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Las Catalinas: A Car-Free Coastal Paradise

Discover Las Catalinas: A sustainable, walkable beach town in Costa Rica offering natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and a strong community spirit.

Las Catalinas is a newly constructed, car-free beach town on Costa Rica's Guanacaste coast, emphasizing sustainability, health, and a walkable community. With stunning architecture inspired by Latin American and Mediterranean towns, it offers a unique blend of relaxation, outdoor activities, and community engagement.

A brief summary to Las Catalinas

  • Las Catalinas, Guanacaste Province, CR

Local tips

  • Pack light clothing, swimwear, sunscreen, and a hat for sun protection, as Las Catalinas enjoys a sunny tropical climate.
  • Explore the hiking and biking trails surrounding Las Catalinas to experience the area's natural beauty and wildlife.
  • Take advantage of the water sports activities available at Playa Danta, such as swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
  • Visit during the shoulder season (November-December or April-May) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
  • Remember that Las Catalinas is a car-free town; utilize the parking area at the entrance and explore the town on foot or by the free shuttle.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Las Catalinas is located approximately 45 minutes from Liberia International Airport (LIR). From the airport, take the main two-lane highway and turn right at the sign towards Sardinal. After the gas station, turn left near the Congo Trail billboard, bus stop, and RIU sign. Continue straight on this paved road for approximately 10 kilometers until you reach the soccer field at Colon. Drive around it and turn left onto a small dirt road. A parking area is available at the entrance of Las Catalinas, where you can leave your vehicle. Parking costs vary but expect to pay around $10-20 USD per day.

  • Shuttle

    Private shuttle services are available from both Liberia International Airport (LIR) and San José International Airport (SJO) to Las Catalinas. The journey from Liberia Airport takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours and typically costs $99 per person. The drive from San Jose Airport takes 4 to 5 hours and costs between $295 to $330. These services offer a comfortable and convenient option for reaching Las Catalinas.

  • Public Transport

    While there are no direct public transport links to Las Catalinas, you can take a bus from Liberia to Potrero and then take a taxi for the short remaining drive to Las Catalinas. The bus from Liberia to Potrero costs approximately $2-3 USD. A taxi from Potrero to Las Catalinas will cost around $15-20 USD.

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Discover more about Las Catalinas

Las Catalinas, nestled along the Guanacaste Province of Costa Rica, is a unique coastal town founded in 2006 with a vision of creating a walkable, car-free community that embraces sustainability and a harmonious relationship with nature. Inspired by the principles of New Urbanism and the architectural styles of colonial Latin American and Mediterranean towns, Las Catalinas offers a refreshing alternative to typical tourist destinations. This charming town is designed for outdoor living, featuring homes, shops, restaurants, and small hotels seamlessly integrated into the surrounding tropical dry forest. The absence of cars creates a peaceful and safe environment, encouraging exploration on foot and fostering a strong sense of community. Surrounded by 1,000 acres of protected tropical dry forest, Las Catalinas boasts an extensive network of hiking and biking trails. These trails offer breathtaking coastline views and opportunities to observe local wildlife, such as monkeys, deer, and exotic birds. The town is also situated between two beautiful beaches, Playa Danta and Playa Dantita, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Las Catalinas offers a variety of activities and amenities, including a beach club with swimming pools and restaurants, boutique shops, and a town concierge service. The town also hosts annual events such as triathlons and open water competitions, attracting sports enthusiasts from around the world.

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