Playa Hermosa in Puntarenas, Costa Rica, is only 5 km south of Jaco. It is a mecca for surfers, where the waves can reach 13 feet. Of course, there are many other things to do if the surf isn't up! Search FlipKey for your ideal place to stay and choose from luxury villas or beachfront cabins.

About Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica

Hernán Ponce de León discovered Puntarenas in the 16th century, although there were native tribes already in the area.

Coffee has played a central role in the development of the region since it was discovered by the Europeans. In the early 19th century, it became famous for exporting it, as well as bananas.

The traditional dress in the area is beautiful. Women wear long colored skirts (golas) with ruffled blouses with different color trimming. Their hair is braided and decorated with a flower. Men wear a hat with a wide brim and white, or light pants with shirts tucked into a red belt or sash. 

While you're there try rondon, a spicy coconut soup. You can also buy refreshing fruit juices (naturales) on the streets. Mango, pineapple and melon juices are among the favorites. Another favorite local dish is gallo pinto—rice and black beans.

The vibrant culture, and the surfing, make for an exciting vacation!

What to do in Playa Hermosa

Surfing is the main reason for vacationing in Playa Hermosa. However, there are plenty of other things to do if that's not your thing.

Visit Carara National Park and see the crocodiles in the Tarcoles river. If you don't like large reptiles, there are many brightly colored birds to spot. The area is incredibly rich with wildlife so you may see opossums, two-toed sloths, agoutis, armadillos, pacas, great anteaters, and poison-arrow frogs (if you are lucky). You will certainly see monkeys!

From Jaco, you can take a trip to Tortuga (turtle) island. You’ll see beautiful species of parrot, but be careful of the wild pigs—they can be dangerous.

Take one of the many cruises on offer. Visit the untouched mangroves on an Eco Jungle tour. It's a great way to while away an afternoon.

Visit the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve. This is one of the best examples of sustainable tourism in the world.

There's something for everyone in Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica.

Top travel tips for Playa Hermosa

Probably the best way of getting from A to B in Playa Hermosa and Puntarenas is to hire a car at the airport. You can also hire scooters and bikes.

Take a ferry from the city of Puntarenas and visit one of the small villages on the coast of the Nicoya Peninsula. This will give you an insight into the daily life of the people from the Puntarenas region.

The Gulf of Nicoya is worth a visit to see the spectacular sunsets. Why not take a picnic?

For an unforgettable surfing vacation go to Playa Hermosa. There's a lot to see and do and the local cuisine is excellent. You won't be disappointed. You can get off the well-beaten tourist track, or visit the bustling city of Puntarenas. The choice is yours!

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