The moment after you settle into your new home in Hermosa or Coco, is when you can treat yourself to endless beach days! Playa Hermosa and Playa del Coco are beautiful, but they are also centrally located to other incredible beaches. Why not take a day trip and explore?
Let’s head north first! The first stop is Playa Iguanita. Warning, a 4×4 vehicle is required. Playa Iguanita is about a 40 minute drive from Playa Hermosa. It is located in the Iguanita Wildlife Refuge in the Gulf of Papagayo. You will find that the waves at this beach are gentle and calm. The water is crystal clear and an estuary is located at the south end. There is a ranger station with bathrooms and showers but no other amenities are close by. Playa Iguanita is ideal for those looking for a beautiful wildlife oasis.
Further north, is Playa Cabuyal. Playa Cabuyal is also a 40 minute drive but the roads are in much better condition. It has pristine white sands and crazy clear blue water. This is a wild beach with plenty of privacy and trees for shade to relax the day away. There are a few amenities like picnic tables, bathrooms, and a small parking lot for you to use. This beach has a swell but it is still very safe to swim. Playa Cabuyal is perfect for those looking for peace and quiet.
Time to switch directions! If you start heading south to Coco from Playa Hermosa, within 2 minutes you arrive at the entrance to some exquisite beaches! These two beaches, right before the Cacique development, have recently gained a lot of popularity. Playa Penca and Calzón de Pobre are both small pristine light colored sand beaches that feel like a wild paradise. The road can be a bit difficult depending on the season. These virgin beaches have great snorkeling and lookout spots but no amenities. Be prepared to be amazed at the beauty right next door!
South of Coco, about a 30 minute drive, is Playa Matapalo. The road to this beach is good because it is the same beach that the RIU resorts are on. The Diamante Eco Adventure Park is also located off of the same road. Playa Matapalo is a lovely long sandy beach hugged by mountains and plenty of wildlife. You have the option to rent ATVs, go horseback riding, or hike around at this beach. If you are looking for a beach that is still fairly wild but also has some activities, this is the one for you.
Instead of going all the way to Matapalo, you can turn down the “monkey trail”. Within 40 minutes you will arrive at Playa Flamingo! Playa Flamingo is very unlike the previously mentioned beaches. It is not a virgin beach but instead it is bustling with activity, businesses, and people. Playa Flamingo is a white sand beach, almost even with a pink hue, hence the name. The waves are generally smaller but they can be very powerful. With many restaurants to choose from, this is a great beach for when you don’t feel like packing a lunch.
The last beach I want to mention is Playa Tamarindo. It is about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Playa Hermosa. This beach is well known for surfing and great night life. It is similar to Playa Flamingo because it is packed with businesses. You have so many restaurants, gift shops, hotels, and amenities to choose from. Tamarindo is a long white sand beach with Playa Grande to the north if you cross the estuary. If you are looking for a party or surf lessons this is definitely the beach to check out.
This short list does not cover all the incredible beaches close to Playa Hermosa or Playa del Coco. There are so many more beautiful beaches that can be enjoyed by taking a simple day trip. Make sure to go out and explore!
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