swimming· Secluded· Photography· scenic
Playa Carrillo
Widely considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica, famous for its palm-lined shoreline, clear turquoise water, and family-friendly swimming cond
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Hojancha
Widely considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica, famous for its palm-lined shoreline, clear turquoise water, and family-friendly swimming cond
Playa Carrillo epitomizes untouched tropical perfection along Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula, where a crescent of pale sand curves beneath swaying coconut palms and turquoise waters remain refreshingly undeveloped. Located just five minutes south of Sámara, this secluded beach delivers the exact vision many travelers hold of an ideal Central American shoreline—pristine, quiet, and refreshingly free from commercialization. The gentle bay waters invite swimming and wading, while the dramatic backdrop of tropical vegetation frames golden-hour light perfectly for photography. Visit in the dry season (December to April) for the most stable weather, or arrive early morning to experience the beach in serene solitude before afternoon crowds arrive.
Swim in a protected bay with gradual depth increase and minimal waves, making it one of Guanacaste's safest swimming beaches for families and casual swimmers. Plan to arrive early morning to experience the beach in serene solitude before afternoon crowds, and visit December–April for the most stable weather and clearest water.
Best Time to Visit
Visit Playa Carrillo December through April during dry season when skies are clearest for photography and swimming conditions are calmest, with early morning (6–7am) offering the best light and solitude before any day-trippers arrive, while avoiding September–October when heavy rains can make the beach less accessible and sunset photography difficult. For romantic sunset visits with minimal crowds, come on weekday afternoons in January–March when this secluded beach remains virtually empty compared to weekends, though any time outside school holidays (mid-Dec to early Jan, late July–early Aug) will keep it quieter than most Guanacaste beaches.
What Changes Through The Year
Dry Season (Dec–Apr)
December–April brings sunny weather, calm ocean conditions, and clear water ideal for swimming and sunset photography.
Green Season (May–Nov)
May–November features greener landscapes, fewer visitors, dramatic sunsets, and warm ocean temperatures despite the rainy season.
Getting There
From Sámara (5 minutes south), follow the main road south. From Liberia, take Highway 21 toward Nicoya Peninsula (approximately 45 minutes). Playa Carrillo is accessible by paved road.
What to Bring
Safety Considerations
Who This Is For
“The beach has seasonal presence of sea turtles nesting in the early mornings during specific months; check with local guides in Sámara for exact timing and ethical viewing practices that protect nesting sites.”
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Swimming
A beach made entirely of crushed shells — no sand, only conchitas
Waterfalls
The most accessible major waterfall in Costa Rica — and the most generous
Hidden Gems
At the quiet end of the Caribbean road — the beach the bus doesn't reach
Waterfalls
A dramatic 70-metre waterfall, tropical rainforest, wildlife, and swimming
Waterfalls
Three-tier waterfall at the end of a jungle trail twenty minutes from the village
Living traditions near this place
🪡 Artisan Traditions
One of the last surviving links to an Indigenous civilization that shaped much of Guanacaste's cultural identity
🫘 Harvest Life
Purple corn ground on a volcanic stone, fermented three days in open clay — older than the word corn
🪡 Artisan Traditions
The gourd vessel that predates pottery in the region — still carved with achiote and charcoal pigments
🥘 Markets & Food
The cattle arrive on foot every Saturday — this is what a working livestock market looks like