Flamingo, Brasilito, and Conchal are beaches side by side along Guanacaste’s northern coast. These three locations offer different experiences despite being within walking distance of each other. The area sits about an hour’s drive from Liberia International Airport, making it accessible for both short visits and longer stays.
Brasilito gives you the most authentic Costa Rican beach town experience. The central area connects to a gray sand beach where local families gather on weekends. A short drive to the east, Playa Flamingo’s perfect crescent of pinkish white sand attracts more international visitors with its upscale accommodations and marina. To the west of Brasilito, around a small rocky outcrop, you’ll find Playa Conchal. This beach is famous for its unique shore made of crushed shells.
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You can easily visit all three beaches in a single day. Most visitors base themselves in either Flamingo or at the Westin Conchal resort, then explore the connecting beaches on foot or by short drives. Each beach has distinct swimming conditions, dining options, and overall atmosphere that we’ll cover throughout this guide.
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Brasilito Bay Area
The beaches of Flamingo, Brasilito, and Conchal are all located close to each other around a bay in northern Guanacaste. This stretch of coastline is about 20 kilometers north of Tamarindo and 40 kilometers west of Santa Cruz. The area is
between the Tamarindo area, and the beaches farther north like Playas del Coco and Playa Hermosa.
The geography creates three distinct beach experiences within a small area. A series of rocky headlands separate these beaches, with Brasilito at the center, Flamingo to the east, and Conchal to the west. The entire area follows Guanacaste’s typical weather patterns with dry conditions from December through April and afternoon showers during the green season of May through November.
Map of Costa Rica showing Playa Flamingo in Guanacaste.
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Getting to Brasilito Bay
The nearest international airport is in Liberia. If you’re taking an airport transfer or tour company, they’ll navigate to the beaches. If you’re renting a car, simply drive south from the airport. When you reach the small town of Belen, turn towards the coast. The drive takes about 60-75 minutes on well maintained roads. Signs mark the turnoffs for each beach once you reach the coastal area. Any rental car will make the journey to this area fine, so don’t worry about a 4×4.
If you’re coming from the south, the route from Tamarindo takes about 30-40 minutes. This route is also entirely paved, so you’ll be able to do it in any car – even in the rainy season.
Beach Layout and Connections
Brasilito town is at the center of the bay, with its main road leading directly to its beach. To the north end of Brasilito Beach, you’ll be able to one of the ends of Playa Flamingo. You can walk between these beaches at low tide in about 20 minutes, or drive around in 5 minutes.
Playa Conchal connects to the southern end of Brasilito Beach. A short walk around a rocky outcrop brings you to the shell filled shores. This walking path takes about 10 minutes from central Brasilito. To drive between them, you’ll need to loop around through an inland road that takes about 10 minutes. The drive to the public parking area of Conchal is on unpaved roads, and could require 4×4 in the rainy season. It’s better to park on the paved roads of Brasilito and simply walk to Conchal.
The three beaches form a curved coastline with Flamingo at the norther point, Brasilito in the central bay, and Conchal at the southern edge. You’ll likely find it easy to explore all three in a single day, either by car or by combining walking along the beach with short drives.
Map showing the locations of Playa Conchal (bottom), Brasilito (middle), Playa Flamingo (top).
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Brasilito: The Local Experience
Brasilito remains one of the more authentic beach towns in Guanacaste. Unlike its neighbors, Brasilito hasn’t seen major resort development. This keeps its local character intact. The small town centers around Brasilito Park, which in the video below you’ll see was hosting a rodeo and carnival. The park is surrounded by sodas (local restaurants), small hotels, and convenience stores.
The beach runs for about a kilometer with very few rocks, and calm waters for most of the year. On the weekends it’ll be more busy with families setting up under the trees. On weekdays, you might have long stretches of beach nearly to yourself, especially during green season.
Town sign at the center of Brasilito. This is on the main street between Conchal and Flamingo, and only one block from the beach.
Brasilito Beach and Town
Brasilito’s main beach has darker sand than Flamingo and Conchal, but has gentler waves that make it good for swimming. The beach slopes gradually, creating a wide walking area at low tide and calm swimming conditions at high tide. There’s ample shade higher up the beach, which is important to consider as a burn can ruin your vacation. Be sure to bring sunscreen, as it’s expensive in Costa Rica. I like these sun sticks you can pick up on Amazon.
The town itself is compact and walkable. A central plaza is one block with the primary road on one side and the beach on the other. Accommodations in Brasilito tend toward small hotels and cabinas rather than large resorts. Budget options start around $40-60 per night, while mid-range hotels with pools average $80-120. Check on Google Maps for some options just outside of town, but still within walking distance of the beach.
Some photos of the beach at Brasilito, including horses which are used to tour the beach and area.
Activities in Brasilito
Swimming and beach walking are the main activities at Brasilito Beach. The water typically stays calm enough for swimming year round, though afternoon winds can kick up small waves. Local vendors occasionally set up on weekends selling snacks, drinks, and beach items. Most services will be limited as compared to more developed beaches.
Snorkeling is possible around the rocky points at either end of the beach when conditions are calm. The best spot is toward Conchal, where rock formations create habitat for colorful fish. Bring your own gear as rental options in Brasilito are limited. For much better snorkeling you can drive out to Las Catalinas and Playa Danta. I use this snorkel set from Cressi on my snorkeling trips in Costa Rica.
Several tour operators in town arrange fishing trips, sunset sails, and excursions to nearby Palo Verde National Park. These typically cost less than similar tours booked through hotels in Flamingo or Conchal. The town also is a good base for exploring inland attractions like the Llanos de Cortez waterfall, about an hour’s drive away. Here’s a video of Llanos del Cortez, which is a unique waterfall as it has a small beach right at the waterfall pool.
Playa Flamingo
Flamingo is just north of Brasilito on a very nice peninsula with beaches on both sides. This area has become the upscale hub for this part of Guanacaste, with luxury condos, vacation rentals, and higher end restaurants. The main beach forms a perfect crescent between two rocky points. It’s a very photogenic beach and well known for its beauty.
Development in Flamingo focuses on the hillsides overlooking the beach rather than directly on the sand. This keeps the beach itself relatively natural while still offering modern amenities nearby.
The marina at Flamingo has a really nice boardwalk for photos, with the boats and commercial area in the background.
Flamingo Beach
The main beach stretches for about a kilometer between two rocky points. At the north end, a steep hillside creates a dramatic backdrop for the beach. The gently sloping shore makes for excellent swimming conditions most of the year, with calm waters in the morning and small waves in the afternoon.
Flamingo has good facilities compared to Brasilito. You’ll find beach chairs for rent, a couple of restaurants with service right to the sand, and regular beach cleanup that keeps the area pristine. Parking is available on the road that runs parallel along the beach, but it can get busy on weekends.
The swimming here is generally excellent year round. The water gets deep gradually, so it’s great for smaller kids to enjoy. Afternoons can bring wind and choppier conditions, so mornings are best for calm water activities. If you’re trying to save money on food, I recommend bringing some from a grocery store as restaurants in this area can be expensive.
The beach at Flamingo is super clear and clean. It has great views of the Catalinas Islands in the distance.
Flamingo Marina and Surroundings
Just north of the main beach, the Flamingo Marina area is a newer upscale development. The marina is currently being expanded with more services, and there is currently a large commercial development with shops and restaurants. You can also walk along the marina, and see the various boats including the possibility of spotting a mega yacht. From Marina Flamingo you can charter boats and fishing tours. Half-day fishing charters start around $350 for up to 4 people, while sunset sails run $65-95 per person.
The commercial area of Flamingo spreads along the main road with several small shopping centers, restaurants, and tour offices. Prices here run higher than in Brasilito, with meals at nicer restaurants averaging $20+ per person. In the center of the commercial strip, there’s a massive staircase which is very well built. It’s a great spot to take some photos.
The hills around Flamingo offer excellent viewpoints of the entire bay. If you’re staying in the area, try to book accommodation on the hillside for spectacular sunset views. Several vacation rentals have infinity pools overlooking the ocean. For a special splurge, you can book a sunset helicopter tour that flies over all three beaches – the view from above really shows how these beaches connect around the bay.
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Playa Conchal
Playa Conchal is one of Costa Rica’s most unique beaches due to its shore made entirely of crushed seashells. Located just west of Brasilito, Conchal has clear turquoise waters and excellent snorkeling conditions. The contrast between the white shell beach and the dark volcanic rocks at either end creates a stunning visual.
This beach has two distinct sections – the eastern area accessible by foot from Brasilito. This end is closer to the frontage of the Westin Resort. The west end is accessible by vehicle with a small parking area. Both offer the same beautiful shell composition, but with different access points and surrounding amenities. Conchal consistently ranks as one of Guanacaste’s most popular talked about destinations.
Map view of Playa Conchal in Guanacaste. You’ll see the Westin Resort and golf course, along with Brasilito in the top right.
Conchal Beach Experience
The shell beach stretches for about 1.5 kilometers with brilliant white crushed shells. The water here is typically clearer than at neighboring beaches, with excellent visibility for snorkeling around the rocky points. The beach slopes more steeply than Brasilito’s, creating deeper swimming conditions closer to shore.
Public access to Conchal comes primarily through Brasilito. Walk to the southern end of Brasilito beach and around the small rocky outcrop to reach the shell sand. This 10-minute walk is easiest at low tide, when you can walk along the wet sand.
The eastern end of Conchal has a few small vendors selling drinks and snacks, particularly on weekends. Bring your own shade, as the beach has limited natural cover except at the edges. The currents here are usually gentle, but afternoon winds can create stronger conditions – always check for flags or ask locals about daily conditions.
Northern Conchal and Villas La Paz
The western section of Conchal offers a quieter experience away from the main beach access points. This area features the same beautiful shell sand but with fewer visitors. Several exclusive vacation rentals and small hotels sit on the hillside overlooking this part of the beach, including Villas La Paz.
Access to northern Conchal requires navigating smaller roads that branch off from the main route. During dry season, most vehicles can make it, but 4×4 is recommended during green season. Alternatively, you can walk north along the beach from the main Conchal access point, which takes about 20 minutes.
The western section offers excellent snorkeling around several rock formations just offshore. The water tends to be calmer here as it’s somewhat protected by the bay’s curvature. Unlike the southern end, this section has very few vendors or facilities, so bring everything you need for your beach day.
The Westin Resort at Conchal
The Westin Reserva Conchal dominates the hillside above the central portion of the beach. This all-inclusive resort spans over 2,000 acres with a golf course, multiple restaurants, and exclusive beach access for guests. The property represents the high end of accommodations in the area, with rooms starting around $300 per night during high season.
Non-guests can access the beach in front of the Westin by walking from either the Brasilito or western access points. While the beach itself is public (as all beaches in Costa Rica), the resort facilities are reserved for guests. The Westin maintains a section of the beach with chairs and service for its guests, but plenty of public beach space remains available.
The resort offers day passes that provide access to some facilities, typically ranging from $50-100 per person depending on the season and what’s included. These passes can be a good option if you want to experience the resort amenities without staying overnight. Reservations are recommended, especially during high season when passes often sell out.
Grand entrance to the Westin Reserva Conchal. This high end resort is popular for tourism as it’s close to the airport and has great nearby beaches.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions about visiting Flamingo, Brasilito, and Conchal beaches.
Which of these beaches is best for swimming?
All three beaches offer good swimming, but each has different conditions. Conchal typically has the clearest water and moderate waves, making it excellent for swimming and snorkeling. Brasilito has the gentlest waves, making it good for less confident swimmers and children. Flamingo can have stronger currents on windy days but offers excellent swimming conditions in the mornings.
What’s the best way to get between these beaches?
The easiest way to travel between all three beaches is by car. Flamingo to Brasilito is a 5-minute drive, while Brasilito to Conchal can be accessed by either a 10-minute walk along the beach or a 10-minute drive. If you’re staying at one, you can easily visit all three in a single day. Walking between Brasilito and Conchal is straightforward, but reaching Flamingo on foot from Brasilito requires timing with low tide.
Is Playa Conchal really made of shells?
Yes, Playa Conchal’s shore is composed entirely of millions of crushed and broken seashells that have been smoothed by the ocean over time. This creates a unique white beach that makes a crunching sound when you walk on it. The shells range from tiny fragments to pieces the size of a fingernail.
Do I need a 4×4 vehicle to visit these beaches?
You don’t need a 4×4 to reach the main areas of Flamingo and Brasilito as roads are paved. For Conchal’s western access point, a 4×4 is recommended during green season (May-November) as the dirt roads can get muddy. During dry season, most vehicles can manage the drive to Conchal, but higher clearance is helpful.
Can the public access Playa Conchal if it’s near the Westin resort?
Yes, all beaches in Costa Rica are public by law, including Playa Conchal. The public can access Conchal by walking from Brasilito beach or via the western access road. While the Westin maintains a section with services for its guests, the beach itself remains open to everyone. Just remember that resort facilities like chairs and restaurants are for guests only unless you purchase a day pass.
What’s the best time of year to visit these beaches?
December through April offers the most reliable sunny weather, but also brings the biggest crowds and highest prices. January and February strike a good balance between good weather and manageable crowds. May through August can be a good compromise, with occasional afternoon showers but greener landscapes and fewer people. September and October see the heaviest rainfall and some businesses may close temporarily.
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