Costa Rica Beaches

Hermosa Beach, Puntarenas

By Patrick Brunelle ⋅ November 10, 2009 ⋅  Email this post ⋅  Print this post ⋅ Post a comment

If you are going to Hermosa beach in Costa Rica, make sure you ask which Hermosa beach that is. The reason for this, and I have yet to figure out why, is that it is common for places in Costa Rica to have the same names as other places. I once was driving to Puerto Viejo in Limon, and found out later that I was taking the mountain pass to Puerto Viejo Sarapiqui! Well, after I kissed two hours goodbye, I got back on the right road and eventually made it to Puerto Viejo.

Many people confuse Hermosa Beach in Puntarenas with the Hermosa Beach that is located in Northern Guanacaste next to Playa del Coco. Hermosa Beach in Puntarenas is located next to the world famous Jaco beach. Jaco Beach is famous for its festive nightlife, as well as its year round waves. Some local surfers however, actually consider the waves at Hermosa Beach to be better than the ones in Jaco.

Just this year the world surf competition was held in the region, and thousands of people congregated to the sandy shores of Costa Rica. What I like most about Hermosa beach is that it has yet to be invaded by the almighty dollar the way Jaco Beach has. The accommodations are still affordable, food is cheap, and the people there are real. Jaco beach has basically become a beach for the foreigners, and Hermosa beach for the locals.

To get to Hermosa Beach next to Jaco, a short 8 minute drive is required. You can easily hope on a cab from Jaco, and that should run you no more than $4 USD. If you decide to stay at Hermosa Beach, be sure to bring some food and drinks with you as restaurant options are limited. I suggest staying in Jaco to enjoy the nightlife, and getting to be safely, rather than having to venture all the way back to Hermosa Beach at the wee hours of the night.