Gulf of Papagayo

Best of Gulf of Papagayo

Gulf of Papagayo Essentials

The Gulf of Papagayo on Costa Rica's northwest coast centers around the UNESCO-listed Area de Conservación Guanacaste, a massive network of protected dry forests and marine habitats. This collection features Playa Conchal, notable for its unique shoreline composed of crushed white shells, and Playas del Coco, the region's oldest beach community. Natural highlights include the Iguanita Wildlife Refuge and Mirador Santa Rosa, which offers panoramic views over the historic Santa Rosa National Park and its diverse ecosystems.

Gulf of Papagayo Essentials — Map

[2] / CC BY-SA 2.0

A

Conservational Area Guancanaste

The Area de Conservación Guanacaste is a network of protected areas and a World Heritage Site in Guanacaste Province, in northwestern Costa…

Haakon S. Krohn / CC BY-SA 3.0

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Playa Conchal

A shoreline composed of millions of tiny crushed seashells instead of sand. The turquoise waters offer high visibility for snorkeling around the rocky outcrops.

Haakon S. Krohn / CC BY-SA 3.0

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Coco Beach

Playas del Coco is one of the oldest beach communities in Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica.

Tizianok / CC BY-SA 3.0

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Hermosa Beach

This beach's name means "beautiful" in Spanish and it couldn't be more true. It is an ideal place to relax because it is not overcrowded.

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Playa Flamingo

A white-sand crescent beach featuring a large marina. It serves as a primary hub for deep-sea fishing and sailing charters in the Guanacaste region.

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Iguanita Wildlife Refuge

Iguanita Wildlife Refuge is a wildlife refuge in the Guanacaste Conservation Area located in the Guanacaste Province of northwestern Costa…

G

Mirador Santa Rosa

An elevated observation point providing panoramic views across the dry forest canopy and coastal landscapes of Santa Rosa National Park.