Playa Iguanita (Iguanita Wildlife Refuge)

Before you go

Payment

Cash only

Tickets

Pay at the entrance

Parking

Free

Road

Gravel — a regular car is fine

Swimming

Only when the water is calm

Facilities

restrooms, showers, shade

Kids

Good for kids

Dogs

Not allowed

Bring

cash, reusable water bottle, trash bag, food, insect repellent

Fewer people

Weekdays are quiet; weekends, Easter week and the Christmas holidays fill up with local families and campers.

Season

A regular car is fine in the dry season (Dec-Apr); in the rainy season the lower unpaved part gets muddy and a 4x4 helps.

Checked

2026-10

Tip

Bring cash for the small day-use fee, reusable bottles (single-use plastic isn't allowed inside the refuge) and a bag to carry out your trash.

Be careful

Stay away from the estuary and river mouth at the south end: crocodiles live there. No lifeguards. Don't drive the steep access road after dark.

Getting there

Signed turnoff from Route 253 (Liberia-Papagayo road), then a road that drops steeply to the beach. Free lot outside the ranger station or paid parking inside the refuge from 8 am.

Places nearby

• Roberto's (La Gaviota Tropical)Food & CoffeeBeachside restaurant at La Gaviota Tropical on Playa Hermosa, open from breakfast to late dinner; known for fresh fish and local cocktails.
• Tio Leo Coffee TourFood & Coffee · from $45Small family coffee and cacao farm just outside Liberia that runs a hands-on tour with tastings, roasting and a cooking class.
• Restaurante Mar AzulFood & CoffeeSeafood restaurant and fish market in Playas del Coco where you pick your fish, preparation and sauce from the day's catch brought in by local artisanal fishermen.
• Mar & Tierra Restaurante Doña FlorSodas & Local FoodA friendly local restaurant a couple of blocks off Coco's main road, good for real Costa Rican food at fair prices: gallo pinto for breakfast, casados, fried rice and fresh fish later in the day, plus burgers, sandwiches and tacos.
• Soda TeresitaSodas & Local FoodLively family soda on the road into Playas del Coco, with fish casados and kid-friendly fried chicken and fish fingers at soda prices.
• Soda Jardín TropicalSodas & Local FoodSimple soda near the beach in Playas del Coco serving casados, grilled fish and big breakfasts all day; good value and generous portions.