Playa La Vaca
Beach · Central Pacific · hidden gem
A small, rocky cove tucked below the Manuel Antonio hillside between Playa La Macha and Tulemar. Getting down takes effort, so you often share it with only a few people, plus tide pools, iguanas and the odd wandering cow.
- Cost
- Free
- Time there
- 2 h
- Best time
- morning
- Kids
- 3 / 10
- View
- 7 / 10
- Crowds
- 2 / 10
- Swimming
- 6 / 10
- Effort
- 6 / 10
- Location
- 9.41295, -84.1638 — Google Maps
- Ratings
- 4.3 on Google (69)
Before you go
- Tickets
- Free entry, no ticket
- Walk
- 10 min · back 20 min
- Swimming
- Only when the water is calm
- Kids
- Not for small kids
- Bring
- hiking shoes, water, snacks
- Fewer people
- few people at any time; low tide is the best moment
- Checked
- 2026-10
Tip
Go at low tide for calmer water and the tide pools, and wear real shoes for the trail; flip-flops are a bad idea here.
Be careful
The path is steep and rocky, and there are rocks at the waterline; watch your footing. No lifeguards or services.
Getting there
Steep footpath only: about 10 minutes down and 20 back up. Also reachable on the Reto Mae trail.
Places nearby
- Vista Dorada, Chicharronera y MiradorFood & CoffeeA small local spot up a rough side road near Ronny's Place, with sunset ocean views, generous chicharrón platters and a very Tico atmosphere, sometimes with karaoke or live music.
- Ronny's PlaceFood & CoffeeHilltop restaurant on a 90-acre farm above Manuel Antonio (open since 2003) with a huge open dining hall, sunset views over the coast, a seafood-focused menu and live music some evenings.
- Gaia Hotel & ReserveStaysBoutique hotel on the road to Manuel Antonio beside its own private nature reserve, with a spa, pools and ocean-view dining.
- El LagartoFood & CoffeeWood-fired grill house where meat and seafood are cooked over open flames in front of you, with sunset views from the dining room.
- Soda El AngelSodas & Local FoodSmall local soda on the road to Manuel Antonio, across from the ocean and the forest, serving fish and chicken casados and vegetarian burritos at everyday prices; parakeets and falcons often pass by.
- Barba RojaFood & CoffeeBar and restaurant on the Manuel Antonio road with a broad view down the coast; macaws often fly past at sunset.
Sources: OpenStreetMap way/154419734 · https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/154419734 · https://wanderlog.com/place/details/4842772/playa-la-vaca · https://www.komoot.com/highlight/5544369