Puente Avellanas (mangrove footbridge)
Bridge · Guanacaste · hidden gem
A rickety wooden footbridge that cuts straight through the mangrove behind Playa Avellanas, linking the beach with a couple of small hotels. The hotels keep it up, but anyone can walk it – it's one of the most photogenic little corners of the Avellanas coast.
- Cost
- Free
- Time there
- 20 min
- Best time
- morning
- Kids
- 7 / 10
- View
- 6 / 10
- Crowds
- 3 / 10
- Swimming
- 3 / 10
- Effort
- 1 / 10
- Location
- 10.230252, -85.8369 — Google Maps
Before you go
- Tickets
- Free entry, no ticket
- Parking
- Guarded (tip the attendant) — Lola's beach lot, about ₡2,000 per day, cash (2025)
- Road
- Gravel — a regular car is fine
- Kids
- Good for kids
- Checked
- 2026-10
Tip
Combine it with an afternoon on Playa Avellanas – it's a short walk from the beach parking.
Be careful
Some planks can be loose or slippery – watch your step, especially with kids.
Getting there
Park at the guarded beach lot next to Lola's in Playa Avellanas and walk along the sand toward the estuary; the bridge leads over the mangrove to the hotels (Cabinas Las Olas side).
Places nearby
- 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.
- Hacienda Pinilla Beach ClubDay Passes & Hot Springs · from $10Beachfront clubhouse inside the gated Hacienda Pinilla community, with a pool, restaurant and a surfable beach.
- Guti Tours Horseback RidingTours & Adventure · from $80Small-group horseback rides along the beaches south of Tamarindo, galloping on the sand and crossing volcanic rock.
- Corazón CaféFood & CoffeeSurf cafe near the Playa Negra turnoff that roasts its own beans; smoothie and açaí bowls for after the session.
Sources: OpenStreetMap way/550996147 · https://www.twoweeksincostarica.com/playa-avellanas-area-off-beaten-path-guanacaste/ · https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/550996147