Las Catalinas travel guide
Las Catalinas, Costa Rica: where to stay, eat and play
A walkable, car-free beach town in Guanacaste, built on the ideas of New Urbanism, with white sand beaches, colorful Mediterranean-style buildings and miles of trails.
By Sarah & Thomas, calling Costa Rica home since 2016
Best Time
May to Jul
From Liberia
About 1 hour
Best Airport
LIR
Temperature
75 to 85°F
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Our take
Who Las Catalinas is for
Las Catalinas is unlike anything else you’ll find in Costa Rica. It’s a small, luxury beach town where you can walk everywhere, and it’s great for couples, families and anyone who wants a relaxing, walkable beach trip.
One thing to keep in mind: Las Catalinas is on the high end for both places to stay and restaurants. The community was designed with luxury in mind, and the prices reflect that.
Make it part of a bigger trip: It’s a really cool place, but if you visit Costa Rica you should also explore other parts of the country to really embrace the Costa Rica vibe.
The story
Why Las Catalinas feels different
The land was bought by a US businessman, Charles Brewer, who built Las Catalinas around the ideas of New Urbanism: an urban planning approach that creates walkable towns where homes are within about a five-minute walk of the town center.
A car-free town center
Streets in the town center are pedestrian-only, and cars stay on the outskirts. That gives it a very different feel from most beach towns in Costa Rica.
Mediterranean-style architecture
Colorful Mediterranean-style condos and villas surround a central town square with restaurants, a preschool and public restrooms, with more businesses on the way.
Getting there
How to get to Las Catalinas
Fly into Liberia
The closest airport is Liberia (LIR), a little over an hour’s drive away. Las Catalinas is in Guanacaste, just north of Playa Flamingo and south of Playas del Coco.
We recommend a 4×4 or at least an SUV with decent clearance, because the roads can get a bit interesting.
For more info:
Rental car
Adobe is our #1 car rental choice: 10% off for our readers, 0% deductible on liability protection insurance and great customer service.
Shuttles and taxis
Adobe also runs private shuttles from the airport. For shared shuttles, use Bookaway with code SARAHMC5 for 5% off.
Where it is
Las Catalinas sits on the Pacific coast of Guanacaste in northwest Costa Rica, just north of Playa Potrero and Playa Flamingo.
Good to know: The parking garage in town charges about $15 a day. In our opinion it’s not worth it if you’re mostly staying put, since you can walk everywhere.
Weather
Las Catalinas weather and best time to visit
Dry season (Dec: Apr)
Clear skies and low humidity, with temperatures in the mid-70s to mid-80s°F. December and January can be breezy, and March and April bring a risk of forest fires.
Rainy season (May: Dec)
Usually warm, with an afternoon shower around 2 pm that lasts an hour or two. August to November gets heavier, longer rains, but this area tends to stay fairly dry all year.
Dry season temps
Mid-70s to mid-80s°F (24 to 29°C)
Sunrise / Sunset
about 5:30 AM / about 5:30 PM
Rainy season
Usually 1 to 2 hours of rain in the afternoon
Our tip
Our tip: We like visiting from May to July, when everything turns green again and you usually only get about an hour of rain a day.
Where to stay
Where to stay in Las Catalinas
Casa Chameleon
Adults-only · Ocean views · Private plunge pools
Stunning ocean views and private plunge pools. Perfect for honeymooners, couples and anyone looking for a quiet, secluded getaway.
Santarena Hotel
In town · Rooftop pool · Spa
Spacious, stylish rooms right in town, with great dining, a rooftop pool, a fitness center and a spa.
Good to know: These are the only two hotels in Las Catalinas, so book early. You can also stay in a vacation rental (below) or in nearby Playa Flamingo or Playa Potrero.
See our Playa Flamingo guide for more places to stay nearby →
Our pick
Rent a villa or condo
We always love renting a home or villa in Costa Rica. You get more privacy and the flexibility to cook your own meals, which is handy here since there are only a few restaurants in town.
A few we like: Ocean View Condo (sleeps 8, steps from the beach, private dipping pool), Casa Teja (4 bedrooms, lap pool, ocean-facing porch) and the Oceanfront Villa (sleeps 14, rooftop terrace, a 15-second walk to the beach).
For more options, we suggest VRBO. Browse Las Catalinas rentals on VRBO →
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Things to do
Things to do in Las Catalinas
Beach club
Las Catalinas Beach Club
The beach club is the hub for relaxing and socializing, with a private beachfront, a 25-meter lap pool, a kids’ pool, an adults-only pool and a hot plunge pool, plus a restaurant, bar, gym and yoga classes.
How to get in
Access is included with some rentals. Otherwise it’s about $15 per person per day.
Day trip
Visiting for the day
All beaches in Costa Rica are public by law, so you can come for the day even if you’re not staying here. Park in the large lot on the edge of town and walk in.
Good to know
Parking is about $5 (colones or dollars). Beach chairs and coolers aren’t allowed in the town center, and don’t leave anything valuable in your car.
Main beach
Playa Danta
The main beach runs right along the edge of town, so it’s an easy walk from anywhere. It’s a wide beach with usually calm water, good for swimming and paddling, with some boogie boarding at high tide.
Good to know
It’s where the beach club is, and where day visitors walk in from the parking lot.
Quieter option
Playa Dantita
A smaller, more secluded beach just north of town. Head here if you want a quieter spot away from the main beach.
Good to know
There are fewer services here than on Playa Danta, so bring water and shade.
Mountain biking and trail running
There are about 42 km of trails around town, perfect for a mountain bike ride or an early morning run. The concierge can help you get set up.
Snorkeling and diving
The Catalinas Islands just offshore are one of Costa Rica’s best-known dive sites, and snorkeling is popular here too. The concierge can book dive and snorkel trips for you.
Kayaking and surfing
Sea kayaking, surfing and boogie boarding are all easy to set up through the concierge.
Take a catamaran tour
Catamaran tours are one of the most popular things to do along this stretch of coast.
Explore nearby beaches
With a car, it’s easy to explore nearby towns and beaches like Playa Potrero, Playa Flamingo and Tamarindo.
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Where to eat
Where to eat in Las Catalinas
Sentido Norte
Fine dining · Sunset views · Fresh fish
At Casa Chameleon, with views over the Pacific. Come for an early dinner at sunset and order the fresh fish.
RLT Cuisine
Chef’s table · Daily menu · Reservations
Chef Gil cooks right in front of you, with a menu that changes daily based on what’s fresh. A cozy kitchen experience; reservations required.
La Forketta
Italian · Pizza · Pasta
Consistently excellent Italian food. We usually get pizza, but the pasta is great too. It’s always super crowded, so reserve if you can.
Potrero Brewing Co
Craft beer · Live music
In nearby Playa Potrero, with a rotating menu of craft beer brewed on site, live music and a great overall vibe.
For cheaper eats, head to Playa Potrero. Try Carpe Diem for sandwiches on fresh ciabatta or Soda Marcell for a classic casado.
Practical stuff
Good to know before you go
Good to know
Packing for Las Catalinas
Beach days
Swimsuits, a cover-up, a hat and reef-safe sunscreen. You’ll spend a lot of time at the beach and the beach club.
Walking shoes
Comfortable sandals or sneakers. You’ll walk everywhere in town, and the trails are worth exploring.
Luggage
If possible, pack a backpack or a light bag. Cars aren’t allowed in the town center, so you may need to carry your bags a short way.
Travel insurance
Always a good idea. It’s not just for injury, but for theft, trip interruptions, and lost luggage. We use Heymondo.
Good to know
Safety
Use the same common sense you would anywhere in Costa Rica.
Getting around
Getting around Las Catalinas
You don’t need a car in town: the center is pedestrian-only and everything is within a short walk. Without a car, though, you’re limited to cooking or the few restaurants in town, so book tours that include transportation.
Rental car
Best for day trips to Playa Potrero, Playa Flamingo and beyond. The parking garage in town is about $15 a day.
Walking
The town was designed to be walked. Most places are within about a five-minute walk.
FAQ
Las Catalinas FAQ: your questions
Is Las Catalinas worth visiting?
Yes, if you want a relaxing, walkable beach town. Las Catalinas is unlike anywhere else in Costa Rica: a car-free, Mediterranean-style town on a calm beach, with trails, a beach club and great restaurants. It’s on the pricey side, so it’s best for travelers looking for a little luxury.
Is Las Catalinas Costa Rica expensive?
Yes, Las Catalinas is on the high end for accommodations and restaurants. The community was designed with luxury in mind, and the surroundings reflect that.
Who built Las Catalinas Costa Rica?
Las Catalinas was bought by a US businessman named Charles Brewer. He intentionally designed the community around the idea of New Urbanism, with walkable streets and everything close to the town center.
Is Las Catalinas walkable?
Yes, Las Catalinas is designed to be a completely walkable beach town. Cars are not allowed in the town center.
How do I get to Las Catalinas?
Fly into Liberia (LIR). From there it’s a little over an hour by car, shuttle or taxi. If you drive, we recommend a 4×4 or an SUV with decent clearance.
Do I need a car in Las Catalinas?
Not in town, since the center is car-free and walkable. A car is handy for day trips and for more restaurant options. The parking garage in town costs about $15 a day.
When is the best time to visit Las Catalinas?
The dry season (December to April) brings clear skies and low humidity. We like May to July, when everything turns green again and you usually only get about an hour of rain a day.
Can you visit Las Catalinas for a day trip?
Yes. Beaches in Costa Rica are public, so you can park in the lot on the edge of town (about $5) and walk in. Beach chairs and coolers aren’t allowed in the town center.
What beach is Las Catalinas on?
Las Catalinas sits on Playa Danta, a wide beach with usually calm water right along the edge of town. Playa Dantita, a smaller and more secluded beach, is just to the north.
