Playa Grande

Playa Grande is located on the northern Pacific coast in the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica.  Renowned for its consistent surf and nesting site of the rare Leatherback turtle, much of the area is protected as part of Las Baulas National Park. 

Playa Grande is a small, friendly beach community with residents from all over the world who truly embrace the Costa Rican ‘pura vida’ lifestyle.  It is the perfect relaxation getaway.  Restaurants, bars, surf shops, laundry service and mini-supermarket located in town.  Banking, internet, medical and pharmacy services located in nearby Tamarindo and Brasilito

Climate
Guanacaste is a dry tropical forest and is the driest of all the provinces.  Temperatures average 85 degrees during the day and 75 degrees at night year round.  The dry season is typically November – April with no rainfall expected during these months.  The rainy season is typically May –October with September and October being the rainiest months of all, sometimes receiving rain all day long.  During the other months of the rainy season it usually rains in the afternoons and evenings for 2 – 5 hours. 

Map

How to Get Here

From Liberia:
Leaving the airport take a right onto the highway.  Follow this road for about 20 minutes.  In the town of Belen make a right turn following the signs for Grande, Tamarindo and Flamingo.  Follow this road until it ends in the town of Matapalo (about 40 minutes).  Take a left in Matapalo following the signs to Playa Grande.  Stay on this road for about 5 minutes, and we are located in the first house as you enter town on the left hand side.  It is a group of 3 orange colored houses, across the street from Las Terrazas de Cabo Velas.  If you see the Pizzeria you have gone too far. 

From San Jose:
Take the Pan American Highway (Highway 1) north for approximately 2 hours towards Liberia/Penas Blancas (follow the road signs).  You can follow signs for Tamarindo starting almost right away.  Just after passing the town of Matapalo turn left toward the Tempisque Bridge, also called La Puente de Amistad.

Once you cross the bridge you continue going straight until you come to a ‘T’ intersection.  Make a right turn following the signs for Santa Cruz and Belen.  In the town of Belen make a left turn following the signs for Grande, Tamarindo and Flamingo.  Follow this road until it ends in the town of Matapalo (about 40 minutes).  Take a left in Matapalo (same name, different town) following the signs to Playa Grande.  Stay on this road for about 5 minutes, and we are located in the first house as you enter town on the left hand side.  It is a group of 3 orange colored houses, across the street from Las Terrazas de Cabo Velas.  If you see the Pizzeria you have gone too far. 

From Tamarindo:
Leaving the airport, turn left onto the main road.  When you come to the intersection turn left towards Playa Grande/Huacas.  Follow this road for about 10 minutes until you come to the next intersection in Huacas.  Turn left in Huacas towards Playa Grande/Matapalo.  Follow this road for about 5 minutes until it ends in the town of Matapalo.  Take a left in Matapalo following the signs to Playa Grande.  Stay on this road for about 5 minutes, and we are located in the first house as you enter town on the left hand side.  It is a group of 3 orange colored houses, across the street from Las Terrazas de Cabo Velas.  If you see the Pizzeria you have gone too far. 

What to Bring
Flip-flops, sneakers, beach towels (ask about availability) flashlight, lightweight clothing, basic toiletries, deck of cards or travel games, beach toys, reading materials, snack (if arriving after 9:00p.m. or ask about our Food Stocking Service), sunglasses, beach hat and of course a few bathing suits.

Sunscreen, shampoo, toothpaste, etc. are available for purchase in the market in town if you decide not to bring your own. 

I f you are traveling with a baby please note that there is a limited supply of canned baby foods and cereals here, although disposable diapers and baby wipes are available. 

Leave unnecessary valuables at home.  Most rentals provide safes to use during your stay. 
Cash is the easiest way to pay for things. 

Virtually all vendors accept both American dollars and colones.  Small bills (under 100) are recommended.  Some businesses will accept 100s for larger purchases.  Not all businesses accept credit cards and some charge an extra fee (3%-18%).  Travelers checks are not widely accepted and can be difficult to change at the bank.