Punta Guachipelines Lookout
Viewpoint · Guanacaste · hidden gem
A short, steep loop on the rocky headland west of Playa Danta, part of the Las Catalinas trail network. Two clifftop lookouts face the open Pacific and the Catalina Islands - one of the best sunset perches on this stretch of coast.
- Cost
- Free
- Time there
- 1 h
- Best time
- sunset
- Kids
- 4 / 10
- View
- 9 / 10
- Crowds
- 2 / 10
- Swimming
- 2 / 10
- Effort
- 5 / 10
- Location
- 10.48329, -85.79614 — Google Maps
Before you go
- Entry
- Free
- Tickets
- Free entry, no ticket
- Walk
- 2,100 m
- Bring
- water, headlamp, trail shoes
- Fewer people
- Weekdays are calmer; weekend parking fills up.
- Checked
- 2026-10
Tip
Go up about 40 minutes before sunset and carry a headlamp for the walk back down.
Be careful
The climb out is steep and loose in places - wear real shoes, not flip-flops, and bring water.
Places nearby
- Pura Vida Ride (Las Catalinas)Surf, Boats & DivingOutdoor shop in car-free Las Catalinas that rents mountain bikes, kayaks and paddleboards and guides rides on the town's trail network, with a coffee stand on Playa Danta.
- Casa Chameleon at Las CatalinasStaysAdults-only boutique resort on a hillside above the bay at Las Catalinas.
- Soda MarcellSodas & Local FoodNo-frills Potrero soda for local-style casados and fish plates, with milkshakes; it closes early afternoon.
- The Shack Restaurant & BarFood & CoffeeLong-running open-air locals' hangout on the main road in Surfside, Potrero: lots of TVs, local craft beer and live music.
- Surf BoxFood & CoffeeA café-restaurant near Playa Flamingo that's known for its breakfasts and fresh-tasting food, with a bar and outdoor seating – a good start before a beach day at Penca, Potrero or Flamingo.
- Potrero Brewing CompanyFood & CoffeeCraft brewery in the middle of Potrero with an outdoor food court next door (sandwiches and donuts, pizza, burritos) - order from the stalls and drink local beer.
Sources: OpenStreetMap node/4301641687 · Wikidata Q23741877 · https://www.hikingproject.com/trail/7037268/punta-guachipelines · https://www.hikingproject.com/trail/7037270/vuelta · https://www.frommers.com/destinations/las-catalinas/things-to-do/ · https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q23741877