Guidebook for Playa Hermosa
Food Scene
A selection of local restaurants -- there are lots more to choose from!
Fabulous sunsets, fantastic food (the ahi tuna is amazing), and literally the first building next to the beach entrance at Condovac/Villas Sol.
26 locals recommend
La Casita Del Marisco
Fabulous sunsets, fantastic food (the ahi tuna is amazing), and literally the first building next to the beach entrance at Condovac/Villas Sol.
Located right on the beach, and just a short stroll from the beach entrance at Condovac/Villas Sol, the El Velero has "taco Tuesday" that is definitely worth the trip. Probably the best tacos I've had anywhere ... and I've had many tacos in my life! Freshly made, crispy shells and great, fresh ingredients. Great views, excellent drinks, and a very friendly staff make this place a good stop. And if you're in the area at around 9 am or in mid-afternoon, you'll likely see the huge family of howler monkeys in the tree canopy all around the hotel.
15 locals recommend
Hotel El Velero
Located right on the beach, and just a short stroll from the beach entrance at Condovac/Villas Sol, the El Velero has "taco Tuesday" that is definitely worth the trip. Probably the best tacos I've had anywhere ... and I've had many tacos in my life! Freshly made, crispy shells and great, fresh ingredients. Great views, excellent drinks, and a very friendly staff make this place a good stop. And if you're in the area at around 9 am or in mid-afternoon, you'll likely see the huge family of howler monkeys in the tree canopy all around the hotel.
The owners are from Italy and the food is fantastic. Our neighbors at Villas Sol introduced us to this place. The food is superb -- and this was (by far) the best pizza I've ever had in Costa Rica (and I've tried pizza all over the country). Prices are reasonable and the service is great. They have lots more than pizza, too.
33 locals recommend
La Caveja
The owners are from Italy and the food is fantastic. Our neighbors at Villas Sol introduced us to this place. The food is superb -- and this was (by far) the best pizza I've ever had in Costa Rica (and I've tried pizza all over the country). Prices are reasonable and the service is great. They have lots more than pizza, too.
A really nice Italian restaurant right on the main drag in Playas del Coco. The service was great when we ate here and the food is memorable. Really nice place, and run by Italians.
6 locals recommend
Il Gusto Della Vita
A really nice Italian restaurant right on the main drag in Playas del Coco. The service was great when we ate here and the food is memorable. Really nice place, and run by Italians.
Asian-inspired tapas. The restaurant is very close to the entrance to Villas Sol. Very cool and sleek setting. Fantastic food, impeccable service and good drinks. oricier than some other options, but so worth it!
64 locals recommend
Ginger Restaurant Bar
Asian-inspired tapas. The restaurant is very close to the entrance to Villas Sol. Very cool and sleek setting. Fantastic food, impeccable service and good drinks. oricier than some other options, but so worth it!
Great place at the southern end of the beach. Very cool and chic restaurant and a beautiful setting for a "snack" lunch that consists of great sandwiches and French fries or yucca fries. Great service and beautiful views. The grounds of this hotel are very lush and tropical.
11 locals recommend
Hotel Bosque del Mar
Great place at the southern end of the beach. Very cool and chic restaurant and a beautiful setting for a "snack" lunch that consists of great sandwiches and French fries or yucca fries. Great service and beautiful views. The grounds of this hotel are very lush and tropical.
Delicious, fresh food with lots of vegetarian and vegan options. The avocado gazpacho is so good I was tempted to lick the bowl clean! It is located right on Playa Panama which is just over the hill from the villa.
8 locals recommend
Hacienda Blu Beach Lounge & Grill
Delicious, fresh food with lots of vegetarian and vegan options. The avocado gazpacho is so good I was tempted to lick the bowl clean! It is located right on Playa Panama which is just over the hill from the villa.
Drinks & Nightlife
Great spot on the main drag in Playas del Coco. Fun, friendly atmosphere, and even craft brews (I believe ... the management changed fairly recently). Go close to dusk and you'll see the howler monkeys climbing through the tree canopy overhead as they make their way to a huge Guanacaste tree nearby to settle in for the night. They have live music from time to time, too. And you can get food there, although there are plenty of other restaurants nearby.
72 locals recommend
Coconutz Bar & Grill
Ruta Nacional Secundaria 151Great spot on the main drag in Playas del Coco. Fun, friendly atmosphere, and even craft brews (I believe ... the management changed fairly recently). Go close to dusk and you'll see the howler monkeys climbing through the tree canopy overhead as they make their way to a huge Guanacaste tree nearby to settle in for the night. They have live music from time to time, too. And you can get food there, although there are plenty of other restaurants nearby.
Parks & Nature
Eco tourism and adventure all rolled into one. From ziplining to seeing a variety of animals with great views ... this is worth a visit.
150 locals recommend
Diamante Eco Adventure Park
350 east RIU HotelEco tourism and adventure all rolled into one. From ziplining to seeing a variety of animals with great views ... this is worth a visit.
Palo Verde Biological Station
Hiking and animal viewings.
Mud baths, hot springs, hiking. It's a bit of a drive, but very peaceful and easy.
102 locals recommend
Rincón de la Vieja Volcano
Mud baths, hot springs, hiking. It's a bit of a drive, but very peaceful and easy.
Miravalles Volcano
Playa Hermosa
4 158Beautiful, uncrowded blue flag beach.
Gorgeous blue river (Rio Celeste) created by the convergence of two rivers that are mineral-laden from the Tenorio Volcano. the park features hiking trails that lead to the confluence area as well as the stunning waterfall. You can find swimmimg holes in the blue water just outside the park. Great day trip!
16 locals recommend
Volcán Tenorio
Gorgeous blue river (Rio Celeste) created by the convergence of two rivers that are mineral-laden from the Tenorio Volcano. the park features hiking trails that lead to the confluence area as well as the stunning waterfall. You can find swimmimg holes in the blue water just outside the park. Great day trip!
Getting Around
One thing many tourists don't know is that if you don't purchase the full insurance coverage, the car rental companies will put a substantial hold on your credit card (as much as $5,000).
14 locals recommend
Budget Car Rental Liberia Guanacaste
One thing many tourists don't know is that if you don't purchase the full insurance coverage, the car rental companies will put a substantial hold on your credit card (as much as $5,000).
Economy Rent a Car Liberia
Entertainment & Activities
Beach Cinema Hermosa
Movies in English and Spanish.
Essentials
Auto Mercado
America-style grocery store. Great selection.
Small grocery -- selection is not as good as at Super Mercado in Coco, but it's close to the villa and they have most things you'll need.
18 locals recommend
Super Luperon Playa Hermosa
158Small grocery -- selection is not as good as at Super Mercado in Coco, but it's close to the villa and they have most things you'll need.