We’re located near several prime beaches!

Matapalo

Matapalo is a small beach town 25 km (16 miles) south of Manuel Antonio on the Costanera Sur road. The beach stretches long and serene down the pacific coast and plays host to big surf. Be sure to time your visit for low tide to maximize long walks along its endless white sand. Its siren call rewards those willing to travel the dusty roads that lead there. The surf brings a pilgrims progress of surfers hanging ten through an endless summer but Matapalo has a lot to offer the quiet beach goer as well.

Costa Rica Parasailing

Directions
27 km from Villas Tranquilas (35 minute drive). Travel south on Costanera Sur roadway. This is unpaved highway and can be very dusty. Go past airport south, Pass Ron Cador Soda Stand and turn right off the highway at the “Imperial” beer sign. You are now in Matapalo. Pass the Super Matapalo grocery, pass the soccer field, and then past Chasa restaurant. Turn right at “Imperial El Express “Pacifica” sign. Cross over the rustic bridge, turn at “Blue Surfboard” sign and then take a right at the beach signs. There is parking at the beach and there is a jungle gym recreational area for small children (and a sandpit for volleyball).

Playa Palo Seco Beach

Playa Palo Seco charms have long enticed local Costa Rican families, but it is just pinging the boundaries of holiday tourists’ radar screens. It’s quite possible you will have the wide volcanic black sand beach all to yourself. Like Matapalo, the surf is excellent. The beach provides ideal conditions for shelling collecting, sunbathing, strolling, biking, fishing, swimming or an impromptu game of beach volleyball. The magnificent sunrises and sunsets are unparalleled. If you’re looking for beach vacations, this is one of the places you want to visit!

Directions
From Quepos it is 25 km from Villas Tranquilas (15 minute drive). Travel north on paved Costanera highway and go past the fruit market on right. At 21 km turn left at Playa Palo Seco road sign. Pass the Super Liceroria on your left and be aware of pot holes in the road. Travel past the grazing cows and horses in the open fields. The road ends at the beach. May need to pay a guy to watch your car. The standard fee is usually a couple of bucks.

Playa Biesanz

Playa Biesanz is more off the beaten path and secluded as it takes a little effort to get there. When Manuel Antonio beach gets overwhelming with buzzing tourists, head to Playa Biesanz. There are picturesque views of the park from here and there is also excellent snorkeling. During the high season it is possible to rent snorkeling equipment. A quaint tico restaurant is also on the beach that serves sensibly priced lunch fare. Parking is available alongside the road. Walk through the path down the small hill to the beach. Parking attendants are on hand to watch your car. If you are there for the day prices usually run 1000 colones ($2.00).

Directions
A 4-wheel drive vehicle is recommended for this road. Travel through Quepos to Manual Antonio. Turn right at Hotel Makanda-by-the-Sea and proceed down narrow windy road. Keep going to the end of the road, follow the gravel road until it dead ends (1.4 km). You will pass many high end homes build into the side of the descending hillside. The road leads you down to the beach. You need to pay to park at this site but it is completely worth it!!

If you have any questions about the beaches or directions, contact us and we will be happy to help you.