Last Updated: November 17, 2020
Nestled between the popular resort destinations of Playa Flamingo and Playa Conchal is the unassuming Playa Brasilito. This town and beach of the same name doesn’t have the glitz and glamour of its neighbors, but that’s all part of the appeal. Instead, at Playa Brasilito, you’ll find a modest fishing village centered around a soccer field with a few restaurants and souvenir shops. Although some hotels and international restaurants have sprung up, Playa Brasilito has a very local feel. In this post, we’ll tell you more about Playa Brasilito, including where to stay and eat, and what to do.
Orientation
Playa Brasilito is located in Guanacaste Province on the northwestern Pacific coast. Of Costa Rica’s two international airports, Liberia (LIR) is the closest at about 1 hour away.
The nearest town is Playa Flamingo, a few kilometers north. Flamingo is known for its pretty white-sand beach and many hotels and condos.
Just a short walk south of Playa Brasilito is Playa Conchal. Conchal isn’t a town per se, but has been built up with luxury accommodations because of its famed beach. Guanacaste’s biggest beach town, Tamarindo, is also only about 30 minutes away.
While many of the surrounding beach communities in northern Guanacaste are developed in this way, Playa Brasilito still has a local feel. Many Ticos (Costa Ricans) live in town, and you will see them bringing in the daily catch, grabbing a beer after work, or taking in a gorgeous sunset. In addition to being a good alternative for those seeking an authentic experience, Playa Brasilito is much more affordable.
Tip: Many of the area’s best beaches and restaurants are a drive from Playa Brasilito so we recommend a rental car. The area’s roads are mostly flat and well paved, but some are not. If you plan to explore, go with an SUV with higher clearance to help you navigate the rough dirt roads. Check out our Rental Car Discount page to save some money.
Activities in Brasilito
The beautiful coastline is by far the main attraction in Playa Brasilito, but there are a variety of other things to do. Below we’ll cover some of the must-see area beaches and a few tours you can do locally, as well as some popular activities that are farther away.
Beaches
Playa Brasilito
The main beach, Playa Brasilito, is a two kilometer (1.2 mile) stretch of gray sand. It isn’t Guanacaste’s prettiest beach, but if you drive on the dirt road to the northern end, it becomes more scenic. This area has a picturesque outcropping of rocks and a few small islands in the distance. Playa Brasilito is also an awesome place to watch the sunset (see photo, above).
Playa Conchal
Just a 10-minute walk south along the coast is Playa Conchal. This beach got its name from the millions of tiny crushed seashells that make up the sand. It is one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful beaches, with clear turquoise water and a backing of short vegetation. The water is usually calm and good for swimming, making it popular among families.
Many visitors to Playa Conchal stay at the all-inclusive Westin resort nearby, but locals and tourists visit for the day too. Read our post Playa Conchal: The Allure of Shell Beach for more information.
Lesser-Known Beaches
Two lesser-known beaches in the area are Bahia de los Pirates and Playa Mina. These are located more remotely and are much harder to get to. You’ll want to have good directions before heading out (see ours, below).
Bahia de los Piratas
Bahia de los Piratas (Pirates Bay) is a secluded beach with almost pink sand. It is named after the small cave dug into the side of an island, just offshore. Now empty, the cave is said to have once hidden the treasure of pirates. You can walk out to the island and explore the cave at low tide.
Bahia de los Piratas never gets too busy and is mostly visited by locals. If you walk south along the beach towards the rocks, it gets even more secluded. We saw howler monkeys the last time we visited. Be sure to bring everything you need for the day as there are no stores nearby.
A parking attendant is usually there to watch your car for ₡1,000 (about $2). As always in Costa Rica, though, don’t leave anything valuable inside.
Directions to Bahia de los Piratas: Bahia de los Piratas is near the town of Matapalo on the way to Playa Grande. Coming from Route 933, turn right at the soccer field in Matapalo, then take your next left. The road will curve to the right and you will continue into an open area. Keep right and continue on the main dirt road for about 4.5 km. Where the road forks again at the Condor Hotel, take a left. Follow the road all the way to the beach. Here is a map with more details.
Playa Mina
Not far from Bahia de los Piratas is Playa Mina. This is another hidden beach that not too many people know about. Playa Mina has light tan sand and is located in a wide cove so the water is relatively calm. You can snorkel along the rocks at each end, and sometimes tour operators bring people here to stand-up paddleboard. Locals often camp along the eastern end.
Directions to Playa Mina: Follow the directions for Bahia de los Piratas, above, but once you get on the road that passes the Condor Hotel, take your first right. This goes directly to Playa Mina. The road is very bumpy (4×4 recommended). Here is a map with directions.
Horseback Riding and ATV Tours
Another way to enjoy the beautiful coastline near Brasilito is on horseback or ATV. Tour operators will take you wherever you want to go, but popular routes are right on the beach and up into the forest to viewpoints. These tours are a great way to see some of the more remote areas and small neighborhoods that you might not find on your own.
Catamaran Sailing Tour
We highly recommend a catamaran tour during your time in Guanacaste. These are available out of Playa Flamingo just to the north and take you along the beautiful coastline and to a remote cove for some time to swim and snorkel.
Adventure Park with Wildlife
About a half-hour from Brasilito is an eco-adventure park that offers lots of different activities to check off your list. You can zip line, explore the tropical dry forest by horse or ATV, and do a cultural tour to learn about coffee, sugar cane, and chocolate. They also have a really nice animal sanctuary for wildlife that has been injured or kept as pets. This makes it easy to see wildlife close up that is otherwise very hard to see in Guanacaste like sloths and toucans. A popular option is their day pass, which includes a few different activities.
National Parks
Hiking is also available, but keep in mind, that most of the parks and reserves are at least 1.5 hours away. Some of the popular national parks in Guanacaste include Rincon de la Vieja (features volcanic vents, bubbling mud pots, waterfalls, etc.) and Palo Verde National Park (riverboat tour to see birds and wildlife).
Many people also take adventure combo tours in the mountains near Rincon de la Vieja. This is another tour that is a bit of a drive away, but includes things you won’t find around the beach like hot springs, mud baths, river tubing, a waterslide, and hanging bridges.
Restaurants in Brasilito
Here are some of the best restaurants that we have tried in Playa Brasilito.
Papaya
Papaya Restaurant in the Conchal Hotel is where to go for more sophisticated, refined food. The menu features a mix of local meats like beef and chicken to seafood and infusion dishes. The ambiance at dinner is romantic, with white lights illuminating the upper dining area. Prices are a bit high for Costa Rica with entrees $16-25, but the food is worth it. We loved our filet minon and the tuna steak was fresh and flavorful.
Soda Brasilito
Right on the square in town is Soda Brasilito. This simple restaurant is popular among locals and visitors alike. It serves up all the Costa Rican classics, and the food is good and cheap. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Agua y Sal
This little cafe just past the center of town is a great stop for breakfast or a simple lunch. We loved their homemade breads, pastries, and treats. Has sandwiches to go for beach days. Cash only.
Beach Chocolate Factory
Although not a restaurant, we would be remiss if we didn’t tell you about this local chocolatier. The Beach Chocolate Factory is making small batch chocolate from bean to bar. At their storefront, you’ll find an array of bars. Our favorites were the single-source dark and milk infused with chili powder and nutmeg.
They also now offer a chocolate tour/workshop. Contact them through their website to schedule a visit.
Hotels in Brasilito
Brasilito is still growing for tourism but it does have a few good options for hotels. Here are our picks.
Quinta Esencia B&B
We loved our stay at Quinta Esencia B&B. This charming, yet funky, B&B is just outside town so a good option for those traveling without a car. The four rooms are simple, yet extremely functional, clean, and nicely decorated. The owners are friendly and have done a wonderful job trying to make their guests feel comfortable. We enjoyed the traditional French breakfast and appreciated the option of having coffee or tea any time of day.
All the rooms at Quinta Esencia are identical with one king bed and one twin bed, A/C, and TV. $80/night. Check Rates and Availability Here.
Conchal Hotel
Another solid option in Playa Brasilito is Conchal Hotel. This small hotel is right on the main road before you get to town. Rooms are divided between ground level and second floor (some with balconies), and surround a small pool. The property is nicely landscaped with tropical palms and flowering plants. Rooms vary in size and set-up, with options for both couples and families/groups. Conchal Hotel has the yummy Papaya restaurant on-site (see above). $50-160. Check Rates and Availability Here.
Brasilito might sit among some of the tourist giants like Tamarindo and Flamingo, but it has the perfect mix of local culture and tourist amenities. From weathered fishing boats beached up on the sand to thrilling adventure tours in the distant hills, this little beach town has all the makings for a memorable, authentic vacation.
Last Updated: November 17, 2020
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