Playa Cuevas (Playa Los Suecos)
Beach · Nicoya Peninsula
A small, sheltered cove at the very south end of Mal País, where the road runs out next to the Cabo Blanco reserve. A short forest path drops to white sand, a big rock outcrop and a reef that turns into tide pools when the water pulls back.
- Cost
- Free
- Time there
- 2.5 h
- Best time
- low tide, morning or late afternoon
- Kids
- 2 / 10
- View
- 8 / 10
- Crowds
- 2 / 10
- Swimming
- 6 / 10
- Effort
- 3 / 10
- Location
- 9.5942, -85.14296 — Google Maps
- Ratings
- 4.7 on Google (200)
Before you go
- Entry
- Free
- Tickets
- Free entry, no ticket
- Parking
- Guarded (tip the attendant)
- Road
- Gravel — a regular car is fine
- Walk
- 2 min
- Swimming
- Only when the water is calm
- Facilities
- shade
- Kids
- Not for small kids
- Bring
- water shoes, snorkel mask, tide chart, small tip for the parking guard
- Fewer people
- usually only a handful of people, even in high season
- Checked
- 2026-10
Tip
Time it for low tide: that's when the pools open up and you can snorkel the reef. Bring water shoes - some entry points are gravelly and rocky.
Be careful
Hidden rocks and currents beyond the reef - not a beach for small kids or for swimming out at high tide. Don't leave valuables in the car.
Getting there
Drive south through Mal País past the fishing port to the end of the road; a narrow path on the left leads to a small parking area and the sand is about 2 minutes on foot. The last stretch is rough dirt with potholes - higher clearance helps.
Places nearby
- The Roastery CoffeeFood & CoffeeCoffee bar near the Playa Carmen crossroads, one of the cafés travellers single out in Santa Teresa; vegan options.
- The BakeryFood & CoffeeOne of Santa Teresa's most reviewed spots: a bakery-café serving pastries, big breakfasts, sandwiches, burgers and Mediterranean-style plates from early morning until late.
- Ollie's AdventuresTours & AdventureSanta Teresa adventure shop specializing in horseback rides, with ATV and motorbike rentals, surf lessons and day trips.
- Restaurante La ChozaFood & CoffeeFarm-to-table Costa Rican restaurant serving traditional casados, ceviches and slow-cooked beef.
- Horizon Yoga Hotel - tea house, massage and yogaYoga & Wellness · from $90Hillside yoga hotel above Santa Teresa whose vegetarian tea house and massage rancho are open to non-guests.
- Drift Restaurant & BarFood & CoffeeFusion kitchen and cocktail bar in the heart of Santa Teresa with Asian, Indian and Mediterranean influences, local fish and plenty of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dishes; the in-house bakery has the town's biggest choice of vegan and gluten-free cakes and pastries.
Sources: OpenStreetMap way/1530210563 · https://mytanfeet.com/costa-rica-beach-information/playa-cuevas-costa-rica-suecos-mal-pais · https://visitcostarica.com/blog/Suecos-Beach · https://wanderlog.com/place/details/985346/playa-cuevas · https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/1530210563