Peñón de Guacalillo

Before you go

Tickets

Free entry, no ticket

Parking

Free

Road

Gravel — a regular car is fine

Kids

Good for kids

Bring

hat with a strap, sunscreen, water

Fewer people

sunset is popular with locals — arrive early on weekends

Season

After heavy rain the Tárcoles River washes trash onto the sand (Aug 2026); a volunteer beach-cleanup center opened here in July 2026.

Checked

2026-10

Tip

Come for sunset, but get there early on weekends — it is a local favorite. At mid tide a rocky path on the inland side takes you down to the sand without getting wet; at low tide you can walk under the cliff. With a high-clearance car you can continue north along Playa Bajamar to the sea caves at Punta del Pacífico (low tide only).

Be careful

No railings at the cliff edge and a big drop — keep kids close. Crocodiles live in the lagoons behind these beaches. It is windy with no shade: bring a hat with a strap and plenty of water.

Getting there

From Route 34 turn toward the ocean at Lagunillas (landmark: Super y Licorera El Sol Naciente). Paved to the Cuarros school, then a decent dirt road a sedan can handle; keep left at the signs near the beach and take the short steep road up to the cliff top. In heavy rain, without 4x4, park on the road below.

Places nearby

• Hotel Cerro LodgeParks & Wildlife · from $10A small lodge built for birders and photographers, a few minutes from the Tarcoles River and Carara National Park, with sea and mountain views.
• Jose's Crocodile River TourParks & WildlifeBoat tours on the Tárcoles River to see big American crocodiles up close, plus scarlet macaws, roseate spoonbills, ospreys and mangrove channels.
• Soda El GuácimoSodas & Local FoodOpen-air roadside soda on the Costanera north of Tárcoles with big portions, quick service and clean tables.
• Jungle Crocodile SafariParks & Wildlife · takes 1.5 h · from $40A relaxed boat ride on the Tarcoles River, home to one of Costa Rica's largest crocodile populations, out through the mangroves to the river mouth.
• Crocodile Man TourParks & Wildlife · takes 2 h · from $39.55A long-established boat tour on the Tarcoles River, where big American crocodiles bask on the banks a short drive from Jacó.
• Tiko Restaurante MiradorFood & CoffeeClifftop mirador restaurant on the edge of Carara National Park with Pacific views, serving local dishes, homemade Asian food and fresh seafood.