Playa Carrillo

Playa Carrillo is a postcard-perfect beach in Costa Rica's Guanacaste province, next to the small fishing village of Puerto Carrillo.

Tourist on Playa Carrillo

The beach is accessible via paved road from its larger sister to the north, Playa Sámara. It is a drive of approximately 6 km.

Walking works well. A bike is good in town. A surfboard works best on the tasty waves.

The typical amenities found on most Costa Rican beaches are harder to find here; the beach is relatively quiet and deserted. For the usual offering of rental and tour services, your best bet is to head to neighboring Sámara.

There are a few accommodations in the town of Puerto Carrillo, on the hill that slopes eastward from the beach.

• The Hotel Esperanza, on the main drag, is clean and comfortable, with a pool and a pleasant restaurant.
• Guanamar - Playa Carrillo hotel (Hotel Guanamar - Playa Carrillo), Playa Carrillo (Playa Carrillo, guanacaste). Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Guanamar is a three-star family hotel in Playa Carrillo - Guanacaste in the North Pacific coast of Costa Rica, near the warm waters of Pacific Ocean. The hotel is surrounded by the rich and exuberant flora and fauna typical from the area. Guanamar is perfectly situated on the hill top at the southern end of the bay, inviting guests to enjoy the spectacular panoramic views and sunsets. Guanamar is close to Samara beach hotels (6.5 km, 4 miles) and 1600 m (1 mile) from local airport (Samara Airport). US$65 standard double. 

The coastal route south of Puerto Carrillo turns into a dirt- and dust-riddled affair. Though it is it is possible to explore the southwestern reaches of the Nicoya peninsula this way, it should not be done without a 4x4 and should be avoided outright during the rainy season.

• Sámara
• Nosara
• Malpaís