Papagayo travel guide
Papagayo, Costa Rica: where to stay, eat and play
A peninsula of white-sand beaches, turquoise water and some of the most luxurious resorts in Costa Rica, less than an hour from Liberia Airport.
By Sarah & Thomas, calling Costa Rica home since 2016
Best Time
Dec to Apr
From LIR airport
About 45 min
Best Airport
LIR
Temperature
Hot: 85 to 95°F
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Our take
Who Papagayo is for
If you’re looking for luxury, this will always be our number one spot. We think it’s the perfect honeymoon destination. The vibe is kind of non-existent outside the resorts, since you can’t even access most of the peninsula unless you’re staying at one. So the vibe is really the sophistication of the resorts.
One thing to keep in mind: About 70% of the peninsula has to stay natural by government mandate, so it will never feel overdeveloped.
How long to stay: Four to seven nights for a resort vacation, with a couple of day trips.
Stay on Papagayo or nearby?
Stay on the peninsula if…
You want top-tier luxury at Four Seasons, Andaz or Planet Hollywood, with private beaches and golf.
Stay nearby if…
You want resort perks for a bit less. Secrets Papagayo and El Mangroove are on the Gulf of Papagayo, and Playa Hermosa and Coco are close.
Our take
Even if you don’t stay here, you can visit the beaches for free as a day trip.
Getting there
Getting to Papagayo
From Liberia Airport
About 45 minutes from Liberia Airport on an easy drive. Most resorts also offer airport transfers.
From San José it’s about 4 to 5 hours (137 miles / 220 km), so fly into Liberia if you can.
For more info:
Rental car
You don’t need a car at the resorts, but rent one for a few days if you want to explore on your own.
Shuttles
Resort transfers are easiest. For other shuttles, use Bookaway with code SARAHMC5 for 5% off.
Where it is
Papagayo Peninsula is on the North Pacific coast in Guanacaste. The nearest big city is Liberia, less than an hour away.
Good to know: Booking tours through your resort can cost a lot more than booking yourself. Compare prices.
Weather
Papagayo weather and best time to visit
Dry season (late Dec – Apr)
Everything turns brown, and it’s not unusual to see forest fires in February and March. It almost feels like Arizona.
Rainy season (May – Nov)
Our favorite time is May to July, when everything is green, with a storm around 2 pm for about an hour. August to December is cooler and rainier.
Daytime
Hot: 85 to 95°F
Sunrise / Sunset
about 5:30 AM / about 5:30 PM
Rain usually starts
Around 2 pm
Our tip
Our tip: If you’re unsure about the weather, this is the area to visit. It gets far less rain than most of the country.
Where to stay
Where to stay in Papagayo
Four Seasons Resort
Ultra-luxury · Two beaches
Often considered the most luxurious resort in Costa Rica, with four restaurants, four pools and two private beaches.
Andaz Papagayo
Luxury · Couples & families
Luxury at its finest. There’s an adults-only pool and a family pool, and you can choose all-inclusive or not.
Planet Hollywood
All-inclusive · Families
A super fun, modern family resort with multiple restaurants and bars, a kids club, pools and beach access.
Secrets Papagayo
Adults-only · All-inclusive
Not on the peninsula itself but just across the bay on the Gulf of Papagayo. A popular honeymoon pick with four restaurants, five bars, 24-hour dining, a spa and yoga.
El Mangroove is also worth considering (see El Mangroove), with beautiful grounds, a spa and two restaurants. You’ll feel so secluded in luxury. Two newer resorts have also opened on the peninsula, Mandarin Oriental Guanacaste and Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. Close by, the new Waldorf Astoria Punta Cacique sits between Playa Hermosa and Playas del Coco.
See the best resorts in Guanacaste →
Our pick
Rent a villa
This 3-bedroom condo is on the Four Seasons property, so you get a lot of the resort benefits for less, and the owners are beyond helpful.
For a big group, Casa Armadillo sleeps 12 with an infinity pool and Pacific views.
There are so many amazing vacation rentals around Papagayo, which is great if you’re traveling with a big group. Browse Papagayo rentals on VRBO →
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Things to do
Things to do in Papagayo
Our favorite
Visit the beaches (even as a day trip)
By law, all Costa Rican beaches are public. Follow the “Visitantes Playa” signs to the free parking lot at the entrance, then take the free bus to the beaches. Playa Nacascolo and Playa Blanca are the easiest to reach.
Good to know
The bus runs until about 5 pm. The lot didn’t seem well guarded, so don’t leave anything valuable in your car.
Fishing
Go deep-sea fishing
Enjoy world-class mahi-mahi or marlin fishing with a half or full day trip with Papagayo Fishing.
Good to know
Most resorts are happy to cook what you catch for dinner.
Take a catamaran or sailing tour
The perfect way to explore this coast. Some tours include snorkeling, sunset views, a meal and cocktails.
Visit Rincón de la Vieja
See volcanic activity up close, with tons of adventure activities nearby.
Swim at Llanos de Cortez
An impressive, family-friendly waterfall you can swim under. Easy on your own with a car.
Golf, spa and pool days
Play the Arnold Palmer Signature course, get a spa treatment and enjoy your resort’s pools and activities.
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Tell our planner your dates, airport and travel style. It picks the regions that fit, with hotels, tours and drive times for each stop.
Where to eat
Where to eat in Papagayo
Abbocato
Fine dining · Favorite
Everything here is excellent. One of our favorite dinner spots.
The Dive Bar
Marina · Ocean views
Not an actual dive bar at all! Next to the marina, with a nice ocean view and delicious fresh food.
Río Bhongo
Andaz · Views
You can’t beat the views and atmosphere at this restaurant in the Andaz.
Poro Poro
Elevated Costa Rican
Next to the Four Seasons, with fresh seafood and fish. I’d call it extremely elevated Costa Rican food.
In general, you’re probably going to eat at your resort most of the time. Nemare, by the Four Seasons golf course, is another good option with large portions of seafood and steak. For cheaper eats, drive to Playas del Coco or Playa Hermosa.
Practical stuff
Good to know before you go
Good to know
Packing for Papagayo
Sun protection
It’s often incredibly hot here.
Resort outfits
Non-wrinkle clothes for nice resort dinners, plus cover-ups.
Bathing suits
Bring a few, because you’ll live in them.
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
This area is really safe, especially within the resorts, but always keep an eye on your belongings.
Getting around
Getting around Papagayo
At the resorts, you don’t really need a car. For day trips, book tours with transportation or rent a car for a few days.
Rental car
Adobe delivers from their Liberia office. Resort transfers are easiest from the airport.
Free beach bus
Day visitors can park at the public lot and ride the free bus to the beaches.
FAQ
Papagayo FAQ: your questions
Is Papagayo safe?
Yes, it’s generally very safe, especially within the resorts. Just use normal caution with your belongings.
How far is Papagayo from San José?
About 137 miles (220 km), or 4 to 5 hours by car. It’s much easier to fly into Liberia, about 45 minutes away.
Can you visit the Papagayo beaches without staying at a resort?
Yes. Park in the free public lot at the entrance and take the free bus to the beaches. Playa Nacascolo and Playa Blanca are the easiest.
Can you swim at Papagayo?
Yes. The beaches have clear water that’s great for swimming. Just always use caution.
What is Papagayo known for?
Luxury resorts, golf, white-sand beaches and turquoise water. About 70% of the peninsula has to stay natural.
Is Papagayo good for a honeymoon?
Yes! We think it’s the perfect honeymoon destination in Costa Rica.
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