Playa Lagartillo
Beach · Guanacaste · hidden gem
A small, wild beach about 1.5 km south of Avellanas with driftwood, rocky outcrops and a little river mouth. It's more sheltered than its surf-break neighbors, so it's one of the few spots here for a real swim.
- Cost
- Free
- Time there
- 1.5 h
- Best time
- morning
- Kids
- 6 / 10
- View
- 7 / 10
- Crowds
- 1 / 10
- Swimming
- 7 / 10
- Effort
- 3 / 10
- Location
- 10.21503, -85.83602 — Google Maps
Before you go
- Entry
- Free
- Tickets
- Free entry, no ticket
- Walk
- 5 min
- Swimming
- Only when the water is calm
- Fewer people
- Rarely crowded; often you have it to yourself.
- Season
- Muddy track and a stream crossing in the rainy season.
- Checked
- 2026-10
Tip
Swim around low tide, then walk the sand south for an hour of empty beach.
Be careful
Only swim when the waves are calm. Keep valuables out of the car.
Getting there
Walk the rustic 4x4 track across from the road to Drift Away Eco Lodge (about 5 minutes). It gets muddy, and in the rainy season you may cross a small stream.
Places nearby
- Guti Tours Horseback RidingTours & Adventure · from $80Small-group horseback rides along the beaches south of Tamarindo, galloping on the sand and crossing volcanic rock.
- Lola'sFood & CoffeeOne of Costa Rica's best-known beach restaurants: wooden tables right on the sand under palms and almond trees at Playa Avellanas, with surfers in front and postcard sunsets.
- La Esquina de AvellanasFood & CoffeeA small open-air food court and meeting spot in Playa Avellanas with a few restaurants, a natural-food store, a clothing boutique and artisan kiosks; it sometimes hosts live music and community events.
- Il RusticoFood & CoffeeA casual Italian restaurant on the main road in Playa Avellanas, run by a couple from central Italy: homemade pasta, pizza and salads with good ingredients – the prosciutto pizza comes with freshly shaved parmesan.
- Corazón CaféFood & CoffeeSurf cafe near the Playa Negra turnoff that roasts its own beans; smoothie and açaí bowls for after the session.
- Café Playa Negra (Leche de Tigre restaurant)Food & CoffeeStylish hotel-restaurant in Los Pargos serving Peruvian food - ceviche, grilled seafood - plus pastries, a short drive from the Playa Negra reef break.
Sources: OpenStreetMap relation/6997816 · https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog_posts/20534099-the-playa-avellanas-area-going-off-the-beaten-path-in-guanacaste · https://drinkteatravel.com/things-to-do-playa-negra-costa-rica/