Playones del Río Paquita
Swimming spot · Central Pacific · hidden gem
Wide gravel banks (playones) along the Río Paquita in the farm country north of Quepos, a riverside stop recommended by hikers and cyclists on komoot. It's the opposite of the busy coast: just the river and the hills.
- Cost
- Free
- Time there
- 1.5 h
- Best time
- midday
- Kids
- 5 / 10
- View
- 5 / 10
- Crowds
- 1 / 10
- Swimming
- 5 / 10
- Effort
- 3 / 10
- Location
- 9.498478, -84.120361 — Google Maps
Before you go
- Tickets
- Free entry, no ticket
- Bring
- water shoes, water
- Season
- dry season (December–April) for low, clear water
- Checked
- 2026-10
Tip
Go in the dry season, when the river is low and clear, and bring water shoes for the stones.
Be careful
Rivers here rise fast after rain upstream; get out if the water turns brown or starts rising.
Places nearby
- Kids Saving the RainforestParks & Wildlife · from $45GFAS-verified wildlife sanctuary and rescue center near Quepos.
- Manuel Antonio Bee FarmTours & AdventureSmall family bee farm in Naranjito where owner Miguel explains beekeeping, opens the hives with you and serves a homemade lunch; honey for sale.
- MidWorld Costa RicaTours & AdventureAdventure park in the forested hills north of Quepos with a 3,000-foot "Superman" zip line, ATV tours with waterfall stops and a typical lunch.
- Canopy Tours Santa Juana Los SueñosTours & AdventureZip-line tour in the mountain village of Santa Juana, inland from Quepos, with wide views and a meal after the ride.
- Birding Spots Manuel AntonioParks & WildlifeLocal birding guides based in Villa Nueva who run early-morning bird walks with a typical breakfast, plus night walks; they help you photograph through their scopes.
- Tucanes ToursTours & Adventure · from $75Family-owned operator since 1992 offering Manuel Antonio park walks, ocean kayaking, catamaran, rafting, horseback and chocolate tours, with free hotel pickup and certified bilingual guides.
Sources: https://www.komoot.com/highlight/3149437