Playa Palo Seco
Beach · Central Pacific · hidden gem
A huge, palm-lined and usually empty beach near Parrita, backed by mangrove estuaries rich in birds. Perfect for long walks, nothing like busy Manuel Antonio.
- Cost
- Free
- Time there
- 1.5 h
- Best time
- sunset
- Kids
- 4 / 10
- View
- 6 / 10
- Crowds
- 1 / 10
- Swimming
- 2 / 10
- Effort
- 0 / 10
- Location
- 9.48137, -84.28728 — Google Maps
Tip
It's about 45 minutes north of Quepos: a nice detour on the drive from Jacó. Bring everything you need; services are few.
Be careful
Rough surf and currents make it a poor swimming beach, and there are no lifeguards. Stay out of the estuary and the Pirrís River mouth, where crocodiles may live.
Places nearby
- Bar y Restaurante Mar y SolFood & CoffeeCasual restaurant right across the road from Palo Seco beach, praised for fresh fish and seafood at fair prices.
- Chicharronera y Marisquería ChepeFood & CoffeeFamily-run chicharronera and seafood spot on the Costanera in Parrita: whole fried fish, ceviche and chicharrón, and owners happy to give trip tips.
- Bar Restaurante AraVeFood & CoffeeFamily-owned bar-restaurant on Parrita's main road known for ceviche, whole fried fish, arroz con pollo and casados, with passion-fruit smoothies.
- Soda El TucánSodas & Local FoodPopular roadside soda in the center of Parrita (next to Coopeande) known for huge casado plates, chorizo and its own house chili sauce.
- Panadería AguilarFood & CoffeeTraditional bakery in downtown Parrita, across from Banco de Costa Rica, for coffee, cakes with dulce de leche and sandwiches to go; opens at 5 am.
- Crustáceo ParriteñoFood & CoffeeFamily-friendly seafood restaurant in Parrita with a dedicated kids area, generous portions and fair prices.
Sources: OpenStreetMap way/819219942 · https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/819219942 · https://wanderlog.com/place/details/222525/palo-seco-beach · https://costa-rica.lima-city.de/more.html