If you’re planning a trip to Costa Rica, make sure to include Playa Iguanita in your itinerary. Located in Guanacaste which is a province of popular beaches like Coco & Tamarindo, Iguanita is lesser known beach. It offers a blend of relaxation, great views and calm water. In this blog post, we’ll explore how to get there and some of the activities you can do.
How To Reach The Beach
This is where the road requires a 4 x 4, especially in rainy season. You’ll begin descending the terrain towards the beach and one section of road is fairly loose dirt. This road was easily driven with a 4 x 4, but if the conditions were slightly worse a vehicle with low clearance would struggle.
Arrival At The Beach
You’ll be impressed with Playa Iguanita’s view of Culebra Bay. On the right side you’ll see the Papagayo Peninsula. This area is home to several resorts like the Andaz Costa Rica, Four Seasons and Planet Hollywood. You’ll also be able to see the Papagayo Marina, which has some massive yachts on occasion.
Along the right side of the beach you’ll see great landscapes which run all the way to Playa Panama. Closing off the Culebra Bay on the left side you’ll be able to see Playa Bonita. The land which run along the sides of this beach create a calm and very swimmable beach.
Playa Iguanita is also great for exploring. If you venture along the beach to the south, there’s some trails which run to the back of an estuary. The clear water is great to look at, but don’t swim here. There are signs warning of crocodiles, although I haven’t seen any during my time there.
I recommend bringing a cooler backpack like this one on Amazon if you’re going to be exploring some of these secluded beaches in Costa Rica. You can fill it up in Comunidad before hitting the beach. Then, if you find a great spot to relax away from the parking area, you won’t have to carry a big cooler.
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.
Things to do at Playa Bonita
Swimming And Sunny Relaxation
Iguanita is a gorgeous crescent-shaped beach. With its soft white sand and sparkling turquoise waters, this beach is a paradise for swimmers and sun-seekers alike. But what really sets Playa Iguanita apart is its peaceful and secluded atmosphere. Unlike some of the more crowded beaches in the area, this off-the-beaten-path beach is a quiet oasis, surrounded by lush greenery and breathtaking hills.
Visit The Estuary
At the south end of Playa Iguanita, you’ll find a fascinating estuary that’s home to a variety of unique wildlife. This area has dense mangroves, which provide a crucial habitat for birds, fish, and other creatures. Among the inhabitants of the estuary are crocodiles, which are an impressive sight to behold but also a reminder to be cautious when exploring the area. Due to the presence of these crocodiles, snorkeling isn’t a great idea in the nearby water. Sometimes crocodiles venture out of their estuaries during rainy/murky conditions.
Camp At The Nature Reserve
If you’re a nature lover looking for an authentic adventure in Guanacaste, don’t miss the chance to visit the Iguanita Natural Reserve and Camping Area. located between the public parking area and the estuary, this reserve is a haven for all kinds of wildlife. You’ll be amazed by the monkeys swinging through the trees, the colorful birds chirping in the distance, and the fascinating reptiles sunning themselves on rocks. Sleep under the stars, wake up to the sounds of the jungle, and explore the nearby trails that lead you through the beautiful forest and along the river.
Where To Stay Near Playa Iguanita
If you’re planning to visit Playa Iguanita, you’ll have plenty of options for accommodation nearby. The closest options are the resorts on the Papagayo Peninsula. If you stay at the Planet Hollywood resort you’ll be just up the beach from Playa Iguanita.
For lower cost beach options check out some of the boutique hotels and resorts at Playa Panama and Playa Hermosa. Condovac is a large hotel/resort development at Hermosa which is very popular. You can also stay at El Mangroove at Playa Panama.
For much lower costs, staying in Liberia is a great option as well. There’s a lot of hostels and short term rentals available in Liberia. You can also a Hilton Garden and Hampton hotel right across from the Liberia Airport.
Ambient Beach Walking Video
Visit our channel with ambient videos from Costa Rica. This 25 minute walk will show you the beach and area, with natural sounds. Our ambient videos are great for watching while relaxing or doing a simulated treadmill walk.
Follow Us!
Be sure to Subscribe to our Youtube Channel, and leave a comment with your thoughts about this location or request a video in other cool destinations around Costa Rica.
You can subscribe to our Ambient channel Here. We have videos of walks from other locations as well as driving & drone tours.
FAQ About Playa Iguanita, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
1. How do I get to Playa Iguanita?
Playa Iguanita is located in Guanacaste, near the Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (Liberia Airport). You can reach the beach by taking Route 253 and following signs for Iguanita National Wildlife Refuge. A 4×4 vehicle is recommended due to some uneven and rough roads.
2. Is Playa Iguanita a good place for swimming?
Yes, Playa Iguanita has calm waters that are suitable for swimming. However, be aware of seasonal changes in tides and currents.
3. Is Playa Iguanita crowded?
Playa Iguanita is often less crowded than other nearby beaches like Playas del Coco or Playa Hermosa, making it a peaceful spot for visitors looking for a quieter beach experience.
4. Are there any facilities at Playa Iguanita?
There are limited facilities at Playa Iguanita. It’s a natural and undeveloped beach, so it’s a good idea to bring your own food, water, and supplies for the day.
5. Is Playa Iguanita part of a wildlife refuge?
Yes, Playa Iguanita is part of the Iguanita National Wildlife Refuge, which is home to diverse wildlife including birds, monkeys, and other native Costa Rican species.
6. Can I camp at Playa Iguanita?
Many people will park overland trucks to stay in the public parking area of Playa Iguanita.
7. What activities can I do at Playa Iguanita?
Popular activities at Playa Iguanita include swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, and birdwatching. Its tranquil setting also makes it perfect for relaxation.
8. Is Playa Iguanita family-friendly?
Yes, Playa Iguanita’s calm waters and quiet atmosphere make it a good option for families with children. However, there are no lifeguards on duty, so supervision is recommended.
9. What is the best time of year to visit Playa Iguanita?
The dry season (December to April) is the most popular time to visit Playa Iguanita, offering sunny days and calm seas. The rainy season (May to November) sees fewer tourists, but be mindful of road conditions.
10. Are there any restaurants or hotels near Playa Iguanita?
There are no restaurants or hotels directly on Playa Iguanita. The nearest accommodations and dining options are in the nearby towns of Playas del Coco or Comunidad, a short drive away.
