Chances are if you don’t live in Costa Rica or visit regularly, you have never heard of Playa Carrillo. But for those that frequent the country, you have probably discovered this hidden gem. In this post, we’ll tell you what makes the beach, Playa Carrillo, so special and why it’s a favorite for so many. We’ll also give some general information about the area itself.
Location
Playa Carrillo is located in Costa Rica’s northwestern province, Guanacaste. It sits towards the southern end of the province. Although the Guanacaste region is more developed, especially along the coast, the southern end near Carrillo has a quiet rural feel.
The closest major town to Playa Carrillo is Samara, about a five-minute drive away. Samara is a fun beach town with a downtown set along the sand. You can learn more about Samara with our destination guide.
Playa Carrillo has its own town called Puerto Carrillo. Puerto Carrillo is very small and set up on a hill, with a few hotels, vacation rental homes, simple restaurants, and a couple of basic grocery stores.
Other than the modest development in Puerto Carrillo, most of the land in the area near the beach is pristine tropical forest.
If you keep driving south out of Puerto Carrillo, it becomes even more remote and untouched.
About Playa Carrillo
Set Up
Playa Carrillo is a sheltered cove with clear, aqua colored water. A thick row of palm trees backs the light sand. Although there isn’t a ton of shade, you can usually find a good spot under the palms since the beach is fairly long.
Parking is easy. Since there is no development, you can park right along the road (Route 160) and be steps from the sand. The main road runs along the beach. It has a grassy median in the middle where people park cars as well.
Typically, the waves are gentle, making it a great place to swim, even with young children.
Costa Ricans love Playa Carrillo. The beach is very popular among locals, so it does get busier on weekends and during holidays like Easter and Christmas/New Years. Still, the beach almost never feels too crowded.
Under the palms are some concrete tables and benches. You’ll often find people here set up for the day.
Amenities
One of the great things about Playa Carrillo is that there really isn’t much in the immediate area. So be sure to bring what you’ll need for the day. There is a small grocery store in Puerto Carrillo for drinks or snacks.
You can usually find vendors selling things like cold coconut water, ceviche, or homemade treats. Locals with push carts also sell granizados (a sweet shaved-ice dessert) along the road. But other than that, there’s nothing around.
Sunset
Playa Carrillo is a popular spot for sunset. People gather along the beach around 5:00 pm to get ready for the big show!
Mirador Puerto Carrillo
If you drive just past the beach and up the hill, there is a nice mirador/lookout (Mirador Puerto Carrillo). From the small parking area, it’s just a quick walk up some concrete steps to get a lovely view of Playa Carrillo and the bay from above.
Conclusion
Our family all had a great time visiting Playa Carrillo again. The beach has a fun, laid back vibe and we love having all the locals around. If you’re looking to unwind on a quiet, gorgeous beach, we highly recommend it.
Have a question about visiting Playa Carrillo or have you been before? Let us know in the comments below.
Looking for more information to plan your visit to Costa Rica? Check out these posts:
Samara: Guanacaste’s Most Overlooked Beach Town – Samara is a great place to stay if you’d like to check out Playa Carrillo. This article covers the town set up and gives recommendations for activities and accommodations.
Guanacaste, Costa Rica: Regional Snapshot – Not sure if the Samara/Carrillo area is right for you? Get an overview of other beach towns in Guanacaste here.
Renting a Car in Costa Rica: Clearing Up the Confusion – If you plan to stay in Puerto Carrillo, you’ll want a rental car to get around. Learn about how insurance works in Costa Rica and pitfalls to avoid.
