Playa Junquillal, Guanacaste

Abounding in tropical beauty, Playa Junquillal Costa Rica is a picturesque little beach town that is the ideal base for your vacation. Serene beaches with tide pools and lush tropical vegetation form the backdrop for relaxation and adventure. Playa Junquillal is just west of Santa Cruz and south of Tamarindo with warm and friendly locals who are proud of their town’s Ecological Blue Flag status.

A Variety of Lodging Possibilities

The wide variety of Playa Junquillal hotels means that you will find lodging that suits your style and budget. Villas, Eco-lodges range from modest to luxury and always put the environment first. In addition to standard hotel rooms, villas and cabins are also available. Anywhere you stay, the emphasis is on relaxation and taking in the views and experiences available in this tropical paradise.

Surf’s Up

Whether you are new to the sport or are an experienced surfer, the North Pacific Coast of Costa Rica is your haven. Whether you are new to the sport or are an advanced surfer, head to Playa Avellana to experience a variety of breaks, swells, and offshore waves. The beach is usually uncrowded and is always low-key.

Just south of Playa Avellana is Playa Negra. Take in the gray sand beach with its shops and surf camp establishments. The surf here is easily accessible and the festive surroundings are a hit with general tourists and sunbathers alike.

Heading south from Playa Negra is the legendary Playa Junquillal surf. The four-kilometer long copper-colored sand beach is never crowded and the waves are strong, fast, and consistently perform all year long. Swells are heavy and come from the southwest hemisphere. High tide is the best time to ride the beach and reef breaks. Because of the intensity of the surf, this beach is best for sightseeing and experienced surfers, not for swimming. Fringed with grasslands, the atmosphere is natural and relaxed.

Entertaining Activities

Surfing is not the only activity in Playa Junquillal. The area offers relaxing vacation activities for every interest. Ride mountain bikes and go sightseeing or enjoy a horseback ride. The sea makes it possible to kayak, snorkel, and take a fishing charter to go deep sea fishing.

Abundant Sightseeing

Sunsets are stunning in this part of Costa Rica and are best enjoyed while on a leisurely stroll along the beach. The tropical environment which has remained largely undeveloped is full of picturesque beauty, with exotic birds, butterflies, monkeys and turtles living in the environs. Even though the area is largely uncrowded, there are plenty of opportunities to watch people surfing from your spot on the beach or passing by while you sit in a casual café.

Take a Day Trip

Be sure to leave some time in your vacation to take a day trip to visit the inspirational Marino Las Baulas National Park in Tamarindo, Guanacaste. Founded in 1990, this park is home to the largest Leatherback sea turtle nesting spot in the world. The endangered turtles come back every year to nest on Playa Grande, one of the four beaches located in the park. Two mangrove estuaries call the park home and the Estero de Tamarindo has the status of being the largest mangrove estuary in Latin America.

Map of the Area

Click to enlarge map - Map of the Area

Take the Family

With its variety of activities and laid-back vibe, Playa Junquillal Costa Rica is the ideal spot to vacation with the whole family. High energy kids will find more than enough activities to suit their interests, and adults who want to kick back will find the atmosphere calming and the scenery stunning. Playa Junquillal has the perfect combination of fun, relaxation, and warm hospitality from the locals to make great vacation memories.