Potrero’s affordable lodging options, low key atmosphere and excellent location makes it a wonderful homebase in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. From Potrero, you can visit many beautiful beaches, including this one, Playa Penca.
Here is our visit to the local beach, Playa Penca to help you plan your trip. We highly recommend a visit to this beach if you’re staying in Potrero and you’ll see why soon!
Location and Map
Playa Penca (Potrero)
How to Get To Playa Penca in Potrero
You can find it on Google Maps or Waze as Playa Penca. Just make sure you choose the one by Potrero. There is another Playa Penca by Playas del Coco.
4×4 required?
No.
Parking
There is an area to park right by the entrance of the beach. This isn’t a secure parking lot so make sure not to leave valuables in the car, roll up your windows and lock your doors.
Services
No public bathrooms, wash rooms, changing rooms or picnic tables/benches. Make sure to bring everything: umbrella, chairs, food, drinks, etc.
When we went, there was a local there selling cold coconut waters at the parking lot.
Penca Beach (Potrero)
Playa Penca is a gorgeous beach. If you first go to Playa Potrero, you’ll notice it has really dark sand and waters but Penca has soft tan sand with blue waters.
We visited beginning of March on a Wednesday morning and there were only a handful of people there. One local family and a few tourists.
Definitely make sure to bring lots of sunscreen and water/drinks if you go! The sand was super hot by noon when we were there so be careful not to burn yourself. By noon, the temperature was already 36 Celsius or 96 F!
The waves were a bit strong near the entrance of the beach but it was much calmer on the northern end (to the right) so you can swim over there.
This is one of our favorite beaches in the area and it’s amazing how different the beaches are in Costa Rica. Playa Potrero isn’t the most picturesque beach but Penca is just lovely. It’s crazy how they’re literally right next to each other but with completely different characteristics!
You can see that with its soft tan sand and bright waters why Playa Penca is a local favorite. If you’re staying in the Flamingo, Brasilito, Las Catalinas or Conchal areas, Playa Penca is a must.
Playa Penca Video
We made a short video of Penca beach and other nice beaches you can visit nearby. Check it out below!
In the video, we go to Playa Penca (this beach), Sugar Beach, Playa Prieta, Playa Danta and Playa Dantita.
Susan Robinson says
I am deeply saddened to hear that Playa Penca, and Prieta are no longer hidden gems! Spent months in Potrero from 2013 until 2019. So glad I had the joy of the all the beaches without the hotels ruining the beauty . I’m so sorry for the locals that have called the area home for generations. Tourism is destroying the world!
Waldorf Astoria, indeed
Sammi says
The Waldorf Astoria is built on the Playa Penca near Playas del Coco in the gulf of Papagayo, not this Playa Penca in Potrero.
Robinson says
Thanks for clarifying, I will let friends know that Potrero is safe, for now!
Julia says
Playa Penca is just beautiful. We went there last December: lovely warm sea, soft beige sand , and it’s possible to find shade at certain areas of the beach: so if you take a folding chair and a book, you can relax in between swims and long walks along the beach. Good idea to take a drink and snacks too.
Lisa says
We are in Flamingo now. We want to visit Penca tomorrow. Can we get there by golf cart? If yes, once there, are we able to walk to Prieta?
Love your website! Thanks for all the helpful information. We have had an amazing trip thanks to many of your tips!
Sammi says
Hi Lisa, yes you should be able to get there via golf cart. I am not sure if there is a path connecting Penca and Prieta via the beach, but you can drive to Prieta. I remember there being a foot path to Prieta but can’t remember from where. We hope you had a great time.
Sandy says
Yes, there is a path at the north end of Playa Penca that you can walk over to Playa Penca. It is not marked but it is obvious when you’re there.
Jen says
We will be in Potrero next month and are staying on Potrero beach, close to the sailing center. Would renting golf carts to take to ply at penca and playa prieta be reasonable? Or is the road not really golf cart friendly? What about ATVs?
Sammi says
The road is not super golf cart friendly but we’ve seen them, it is just that it’s quite narrow and curvy with one lane in both directions so driver can massively tailgate you since golf carts can’t go fast. ATVs would be better but just in and around Potrero it’s generally fine.
Kolina says
Hi Sammi,
We hope to be visiting Costa Rica in January, 2022 and will be in Playa Potrero and staying at Bahia Del Sol. we will not have a car and I am wondering if Playa Penca is accessible fro Playa Potrero. Thank you for all your information – we are really excited to visit your beautiful country and you blog has been a huge help in my plans.
Sammi says
Hello Kolina, yes Penca is in Potrero and from Bahia del Sol you can take a taxi or walk (about 30 minute walk)