Playa Prieta (Papagayo Peninsula)
Beach · Guanacaste · hidden gem
Another of the stair-access public beaches on the Papagayo Peninsula, tucked between Playa Virador and Playa Huevos. It is one of the less visited coves of the complex.
- Cost
- Free
- Time there
- 2.5 h
- Best time
- morning
- Kids
- 3 / 10
- View
- 8 / 10
- Crowds
- 2 / 10
- Swimming
- 7 / 10
- Effort
- 6 / 10
- Location
- 10.62164, -85.68572 — Google Maps
Before you go
- Tickets
- Free entry, no ticket
- Parking
- Free
- Road
- Paved all the way
- Walk
- 602 steps
- Kids
- Not for small kids
- Bring
- water, snacks, hat
- Checked
- 2026-10
Tip
Combine it with Playa Virador on the same shuttle run, but only if your legs are up for two stairways.
Be careful
About 600 steps each way; carry water and avoid the midday heat on the climb.
Getting there
Same system as Playa Virador: free public parking of the Papagayo complex, free minibus, then the stairs.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 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.
- Villa Buena OndaStays · from $110Private micro-resort near Playas del Coco that hosts one group at a time, with eight suites on six secluded acres.
Sources: OpenStreetMap node/5612804703 · https://visitcostarica.com/blog/paradise-playa-virador