Playa Brasilito, Costa Rica: An Underrated Gem
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Playa Brasilito, Costa Rica, is home to one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Conveniently located in the Guanacaste Province on the western side of the country, you will find fine white sand and clear blue waters. It's an underrated destination for solo travelers and families.
This quiet, unassuming town offers much more than you might think, which is why it has become such a hot destination for travelers over the past few years.
Where is Playa Brasilito, Costa Rica?
This beautiful beach is nestled between Playa Flamingo and Playa Conchal, both fantastic beaches in their own right. These three beaches make up the Gold Coast of Costa Rica, commemorating the beauty that they offer. However, Brasilito is for those who value simplicity and relaxation above all else.
This small fishing village still feels undiscovered, as it has few souvenir shops and is centered around a local soccer field.
You will mainly find locals, or Ticos, visiting the area to soak in the natural beauty. It is still relatively unknown among tourists compared to neighboring towns and is much more affordable.
Brasilito Beach is an excellent option for those genuinely looking to unwind on their vacation.
Top things to do in Playa Brasilito
Enjoy all the beaches
Playa Brasilito, Guanacaste, is a lowkey destination for the chill traveler. It's very compact, so you do not necessarily need to rent a car if you don't plan to explore the area.
However, if you have a car, you can drive to all the nearby beaches and experience all the coastline has to offer, which is a lot.
Pro tip: Most of the beaches in this area will have lounge chairs or cabanas for rent, but it is always helpful to look up options before arriving so you can reserve them. The sun can get pretty intense, so shade may sometimes be necessary.
Playa Brasilito
The best thing to do while visiting is to enjoy the beach and breathtaking sunsets. The light tan sand and clear blue water are lined with dense foliage that gives you the best of both the jungle and the beach.
The gentle waves are great for body surfing, and the beach is quiet throughout the day since it's still relatively undiscovered.
Take a snorkeling boat out to see all the fish, or spend your day soaking in the sun.
The beach is about two kilometers (1.25 miles) long, so lovely for a stroll.
Playa Tamarindo
About a 30 minutes drive from Playa Brasilito is Tamarindo, a favorite among travelers because of its bustling nightlife and many things to do. It's also one of the most famous beaches in Guanacaste and has some of the best surfing.
Playa Conchal
If you want to go snorkeling in crystal clear water, head over to Conchal. It's known for its ever-so-pale pink sand made from crushed shells, hence the name.
You can also spend the day walking along the water looking at the many shells or participate in some water sports like jet skiing or tubing. So not only is this beach as relaxing as it gets but there are adventure opportunities aplenty.
Playa Flamingo
Another must-visit beach is Flamingo, with its soft white sand and many secluded lagoons. The downtown area is quite walkable, so you can park the car and explore on foot. You can also rent a golf cart to get around if you don't feel like walking.
Although Flamingo is pretty tiny, you can still find various hotels, restaurants, shops, and grocery stores to make your stay comfortable and fun.
Bahía de Los Piratas
Bahia de Los Piratas has sand with a pink tint and is just about 30 minutes away by car. The small cave on the island in front of the beach is said to have a once-hidden pirate's treasure, where it gets its name. This is an even quieter area where you can see howler monkeys and go exploring.
Playa Mina
Playa Mina is also close, right next to Bahia de Los Piratas.
This beach is relatively unknown, but the water is calm, perfect for snorkeling or just enjoying the warm weather. In addition, you can find paddle-boarding excursions here.
Go on an adventure
Apart from lounging on the beach with a drink, adventure lovers will enjoy some popular excursions.
Whether you are horseback riding along the beach or taking an ATV through town, there are plenty of locally operated activities to take part in.
If you want to experience the city from a different point of view, take a catamaran tour from Playa Flamingo, where you can snorkel and swim in the warm water.
Diamante Eco Adventure Park
Suppose you get tired of the beach and want to venture into the jungle, then head to Diamante Eco Adventure Park.
You can zip line or learn about the country's coffee, chocolate, and sugar cane production.
They also have a wildlife rehabilitation sanctuary, so you can get up close and personal with the local wildlife, like crocodiles, toucans, and more. The eco-park is about a 30-minute drive away from Brasilito Beach, Costa Rica.
Go hiking
Rincón de la Vieja, an active volcano, and Palo Verde National Park are two of the best hiking opportunities. Both are just over a two-hour drive from Brasilito.
Some parks will allow you to go camping if you choose, but make sure you check the requirements in advance.
Purchase locally made goods at the farmer's market
Every Saturday, there is a farmers market where you can get locally made goods, produce, and jewelry from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Where to eat in Playa Brasilito
Soda Brasilito, a family-run spot in the middle of town, is the most popular restaurant among locals and those who know good food. Expect an at-home feel with traditional Costa Rican food.
There is also a brewery in town for craft beer lovers called Las Olas BrewPub.
You can find almost anything you are looking for in this small town, like Masala for Indian food, Deli Cafe for a cup of coffee, Patagonia for a delicious steak, or Xanadu Grill for a variety of options.
Where to stay in Playa Brasilito
As this area is mainly local, there are only a few places to stay in the town. Check vacation rental sites like Airbnb or VRBO when planning your stay. There are also a few hotels nearby and some luxury options on neighboring beaches.
This area serves as a great home base to enjoy the rest of the Costa Rican coastline.
Weather in Playa Brasilito
Costa Rica is a tropical destination, so you can expect tropical weather.
Guanacaste is one of the hotter areas of the country and has consistent temperatures, with periods of rain or dry weather. Average highs will be around 35°C or in the 90s°F.
If you visit between April and December, it's going to rain, especially in October and November. Therefore, the best time to visit is from the end of December through April. However, it's the busy season, so expect higher accommodation prices.
Packing list essentials for Playa Brasilito
Brasilito, Guanacaste, Costa Rica, is a beautiful beach adventure. To prepare for your trip, you'll want to pack the following:
Bathing suits
Sunscreen
Hat
Sunglasses
Microfiber towel
Waterproof bag
Water shoes
Sneakers for hikes
The atmosphere throughout the town is very relaxed, so you don't have to worry much about bringing clothes to dress up in. Instead, focus on comfort and carry all your warm-weather essentials.
If visiting during the rainy season, having an umbrella, rain jacket, or poncho tucked away in your suitcase will be helpful.
How to get to Playa Brasilito
If you are traveling from another country, the easiest way to get to Playa Brasilito is to fly into the Liberia Airport and then book transportation on a private shuttle.
Or fly into Liberia, and rent a car so you can drive the coastline to visit all the nearby world-class beaches.
If you want to visit the capital city of San Jose first, you can spend a few days there before flying into the Tamarindo Airport to head to the coast. And then hop in a taxi from Tamarindo to Brasitilto.
Bookaway has plenty of routes throughout Costa Rica to help you on your journey.
FAQ
What is the closest airport to Playa Brasilito?
Liberia (LIR) airport is about an hour's drive. In terms of distance, it is only 70 kilometers (44 miles) away.
What is the closest town to Playa Brasilito?
Playa Flamingo is just a few kilometers away to the north. Playa Conchal is a short walk away but is mainly a beach town like Playa Brasilito.
Is Playa Brasilito safe?
Yes. It's a safe and family-friendly destination in Costa Rica. Although much more undeveloped than neighboring cities, Playa Brasilito is secure and welcoming to tourists.
Can you swim at Playa Brasilito?
You sure can. Most days, the waves are calm but watch for swells and people surfing.
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