Punta Islita Domestic Airport, Guanacaste

Punta Islita Domestic Airport is positioned in an isolated corner of the Nicoya Peninsula in Guanacaste Province. Prized as one of the most secluded areas in Costa Rica, this is the perfect destination for the traveler looking for an exotic but peaceful destination. One of the easiest ways to get to the Punta Islita Domestic Airport is by connecting flight from the San Jose airport, provided daily by Nature Air. This short domestic flight is less than an hour, though generally considered expensive for budget travelers.

The alternative, however, is to travel by vehicle, and the roads leading to Islita are all dirt paved and considered difficult to travel. This is especially difficult during the rainy season, as most of the roads leading there either wash away or are too badly flooded to navigate. Some hotels in Punta Islita offer their guests free pickup from the San Jose airport, however, so it’s important to verify your booking before leaving for your trip.

Islita

Punta Islita is often considered a perfect honeymoon and anniversary destination due to its simply stunning scenery and remote Costa Rica beaches. The coastline is one of the reasons why Islita is a natural hot spot in Guanacaste. The little town often makes guests feel as though they’ve stepped into a time machine with its picturesque white church and bell tower. The town also has a burgeoning art community supported by locals and foreigners alike. Islita has two main beaches, Punta Islita and Playa Corozalito. Punta Islita is a mile long and is nestled within a gorgeous cove, with little inlets formed by its feeding streams. The two beaches are separated by beautiful volcanic rock formations. Islita is also home to some of the best hotels in Costa Rica, perfect for a romantic getaway.

Water activities abound near Islita, including some of the world’s best surfing at Playa Camaronal. There’s also hiking in the nearby hills, horseback riding at the coast, and beautiful flora and fauna to admire. Be aware of the area’s weather patterns before visiting. The warmest months are typically between January and May, with the rainy season falling between September and October.

Playa Camaronal

Located seven miles south of Playa Samara, Playa Camaronal is home to some of Costa Rica’s most impressive wildlife, particularly in the estuary where the Ora River empties in to the Pacific Ocean. The Camaronal Wildlife Refuge is a popular destination for those looking to engage in ecotourism, as well as providing opportunities for tourists to surf and fish. This refuge also preserves one of Costa Rica’s most precious treasures, the sea turtle.

Map of the Area

Click to enlarge map - Map of the Area

There are seven species of sea turtle in the world, and four of them can be found at Playa Camaronal, including the black sea turtle, hawksbill, Olive Ridley, and Atlantic leatherback species. Each is endangered, making Playa Camaronal one of the few places in the world where tourists can witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. This wildlife refuge is also a splendid place to view a host of other animal and bird species, including monkeys, armadillos, cranes, hawks, tiger herons and green kingfishers.

Samara

From Playa Camaronal, Samara is just a short seven miles north, making it an ideal second stop during your trip to Punta Islita. Samara lies at the foot of a steep hill, and is a fun little town with a jaw-dropping beach to enjoy. It is a perfect place to enjoy the local animal and plant life, with an exotic variety of each populating Samara Beach’s five kilometers. There is also a striking coral reef just off shore for snorkeling and scuba adventures. If nightlife is what you’re after, Samara is also home to several bars and nightclubs as well.