Playa Pitahaya & Mirador
Beach · Guanacaste · hidden gem
A pristine grey-sand beach with crystal-clear water, cliffs and streams, backed by dry forest full of wildlife near the Río Tabaco. Two big rocks are worth climbing for the view, and a small lookout (Mirador de Pitahaya) sits on the point just north.
- Cost
- Free
- Time there
- 1.5 h
- Best time
- afternoon
- Kids
- 4 / 10
- View
- 8 / 10
- Crowds
- 1 / 10
- Swimming
- 4 / 10
- Effort
- 3 / 10
- Location
- 10.06747, -85.76744 — Google Maps
Before you go
- Entry
- Free
- Tickets
- Free entry, no ticket
- Swimming
- Only when the water is calm
- Bring
- water, sandals
- Checked
- 2026-10
Tip
Great for photos in the late-afternoon light; bring water - it's off the tourist trail.
Be careful
Lots of stones on the shore and seabed - wear sandals and swim only when calm.
Places nearby
- Restaurante TatankaFood & Coffee · from $12Seafood-focused restaurant at Hotel Tatanka near Playa Junquillal - fish and ceviche a short drive from the beach.
- Mundo Milo Eco Lodge (restaurant)Food & CoffeeSmall eco-lodge restaurant by Playa Junquillal with a varied menu of local and international dishes and vegetarian options.
- Restaurante Lochito'sSodas & Local Food · from $10Casual local restaurant a few minutes' drive from Playa Junquillal, the go-to for fresh-caught fish and Tico casados on this quiet stretch of coast.
- Sibu Wildlife SanctuaryParks & Wildlife · from $40Non-profit sanctuary near Nosara that rehabilitates and houses injured and orphaned wildlife, mostly howler monkeys.
- Lagarta Lodge Day Pass and Chirriboca RestaurantDay Passes & Hot Springs · from $80Eco-boutique Lagarta Lodge sells a day pass for non-guests: $80 per person, of which $60 comes back as credit at the restaurant, spa and tours.
- Playa PoniesTours & Adventure · from $80Small Nosara stable running guided rides through the jungle trails by the Nosara River and out to Playa Pelada and Guiones.
Sources: OpenStreetMap relation/6997833 · https://vozdeguanacaste.com/en/?p=45276 · https://vozdeguanacaste.com/en/?p=43108 · https://ict.go.cr/flipbook/guias/flip-en/GUIA_GUANACASTE_SUR/files/basic-html/page31.html · https://www.openstreetmap.org/node/8580914721