Playa Grande - Discovering Costa Rica

Travelling to Playa Grande

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Playa Grande, a pretty good destination in Costa Rica (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Playa Grande and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Playa Grande, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through Costa Rica, here's everything to know about Playa Grande for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Playa Grande

Playa Grande is a beach located on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, in the Guanacaste region. It is part of the Marino Las Baulas National Park and is famous for being a nesting site for leatherback turtles, which can be observed during certain times of the year. Playa Grande is also popular for its surf breaks, attracting many surfers. The beach has soft sand and crystal-clear waters, making it ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. It is a peaceful place with a laid-back atmosphere, perfect for those who want to escape the crowds and enjoy nature. Every year, the beach attracts tourists from all over the world who come to enjoy its natural beauty and unique wildlife.

What to visit in Playa Grande

Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Playa Grande, Costa Rica: 1. Playa Grande Beach: Playa Grande is a stunning beach situated on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. The beach is known for its white sand and turquoise waters, as well as being a popular nesting spot for leatherback sea turtles during certain months of the year.
2. Las Baulas National Marine Park: Las Baulas National Marine Park is a protected area that includes Playa Grande and several offshore islands. It is an important nesting site for endangered leatherback sea turtles, as well as a habitat for a variety of marine species like sharks and rays.
3. Tamarindo Wildlife Refuge: Just a short boat ride from Playa Grande, the Tamarindo Wildlife Refuge is a protected area consisting of mangrove forests and estuaries. Visitors can take guided tours to explore the diverse wildlife and bird watching opportunities.
4. Rincon de la Vieja National Park: Rincon de la Vieja National Park is a volcanic national park located close to Playa Grande. It features a variety of hiking trails that take visitors through forests, waterfalls, and hot springs.
5. Palo Verde National Park: Another nearby national park, Palo Verde is a popular destination for birdwatchers due to its vast wetlands and abundance of bird species.
6. Playa Ventanas: Playa Ventanas is a secluded beach located near Playa Grande that is only accessible by boat. It is known for its picturesque rock formations and crystal-clear waters.
7. Canopy Tours: For those seeking adventure, canopy tours are a popular activity in Playa Grande that allows visitors to zipline between treetops and explore the lush forests from a different perspective.
These are just a few of the many attractions that Playa Grande has to offer. Each provides different types of experiences and opportunities to enjoy the natural beauty and wildlife of Costa Rica.
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in Costa Rica, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.


You can find more information in this page dedicated to the top 10 attractions to visit in Playa Grande.

When to go on holiday to Playa Grande

The best time to visit Playa Grande is during the dry season which lasts from November to April. During this time, you can expect sunny and dry weather with less chance of rainfall. The temperatures are also a bit cooler, making it an ideal time to explore the beaches and engage in outdoor activities. However, keep in mind that this is peak tourist season, so prices may be slightly higher, and crowds may be larger. If you prefer a quieter and more affordable vacation, then visiting during the shoulder season from May to August can also be a good option as the weather is still relatively dry, and there are fewer visitors. However, September and October are the rainy season, so it may be best to avoid these months if you want to spend more time outdoors.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Playa Grande

To get to Playa Grande in Costa Rica, you can fly into Juan Santamaria Airport in San Jose or Liberia Airport in Liberia and then take a bus or rent a car to get to the beach. From San Jose, you can take a bus from the Terminal Gran Caribe bus station to the Playa Grande bus station. From Liberia, you can take a bus from the Liberia bus station to the Playa Grande bus station. Alternatively, you can hire a taxi or rent a car from either airport to drive to Playa Grande. It's approximately a 4-hour drive from San Jose and a 1-hour drive from Liberia.
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Playa Grande, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Playa Grande

Sure, here are some typical foods of Playa Grande in Costa Rica: 1. Gallo Pinto: This is a popular breakfast dish made from rice and beans mixed together with onions, peppers, and spices. It's a Costa Rican staple! 2. Casado: This is a traditional lunch or dinner dish that typically features rice, beans, plantains, a protein (such as chicken or fish), salad, and often a side of corn tortillas.
3. Ceviche: This is a seafood dish made from fresh raw fish (typically snapper or sea bass) mixed with lime juice, onions, peppers, and cilantro. It's a refreshing and flavorful appetizer! 4. Arroz con Pollo: This is a classic chicken and rice dish that's popular throughout Latin America. The chicken is usually marinated in a mixture of spices and then cooked with rice, vegetables, and sometimes peas.
5. Empanadas: These are turnovers filled with meat, cheese, vegetables, or a combination of ingredients. They're often served as a snack or appetizer.
6. Tostones: These are twice-fried plantain slices that are crispy and delicious. They're often served as a side dish or snack.
7. Sopa Negra: This is a hearty black bean soup that's often served with rice and a side of avocado. It's a filling and flavorful meal!
You can find general info about typical foods in Costa Rica here.

Is Playa Grande an expensive destination for tourists?

Playa Grande in Costa Rica can be considered a slightly expensive destination for tourists compared to other places in Central America. However, it is still relatively affordable compared to many other popular beach destinations worldwide. It's a popular destination for surfers and beach enthusiasts, with plenty of options for accommodations ranging from budget hostels to luxury resorts. The overall cost of a trip to Playa Grande will depend on your personal preferences and travel style. It's always a good idea to research and compare prices of flights, accommodations, and activities before booking your trip to get the best value for your money.

Where to find accomodation in Playa Grande

The best areas to find accommodation when visiting Playa Grande, Costa Rica are likely to be in the vicinity of the beach itself, as well as in the town of Tamarindo which is nearby. Playa Grande offers several hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals within walking distance of the beach, while Tamarindo has a greater variety of options that cater to different budget ranges. Both areas are easily reachable by car or public transportation and offer a range of amenities such as restaurants, shops, and tours.
You can check hotel prices at Playa Grande here:
Booking.com

Is Playa Grande a safe destination for tourists?

Yes, Playa Grande in Costa Rica is a generally safe place for tourists. However, as with any tourist destination, you should always take precautions to ensure your safety. Be aware of your surroundings, keep an eye on your belongings, and avoid walking alone in isolated areas, especially after dark. It's also a good idea to stick to well-lit areas and to not flaunt your valuables in public. Overall, as long as you exercise common sense and follow basic safety guidelines, you should have a safe and enjoyable trip to Playa Grande.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in Costa Rica here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Playa Grande.

What type of travelers will enjoy Playa Grande the most?

Playa Grande in Costa Rica is a great destination for a variety of travelers. The beach is perfect for families who want to enjoy a laid-back atmosphere, soft sand, and calm waters. Playa Grande also has great surfing waves, so it's perfect for young people looking for a fun and adventurous beach experience. Additionally, for couples, Playa Grande offers romantic beach walks during sunset.
Overall, Playa Grande is a great place for anyone looking to enjoy a beautiful and relaxing beach experience with a variety of activities to choose from.

How to get around Playa Grande

The most common ways to move around Playa Grande in Costa Rica are by walking, cycling, renting a car or ATV, taking a taxi, or using public transportation such as buses or shuttles. Keep in mind that the road to Playa Grande is a bit rough, so it is recommended to use a vehicle with good clearance. Walking and cycling are great options for short distances, while renting a car or ATV can give you more flexibility to explore the area. Taxis are readily available, but may not be as common in some areas. Public transportation options are more limited but can be cheaper.

What to see around Playa Grande

There are a variety of beautiful places to visit in a day trip from Playa Grande. Here are some suggestions: 1. Tamarindo: This vibrant beach town is just a 20-minute drive from Playa Grande and is a great option for a day trip. Tamarindo has lots of restaurants and cafes, as well as surf shops and other stores.
2. Las Baulas National Marine Park: Located just south of Playa Grande, this protected area is home to nesting grounds for leatherback sea turtles. Visitors can take a guided tour to see the turtles.
3. Rincón de la Vieja National Park: This national park is about an hour's drive from Playa Grande and is known for its active volcano, hot springs, and waterfalls. Visitors can hike through the park and enjoy the natural beauty.
4. Palo Verde National Park: This wildlife refuge is about an hour and a half from Playa Grande and is home to a variety of bird species, as well as monkeys and other animals. Visitors can take a boat tour on the Tempisque River to see the wildlife.
5. Arenal Volcano: Although it's about a three-hour drive from Playa Grande, Arenal Volcano is worth the trip. Visitors can see the active volcano and enjoy the hot springs in the area.
For every travel information about Costa Rica you can click here.

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