Arco Beach: A Secluded Paradise
Discover Arco Beach in Puntarenas: a hidden tropical paradise with golden sands, clear waters, and stunning natural beauty within Costa Rica's Marino Ballena National Park.
Arco Beach, or Playa Arco, is a hidden gem within Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica, near Uvita and Dominical. Known for its natural arch, crystalline waters, and lush surroundings, it offers a tranquil escape and diverse activities within Marino Ballena National Park.
A brief summary to Arco Beach
- Puntarenas Province, CR
Local tips
- Arrive early to secure a good spot, especially on weekends and holidays.
- Bring sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- Check the tide schedule, as the beach is best visited during low tide.
- Wear appropriate footwear for walking on dirt paths through the jungle.
- Explore local eateries for authentic Costa Rican dishes, especially seafood.
Getting There
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Walking
Arco Beach is accessible by walking from neighboring beaches Uvita and Ballena, as there is no direct access from the coastal road. Depending on the tide, the walk can be along the beach or through trails. Check tide charts before you go.
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Public Transport
To reach Arco Beach via public transportation, take a bus from San Jose to Uvita. Buses depart regularly from Terminal 7-10 in San Jose; the fare is approximately $10. From Uvita, you can take a local bus or taxi to the entrance of Marino Ballena National Park, and then walk to Arco Beach. A taxi from Uvita to Playa Arco will cost around $15-$20. Confirm the fare before starting your journey.
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Car
If driving, head towards Uvita, about 40 km south of Dominical. From Uvita, take the Costanera Sur Highway (Route 34) south. After about 15 km, look for signs to Playa Arco. Parking is limited and may cost around $5.
Discover more about Arco Beach
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Arco Beach
0.0 km
Discover Arco Beach in Puntarenas: a hidden tropical paradise with golden sands, clear waters, and stunning natural beauty within Costa Rica's Marino Ballena National Park.
Cristal Ballena
2.0 km
Experience luxury and nature at Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa, near Uvita, Costa Rica. Ocean views, rainforest trails, and national park adventures.
Flutterby House
3.6 km
Experience Uvita's charm at this eco-friendly hostel near Marino Ballena National Park, offering comfort, community, and sustainable living.
Corcovado National Park - Sirena and San Pedrillo Ranger Station
4.4 km
Explore Costa Rica's crown jewel: Hike through rainforests, discover hidden waterfalls, and encounter rare wildlife at Corcovado National Park's ranger stations.
Punta Uvita
5.2 km
Discover the natural wonder of Punta Uvita's Whale's Tail: a coastal paradise where wildlife thrives and tides reveal a stunning sandbar.
Plaza Ventanas (Administración)
6.9 km
Experience Costa Rican culture at Plaza Ventanas in Ojochal: shopping, local cuisine, and artisan crafts in a friendly, vibrant atmosphere.
Rancho Pacifico
7.4 km
Escape to Rancho Pacifico: A luxury rainforest retreat with ocean views, gourmet dining, and unforgettable adventures near Uvita, Costa Rica.
Tiki Villas Rainforest Lodge & Spa
11.0 km
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Hotel Cuna del Angel - Dominical Costa Rica
13.2 km
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Pacific Edge Eco Lodge
16.2 km
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Pacific Journeys
17.9 km
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Costa Paraiso
19.2 km
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Don Lulos Nauyaca Waterfall
19.6 km
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Waterfall Villas - Wellness, Vegan, Yoga Retreat
20.7 km
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Danyasa Yoga Retreat
21.4 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Playa Colonia
2.6 km
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Playa Ballena
2.9 km
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Isla Ballena
3.0 km
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Playa Chaman
3.1 km
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Uvita Beach
3.6 km
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Parque Nacional Marino Ballena
3.7 km
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Mercado Bahía Ballena
4.0 km
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Osa Costa Rica
4.1 km
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Ballena Infocenter
4.2 km
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Tour a caballo/ Horseback riding
4.2 km
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Ballena Tour Costa Rica
4.2 km
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Bahia Aventuras
4.3 km
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Biological Reserve Cano Island Costa Rica
4.4 km
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Cola de la ballena
4.5 km
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Playa Uvita
4.6 km
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Essential places to dine
Rancho Cielo Alto - BY RESERVATION ONLY
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Restaurante Scala
14.1 km
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La Parcela Resturant and Cabins
17.4 km
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Selva Orgánica Café y EcoMercado
20.0 km
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Fika Bar & Restaurante
20.2 km
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Mirador Los Chorros
21.2 km
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Lori Restaurant
21.3 km
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Fuego Brewing Company
21.4 km
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El Pescado Loco
21.5 km
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Luna Nueva Bar y Restaurante
22.2 km
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Urban Farm
26.4 km
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Restaurante Chirripo
27.1 km
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Kamut
27.3 km
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Snack la Bonita
29.2 km
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Cervecería, Bar y Restaurante Chirripóberg
29.5 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Costa Verde Surf shop
4.8 km
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Tico Roots Souvenier
20.9 km
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Tico Roots Souvenirs, Supporting Local and National Artist
21.5 km
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Souvenirs Raíces
21.5 km
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Centro Comercial Montegeneral
23.9 km
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Mariposario Casa Alegria, ecotour ,yoga & cafe Restaurante
37.8 km
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Casa de Windell
46.6 km
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Creaciones RyB
48.5 km
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Caño Divers
48.6 km
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Etnias, Bahia Drake
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Gelateria El Parque
55.4 km
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JP Seats & Shade Manuel Antonio Beach
55.5 km
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Souvenir Colores de Costa rica (Gift Shop)
55.7 km
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Supermarket Pura Vida
55.7 km
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Pulpería Jimenez
56.2 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Whale Tail Brewery CR
5.3 km
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The Bamboo Room Restaurant
10.0 km
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Sonia's bar krustaceo kascarudo
10.1 km
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Bar la Terraza
27.5 km
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Centro Turístico, Bar y Restaurante La Perla
30.6 km
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Rio Chirripo
38.6 km
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Kapi Kapi Chirripo Eco Mercado & Café ️
39.2 km
Discover the flavors of Costa Rica at Kapi Kapi Chirripo Eco Mercado & Café, where local ingredients and sustainability meet in a cozy atmosphere.
Crestones Base Camp
43.0 km
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Bar y restaurante los malinches
44.3 km
Experience the authentic flavors of Costa Rica at Bar y Restaurante Los Malinches, where local cuisine meets vibrant atmosphere in Osa.
Lauraceas Restaurante Cafeteria Lodge
47.7 km
Experience the flavors of Costa Rica at Lauraceas Restaurante Cafeteria Lodge, where local cuisine meets stunning natural beauty in San Gerardo de Dota.
Tami Lodge & Cafetería
48.8 km
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Ficus Bar
49.4 km
Experience the lively ambiance and local flavors at Ficus Bar in Rancho Quemado, your perfect retreat in Costa Rica's Puntarenas Province.
Bar La Jungla
49.5 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere and local flavors at Bar La Jungla in Rancho Quemado, a must-visit bar for tourists in Costa Rica.
TWINS BAR Y RESTAURANT
49.5 km
Experience the authentic flavors of Costa Rica at Twins Bar y Restaurant in Bahía Drake, where local cuisine meets stunning views.
Restaurante Doña Marlen
49.5 km
Experience the flavors of Costa Rica at Restaurante Doña Marlen, a culinary gem in the scenic San Gerardo de Dota, renowned for its local dishes and warm hospitality.
