Ultimate Guide to Playa Potrero, Costa Rica

Perfectly positioned along the Gold Coast of Costa Rica, Playa Potrero is in a great location for visiting beautiful beaches, a variety of restaurants, and various tours and activities. Under an hour from the international airport in Liberia and the busy beach town of Tamarindo, Playa Potrero, Costa Rica is both convenient and a quiet escape from the crowds. This mix of convenience while maintaining a local feel makes Playa Potrero, Costa Rica a popular nesting spot for expats.

With many vacation rentals to choose from and nearby beaches to visit, Playa Potrero is the perfect spot for your next Costa Rica vacation. With an established expat community, it could even be a piece of paradise you decide to call your home away from home.

Where is Potrero, Costa Rica?

Potrero Beach, Costa Rica is found along the Northwest Pacific Coast in the province of Guanacaste. It is just north of the popular Flamingo Beach, 45 minutes drive from Tamarindo Beach, and an hour from the Liberia International Airport (LIR). 

How to Get to Playa Potrero, Costa Rica 

From Liberia

Getting to Playa Potrero from the Guanacaste International Airport in Liberia is convenient because there are two routes you can take. From the airport road, you will head right onto Ruta Nacional 21 and travel this route until you reach the town of Communidad. This is where you will decide on which route you want to take. The fastest route has you turn right here (just after the Delta gas station) onto Ruta 151. From here, you will head towards Playas del Coco but turn before reaching the town onto Ruta 911 (locally known as the Monkey Trail or the Congo Trail). 

There is a riverbed to cross on this route that can become too full during the rainy season for some vehicles. Those who do not want to go through the river can pay about $10 to use the Monkey Trail Bridge Crossing between 8 am and 5 pm. You can access the bridge by entering the Congo Trail, which is an adventure park with ATV trails and ziplines. The end of Ruta 911 leads directly into the town of Potrero, Costa Rica.

Note that if you have a rental car, you should not try to cross the river – even if it appears low. Crossing riverbeds will void your car insurance policy.

The longer route, which will take about an hour and a half, will have you continuing straight down Ruta 21 until you reach Belen and turn right onto Ruta 155, leading you to Potrero Beach from the south through the beach towns of Brasilito and Flamingo. It is best to take this route during the rainy season, especially if you do not have 4×4.

From San Jose

From San Jose to Playa Potrero, you will take the Interamericana Norte Highway (Route 1) until you reach Liberia. Then you follow the above instructions from there.

Things to do in Potrero, Costa Rica

What does Potrero have to offer that makes it well worth visiting? Though it’s a small town, there are plenty of things to keep you busy!

Beach Hopping

While the long stretch of Playa Potrero is perfect for walking along the beach at sunset, it does not have much shade along its shores. But there are more secluded beaches nearby that are great for a day at the beach. Playa Penca and Playa Prieta are right next door to Playa Potrero and offer more shade during the day and rocky outcroppings to view.

Water Sports

Since Potrero Bay, Costa Rica is fairly sheltered, the water is calm and ideal for swimming or water sports like kayaking and SUP. You can rent this equipment and even take sailing lessons at the Costa Rica Sailing Center, which is found right on Potrero Beach.

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving

The nearby Catalinas Islands are home to some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in Costa Rica. Here you can see sea turtles, reef sharks, tropical fish, and giant manta rays.

Sunset cruise

One of the best ways to enjoy the spectacular sunset is from the water! There are plenty of sailboats and catamarans to choose from – some of which leave directly from Potrero, others of which you’ll need to travel to nearby Tamarindo or Playa Flamingo to board. This one is highly rated and offers unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, and snacks.

Go deep sea fishing

This whole area offers some of the best deep sea fishing in the world and Playa Potrero is no exception. Both Dream On Sport Fishing and Gonzalez Sport Fishing will pick up in the area and offer experienced captains and crew plus everything you need to make your sport fishing dreams come true.

P.S. – Be sure to mention Let’s Travel Costa Rica when booking! Both companies will ensure you receive the best rates and experience.

Hike Rio Celeste

As one of the most popular and beautiful waterfalls in all of Costa Rica, a day trip to Rio Celeste is only a two-hour drive from Playa Potrero.

Nearby Beaches & Beach Towns

One of the best things to do in Playa Potrero is visit the many nearby towns and beaches. While Potrero itself is small, it’s within a short distance to much bigger towns, like Tamarindo, and some of the best beaches in the country, like Conchal.

• Tamarindo. About 45 minutes south of Playa Potrero is the popular beach town of Tamarindo. A big tourist attraction, it is known for its nightlife, attracting major music and film festivals, and for being the best place to learn how to surf in Costa Rica.

• Conchal. Recently named “the most beautiful beach in the world”, Playa Conchal is famous for its sand made up of tiny seashells. This beach is ideal for spending the day lying on the beach, swimming, and snorkeling.

• Brasilito. A small beach town with an authentic feel, Brasilito Beach maintains some of its old-world charm while also blending in plenty of tourist appeal with unique dining options and world-class resorts. 

• Playas del Coco. An easy beach town to get to from Potrero thanks to the Monkey Trail, Playas del Coco is a larger beach town with many amenities and things to do – think Tamarindo for the retired!

• Las Catalinas. A walkable town with a Mediterranean feel, you can spend the day visiting this lovely beach town with its cobblestone roads. Enjoy a cappuccino in the town square while watching children playing in the spray pad. There are also 40 kilometers (25 miles) of hiking and mountain biking trails in Las Catalinas.

Best Potrero Costa Rica Restaurants

Playa Potrero offers a surprising number of stand-out restaurants, for such a small area. You have options ranging from nice seafood restaurants to classic beach bars.

• The Beach House. Known for its fresh seafood and live entertainment, The Beach House is on the higher end of service and food while maintaining a beachy vibe. I know the food will be as great as the ocean view when I come here. This is also a great place to bring your catch if you go fishing. Their “you hook it, we cook it” option means you can bring your freshly caught fish to them and have it served with sides for only $10.

• Las Brisas. If you’re looking for an authentic Costa Rican beach bar then Las Brisas is the place to be! With true Costa Rican cuisine and fresh seafood, this bar and restaurant is right on the beach at the far north end. Built in 1950, this shack may look rustic but it’s everything a beach bar should be. They host regular ladies’ nights and reggae nights making it the place to go if you want to cut loose at a true beach party. Some of my most fun times in Costa Rica were spent dancing the night away at this restaurant overlooking Potrero Bay.

• The Shack. A lively gathering point for many in Potrero over the years, The Shack bar and restaurant is transitioning at the time of this publication to their new location across the street on the main road. The new spot, called Shack Burger, will now serve burgers and shakes but plans to continue its popular trivia nights, live music, and general vibe.

• La Forketta. If you’re craving authentic Italian cuisine then head to La Forketta. With a quiet elegance and welcoming atmosphere, La Forketta puts as much focus on its friendly service as its delicious food. Some must-try’s are the ravioli, lasagna, and tiramisu.

• El Castillo de Lilo. Located on the highest point in the mountains above Potrero Bay, the castle is a great place for special occasions. With an interesting history, built in the name of love, the restaurant and events center features the ultimate view and memorable sunsets. Whether it’s a special anniversary dinner or an unforgettable wedding location, this castle in the hills can’t be beat!

Hotels in Potrero Costa Rica

As a popular vacation spot and expat retirement community, there are many condos and homes for rent in Playa Potrero, Costa Rica. Many are located in the popular Surfside community and can be found on rental sites like Airbnb and VRBO. 

• Bahia del Sol Beach Front Boutique Hotel Potrero Costa Rica. Located right on the beach with an expansive view of Potrero Bay, Bahia del So Beach Front Hotel is conveniently located at the end of the main road, close to all the shops and restaurants. This beachfront resort has a swim-up bar, an Italian grill restaurant, a tapas bar, spa, and holds yoga and meditation practices under its ocean-view pagoda. You can even design a personalized wellness vacation with treatments like reflexology and sound therapy. A night at this luxury hotel in Potrero will run you over $300 USD.

• Hotel Isolina Beach Potrero Costa Rica. Just a five-minute walk from the beach, Hotel Isolina Beach Potrero is surrounded by gardens. With a large pool to cool down and a hot tub to warm up, this location is popular with families and couples. You can get a single room with a desk for the remote workers or a villa with a kitchen for those looking to stay a little longer. A standard double room will run you $130.

• Hotel Bahia Esmeralda Potrero Costa Rica. Set in a private garden just steps from the beach, you can get your own little cabin at Hotel Bahia Esmerelda. The apartments surround the pool and the rich garden gives you a sense of privacy. There is an outdoor covered restaurant and pool table for guests to enjoy. An entire apartment with a private balcony and a garden view for two will cost you about $145.

• Villas Pura Vibra. Situated less than one kilometer (0.6 miles) from Potrero, Villas Pura Vibra is a more affordable rental option for some. Calling itself an “aparthotel”, the units here have a desk and fully equipped kitchen. Uniquely tropical features like stone sinks, hammocks, an outdoor fire pit, and a tiki hut give off Pura Vida vibes. There is a pool, restaurant, and bar on-site for guests convenience. An “aparthotel” here will cost you about $110 for a couple.

Potrero Costa Rica Weather

The temperature at Playa Potrero is hot all year round, just like the rest of the beach towns along Costa Rica’s northwest.

From January to May, the daily high typically hovers around 33 degrees Celsius (91 F). The lowest temperature you will get in Potrero is roughly 24 degrees Celsius (75 F), but this is only experienced during the green season evenings from June to December. 

While monsoon-style rains can be experienced during the rainiest months of the year in September and October, these are usually short-lived and tend to take place at night or for a short period in the mornings. Rains are usually dried up fairly quickly during the heat of the day, however, in the tropical dry forest of Guanacaste.

Things to Know Before Visiting Potrero Bay Costa Rica

The fastest and most popular route to get to Playa Potrero, Costa Rica will take you through a river in the green season. While this river is generally quite passable for most of the year, I have seen SUVs with 4×4 go too far to one side of the river, hit a low spot, and start to float. If you plan to drive Ruta 911, or the Monkey Trail during the rainiest months, especially in October, it is best to check a Facebook page that was created to monitor the river height called Monkey Trail River Crossing (Route 911).

There is a community within the town of Potrero called Surfside that is populated mostly by expats. It has its own town representatives and it even has street names, which is not typical in much of Costa Rica.

Is Potrero Costa Rica Worth Visiting?

While Playa Potrero, Costa Rica may not have sparkling white sand and a lush palm-lined beach, it is well-positioned for accessing many of the best beaches, tours, and restaurants in the area. It is close enough to the action without being too close to ruin your peaceful beach escape. And it has everything you need, including a well-appointed grocery store that caters to expats, various restaurants, a boat club, and a brand-new medical plaza with a clinic, pharmacy, optician’s office, and veterinarian.

If you want to be near the heart of all the action but not too close to be bothered by all the noise, traffic, and crowds of the more popular beach towns, then Potrero Beach, Costa Rica may just be the perfect place for you!

By Jennifer LaCharite

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• Ultimate Guide to Playa Flamingo, Costa Rica