Things to Do in Paquera

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

💡 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.

A long grey-sand beach with calm waters, good for swimming and watching pelicans. The main public access is right where the ferry docks.

🕐 Always open

💡 Walk east along the shore at low tide to find tiny tide pools with hermit crabs. Avoid the beach during the strong afternoon winds.

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.

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.

🕐 6:00 AM - 4:00 PM daily

💡 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, under $10.

🕐 Daily 7am–4pm

💡 Arrive early (7am) for the best wildlife sightings; the heat gets intense by mid-morning. Bring water and wear long trousers for ticks.

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

💡 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.

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.

Simple whitewashed Catholic church from the mid-20th century, with a small plaza in front. Not grand but the town’s social anchor, often hosting local events.

🕐 Open during daylight hours; closed mid-afternoon

💡 Check the noticeboard outside for weekend masses or community fiestas—locals are friendly and happy to chat.