Playa Penca in Guanacaste, Costa Rica used to be a hidden, white sand beach in the Gulf of Papagayo.
It’s close to Playas del Coco and before 2020, not even many locals had visited this beach.
We discovered this beach while kayaking in 2012, and it quickly became one of our favorites, with its white-ish sand, clear turquoise water and calm waters.
Unfortunately, this beach is no longer a secret.
As of 2025, the Waldorf Astoria Punta Cacique finished construction and opened its door for business. They built a massive resort on this mountain.
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Location
Playa Penca is on the peninsula between Playas del Coco and Playa Hermosa. This beach is also known to locals as Playa Penca Punta Cacique.
It is the beach where the Waldorf Astoria Punta Cacique is now.
How to Get to Playa Penca
The best way is to drive to the resort.
All beaches in Costa Rica are public and you can tell the guard you want to go to the beach and they have to let you into the guest access.
You aren’t allowed into the resort property but there are steps down the mountain for the public to go to the beach.
Boat: You can also take a boating tour from Playas del Coco. We love going beach hopping and snorkeling in the Gulf of Papagayo and we sometimes stop by Penca.
4×4 required?
No.
Now with the hotel, they have created a road and parking lot.
The Beach
*These photos were from before the resort was built, from years 2012-2020.*
Walking down the path to Playa Penca makes you feel like you’re in the middle of the true unspoiled Costa Rican jungle.
There’s no paved road, there are no facilities or anything on the beach. The views are beautiful, especially in rainy season when the hills turn an intense lush green!
We like to put up a hammock, bring some cold drinks and lay down towels for a relaxing beach day at Penca.
We always bring our friends and family here and they love it! This is one of my favorite beaches in Guanacaste hands down and one of my favorite hidden beaches in Guanacaste!
The entire hill has actually been owned by someone for many years (rumor is Bill Gates).
Now in 2025, the Waldorf Astoria Punta Cacique has completed their construction and is open.
Video of Playa Penca in Guanacaste
Here’s an aerial video we took of Playa Penca. This was taken in July 2017.
Enjoy seeing what this beach used to look like before the resort was built.
Sue Murray says
We went today and the view driving in is amazing!! We came from Playa Potrero and there are portions of hwy 911 that I really thought we’d taken a wrong turn. Very rough rock road!!! But we did it and it was all part of the fun. Some of these comments date back to 2017, so just wanted to mention that there does’t seem to be any new building there as of yet. It’s a small beach. You’re not going there for a long walk, but the view is stunning and so worth it. Great day.
Natalia says
I visited Costa Rica in June and went to Playa Penca after reading about it on your website. It was an amazing beach and I’d like to thank you for your recommendation :). Unfortunately most of the area behind it had been fenced and deforested, probably a hotel/resort will be built very close the beach. So Penca will soon no longer be a hidden gem :(.
Sammi says
Hi Natalia, we heard that too 🙁 That’s a shame since it’s such a beautiful beach and it was best when it was more under the radar. So sad to hear they cut down trees, there used to be so many howler monkey troops up there!
ana says
Nice pics love Costa Rica! , this beach is Playa Prieta.
saludos,
Sammi says
Thank you! Prieta is on the other side by Sugar beach 🙂 Locals call this one Penca
Monica says
hi! when you say its a 30 minute kayak ride- where is that from? can you kayak from playa hermosa? are there kayaks available for rent in playa hermosa?
Sammi says
We kayaked from Playas del Coco, you can rent kayaks in Hermosa on the beach
Sasha says
I just drove to Playa Penca a couple of days ago, and I can confirm that an SUV with a high clearance is a must. The drive doesn’t take long, but there are some big potholes.
Then, while relaxing on the beach I noticed some small boats that I saw anchored at Playa Hermosa bringing people to and from Playa Penca. I specifically remember “El Tio Tio”. I don’t know if they were bringing friends or you can just pay for the ride, but it doesn’t hurt to ask.
Sammi says
Hi Sasha! Yep some holes are pretty big! We made it the first time with our 4 door sedan but couldn’t do it after that, had to get our 4X4. A lot of boats pass through that beach, I know the Coco Water Taxi and other boating tours stop by 🙂
Emily says
This is so cool to get a bird’s eye view of the beaches and water! This is the way of the peaceful drone 😉
Sammi says
Agreed! It is really cool to see things from a different perspective
Angelica says
I love finding hidden beaches or those that no one knows about. Thanks for sharing your find!
Sammi says
Me too! Glad you enjoyed it!
Michael Orobona says
I think my main view there would be the back of my eyelids.
I can feel the tropical breeze…
Sammi says
Haha me too. I miss it!
Aldous Calubad (@team_aldous) says
Wow, talk about living life to the fullest. I hope one day I can take an aerial video of a nice place like that. =)
yeison says
Thanks Aldous, for sure you will ^^