White Sand Beach In Costa Rica:
Visit playa penca during your vacation
If you’re vacationing in Costa Rica, there’s a good chance you’ll start your trip at the Liberia International Airport. A very popular beach destination nearby is Playas del Coco. It’s about 45 minutes outside of the airport, and one of the closest busy beach towns to the airport.
I highly recommend checking out Playa Penca, which is one beach over from El Coco. Playa Penca is one of my top rated beaches in Costa Rica for its perfect sand and calm water.
The beach is at the location of the new development called The Waldorf Astoria. Despite the construction, the beach is still accessible and the road is paved(for years the road was dirt and rough).
Before departing for your trip to Costa Rica, be sure to pick up sunscreen. Spending a day at Playa Penca is great, and there’s no reason to ruin the next day with a sunburn. Sunscreen in Costa Rica can be expensive to buy, I suggest bringing your own. Try this sunscreen bar with roll on application. I find it’s great to not overuse, like cream. It’s also solid so much easier to bring at the airport
https://youtu.be/tOulBCFEzTg
Between Two Amazing Towns
If you’re leaving from Playas del Coco, you’ll simply head to the next beach town north – Playa Hermosa. About half way along, you’ll find the entrance to Penca, which is now built with the construction entrance.
This is the entrance which will lead down towards the Waldorf Astoria hotel and Playa Penca. After just about a minute of driving, you’ll find Mirador Playa Penca. This is an observation stop that allows for an amazing view of Playa Hermosa and Culebra Bay.
Continuing on the road about a minute or two, you’ll see an entrance for another beach called Pobre de Calzón. There’s a separate entrance to the walking path down to this beach. This is an incredible beach which is great for relaxing and snorkeling. Check out our Youtube video on this beach here:
https://youtu.be/yz-NWbqTal4
Pick up a pair of these awesome water shoes. I’ve been using them all over Costa Rica during my travels. They have vented soles so water drains right out the bottom! Great for going to the beach and walking through town, or exploring rivers.
Walk To Playa Penca
The walk down to Playa Penca can be fairly vertical with stairs and loose sections. As the development at the Waldorf Astoria continues, this path may become easier to traverse.
Once you arrive at Playa Penca, you’ll find the incredible beach, water and view of the bay. There probably won’t be any vendors at the beach, so it’s best to bring your own food and drink. I recommend a cooler backpack, it’s the easiest way to transport enough cold water for the day. Pick one up on Amazon.
Try Snorkeling
The water at Playa Penca is often perfect for snorkeling. The first reason is that the water is calm as can be. This makes for a pleasurable swim, not having to exert yourself to stay and hover in one place. Strong waves can also cause bubble vortexes which decrease visibility and make the cool fish move around more.
The second reason is that the water is so clear. This allows you to see the fish, and film them, with more clarity. You’ll also be able to see various rock formations from farther away, and decide if they’re worth checking out. I suggest snorkeling at high tide as at this time the tide pools (shore rocks) are covered with water and the fish come in to feed.
If you’d like to try out snorkeling in Costa Rica, I suggest bringing your own set. I use a Cressi Set, which includes fins, a mask and snorkel. The fins are short enough for maneuvering quickly, and easily packed in a suitcase. Pick up the set on Amazon.
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We also upload ambient videos and walking tours of the locations that we visit, check out that channel Here.
Playa Penca Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where exactly is Playa Penca located?
Playa Penca is a beach on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, between Playa Hermosa and Playas del Coco. It’s in Guanacaste Province, making it easy to access from popular tourist spots.
2. How do I get to Playa Penca?
You can get to Playa Penca by car, bike, or foot from nearby areas like Playa Hermosa and Playas del Coco. The beach is a 30 minute drive from Liberia International Airport. For those without a vehicle, taxis and shuttles are available.
3. Is Playa Penca safe for swimming?
Yes, Playa Penca is generally safe for swimming. The waters are clear and calm, with gentle waves. However, always check local conditions and stay aware of your surroundings.
4. Are there any facilities or amenities at Playa Penca?
Playa Penca is a natural, undeveloped beach, so amenities are minimal. There are no restrooms, showers, or food vendors directly on the beach. Visitors often bring their own snacks, water, and beach gear.
5. What is the best time to visit Playa Penca?
The best time to visit Playa Penca is during the dry season, from December to April, when the weather is sunny and there’s little rain. The beach can get crowded during weekends and holidays, so weekdays are generally quieter.
6. Are there any activities to do at Playa Penca?
Playa Penca is great for sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, and photography. The calm waters make it ideal for beginner snorkeling, where you can see a variety of tropical fish. You can also paddleboard to and from Playa Penca.
7. Is there parking available at Playa Penca?
Yes, there is limited parking near Playa Penca. Arrive early to secure a close spot, especially during peak season.
8. Can I bring my dog to Playa Penca?
Playa Penca is pet-friendly. Many visitors bring their dogs to enjoy the beach. Just make sure to clean up after your pet and keep them on a leash.
9. What should I bring to Playa Penca?
It’s a good idea to bring sunscreen, a hat, water, snacks, a towel, and snorkeling gear. Since there are no facilities, it’s important to pack everything you might need for a beach day.
10. Are there any places to eat near Playa Penca?
While there are no food vendors directly on Playa Penca, you can find a variety of restaurants and cafes in nearby Playa Hermosa and Playas del Coco. There’s a lot of options in either town. Check out Youtube channel for videos on each locaiton.
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