Costa Rica · 2026 itinerary
Paquera 3-Day Itinerary
A day-by-day plan for Paquera: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.
Arrive & Explore the Highlights
Main beach in town with calm waters, grey sand, and shade from almond trees. Good for a swim or picnic, and a popular spot to watch ferries crossing the Gulf of Nicoya.
🕐 Always open
Free entry💡 Go at low tide to see the sandbar extend further out, and bring your own food as there are only a couple of small sodas nearby.
Hotels near Playa Paquera →A simple white church with a red-tiled roof, built in the 1950s. Has a small garden with benches and a view of the Gulf of Nicoya.
🕐 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM Monday to Saturday, closed Sunday except for mass at 8am
Free entry💡 Visit during weekday afternoons when it's quiet. The side door is usually unlocked even when the main gate is closed. No photography during services.
Hotels near Paquera Church (Iglesia Católica de Paquera) →Restaurante Puerto Paquera · ££
El Pelícano · ££
Deeper Into Paquera
Small hilltop viewpoint just east of town centre, offering a panoramic view of the gulf and the ferry docks. A short, steep walk up from the main road.
🕐 Always open
💡 Best at sunset when the light turns the water gold. The path is unlit so bring a torch if staying late.
A viewpoint on the hill above town looking out over the gulf and Isla Tortuga. A short dirt trail leads up from the main road.
🕐 Always open
💡 Best at sunset, but bring a torch for the walk down. The trail is rough in the wet season; wear trainers, not flip-flops.
Quiet beach about 2km south of Paquera, with darker sand and rock formations at one end. Much less crowded than Playa Paquera, good for a peaceful walk.
🕐 Always open
💡 No services here, so pack everything you need. The rocks can be sharp, wear sandals for the shoreline.
A long stretch of white sand accessible by public path near the end of the road past the ferry terminal. No facilities, few people.
🕐 Always open
💡 Take the path marked 'Playa Blanca Pública' just past the Hotel La Puesta del Sol. There's a shallow river crossing at the far end that connects to the main beach in dry season.
Mariscos Grey's
Final Favourites & Departure
A private reserve with a network of walking trails through dry tropical forest leading to a beautiful beach. Entry fee is about $10 per person.
💡 Go early (6am) to spot howler monkeys and white-faced capuchins. Bring binoculars and water — the trail to the beach takes 40 minutes uphill.
Private wildlife refuge with 3km of trails, mangroves, and dry forest. You can spot howler monkeys, white-faced capuchins, and various birds. Tickets are cheap,
💡 Arrive early (7am) for the best wildlife sightings; the heat gets intense by mid-morning. Bring water and wear long trousers for ticks.
Getting Around Paquera
Flag it down on the main road; the stop at the Los Delfines entrance is unofficial but drivers know it.
Book through Hotel Los Delfines concierge; shared shuttles can cut cost to about $110 if you don't mind extra stops.
This bus runs to match the ferry schedule; buy ticket on board — exact change preferred.
Negotiate fare before getting in; many drivers wait near the ferry dock, not the bus station.
Get off at the Paquera bus stop, then walk 15 mins or take a taxi to Vista Las Islas. No direct bus to the hotel.
Boards near the soccer field. Tell the driver 'Vista Las Islas'. The road is bumpy gravel – hold on. Better for return trip than arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough for Paquera?
Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Playa Paquera and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.
What is the best time to visit Paquera?
See our full best time to visit Paquera guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.
Where should I stay for this itinerary?
A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include Playa Naranjo Inn, Hotel Barceló Playa Tambor, Cabinas Apartmento. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.