Playa Penca: A Tranquil Escape in Guanacaste
Discover Playa Penca: A serene Guanacaste beach with clear waters, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and escaping the crowds. A true Costa Rican gem.
Playa Penca is a small, pristine beach nestled between Playa Hermosa and Playas del Coco in Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica. Known for its soft, white sand and clear turquoise waters, it offers a peaceful retreat away from crowded tourist spots. The beach is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing, with a relaxed atmosphere perfect for families and those seeking tranquility.
A brief summary to Playa Penca
- Guanacaste Province, CR
Local tips
- Arrive early to secure parking, especially if driving, as spaces are limited.
- Bring all essentials, including water, snacks, sunscreen, and snorkeling gear, as there are no services on the beach.
- Check the tides before swimming, as currents may be stronger during high tide.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect the coral and marine life while snorkeling.
- Be prepared for a walk down a long set of stairs to access the beach from the parking area.
Getting There
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Driving
From Playas del Coco, drive towards Playa Hermosa. The roads are in good condition and a 4x4 vehicle is not required. As you approach the top of the hill, look for the road leading to the Waldorf Astoria Punta Cacique. Follow the road, where the guard will likely ask for your name and license plate number. Continue until you reach the designated parking area before the hotel. From there, access the beach via the public access path and stairs. Parking is free but limited. Be aware of construction vehicles in the area.
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Public Transport
From Liberia, take the direct bus to Playa Hermosa. Buses depart four times a day and the journey takes approximately 48 minutes, costing $1-3. From Playa Hermosa, you can take a taxi to Playa Penca, which is a short 2-minute ride costing approximately $5-7. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Playa Hermosa to Playa Penca, which also takes 2 minutes. Note that bus services are limited.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
From Playas del Coco or Playa Hermosa, you can take a taxi or Uber to Playa Penca. A taxi from Playas del Coco costs around ₡7,000, while from Playa Hermosa, it's about ₡3,000. The price may vary depending on the time of day and availability. Ask the driver to drop you off at the entrance near the Waldorf Astoria, where you can take the public access path to the beach.
Discover more about Playa Penca
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Casa Chameleon at Las Catalinas
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Secluded adults-only luxury with panoramic Pacific views, private plunge pools, and easy access to Costa Rican adventure in Las Catalinas.
Estero Azul
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Colores Del Pacifico
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360 Splendor del Pacifico Residences
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Experience luxurious coastal living with breathtaking ocean views at 360 Splendor del Pacifico Residences in Playa Flamingo, Costa Rica.
Special Places of Costa Rica - Playa Flamingo
2.9 km
Experience the beauty of Playa Flamingo, a premier destination in Costa Rica's Guanacaste Province, perfect for relaxation, adventure, and unforgettable memories.
Presidential Suites Playa Flamingo,Guanacaste Province.Costa Rica
2.9 km
Experience coastal living at Presidential Suites in Playa Flamingo, Costa Rica. Ocean views, comfortable condos, and beachside bliss await!
Amigos Tacos y Beer
2.9 km
Enjoy authentic Mexican flavors and refreshing local beers at this casual Playa Flamingo eatery. Open daily, 11 AM - 9 PM.
Info Flamingo
2.9 km
Explore Playa Flamingo with Info Flamingo: Your ultimate visitor center for local attractions, adventures, and unforgettable experiences in Guanacaste.
Surf Box
2.9 km
Enjoy delicious food with stunning ocean views at Surf Box, a culinary oasis in Playa Flamingo's vibrant Marina.
Mariner Inn
3.0 km
Experience comfort and convenience at Mariner Inn, your ideal gateway to Playa Flamingo's beaches and Costa Rican adventures.
Cremrica Flamingo
3.0 km
Enjoy a tropical paradise of flavors at Cremrica Flamingo, the ultimate ice cream destination in Playa Flamingo, Guanacaste Province.
Camparino
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Angelina's
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Fine dining in Playa Flamingo, Costa Rica, with globally-inspired cuisine and fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Open-air dining with a view!
Villa Bougainvillea 4
3.0 km
Experience luxury at Villa Bougainvillea in Playa Flamingo: stunning views, private pool, and elegant design for an unforgettable Costa Rican getaway.
Monday Moonlight Market
3.0 km
Experience the vibrant culture of Guanacaste at Playa Flamingo's Monday Moonlight Market, with local crafts, food, and music under the stars.
Unmissable attractions to see
Playa Prieta
0.8 km
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Sugar Beach
1.6 km
Discover Sugar Beach, Costa Rica: A secluded paradise with clear waters, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and tranquil relaxation.
Playa Potrero, Costa Rica
1.7 km
Experience the tranquil beauty of Playa Potrero in Guanacaste, Costa Rica – a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure awaits you at this stunning beach.
Danta Beach
2.3 km
Discover the serene beauty of Danta Beach in Guanacaste, a perfect destination for relaxation, adventure, and exploration of Costa Rica's stunning coastline.
Las Catalinas
2.4 km
Explore Las Catalinas: A tropical paradise in Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica, where stunning beaches and lush landscapes await your discovery.
Playa Ardilla
2.8 km
Experience the untouched beauty of Playa Ardilla in Guanacaste, Costa Rica – a tranquil beach paradise for relaxation and adventure.
Marina Flamingo
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Experience the enchanting Marina Flamingo in Playa Flamingo – where adventure meets relaxation along Costa Rica's stunning coastline.
Dantita Beach
2.9 km
Experience the stunning beauty and vibrant culture of Dantita Beach in Guanacaste, Costa Rica – a perfect getaway for relaxation and adventure.
Lazy Lizard Sailing
2.9 km
Discover the beauty of Guanacaste's coastline with Lazy Lizard Sailing - unforgettable boat tours and breathtaking views await you.
Why Not Oceanic Sailing Experience
2.9 km
Discover the stunning beauty of Costa Rica's coastline with Why Not Oceanic Sailing—an unforgettable sailing adventure awaits you!
Serendipity Charters
3.0 km
Experience the beauty of Costa Rica's coast with Serendipity Charters—your gateway to unforgettable boat tours and marine adventures.
Playa Flamingo
3.2 km
Experience the beauty and adventure of Playa Flamingo, a stunning beach destination in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, perfect for relaxation and outdoor activities.
Pacific Coast Dive Center
3.5 km
Explore the vibrant marine life of Costa Rica at the Pacific Coast Dive Center in Playa Flamingo, offering unforgettable diving and snorkeling experiences.
Scuba Dive Costa Rica - Potrero & Flamingo
3.5 km
Explore the vibrant marine life of Costa Rica at Scuba Dive Costa Rica in Potrero & Flamingo, your gateway to unforgettable underwater adventures.
Flamingo, Costa Rica
3.7 km
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Essential places to dine
Nasu Restaurant - Potrero bay beachfront
1.7 km
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Hemingway's
1.8 km
Discover Hemingway's: A culinary oasis in Surfside offering authentic Costa Rican flavors and exceptional service amidst stunning natural beauty.
Café del Sol
1.8 km
Experience authentic Costa Rican cuisine at Café del Sol in Potrero – where flavor meets breathtaking views.
The Shack
1.8 km
Discover the vibrant flavors and lively atmosphere at The Shack in Potrero - where great food meets unforgettable live music!
La Forketta
1.8 km
Experience authentic Italian cuisine at La Forketta in Potrero - home to exquisite pizzas and warm hospitality amidst breathtaking Guanacaste landscapes.
Restaurants Arenas
1.9 km
Discover authentic Costa Rican flavors at Restaurants Arenas in Santa Cruz - a culinary treasure nestled in beautiful Guanacaste.
Sentido Norte
2.0 km
Experience exquisite Costa Rican cuisine with stunning views at Sentido Norte in Las Catalinas, Guanacaste.
The Beach House Bar and Restaurant
2.6 km
Experience mouthwatering local cuisine with stunning ocean views at The Beach House Bar and Restaurant in Playa Potrero.
Restaurante Pleamar
2.8 km
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Matias Restaurant
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Restaurant Amberes
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Bar y Restaurante La Cabaña
2.9 km
Experience authentic Costa Rican cuisine at Bar y Restaurante La Cabaña in Playa Flamingo - where fresh ingredients meet vibrant flavors.
Hazel's Steak & Seafood
2.9 km
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Palmeras Flamingo
3.0 km
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Electric Bronco
3.1 km
Discover authentic Japanese cuisine in Playa Flamingo at Electric Bronco – where tradition meets tropical charm.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Bahía Art Shop
1.9 km
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Terracosta Boutique
2.9 km
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Pura Vida Ride
2.9 km
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CR Marine Supply
2.9 km
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ROSTYROFO
2.9 km
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Britt Cafe and Bakery
2.9 km
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Pura Vira Ride
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Morena Handmade Swim
2.9 km
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Bodega75
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Massai Automart Playa Flamingo
2.9 km
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Super Flamingo
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NALU bagel & café flamingo
3.0 km
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Déntico Flamingo
3.0 km
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Chicho's Cigars
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Pan de Azucar Flamingo, ice cream shop
3.0 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Whiskey Howler beach bar and grill
1.8 km
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Donna Maria
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Monkey's Bar/Restaurant
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Experience the vibrant flavors and stunning views at Monkey's Bar/Restaurant in Guanacaste, a unique grill perfect for beachside dining.
Lounge 24
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Chicos Bar
11.9 km
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Bar Flipper
12.9 km
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Bar El Ancla
13.2 km
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Tortuga Bar
13.2 km
Discover Tortuga Bar in Coco, Costa Rica - a lively grill bar offering delicious cuisine and stunning coastal views for an unforgettable dining experience.
The Garden Bar
13.4 km
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Zarpe
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Pacífico Beach Club
14.2 km
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Bar Makai
17.1 km
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Chop House
18.1 km
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Volcano Brewing Company
18.9 km
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El Be - Tamarindo Beach Club
19.4 km
Experience the vibrant flavors and stunning views at El Be - Tamarindo Beach Club, a must-visit restaurant in Costa Rica.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Moonflower Spa and Salon
3.0 km
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Pura Vida Show
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Family Club Lounge
7.5 km
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Bar Imperial
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Pachas Discoteque
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Night Club Garden
16.4 km
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The Alley
19.6 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Tamarindo at The Alley, where music, dancing, and fun come together in a lively atmosphere.
Tasty VIP & Local Experiences
19.6 km
Dive into the heart of Tamarindo's nightlife at Tasty VIP & Local Experiences, where vibrant music and local culture collide for an unforgettable experience.
Lotus Night Club
19.6 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife at Lotus Night Club in Tamarindo, where vibrant music and unforgettable experiences await.
LUV
19.7 km
Experience the vibrant flavors and lively atmosphere at LUV, Tamarindo's top grill and lounge destination for unforgettable culinary moments.
Zona Astro
40.7 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Liberia at Zona Astro, where great music, cocktails, and an energetic atmosphere await you.
THERMODINAMICA A/C Y REFRIGERACIÓN
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Discover the vibrant nightlife at Thermodinámica A/C y Refrigeración, a premier gay night club in Liberia, Costa Rica offering unforgettable entertainment and inclusivity.
Mojitos club
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Sala De Belleza Grey
41.1 km
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Centro de Eventos¡Aquí me quedo !
41.1 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Centro de Eventos ¡Aquí me quedo! in Liberia, Costa Rica, where music, dance, and fun come together.
