liberia International Airport to Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste. You can take either route as they are both on paved roads and the time difference is not much at all, just a couple of minutes. The drive time is around 30 minutes. You can take Route 21, 253 and 254 or Route 21, 151 and 159. Either one is fine. You can find Playa Hermosa on Google Maps and Waze.
Shuttle: A private shuttle costs around $50-55 USD each way for 1-4 people and a taxi costs around $60 USD. From Playas del Coco, a taxi ride to Playa Hermosa costs about $15 USD each way.
Bus: There is a public bus from Liberia to Playa Hermosa and Playa Panama everyday at 4:50 AM, 730 AM, 830 AM, 930 AM, 1130 AM, 1 PM, 330 PM and 530 PM with Pulmitan company and takes 1.5 hours. From San Jose, there is a public bus everyday at 5 AM and 330 PM with Tralapa company that takes 6 hours.
There are two entrances to Playa Hermosa which you will see signs for (primera/segunda entrada). Either one is fine to go to. We usually go to the first one because it’s closer from Coco and had decent parking space. Remember if you drive to the beach, to lock your doors, roll up your windows and don’t leave any belongings visible in your car.
Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste Beach
Hermosa is a popular place to watch sunsets as you can get a full view of the sun going down for the day. The beach itself is calm, relaxed and immersed in nature because of the few amount of commercial businesses around.
The tide is fairly calm and since it rarely gets crowded, there is plenty of space underneath the trees to grab a spot. Stretching 2 kilometers (a little over a mile), dark grey sands contrast brilliantly with the blue waters and dark green vegetation. Hermosa beach’s chill and low key vibe makes it a favorite for visitors looking for a quiet vacation. Additionally, the cleanliness and friendliness of the locals makes this one a big favorite in Guanacaste.
However, it is not ideal for a young single traveler since there isn’t much here and it can get a little boring. It’s especially quiet with not much to do in the off season and low travel months like September and October as some restaurants and businesses close.
But for those looking for tranquility, solitude and a quiet beach, this is the place for you. Playa Hermosa is rightly named for what it means – truly a beautiful beach.
Restaurants in Playa Hermosa
Playa Hermosa doesn’t have a town center or a downtown but many of the restaurants and businesses are located on the main road. There are a couple nice restaurants and hotels on the beach and off the main road is the mini supermarket, restaurants, a laundry mat, apartment complexes and real estate offices.
Most of the restaurants serve international and local food.
- Ginger: Asian fusion
- Roberto’s Bar & Restaurante
- Aqua Sport: On the beach with bar and local food
- Papa Hog’s Smokehouse: barbecue, a bit pricey
- Pescado Loco Bar and Restaurant: excellent seafood
Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste Hotels
Hermosa is well known for having some of the nicest houses and condos in the area. You can find many residential communities such as Palo Alto, Monte Paraiso and Hermosa Heights that have giant houses with a spectacular view overlooking all of Hermosa Bay. Check out Airbnb and VRBO if you would like a luxury home rental. (Get $40 in Airbnb credit here).
Depending on what you are looking for, there are many hotels in Playa Hermosa that provide comfortable and clean rooms to accommodate to your budget and needs. Here are the top hotels in and around Playa Hermosa.
- Villas Sol Hotel & Beach Resort – they mostly do time shares but you can stay in the rooms. They are a resort with a couple of pools and a beautiful view of both Playa Panama and Hermosa. They have a range of budget standard rooms to fully furnished condos. They offer an all-inclusive option. Right on the beach.
- Hotel Condovac La Costa – This is another very nice resort on Playa Hermosa with a pool, great view and is beach front, right next to Villas Sol.
- Bosque del Mar – This is a very beautiful hotel on the beach. It’s a nice option if you don’t want to be in a resort or in a hotel with hundreds of rooms like Villas Sol or Condovac as this one is smaller and quieter.
- La Gaviota Tropical: Beach front, small hotel with rooftop pool.
- Hotel El Valero: Boutique hotel on the beach, clean, reasonable prices. Has a restaurant.
- Hotel Mangaby – Excellent budget option close to the beach
- Congos Hostel – Hostel on the beach, good for backpackers and solo travelers. They also have a camping area.
Things to do in Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste
Whether you just want to lay in the sun or be out in the water, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy at Playa Hermosa. The best things to do in Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste are watching the sunset, happy hour on the beach, kayaking and swimming.
Being a more tranquil beach, it is the perfect place to enjoy some relaxation time with loved ones. Sunsets here are spectacular!
From Playa Hermosa, you can also book organized activities such as fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling and beach hopping in the Gulf of Papagayo.
Some popular day trips from Hermosa are Guachipelin combo tour, Diamante Adventure Park, Nicaragua one day tour and Arenal. There are several national parks in the area perfect for day trips such as Rincon de la Vieja, Palo Verde and Rio Celeste (Tenorio Volcano). If you don’t rent a car, you can book tours with transportation from Hermosa included. For day trips, you can check our post on day trips from Playas del Coco (which works for Playa Hermosa too).
Shopping
There aren’t any big full service supermarkets in Playa Hermosa proper. There is a small convenience store called Super Luperon that has basics and produce. If you want to pick up lots of groceries, it is best to go to the supermarkets in Playas del Coco. You can also go to the Walmart/supermarket in Santa Rosa Plaza in Liberia after you land at the airport.
Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste Nightlife
Aqua Sport is a great place on Hermosa beach for nightlife as they have happy hour, live music, sunset drinks, swings, lounge and a beach volleyball net. However, for more options, head to Playas del Coco for nightlife. Playas del Coco has many more bars, restaurants and places to dance, enjoy live music, good food and happy hour.
Video
Check out our video of Playa Hermosa in Guanacaste to see more!
Sample Itineraries
Here are some ideas of visiting Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste.
- One week in Costa Rica Itinerary: Stay in Playa Hermosa instead of Playas del Coco. Also has a few days in La Fortuna (volcano + rainforest). Get around by renting a car.
- Two weeks in Costa Rica itinerary: Same as above. Stay in Playa Hermosa instead of Coco. Itinerary also includes Santa Teresa (beach), La Fortuna and Monteverde (cloud forest) by renting a car.
Some people only have 4-5 full days in Costa Rica. It is possible to use Playa Hermosa as your homebase without renting a car. You will just have to book tours with transportation.
- Day 1: Land in airport, take private shuttle to hotel
- Day 2: Full day fishing/snorkeling/beach hopping in Gulf of Papagayo (pick up from Hermosa beach). Other options are scuba diving at Bat Islands or surfing at Witch’s Rock.
- Day 3: Sleep in, taxi to Playas del Coco in afternoon to souvenir shop, walk around town, happy hour, sunset drinks
- Day 4: Full day trip to Diamante Eco Adventure Park for ziplining and animals, Hacienda Guachipelin for ziplining, hot springs and horseback riding or Rio Celeste to hike
- Day 5: Relax. Or if you’re up for it, book another day trip like Nicaragua 1 day or Arenal 1 day.
- Day 6: Fly out, transportation via private shuttle
However, if you want to explore, are staying at a vacation rental or just want more freedom, you should rent a car for your trip. And for this area, you can get by with a sedan, you don’t necessarily need a 4wd or 4×4.
Want to read about more beaches in Costa Rica? Here you go!
Or read our guide to the best beaches in Guanacaste.
Naomi says
Are there no public buses from Playa Hermosa to Playas Del Coco?
I see them pass my accommodation but today I discovered they go to Liberia and not to Coco, just ten minutes away?
My google searches have been unhelpful and I fail to read or speak Spanish-I am trying to learn since here indefinitely, but not enough to help me.
Sammi says
To my knowledge there is a bus that goes from Liberia to Playa Panama and it does stop by Hermosa on the main road but I don’t believe it goes to Playas del Coco. I did hear there was a bus from Coco to Hermosa/Panama 3 times a day but I’m not 100% positive or know the times. I would join the Expats in Playas del Coco Facebook group or Costa Rica by Bus facebook group to check.
Todd Madsen says
Do you remember was parking pretty easy? Street parking or anything else?
Sammi says
Parking is easy, just street parking there.
Brenda says
We are planning our first trip to Costa Rica! Flying into Libera and renting a car for 8 days.
Our plans include a couple of beach days (one fishing) – a day to Rio Celeste, a day in Rinion De Viego and possible a day in Palo Verde….. Looking for great hikes to waterfalls, and lots of animals – with a canopy tour as well.
Two questions:
1) would it be better to stay in Plays Hermosa or Del Coco? We are 4 life long friends – but like more nature than ‘night life’.
2) Would it be better to stay the 7 nights in the same place and day trip to Rio Celeste & Palo Verde, or stay a couple of night in each place? We don’t want to spend all of our time on the road, but worried about having all of our stuff ‘locked’ in the rental car while we enjoy the day at the excursions.
Thoughts??
Sammi says
Hi Brenda, if you want night life and more restaurants and things, then Coco. If you want more quiet, then Hermosa. You’ll have a car so you can go into Coco one night if you want to check it out and then sleep in Hermosa which is way quieter, more low key.
For just one week, I would use Hermosa/Coco as your base and do day trips, way easier!
Melisa says
Hi! Your blog is super helpful, my mom has recommended it to me.
Wondering if it is possible to rent SUP boards here? Let me know!
Sammi says
Hi! I think so. I am not positive but you can message Aqua Sport and see if they have SUP boards too.
Sammi says
Hi Hollie, you can read more about grocery stores in Costa Rica here: Costa Rica grocery stores and if you’re going to be in Hermosa, then you will need to go to Coco for the big supermarkets. There is only one small supermarket in Hermosa called Luperon.
Hollie says
Would love to hear your experience with grocery shopping and preparing food in Playa hermosa. Please email me at hollie_taylor@yahoo.com Thanks!
Uliana says
Hola! Great Resource! Me and my husband are planning a trip to hermosa/coco area first two weeks of February. Last November we stayed in Osa peninsula and fell in love with Costa Rica. We rented a car, which we definitely needed, since our house was high in the mountains. This time we are looking for a location that will be explorable by foot and occasional taxi. Please let me know if that is a possibility in the area. And any other suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Should we go ahead with airbnb or are there other options? How will the weather be for our pedestrian exploration this time of the Year? Is there car rental nearby if we do decide to rent for a couple of days? Thank you.
Sammi says
Hi Uliana, I’d look into Coco as there are many airbnbs in town that are walking distance to the beach and town. Hermosa is a bit further and you can taxi to Coco if you want to but it adds up (it’ll be around $15 one way from Coco to Hermosa) and Hermosa doesn’t really have a town like Coco does. Some of the popular airbnbs in Coco are in Las Palmas and Pacifico. There are car rentals in COco town and we have a partnership with Adobe Rent a Car where our readers get free drop off and pick up to their place in Coco free of charge. You can check prices or make a reservation here: Costa Rica car rental discount
Christian says
Good morning again, Sammi and Yeison,
Another quick question in regards to fishing; I know Yeison has been out in the Kayak in Bahia Coco, but is there any action in Bahia Hermosa, for fishing (not on a panga or other charter)?
I’ve also read that fishing from the beach is less than stellar, due to the water not having much structure, thus is there anywhere on Playa Hermosa specifically, where there *is* a bit of structure, such as rocks, coral or anything else? (through satellite, I can see a few rocks on the Northeastern part of the beach).
I know Papagayo Bay doesn’t have many (if any) rivermouths, thus the beach fishing is not as stellar as Tamarindo area and further south.
Many, many thanks for your help and time, as always 🙂
Sammi says
I’ve never really seen that many people fishing from the beach on Hermosa, Hermosa isn’t as good due to its location in the Gulf, there are some rocks but not much else. Sometimes waves there can get super choppy and wild. But tons of people fish from the beach in Coco and Ocotal and I’ve seen locals catch huge fish there just from a string and reel.
Christian says
Your advice and information is prompt and super useful, as always.
Many thanks! 🙂
Sammi says
You’re very welcome!
Sammi says
Hi Luisa, that supermarket has pretty much everything for groceries, but if you want some more selection, you can go to Playas del Coco as they have 4 big supermarkets and a ton of stuff. You don’t need to go to Liberia, Coco is just a 10 minute drive away.
Luisa says
Hi, we will be at playa hermosa for 1 week in January. For groceries, should we take a taxi to Liberia or is the local store enough? Thanks
SOPHIE says
Great Website! Very usefull
We will be in Playa Hermosa in late December for the first week of a two weeks trip.
We are a family of five, all adults, and four of us are divers. So, we are planning some diving nearby… if possible.
Do you recommand some dive center there?
Sammi says
Hi! There are several in Playas del COco very close to Hermosa. Rich coast diving is an excellent company as well as Deep Blue.
Luis says
Hi, I am going to be staying at Villas Sol November 25-27. I wanted to know what you would recommend for nice sunset cruise or a place with a niew view if you wanted to propose? Any ideas would be helpful.
Sammi says
Hi Luis, there are some sunset catamaran cruises you can take that are really nice like Marlin del Rey. If you have a car, there is a hill between Hermosa and Coco that has an amazing view of both beaches but if you don’t, the sunset cruise is a great way to go 🙂 If you’d like a private sunset cruise, we can help you arrange that and you can email us on our contact page, but if you don’t mind going with some other people, the Marlin del Rey catamaran cruise is one of the nicest in the area.
Sammi says
If you want clear blue water, then I suggest going to Flamingo or Conchal. You can read our Conchal beach guide here: Playa Conchal and Flamingo beach guide here: Playa Flamingo guide . Those two beaches are known for having white sand and clear waters. Most of the main beaches like Coco, Hermosa, Tamarindo and Brasilito don’t have blue clear water like the Caribbean.
May is around the beginning of rainy season but in Guanacaste, rainy season comes later. You can read about Costa Rica weather here: Costa Rica weather
You will most certainly be able to do beach activities, May doesn’t rain as much since rainy season hasn’t quite begun in Guanacaste and even in the peak of rainy season, it is usually bright and sunny in the mornings and rains in the afternoon. You can read our packing for rainy season post here to be prepared: Rainy season packing list Costa Rica
Monica says
Hi! planning a trip for early May and your website is SUPER helpful!! we are a group of 4 girls mid twenties- not necessarily needing nightlife. was wondering, in your opinion,- which is the best beach relatively close to Liberia airport? important to us would be the quality of the beach- clear, blue water, etc. we plan on hopefully staying at an airbnb by the chosen beach.
also- i know may is beginning of rainy season, correct? is it wishful thinking that we will actually get to enjoy the beach/ activities such as a boat trip?
Thanks!!
Sammi says
Rincon de la Vieja National Park is closest and most accessible. You can read about it here: Rincon de la Vieja National Park. Palo Verde National Park is also nice: Palo Verde National Park and there is also Santa Rosa National Park which is harder to get to but also very nice.
Wade Lewis says
Thanks so much for the information. We will be staying at Hotel Valero without a car. Is there a tour agency you could recommend I contact once I get there to take us to some of these parks?
Sammi says
You’re welcome and absolutely. We recommend Shaman Tours – it is run by a Costa Rican naturalist guide and he can take you for guided hikes to any of the parks (the Palo Verde is a boat ride). He is incredibly knowledgeable about nature and wildlife in Costa Rica, we always go with him with my friends and family. His name is Randall and you can email him here: shamantours@live.com Feel free to let him know we sent you 🙂
Wade Lewis says
Hello, my wife and I are leaving for Playa Hermosa in a few days for the week. We are very excited! I am very much of a naturalist and am dying to go into jungle and just take it all in. What parks or reserves would you recommend? thanks so much.
yeison says
Hello Megan our friend Marcy does the best tours you can check his services here: Playas del Coco boating
Megan says
Hi, your site has been very helpful for planning our trip! My boyfriend and I will be in Playa Hermosa for 1 day/night at the end of our trip in mid-March, and I am wondering if there is a half day sailing/snorkeling/boat tour that you recommend that is in the afternoon but not a sunset tour? We probably won’t arrive there until noon, so we can’t do an early morning trip. If not from Hermosa, maybe there is one from Coco?
Sammi says
For local food, you have to go to a soda (small usually open air, typical restaurants). But that area, Hermosa/Panama/Coco/Ocotal is pretty touristic. We do have one soda in Coco that we love called Los Pelones which is the most typical soda you can find. All of the local workers eat there but since it’s in Coco, there are tourists too. However, Yeison’s COsta RIcan and he loves that soda and that’s as local of an experience as you can get in the area. You can read more about it here: Costa Rica soda local restaurant
But if you want to go somewhere where NO tourists go at all, then you’ll need to go to the local communities like Sardinal or Communidad. But honestly, the food and experience won’t be much different, if at all. The food won’t be any more amazing and it’ll be about the same experience when it comes down to it. But to try local food, look for places called a “SODA” you’ll see signs everywhere like “soda tica” “Soda mono” or something like that.
Lynsey says
Thank you so much for your reply!!
Your website has been a great help for planning our trip away. I will look out for the Soda signs!
Thank you
Lynsey says
Hello, your blog is excellent!
We are visiting Playa Hermosa next month. My husband and I love finding restaurants that are off the beaten track with the best local food. Do you have any restaurant recommendations that are worth hiring a car and travelling to? away from the tourist spots. 🙂 greatly appreciate any tips.
Thanks so much
John says
I’ll be staying in Playa Hermosa next month and may go sport fishing one day. Do you recommend I make reservations to fish or can I charter a boat off the beach when I want to fish?
Sammi says
I highly recommend booking a fishing tour before, March is very busy, especially the last two weeks since it is Semana Santa (Easter week) and that is peak season because all the locals have vacation too
MAC IV says
Hello, I read the previous Q&A on the page, very informative! You stated that Playa Hermosa does not have a ‘downtown’, does it have a strip or street that my wife would be able to shop at? We will be staying at the Occidental Grand Papagayo Hotel.
Sammi says
Hermosa lies on just one road, and there aren’t really any shops or souvenir stores there. There’s a small supermarket, a laundry wash, a butcher and I think one small clothing store but there’s really not much in Hermosa. On the beach are more restaurants. You should go to Playas del Coco for all your souvenir shopping as there are plenty of stores there.
Sammi says
Hi Suzanne, honestly the snorkeling at Hermosa is not good. The water is dark and not very clear. The best place close to go snorkeling is at the smaller beaches. This one is one of our favorites: Playa Buena right next to the Occidental Papagayo, close to Hermosa/Panama. This beach is a small beautiful white sand beach and has a really nice area by the left with lots of rocks, great for snorkeling.
Suzanne says
Hi there,
We are traveling to a home in Playa Hermosa. For the week of Dec 10th, soon! How is the snorkeling right off the beach? Also, where is the best place close by to go snorkeling, we are bringing our own gear?
Jeff says
We are a gay couple thinking of spending our last couple of nights in Costa Rica in Playa Hermosa. Do you think this is a safe, tolerant area for low key, respectful gay couples?
Sammi says
Hi Jeff! Yes for sure – Hermosa doesn’t have a downtown so it’s a quieter more upscale area but still has a good chunk of tourists. You guys would love it, it has some really nice restaurants on the beach, live music on certain nights and the sunsets there are beautiful. And it’s the beach – people are very open here! 🙂
Sammi says
Hi Adam,
You can check out our whole list of things to do in Costa Rica here
50 things to do in Costa Rica
Depending on how adventurous or what your kids want to do, some suggestions are the Palo Verde boat ride (nice calm boat ride with wildlife watching), sunset sailing (snorkeling/sailing/swimming), Congo Canopy Trail (ziplining/monkeys).
Adam says
We will be visiting the area and staying in a Penthouse Condo at Mariner’s Point in July…
Looking for some ideas we can do with kids….please feel free to shoot me anything! We have kids in our group ranging from 1-7. Thanks!!
Adam
Sandy says
I just happened on your site. We are at playas de hermosa right now. Love your in site. Thanks
yeison says
Hi Sandy Pura Vida, We are very happy to heard that let us if we can help on anything have a great day !
JACK says
I would like some information about condos in the area,costs for a month. Only need one bedroom.
Sammi says
Hi Jack, you should contact palms Real estate. They’ll have all the info you need 🙂