Costa Rica → Destinations → Playa Junquillal

Playa Junquillal Costa Rica

Playa Junquillal, Costa Rica is located in the Guanacaste province on the northern part of the Nicoya Peninsula. This pristine beach is a well kept secret where a few moderate priced hotels invite you to relax and take in the beauty of the area. Playa Junquillal is about 20 miles (35 km) west of Santa Cruz. It is an ideal place to relax in a quiet and secluded area where you will find comfortable lodgings. Here you will find a few good surfing spots, an estuary, and activities such as horseback riding, fishing and snorkeling. The waves are strong so swimming is difficult. Camping is also an option here. You can camp under Playa Junquillal’s trees and surrender to the sounds of nature. This area of Costa Rica is a hidden jewel waiting to be developed, so real estate investments here are very promising.

During the day there are plenty of things to do along this 2 mile stretch of sand. You can have breakfast at a “soda” (small restaurant) or at any of the hotels’ restaurants. Walk along the beach and explore the dry tropical forest around you. You can find amazing flora and fauna by taking a short walk. After an extraordinary day in Playa Junquillal you can go to the small village where dining options are limited but good. You can go to a bar and share experiences with the locals or other tourists. This beach is secluded but easily accessible. If you want to drive here and enjoy Guanacaste’s dry tropical landscape you need to get to Santa Cruz. Once in Santa Cruz you need to drive to Paraiso, where signs all along the road will guide you. From Paraiso you continue for about 2 miles (3 kilometers) and you will reach it. You can also take a bus from San Jose but you need to check the schedule since there is usually just one daily bus arriving and departing this area. For a quicker trip there are daily charter flights to Tamarindo where you can catch a taxi that will drive you here.

Costa Rica’s Guanacaste province is well known for its stunning beaches and weather. The average temperature on the Peninsula de Nicoya is between 85º F to 90º F (27º C to 31º C) and dry. The region is mostly hills and low mountains. Maybe you will not find lush vegetation here but the dry tropical scenery is home to howler monkeys and other spectacular wildlife. The peninsula was first colonized by Spaniards who owned vast pasture lands and began the cattle industry that predominates in the region. Three centuries later the Nicoya Peninsula handles about 70% of the country’s beach resorts industry. Some of its beaches have even been altered due to negligent management, but the great majority remains pristine and beautiful. This beach is no exception; here you will be amazed by its isolation and the magnificence of the Pacific Ocean. The sportfishing is also a major activity that can be practiced near this area’s shore. Don’t be surprised if you catch an 800 lb. (363 kg.) black marlin or a 200 lb. (91 kg.) sailfish. These two fish are regional specialties at local restaurants. Sea bass is an essential ingredient when making “ceviche”, fish marinated in lemon juice mixed with onions and cilantro.